You’ve decided to build a pool in your backyard, and you’re excited about choosing your pool and planning your landscaping. You’re already thinking about the fun you’ll have, swimming every day and hosting pool parties. But you won’t be able to do these things instantly – first, you will have to go through the pool construction process.
So how long does it take to build a pool? Here we take a look at the different factors to consider and the stages of the process, to give you an idea of what to expect.
The pool planning process
Any construction project requires careful planning, and this is particularly important for your swimming pool project. There are a number of essential factors to consider before you start:
1. Budget
How much can you realistically afford to spend on your pool? You need to spend time working out a detailed budget – remember to include the cost of the pool, contractors, landscaping and other considerations such as pool heating and lighting.
Your budget will determine the type of pool you choose, and this will have an impact on your pool building timeframe.
2. Safety and regulations
What pool safety regulations does your state or territory have in place? Pool fencing generally has to comply with Australian Standard AS 1926, to make sure your pool area is safe for children. This will affect your landscaping and the size of pool you choose, as large objects like tables and chairs should not be positioned close to your pool fences.
3. Pool building and landscaping
Are you planning to complete the landscaping before or after the pool building process?
If you are building a new house, will your pool construction be done at the same time or after the house is completed?
Exactly where in your backyard do you want to position your pool, and have you taken accurate measurements to make sure you can build a pool that suits your needs?
Planning your pool project carefully before you start will save you time and money in the long run.
What type of pool are you building?
The type of pool you choose has a significant impact on the time it will take to build your pool. However, your pool choice will depend on a number of factors.
The two most popular materials used for pool building in Australia are fibreglass and concrete. Fibreglass pools are off-the-shelf solutions which are factory-made in a range of standard sizes and shapes. This means there is significantly less pool construction time involved, as it doesn’t have to be built on-site. Once the excavation work has taken place, a fibreglass pool from a reputable manufacturer such as Compass Pools can be installed in as little as one week. You can start enjoying your pool practically straight away, completing the landscaping at your leisure over the next two or three months.
However, if your backyard is an unusual shape, or you would prefer a custom pool design, a concrete pool is the only sensible choice for you. Concrete pools are built on-site to suit your specific needs and preferences, so your finished pool will be unique. Because of this, the pool construction process takes a lot longer, often stretching to several months.
Your pool development application
Once your pool planning is complete, you will need to get approval from your local council before you can start your pool project. This is done by lodging a development application. You can either do this yourself or, if you have already chosen your pool building company, you can ask if they will do it for you. Many pool builders offer this service, but it may come at an extra cost.
Most local councils take approximately four to six weeks to approve a development application once it has been lodged. You can ask your local council for their own estimate – always allow for the longest possible time when planning your pool project.
What time of year are you building your pool?
Is there a best time to build a pool? Most people assume that summer is the ideal time. However, because of this, the demand for pool builders during the summer months is extremely high, so you may have to wait before your pool construction can start.
Ideally, you should start consulting with your pool builder in the winter or even earlier. This way, even if you are having a concrete pool built, the construction process will be finished by early spring, and the landscaping can be completed before the weather really heats up.
This clever pool planning means you will be able to enjoy your new pool for the whole of the summer.
Coordinating your contractors
As well as a reputable pool builder, your pool project will need to involve a number of other contractors, including an electrician, tiler and fence builder. You will need to make sure all these contractors are available to fit in with your pool building timeframe.
Many pool construction companies have good working relationships with contractors, so they may be able to take care of the entire pool project from start to finish. However, if you would prefer to obtain quotes from different contractors yourself, make sure you do this well in advance so it doesn’t slow down the pool building process.
It is also important to have a clear plan of when each contractor is needed, as jobs have to be done in a certain order. Make sure everyone knows the days and times they are expected, so the process can run smoothly.
It’s time to build a pool!
Once you have a detailed plan for the pool building process, the construction should happen with few problems, if any at all. Some swimming pool dealers, such as Compass Pools authorised dealers, will even arrange to be on your site during the installation process, to check everything goes according to plan.
If you would like to know more about pool planning and the building process, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.
