One common question we get asked is “how long will it take to build my new pool?” The answer to that question depends on a number of different factors which include (but are not limited to):

• The planning process
• The type of pool (concrete or fibreglass for example)
• The time of the year
• Your local consent authority
• Other contractors

Let’s take a look at how these factors can influence your pool construction.

The planning process

Planning your new pool can be a lengthy process as there are many decisions to be made:

• What type of pool is best for you?
• What shape?
• What size?
• What colour?
• Where will you place the pool?
• If you’re building a new house, should the pool be installed before or after?
• What landscaping should happen before or after your pool is installed?
• What kind of pool fencing will work best for you?

It stands to reason that one of the biggest influencing factors of how long it will take before you are swimming in your new pool, is the time spent making decisions on your preferences. For some people pool planning can be a relatively quick process, but for others it can take months of discussion and design work, especially when a more complex concrete pool is involved.

The reality with swimming pools is that once they are in the ground, they are there forever, so it pays to give yourself a comfortable timeframe to ensure the right decisions are made.

The type of pool you choose

The length of time it takes to build your new pool is heavily influenced by the type of pool you choose. The difference in construction time between a fibreglass and concrete pool can be significant. One of the benefits of installing a pre-moulded fibreglass swimming pool is that the pool shell arrives pre-built. Instead of having a number of different contractors on site for several weeks or more (standard procedure with concrete pools), your fibreglass pool can usually have water in it within a couple of days and the installation completed with a couple of weeks.

While one benefit of concrete pools is that you are not limited by shape or size, it pays to remember that concrete pools, especially if you opt for detailed and complex shapes, may take several months or more to complete.

Of course, the installation of the pool is only one aspect of the pool project. While it may only take a couple of weeks to install a Compass fibreglass ceramic pool, it takes most households between 3 and 6 months on average to feel satisfied that they have completed their pool landscaping. That means that your pool can be up and running while you add the finishing touches at your own pace.

The time of the year

As you can imagine, when weather gets warmer more people start to think about swimming pools. In summer time, most pool builders are inundated with enquires from people who want to be swimming in their new pools as soon as possible. If you want to enjoy a lengthy first summer in your newly-built pool it’s a good idea to be talking with your pool builder at the June/July point or even earlier. During February/March for instance, many pool retailers are prepared to offer extra incentives to fill their books for winter.

Naturally, summer weather lends itself to construction. Many people choose to renovate, build and undertake other major projects when the weather is more stable. Because of this, the demand for mid-summer pool builds does increase dramatically and spaces fill up quickly.

That’s not to say that if you enquire in November (or even December) you will miss out on swimming that season, however it does pay to get in early!

Often in January or February people make the mistake of thinking “we’ve missed out on this summer so there’s no rush”. The reality of the situation is that if you plan your pool, install it early and then complete the landscaping in spring, you will have a pool area that is finished and ready for the entire next summer. No mess and no disappointment at a time when you want to be enjoying your pool.

Local consent authority

Every new pool that is built needs to be passed by the local authorities. Once you have completed your planning process, a development application (or complying development certificate, or permit submission) will need to be lodged. In most cases this is something that your pool builder will do for you (although separate fees may apply). This application needs to show the details of the construction process and outline how safety standards will be met.

The processing time for a permit varies from town to town and can also change depending on demand (4-6 weeks is not unusual). As mentioned above, summer is a busy time for the pool industry so processing times during peak season are often at the higher end of the guidelines you are given.

The construction of your pool cannot start until approval has been given from your local authority. The earlier your application is submitted the more likely your project will be finished on time.

Other contractors

Most pool projects require several different contractors from electricians to concreters, fencers and pavers. The availability of your contractors can also have an effect on how long it takes before you are swimming in your new pool. In most cases your pool builder will have a list of preferred contractors whom they trust and work closely with.

From time to time there are elements of a pool installation that will rely on another contractor completing their part of the project first (for example your pumps cannot be switched on unless an electrician has established a power supply). Because of this, we suggest having a firm plan before the project commences. If each contractor knows when to show up and is aware of the scheduled timeline of events, you lessen the risk of having your project delayed.

Generally speaking, fibreglass pools can be ready to swim in sooner than you might expect, and our authorised Compass pool dealers typically plan to complete a standard installation in around 10 working days. However, outside influences can delay this process so the earlier you can speak to your pool builder the better, to ensure that your pool is ready to swim in when you are.

How long is the pool construction process?

