You’ve been dreaming about it for a while now, haven’t you? Lazy afternoons floating in your own backyard in-ground pool, the sound of kids splashing, and hosting the best summer barbecues. But there’s a big question standing between you and that dream: what’s the absolute best time to build a pool in Columbus, GA?
Timing your pool project perfectly can save you a ton of stress and even some money. Knowing when to start can also make all the difference between a smooth process and a series of frustrating delays. In this guide, you’ll learn that the best time to build a pool really depends on what you value most, whether it’s speed, cost, or convenience.
Most people immediately think spring is the ideal time. It makes sense because you want the pool ready for the first heat wave of summer. Getting the project done just as the weather turns warm feels like a major win.
But this is also when every other homeowner has the exact same idea. Swimming pool contractors and builders are slammed with calls from March through May. This high demand means you might have a hard time booking the pool contractors you want, and their schedules are often packed.
A packed schedule can stretch your pool construction timeline longer than expected. You might also find that pricing is at its peak due to the surge in demand. This is simple supply and demand in action.
Spring weather can also be tricky. Unexpected rain can turn your backyard into a muddy mess, causing delays that push your project into the summer anyway.
Building a pool in the summer sounds a little backwards, right? That’s when you want to be swimming, not looking at a giant hole in your yard. However, there are some real advantages to a summer build.
The ground is typically very dry and stable during the summer months. This makes the excavation process much faster and cleaner for your construction crew. You won’t have to deal with the mud and mess that spring rains can cause.
Also, since many people plan their builds for spring, some contractors may have more availability in late summer. You might find a bit more flexibility in their schedules. The trade-off is missing out on some swim time during the current season, which is a major drawback for many families.
This is the season that many pool industry experts quietly recommend. Building your pool in the fall can be a fantastic choice. The weather is often more predictable and mild, which is perfect for construction work.
By fall, the spring rush is long gone, marking the start of offseason pool building. Pool builders have more open schedules, which means you can get your project started sooner. You may even find they’re more willing to negotiate on pricing to keep their crews busy during the slower months, which helps you save money on pool costs.
Building in the fall means your pool will be completely finished and ready to go by the time next spring arrives. While everyone else is scrambling to find a builder, you’ll be buying pool floats. Plus, this gives your new pool landscaping time to settle in before the swimming season starts.
At first glance, building a pool in the winter might seem crazy. Depending on where you live, you could be dealing with frozen ground, snow, and freezing temperatures. These conditions can definitely cause delays and make certain steps of the pool installation process more difficult.
But here is the single biggest advantage of a winter build: cost savings. This is the offseason for the pool industry, period. You can often get the best prices of the year from builders who want to keep their teams working.
If you’re not in a hurry and live in a region with milder winters, this could be a smart move. Locking in lower prices for materials and labor can make a big difference in your overall budget.
The calendar season is just one piece of the puzzle. A few other things will influence your project’s timeline, no matter when you start.
Don’t forget about the paperwork. Getting building permits from your local municipality can take a few weeks or even several months in some areas. This process involves submitting detailed plans and may require multiple inspections.
This step must happen before any digging can begin, so you should start this process as early as possible. Factoring this administrative time into your timeline is crucial for a realistic schedule.
Are you building a simple rectangular pool, or a custom oasis with waterfalls and an attached spa? A more complex design with extra water features will naturally take longer. Thinking about your final vision helps you plan a realistic timeline from the beginning.
A simple fiberglass pool can sometimes be installed in a matter of weeks. In contrast, a custom gunite pool requires several stages, including excavation, rebar, plumbing, gunite application, curing, and plastering, which can take several months to complete.
Finding reliable and experienced pool contractors is a critical step. Do your research, check online reviews, and always get multiple quotes for your project. A good builder will communicate clearly about the pool construction timeline and potential challenges.
The type of pool you choose can influence the ideal construction window. For example, a concrete or gunite pool needs time for the material to cure, and extreme temperatures can affect this process. A fiberglass pool shell arrives premade and can be installed more quickly.
You should also think about the entire backyard, not just the pool itself. Building in the fall or winter gives the ground around the pool time to settle. This creates a better foundation for your deck, patio, and pool landscaping to be installed in the spring.
We’ve looked at every season and what it offers for a new pool installation. It’s clear that while spring seems obvious, the fall often presents the best combination of builder availability and good weather. Winter can offer the biggest savings if your climate allows for it.
Ultimately, the best time to build a pool is when you’re financially and logistically ready for the project. However, planning for an offseason build in the fall or winter could save you significant headaches and money. Start your research now so you can be ready to make a splash when the time is right.
Address: 8008 Jenkins Rd, Upatoi, GA 31829
Phone:706-676-0379
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri: 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
