How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Swimming Pool in Southwest Florida?

If you're considering turning your backyard into a tropical paradise, you're probably wondering: How long does it take to build a custom swimming pool in Southwest Florida? As an experienced custom swimming pool builder, we get this question all the time—and the answer depends on a few key factors.

The Average Timeline for Custom Pool Construction

In general, building a custom swimming pool in Southwest Florida takes 8 to 16 weeks from start to finish. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the design, permitting process, weather conditions, and availability of materials. Here’s a breakdown of the typical phases involved:

1. Design & Consultation (1–2 weeks)

The journey begins with a consultation with a trusted pool builder. This phase includes discussing your vision, choosing pool features (such as spas, waterfalls, lighting, and decking), and creating 3D renderings so you can visualize the final product.

2. Engineering & Permitting (4-6 weeks)

In Southwest Florida, Engineering and permitting can take anywhere from a few weeks to several weeks, depending on the county and complexity of your project. A reputable custom swimming pool builder is familiar with and can handle the permitting process with ease, ensuring everything meets local building codes and HOA regulations.

3. Layout, Dig, Steel & Shoot (1 week)

Once permits are secured, the physical construction begins. Excavation can typically be completed in a few days, followed by the installation of rebar to form the pool’s skeleton. Then comes the inspection, once the inspection passes the pool builder can proceed gunite or shotcrete (spraying concrete to form pool shell).

4. Strip, backfill & rough grade (1-2 days)

Once the pool shell has sat for a few days to cure properly the forms are stripped and the deck area is backfilled, waterjet, compacted, and rough graded to sit about 4-6" below the top of the pool shell.

5. Plumbing, Footer form & pour (1–2 weeks)

Next comes plumbing and electrical work for filtration systems, lighting, and water features. If the pool is going to have a screen enclosure installed, it will need a permitted footing for the cage to sit on top of. After the plumbing is complete, the footer trenches are dug, and an inspection is called in. The inspector looks at the footer, plumbing and electrical equipotential bonding grid. Once inspections are passed, the pool builder can then proceed to pour the footer.

6. Finish Deck Grade (1-2 days)

The next step is to prep the deck area for pavers or concrete. The pool builder will backfill, water jet, compact and grade out the area with some type of base material like crushed concrete.

7. Tile & coping installation (2-5 days)

Now that the pool shell has had proper time to cure, the pool builder will prep the beam of the shell for tile and coping installation. This process can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the job. Some jobs can be done in a day, while other jobs can take a week.

8. Deck install (2-5 days)

Next, the pool builder will install the deck. In Southwest Florida, pavers (natural stone or concrete pavers) are the more popular option for pool decks. This process can vary depending on the deck material that is chosen during the design consultation. Natural stone typically takes a little longer since it is a more delicate material. 

9. Equipment and Electric (2-3 days)

Next, the pool builder installs the pool equipment and the electricity. Most of the time the equipment can be set and the electrical runs in 2 days.

10. Cage installation (2-3 days)

Next, the pool builder installs the screen enclosure (a popular option in the SWFL area). Some builders prefab the cage in a warehouse, which cuts the installation time down to 1-2 days. However, some builders “stick build” the cage on site, which can average around a week or so for installation.

11. Plaster application (3-4 days)

Next, the pool builder will plaster the pool. The timeline of this process depends on the material that is used. Custom pool builders in SWFL will typically install a pebble product like Stonescapes or Pebble Tec. This material takes three days to install, Day 1 prep pool, day 2 plaster application and day 3 acid was / pressure wash and fill. 

12. Final grade, clean up and punch list (1 week)

Now that the project is substantially completed, it's time for cleanup and punch out. This process typically takes about a week. The pool builder will do a walk through with the homeowner and write up a list of any punch out items that need addressed. A work order is then written and the items addressed. At this time, the pool builder will typically do an equipment walk through to explain how the system works. Many custom pools projects include automation systems; this would be the time the pool builder worked with the customer to program the system to match their preferences.

Factors That Can Affect Your Timeline

• Weather Delays: Rainy season in Southwest Florida (typically June through September) can slow down construction.
• Material Shortages: Supply chain issues can delay delivery of tile, equipment, or finishes.
• Custom Features: Complex water features, spas, or integrated outdoor kitchens add to the build time.

Choosing the Right Custom Swimming Pool Builder

Working with a professional, experienced custom swimming pool builder in Southwest Florida makes all the difference. Not only will they provide realistic timelines and clear communication, but they’ll also handle the challenges that can arise during the process.

Ready to Build Your Dream Pool?

Whether you're looking for a resort-style oasis or a sleek modern design, our team of expert design specialists and pool contractors are here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s make your backyard dreams a reality.