How Long Does It Take To Build a Pool in Columbus, GA?

You’ve been dreaming about it for a while now. You can almost feel the cool water and hear the kids splashing and laughing. The big question floating in your head is probably, “How long will it actually take to build my pool?”

It’s the No. 1 thing homeowners ask, and you deserve a straight answer. While we’d love to give you a single, simple number, the reality is more involved. The timeline for building a pool depends on a few key stages, from paperwork to the first splash.

The Honest Timeline: More Than Just Digging a Hole

Let’s talk real numbers for your new in-ground pool. From the day you sign the contract to the day you can finally cannonball into your new oasis, you’re generally looking at 8–16 weeks. Sometimes the process takes less time, but other times the total time can be longer depending on various factors. This time frame isn’t just about the physical pool construction you see happening in your yard.

It includes all the crucial background work, such as finalizing the pool design and obtaining the necessary permits. These early steps are just as important as the excavation itself, as they set the foundation for a smooth pool project. A proper pool building process avoids cutting corners, which prevents problems and gives you a pool that lasts a lifetime.

Here is a general breakdown of the pool build timeline. Remember that these are very general estimates, and the process can be affected by weather, inspections, and the complexity of your specific pool area.

Phase 1: Planning and Paperwork (the Waiting Game)

Before a single shovel hits the dirt, a lot of important work has to happen. This first phase is all about planning and getting official approvals. You can’t rush this part, because it makes your in-ground pool safe, legal, and exactly what you imagined.

Designing Your Dream Pool (1–4 Weeks)

This is the fun part of the design process where your vision starts to take shape. Your swimming pool contractor will work with you to map out your perfect backyard oasis. Not only is this about picking a shape, but it’s a complete design guide for your future outdoor living space.

You’ll decide between different pool types, such as fiberglass pools, concrete pools, or vinyl liner pools, as each has a different installation process and maintenance needs. You’ll also select from various pool finishes, choose your tile, and decide on features. Do you want custom lighting for evening swims, soothing pool water features like waterfalls, or a modern saltwater system?

The complexity of your pool design will influence the time this step takes. We use a detailed dig plan for every pool project, helping us place your swimming pool at the perfect elevation. This blueprint guides the entire building process from the start.

The Big Hurdle: Getting Permits (2–8+ Weeks)

Every pool needs a permit from the local government, a step you absolutely can’t skip in the pool building process. Your local building department must review and approve the plans to check for safety and compliance with local codes. Competent pool contractors handle all of this for you, from submitting the application to working with engineers if needed.

If you live in our area, you’ll be working with the Muscogee County inspections department. The time it takes them to approve a permit can vary a lot, often depending on their current workload. This part of the timeline is one of the few elements we can’t control, and it can take anywhere from a few weeks to two months or more.

Phase 2: The Pool Construction Process

Once the designs are approved and the permit is in hand, the real magic of the pool installation begins. This is the construction phase, where you’ll see your backyard transform day by day. We follow a precise pool installation process to build a strong, beautiful, and long-lasting fiberglass pool.

Site Prep and Excavation (1–2 Weeks)

First, we prepare your yard for the big dig, which is the initial stage of site work. This includes marking utility lines to keep everyone safe and establishing access for heavy equipment. Then, our crew gets to work excavating the hole for your new pool, using a transit laser to grade it perfectly according to the dig plan.

This precision is important because it makes your pool perfectly level. The amount of time this takes can depend on your soil type and how easy it is to access your yard. Hitting rock or dealing with very soft soil can add time to this stage of the pool build.

Laying the Foundation (2–3 Days)

After the hole is dug, we build the foundation for the pool shell. We typically bring in #57 stone, a specific type of gravel, to create a solid pool base. The entire area is compacted repeatedly to prevent any settling after the pool is full of water, which could cause damage.

We never use the existing dirt to backfill your pool, as that can lead to shifting and big problems later. We also install a 12-inch shaft for a sump pump with every pool. This lets you remove any groundwater from under your pool, protecting your investment.

