Standard in-ground swimming construction time will vary depending on the pool type, size, pool features, and project location. Also, some backyards are more accessible to dig than others.

So how long does it take to build an inground swimming pool?

Township permits

The time needed to obtain a permit for an inground pool varies. It can take anywhere from 4 weeks to up to 12 weeks.

Standard excavation

The standard excavation is considered to be an excavation without complications. For example, the contractor started the excavation process, hit the rock, discovered a higher water table, etc.

The standard excavation is usually taking 1 or 2 days to dig for a pool. In case of any complications, it can increase the time tremendously. Things like additional heavy machinery to break the stone or if the hole dewatering became a necessity. Many possible scenarios only can be discovered at the time of the dig.

Rebar, plumbing, and pre-electrical setup

Note: This step is only for gunite/concrete and vinyl liner pools.

Once the hole is dug, depending on the pool type, the next step is to lay the steel or rebar, work the electrical and plumbing. Spas, tanning ledges or splash decks, or other features will add time to this process, so it might take about 2 weeks, and for gunite pool might take even longer.

Pool installation / construction

Fiberglass pools – the process of installing a fiberglass pool only takes 1 to 2 days.

Vinyl liner pools – constructing walls, preparing the bottom, and installing liners usually take 1 to 3 weeks.

Gunite pool – this type of pool will take the longest and require extended curing time between the gunite application and surface plastering. The whole process usually takes between 2 to 4 months.

As you can see, depending on the pool type, this stage in the process may take from a couple of days to several months.

Electrical

The basic electrical pool project involves pool bonding, electric sub-panel installation, wiring, connecting the main panel, and hooking up the pool pump.

I should not take more than 1 day for the electric part of the project.

Pool deck / bond-beam

Once the pool has been constructed/installed, the next step is to work on the pool patio.

Fiberglass pools require installation of the bond beam which purpose is to secure the pool in the ground. If the homeowner elected to do a concrete patio, that bond bean becomes a part of one monolithic pour. If the homeowner is installing pavers, the bond beam becomes a base for a paver patio.

The regular pool deck will take 1 to 3 days to complete.