After you’ve determined you want a swimming pool in your backyard, you may wonder how long does it take to install an inground pool? There are usually several steps involved in building a pool, and the process varies depending on the type of pool.
As a general guideline, depending on the type of pool, it should take at least 2 to 8 weeks to complete. This, however, is merely for the installation – and different concerns cause the project to be delayed. It could take up to 9 months to complete.
Although your builder is the best source for an accurate installation time estimate, several important steps must be completed before the actual pool can be installed. Therefore, without further due, let’s dive straight into this lengthy process.
Process of Inground Pool Installations
First Step: Choosing the Designer
Choosing a design is the first stage in the lengthy pool installation process. Looking at different precast fiberglass models or glancing through your favorite home design magazine could be enough.
However, if you want a pool that blends in with the rest of your yard’s landscaping, you’ll need to hire a designer. After selecting a professional pool designer whose portfolio and temperament match your vision, you’ll want them to come to your home.
Considering your vision and the available plot lets them work better on your design. Naturally, this must happen at a convenient time for both of you, which could entail waiting up to a week for your calendars to align.
Within a fortnight after you give your pool designers the green light, they should have a pool design ready for confirmation. They’ll be your point of contact for the rest of the process, organizing the pool installation from start to finish.
Second Step: Obtaining a Permit
Obtaining a permit is one of the most difficult tasks in the whole process. After all, you’ll need a building permit from your town before making any structural improvements to your home. Government agencies, as we all know, aren’t always the quickest.
Naturally, some governments are more efficient than others, and your permission could be approved in weeks. However, different standards in many regions must be completed.
You may be required to attend a planning board meeting, hire an engineer, and go through approval procedures. It could take up to 6 months, depending on your local building codes and your pool’s type (and design).
Third Step: Excavation
Once your pool contractor has received all relevant permits, confirm your chosen builder’s availability. Any good pool builder will most likely have a full schedule. The wait time will extend as the building season approaches and gets into full throttle.
Your builder will work on a “first come, first served” basis, so the sooner you can set up a meeting, the better. However, your pool builder will have to work around the availability of their subcontractors.
There’s a good chance they’ll be working on other projects, which will limit how quickly they can start excavating when your permits are authorized. Expect to wait up to 4 weeks from when you arrange your appointment until the bulldozer starts breaking up your lawn.
Thankfully, the actual digging doesn’t take long: a few hours at most and no more than two days if there are any unanticipated issues. These issues can cause the excavation to take several hours or perhaps a week.
Fourth Step: The Installation Process
Your pool is finally ready to be installed after weeks or even months of waiting. It can take anything from a fortnight to eight weeks – assuming no other complications arise that cause a delay in completion.
The length of time it takes to install a pool will, for the most part, be determined by the type of pool. Here’s an estimate of how long each pool type will take on average:
Vinyl Liner Pools – 2 Weeks (plus 2 weeks to 9 months for the accompanying patio)
Pools with vinyl liners are the easiest to set up. You may expect water in your pool within two weeks of the excavation. This way, you can know how long does it take to install an inground pool.
Now you are fully informed on how long does It take to install an inground pool. But wait, there’s more – owning an in-ground pool means committing to regular maintenance. Invest in the best in-ground pool cleaner to effortlessly keep your pool sparkling and ready for endless summer fun.
How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost?
The cost of an inground pool can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of pool, its size, materials used, location, and additional features. Inground pool installation costs range from $38,700 to $69,600 on average, with a national average of $51,833.
The ultimate backyard makeover is an in-ground pool. The long-term expenses of the various strategies range significantly.
Factors to Consider When Estimating the Cost of an Inground Pool
An average pool measuring 14 by 28 feet, with a refreshing depth of 6.5 feet, costs between $50 to $125 per square foot. Don’t forget to consider a luxurious pool house, which could cost $300 per square foot or more.
The hole depth affects the price, as more material will be required depending on the depth. A deeper pool will cost closer to $125 per square foot. The Red Cross suggests diving to a depth of at least 9 feet.
Keep in mind that different pool builders provide different packages for their pools, and you should consider the following factors before calculating the cost of an inground pool:
1- Dimensions and Form
Larger pools are approximately 18 by 36 feet in size, with many having 9- to 12-foot-deep ends. You can expect to pay at least $35,000 for this size, with the price increasing as you add more features. Plunge, spool, and cocktail pools are small pools that cost $10,000 to $25,000.
These pools are typically 10 feet broad by 20 feet long, with a 5.5 to 7 feet depth. They’re primarily used for relaxing and cooling off but can also be equipped with jets for swimming laps. Depending on the shape, plan on spending between $50 to $125.
2- Type
In-ground pools come in three varieties: vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Pools are often less expensive in sunbelt regions than in northern states.
3- Design
The cost of an in-ground pool is partly determined by design, and the pool material determines the extent of personalization. Pools made of concrete are more customizable than pools made of fiberglass or vinyl.
The following are the most popular inground pool shapes:
- Classic Rectangle Freeform (radius) Rectangle (Roman or Greek)
- Circle/Oval
- L-shaped
- Kidney
- Materials
Fiberglass pools are low-maintenance, long-lasting, and salt-compatible. Because they are built off-site and utilize minimal chemicals, fiberglass pools offer the lowest total cost of ownership.
One disadvantage of fiberglass is that it cannot modify the shapes. Concrete is highly customizable and long-lasting. On the other hand, these pools have the most stringent chemical and maintenance requirements.
They’re also incompatible with systems that use salt water. Vinyl pool liners are more customizable than fiberglass and are less expensive to install, but they must be updated every 5 to 9 years. Vinyl can also break and become brittle over time.
4- Labor
Labor charges will vary depending on the pool material. It will take longer to install concrete than fiberglass, for example. Geographical differences in labor costs might also be significant.
A greater cost of living frequently translates into a higher labor cost. If big trees or root systems need to be removed, labor expenses for excavation can increase.
5- Location
Several factors, including location, can influence the cost of installing an in-ground pool. You should expect to pay 15 to 25% more in northern states. Concrete pools can be as inexpensive as fiberglass pools in these areas.
In an expensive metropolitan region, constructing an in-ground pool will normally cost more than in a rural area.
6- Excavation and Site Preparation
After the permissions have been obtained, the site must be prepared to install the pool. This process includes excavation and rough grading for the pool, patio, and planting areas.
The cost of landscaping and digging will vary based on the property and pool type. Because lap pools are far longer than ordinary pools, they will be more expensive.
FAQS: How Long Does It Take to Install an Inground Pool?
How Much Does an Underground Pool Cost?
$35,000 is the national average cost.
Minimum Cost $20,000; Maximum Cost $195,000; Average Cost $28,000 to $55,000.
Final Thoughts
Most people decide to build an inground pool and might wonder how long does it take to install an inground pool. These in-ground pools are a must-have for those in hot regions, especially during the summer. Others may see it as a luxury.
Depending on the project’s magnitude, most pool projects take between 8 and 12 weeks to complete. However, many factors, like the time of year you plan to build, might influence the time it takes to construct your pool.
Have you ever installed an inground pool? How long did it take, and what tips would you give someone considering this type of project? Let us know on our social media handles! And for more such pool-related information, don’t forget to visit thepoolmania.com!
James Cooper