Video transcription: We’re often asked how long is it going to take to build my swimming pool?

There are a couple of different elements that come together for that. Obviously we’ve worked through the time for contracting the swimming pool, designing it, doing all the bits necessary for now to be well on our way to having a pool in the backyard.

The next step for us is we need to manufacture it. Every Compass pool is built to order. We don’t build your swimming pool until we get an order for it. So it’s always your very own swimming pool, issued with its very own birth certificate. This is an important element of Compass Pools.

The other part of the process is that we need to have this pool approved. So it will be submitted to council, go through the approval process and depending on where you are, what council area, what state, there are going to be different times in relation to the approval process. The next part is then the installation process. We’re literally coming up with a day when we’re going to determine, after the council approval, to install your pool.

The process from there is generally fairly fast. It’s also dependent upon weather. If we have a bad run of weather, we’re going to need to move that installation date to a different time. When we come in and install your pool, generally it takes a couple of days for us to excavate and install the pool and fill it full of water. We then allow that pool to sit for a couple of weeks before installing an engineered concrete beam around it and finish the surrounds. Give one of the team a call today on 1300 667 445.

If you want to be swimming in your new pool in summer then you actually need to be planning the construction of your pool well before things start to warm up. It comes as no surprise that most people begin to think about buying a pool when it is already hot. Unfortunately, by the time you sort out a plan, get approval from local authorities and then get scheduled into your pool builder’s timeline, the chances are that your pool may not be fully finished until the following summer.

It pays to have everything sorted before summer starts if you want to enjoy a long summer of swimming

Naturally, spring and summer brings warmer and drier weather so most pool builders become very busy with pool installations during this time. The earlier that you solidify your plans the more likely it is that your pool will be ready for you to enjoy all summer long.

To a certain degree deciding what type of pool (and what pool company) to go with is the easy part. Once you’ve made that decision there is still a number of factors which can influence when your pool goes in the ground. A few of the things that impact on when your pool will be installed include:

1. Your design plan: it’s one thing to decide what shape, size and brand of pool you want but before your pool plan can be submitted to authorities for approval you’ll have to decide on its exact position as well as where the pool enclosure boundaries will be. The sooner you make these crucial decisions the sooner your pool builder will be able to get the ball rolling for you.
2. Obtaining Consent: before you install a swimming pool in your backyard you must obtain consent from your local council/planning authority. This process involves submitting a detailed plan of the pool and surrounding areas for their consideration. The approval process can take up to six weeks (sometimes longer if they ask for more information). During that time construction is unable to begin.
3. Your pool builder’s production timeline: Once you have received the appropriate approvals, your pool builder can place your pool into their installation timeline. It is important to remember that your pool builder may have several pools ahead them before they can begin construction on your site. The earlier you get the ball rolling the more chance there is that your pool builder’s timetable will match yours.
4. The type of pool you choose: it goes without saying that some pool types are far faster than others to install. Whilst a composite fibreglass pool can usually be installed over a number of days (with a typical handover in a couple of weeks), it can take several weeks or even months to complete a concrete pool.

The early bird gets the worm!

Although a Compass pool can be quick and easy to install, we still tell people that the best advice is to allow yourself several months to go through the planning and approval process. In other words if you truly do want to be swimming in your new pool on Christmas day it pays to have your pool contract locked in place by the beginning of spring.

The best advice is to have an honest conversation with your pool builder about the timeframes you can expect to work within. All companies are different and some will be “booked up” for summer sooner than others. If you are getting close to summer and your pool builder is suggesting that your pool will be installed within a tight time frame, make sure you’re not walking into an “over-promise/under deliver” situation.

Never sacrifice the pool you want for the sake of timing

It pays to remember that once your new swimming pool goes in the ground it is there forever, so make sure you are completely happy with what you are about to commit to. Once you have your heart set on one particular pool brand, don’t let timing get in the way, there will be plenty more summers to come!

It’s also a common misperception that if your pool is not in the ground for Christmas then you’ve missed the boat. NOT TRUE! The fact is the swimming season extends beyond January through to March and many people keep using their pools well into April and even later with pool heating systems.

The bottom line is that there is never really a ‘wrong’ time to order your new pool. If your pool is installed in winter it simply means you have plenty of time to complete the surrounding areas before summer arrives. If your pool is installed during summer it means you get to enjoy it straight away, even though the landscaping may not be finished. Either way, your pool will provide you with years of family fun!