How Long Does Building a Pool Take?
So, you’ve decided to build a pool. You’ve probably got heaps of questions, and rightly so. It’s a big decision. One particular question we get asked a lot is: “How long does building a pool take?”.
Mon Palmer's pool at her very own, Little White Abode
A lot of factors come into play when building a concrete pool, which means there’s no set time. So, instead of giving you a wishy-washy answer, we’ll run you through the process so you can get an idea of how it all works and how long it might take.
Stage 1: Understanding your (pool) dreams
First up, we’ll need to have a chat. At Cronulla Pools, we provide premium concrete pools to meet your desires, so we need to know the size and shape of pool you want. We’ll also need to discuss your site, if you're building a pool as part of a larger renovation and the type of access you have. From here, we can jump online and conduct an initial assessment.
After our initial assessment, we’ll dig deeper and further assess the site before visiting. To do so, we’ll ask you to send us a few things, such as a survey of your land, a planning certificate (section 149), house plans and any plans you may have already had done, including architectural/landscape plans and structural engineering drawings.
Now we’ll book in an inspection time to have a look at your site. Once that is complete, we’ll be able to provide you with a budget estimate, and we can get started.
Timeframe: 1 week
Stage 2: Design and planning
Quote accepted. Woo! Let’s get this pool designed, and not only designed but let’s get it sitting comfortably in your landscape – ensuring it’ll be properly utilised and blend seamlessly with the rest of your home.
Pool and Landscape design by Site Design + Studios
You may also like: Making Your Home Flow from Inside to Out: An Interview with Mia Lake.
In this stage, we’ll be working with our landscape architect and engineer to get your dream pool designed and compliant with council regulations. We like to keep you really informed during this phase and there can be a bit of back and forth, which is ok. We want to design the pool of your dreams.
Timeframe: Three weeks
Stage 3: Let's get the pool approved
Now’s the time to get the formalities out of the way. This includes signing the contract, paying the deposit and sourcing the necessary approvals.
At Cronulla Pools, we design pools that qualify for Complying Development Certificates (CDC) according to the Building Codes of Australia (BCA). What this means is we create designs that satisfy all development standards and land requirements specified in the policy. We do this by engaging the help of a private certifier, ensuring the whole process only takes a few weeks.
In cases where a CDC is unable to be obtained, we will lodge a Development Application (DA) with the council. Features that affect your ability for complying development include the size of your swimming pool, the height that your pool is out of ground, the placement of your pool in your yard - the list goes on! Here's a helpful checklist on the Sutherland Shire Council's website.
Whether it’s a CDC or DA, you’ll need sign off from the relevant authority before we can start digging. Once that comes through, we can start building.
Timeframe: Anywhere from three weeks (CDC) to four months (DA)
Stage 4: Building your pool
You’re ready to build! Here’s a step by step guide of the construction process:
Excavation Rock and access will affect how long it takes to dig out your pool.
Timeframe: One - ten days
Formwork and steel fixing for Hacio Building
Formwork and Steel Fixing We form up the pool to establish its shape. Then we put all the steel in to strengthen the concrete once it’s poured. This is done off the engineer's drawings.
Timeframe: Two days
Pool Plumbing All the pipes and provisions for heating and lighting are included.
Timeframe: One daye
Concrete Pour The pool is sprayed. We’re skilled and experienced concreters, so if you want additional concrete poured to maximise your pool surrounds, we can do that too.
Timeframe: One day
Concrete Curing Concrete needs to sit for a while to strengthen.
Timeframe: Three - four weeks
Pool Equipment & Electrical Install Let’s get this pool lit up! During this stage your pool filtration system and lighting are installed.
Timeframe: Three days
Fencing Whether it be temporary fencing or the finished product, it’s a necessity and safety regulation before we put water in the pool.
Timeframe: One week
Tiling & Interiors At this stage, our tilers will lay the coping tiles and the waterline tiles. If you’re after a fully tiled pool, the tilers will complete the process during this stage. As an alternative, we often recommend Beadcrete, which can also be installed at this time. It is a glass bead product similar to pebblecrete but softer on the feet.
Timeframe: One week
Clean, Fill and Balance The pool is given an acid wash clean, filled with water and let to sit for a few weeks (if using Beadcrete). Afterwards, it is treated with Theralux Minerals.
Timeframe: Three weeks
Compliance Inspection The certifier comes out and checks the pool matches the plans and that everything is compliant. Once he's happy the pool and pool fence are compliant you'll receive a Final Occupation Certificate.
Handover During handover, we teach you how to use all the new bits and bobs that are in your backyard. We also offer one free clean within the first three months of handover.
So there you have it. A brand new pool to enjoy with your family and friends for years to come. Quickly, grab your cozzies!