How long does it take to build a new swimming pool?

There are lots of decisions to make when planning your pool, and this can take quite a while, these are some of the things you’ll need to consider:

• What type of pool?
• What shape?
• What size?
• What colour?
• Where will you put it?
• If you're building your house, should you install it before or after you build?
• Does any landscaping need to be done before or after your pool is installed?
• Which sort of pool fencing will work best for you?

Once your pool is in the ground it’s going to be there for a very long time, so making the decisions to ensure you get the right pool for your needs is a very important process. This process can be as quick or as long as you need it to be, which is why the planning process can be one of the main contributing factors in how long it will take for your pool to be built and ready to swim in.

The type of pool:
The type of pool you choose will have a major effect on how long it takes to build, that’s because construction time varies greatly between a fibreglass pool and a concrete pool. Fibreglass pools are pre-moulded which means they are normally able to be installed within a number of days because they arrive pre-built.

The advantage of a concrete pool is the freedom of choice for size and shape, but it’s important to note that the more complex and intricate shapes can take longer to build, sometimes up to 8 weeks or more.

Installing your pool is just one step of the job, naturally, you’re going to want to landscape your new pool area and make it your own. The installation of a Compass Pool will only take a week or two, but we find most households then spend around three to six months completing their landscaping. The good news is that your pool is ready to use as soon as it’s installed, so you are free to change and tweak your landscaping at your leisure.

The time of the year to build:
It’s natural that we start thinking about swimming pools as the weather heats up and summer approaches. During the summer months, pool builders are busy with enquiries from people wanting to be swimming in their new pool as quickly as possible. So that you can enjoy your pool all summer long, it pays to start talking to your pool builder around June/July or earlier if you can.

Summertime is always when people kick start their outdoor projects, when building, renovations and gardens start to take shape. As a result of more reliable weather, the demand for mid-summer pool installations increases significantly. It’s still possible to be swimming in your pool this season if you enquire in November or December, but the earlier you get in, the more swimming time you’ll get!

January and February roll around and often people think it’s too late, "we've missed out on this summer so there's no rush". But really it’s a great time to start planning your pool so you can get it installed early, then you have all spring to finish your landscaping. And before you know it summer has rolled around again and your pool is ready to go when that first hot day hits.

Approval from your local council:
When you build a new pool it needs to be approved by your local council before construction can start, so once you’ve finished the planning process you’ll need to submit a permit application. In a lot of cases, your pool builder will be able to do this for you, but additional application fees may apply. The permit gives the council details around the construction process, so they can make sure all safety procedures are followed and up to standard. It can take around four to six weeks for your permit to be processed, but it does vary a little from one local council to another. And you can imagine in the summer when there is a peak in pool construction, there is also a peak in the number of permits being submitted, so it pays to submit your application as early as possible.

Other contractors required:
Your pool builder is usually not the only person needed to complete your pool installation, often other contractors such as electricians, concreters, fencers and pavers are needed. Have a chat with your pool builder, they’ll often have preferred contractors they can recommend.

Sometimes parts of your installation will rely on a contractor to have done their bit before progress can continue (e.g. an electrician needs to have established a power supply before your pumps can be switched on). It’s a good idea to have a plan in place and schedule the jobs that need to be completed, when they will need to be done and who will do them. That way you can book your contractors ahead of time and try to eliminate any unexpected delays.

To sum up, installing a Compass Pool doesn’t take long at all, in most cases, our authorised Compass Pool dealers will be on site for approximately 10 working days. In saying that, there are external influences that can affect the progress of your pool installation. So the best idea is to have a chat to your pool builder early on in the piece so they can help you plan the process, that way they can make sure your pool is ready when you are.