The amount of time your fiberglass pool project will take depends on the size of the pool and whether you are installing add-ons like decking and landscaping. Overall, you should expect it to take four to six weeks to install. If you are dreaming of summer pool parties, make sure to budget enough time into the installation schedule to have your pool up and running in time for the swimming season.

The total time to install an inground pool typically ranges from 8 weeks to 4 months. This timeline can be influenced by several factors, including permitting, site preparation, and the construction process itself.

Key phases and their typical durations include:

• Permits: Obtaining necessary permits can take anywhere from two to six weeks.

• Excavation and Site Preparation: This phase takes about a week but can be extended by problematic soil, unexpected ground conditions, or the need to move underground utility lines.

• Construction: The actual build, including plumbing and electrical work, often takes one to two months. The pool material is a major factor here; a concrete pool needs about 30 days to cure, while installing a fiberglass or vinyl liner is much faster.

External factors can also cause significant delays:

• Contractor Availability: Spring and summer are busy seasons, and high demand can lead to long waitlists, potentially adding months to your start date. It is often recommended to start planning and getting estimates up to a year in advance.

• Other Delays: Weather, material shortages, complex designs, and other unforeseen challenges can extend the project timeline.

There are pros and cons of in-ground vs. above-ground pools, which you should consider when choosing the pool of your summertime dreams. Some factors to think about include: 

• Above-ground pools are semi-permanent and movable, whereas in-ground pools are permanent structures.

• In-ground pools are more expensive to install than above-ground pools. 

• It takes one to three days to install above-ground pools and several weeks for an in-ground pool install.

• You can install an above-ground pool in smaller yards, but you need plenty of space for an in-ground pool.

You can turn your aboveground chlorinated pool into a saltwater pool. The cost of a saltwater pool conversion is between $750 and $2,000, depending on your pool’s size. A saltwater pool offers benefits like less maintenance and water that is gentler on your skin. You’ll need to replace the salt every five years, but you won’t need to clean your pool as frequently.