One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is: "How long will this take?" It's a fair question — you want to plan around the construction, know when to schedule landscaping, and of course, figure out when you'll be swimming.
The short answer: most custom pools we build take between 1.5 and 4 months from breaking ground to your first swim. Here's a full breakdown.
Phase 1: Design & Permitting (2–6 Weeks)
Before a shovel hits the ground, we complete your 3D design, finalize your selections (coping, tile, plaster color), and pull the necessary permits. Permit timelines vary by county — in the Birmingham area, it typically takes 2–4 weeks. In Florida, coastal permits can take longer.
Phase 2: Excavation (1–3 Days)
Once permits are approved, our in-house crew mobilizes quickly. Excavation for a standard residential pool typically takes 1 to 3 days depending on size and soil conditions. Rocky terrain in parts of Alabama can add time, but our crew is experienced with local conditions.
Phase 3: Plumbing & Steel (1–2 Weeks)
After excavation, we install the structural rebar and rough plumbing. This phase is critical — it's the skeleton of your pool. Because we use our own crew (no subcontractors), we move through this phase efficiently and maintain tight quality control.
Phase 4: Shotcrete (1 Day + Cure Time)
Shotcrete is the concrete shell of your pool. The application takes one day, but the shell must cure for at least 28 days before finishing work begins. This curing period is non-negotiable — it's what gives your pool its structural integrity.
Phase 5: Coping, Tile & Decking (1–3 Weeks)
Once cured, we install the coping (the edge around the pool), tile, and surrounding decking. This is when your pool really starts to look like the 3D design you approved.
Phase 6: Plaster & Fill (3–5 Days)
The final interior finish — plaster, pebble, or quartz — is applied and the pool is immediately filled with water. Within a few days, your equipment is balanced, startup chemicals are added, and we conduct your Pool School walkthrough.
What Can Affect Your Timeline?
Several factors can extend or shorten your timeline: permit speed in your county, weather delays, size and complexity of the design, and material availability. We communicate proactively throughout the entire process so you're never left wondering.
Ready to Get Started?
The best time to start the process is now — so your pool is ready when you want to swim. Contact Backyard Creations for a free consultation and we'll give you a realistic timeline for your specific project.