The Pool Arrives. Placing the Shell (1 Day)

This is probably the most exciting day of the entire pool construction. Your new fiberglass pool shell is delivered directly from the San Juan Fiberglass Pool factory in Florida. Our crew carefully guides the shell into the prepared hole, a major milestone for all new pool owners.

We use the transit laser again during this step. We check and recheck the elevations, making tiny adjustments until the pool is perfectly level. A level pool is a happy pool and is essential for proper water circulation and aesthetics.

Hooking Everything Up: Plumbing & Electrical (3–5 Days)

With the shell in place, we start connecting the systems that make your pool run. We install all the plumbing using high-quality schedule 40 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, connecting the skimmers and returns to the equipment pad. We also run the electrical lines for the pool pump, pool filter, and any custom lighting or other features.

The pool pump is the heart of the system, circulating water through the pool filter to keep it clean and clear. Proper pipe size and fittings are vital for good water circulation and efficient operation. Before moving on, we must pass a pressure inspection to check for leaks in the plumbing, a small step that prevents huge headaches.

Backfilling and Adding Water (2–3 Days)

This next step is a careful balancing act. We begin filling the pool with water from a garden hose. At the same time, we carefully backfill the area around the pool with more #57 stone.

Doing these two things together equalizes the pressure on the inside and outside of the pool shell. This keeps the walls of the fiberglass pool straight and strong. We often use spreader beams across the top of the pool to brace the walls as the weight of the water and backfill material settles in.

The Wildcards: Factors Outside Our Control

Even with the best planning, some things can slow down a pool project. It’s important to have realistic expectations about these potential delays. A good pool contractor will always keep you informed about what’s happening and why.

Georgia’s Spring Weather Delays

We all know Georgia weather can be unpredictable, especially in the spring. A few days of heavy rain can completely saturate the ground. When this happens, we have to pause work, which can delay getting your pool ready for summer-long fun.

Trying to excavate or backfill in muddy conditions is a recipe for disaster, as it can compromise the pool’s foundation and the overall site work. Sometimes the site needs several days or even a week to dry out before we can safely continue. This is one of the most common reasons for delays and why the building process during a rainy season can stretch the timeline.

Inspections and Unforeseen Issues

Throughout the build, we’ll need several inspections from the county. We have to schedule these, and their availability can affect our work schedule. If an inspector is booked up, we have to wait our turn before proceeding to the next step.

You also never know what you’ll find when you start digging. Sometimes we run into large rocks, difficult soil conditions, or a higher water table than expected. We can handle these issues, but they can add a little time and cost to the pool project.

Phase 3: Finishing Your Outdoor Living Space

The main construction is done, but now it’s time for the finishing touches. This is when we transform the construction site into the beautiful backyard retreat you’ve been imagining. By this point, your pool is already filled and circulating.

Pouring the Concrete Foundation

Each of our pools gets a concrete footer around its perimeter. This concrete collar wraps around the flange of the pool shell. It “locks” the pool into the ground, preventing any shifting or settling over time.

This footer also creates the right base for your coping. Coping is the stone or concrete border that goes around the edge of your pool. A strong footer keeps it in place for years to come.

Building the Deck and Finishing Touches

The pool deck and other custom features are the last piece of the puzzle, truly creating your outdoor living area. This is where your personal style really comes through. Whether you choose stone pavers, stamped concrete, or a wooden deck, this is when it gets installed.

We always do the pool coping and the deck separately. We also install special foam insulation between them. This small detail allows for the natural expansion and contraction that happens with changing seasons, preventing cracks and keeping your deck looking great.

This final stage is when the vision of your perfect pool comes to life, turning a simple pool into a complete backyard experience. For existing pool owners, updating these features through pool remodeling or pool resurfacing can also dramatically change the look and feel of their space.

Key Takeaways

The journey to getting your new pool involves much more than digging a hole. From the initial pool design process and permits to excavation and decking, each step is critical to the final outcome. Understanding how long to build a pool requires looking at the full picture.

The total time depends on the complexity of your design, the speed of your local permit office, and even the weather. We hope this breakdown helps you understand the building process and all the careful work that goes into it. A quality-built in-ground pool is an investment that will bring your family joy for many years, and it’s worth doing right with a professional pool contractor.