In-Ground Concrete Swimming Pool Installation: How the Process Works

In the heat of summer, how many times did you imagine cooling off in your in-ground swimming pool? When running through the sprinklers with your family just doesn’t cut it anymore, many homeowners turn to installing an in-ground swimming pool. 

Now that you’ve invested in your home, we will outline what steps are involved in pool installation.

Building an in-ground swimming pool is a significant construction project. While the project is underway, you can expect your yard to turn into a major building site as heavy equipment needs to access your yard. 

The installation process varies depending on the swimming pool construction/structure type (Concrete, Vinyl Liner), installation company/contractor, space, and area.

Concrete pools are considered to be on the high end of in-ground pools for those investing in their property. If you’re interested in getting an in-ground concrete swimming pool, the following steps outline what to expect:

How long does an in-ground pool take to construct?

Experts recommend anticipating two to three months for the job’s completion. It takes between 30–60 days to build an in-ground concrete swimming pool. However, as this type of pool construction is highly customizable, the project’s complexity must be factored into the timeline.

Additionally, your timeline will depend on the arrival of materials used in construction, the time it takes to cure, and the weather. 

Steps for In-ground Swimming Pool Installation: What to Expect

Pool installation begins before you select your contractor. While most homeowners have some idea of what they want to incorporate, your contractor will have pictures of their previously completed projects to help you establish some direction regarding the design. 

Knowing your style guides contractors when they create plans for your backyard.

1. Select your contractor

After selecting a swimming pool contractor, you will meet to discuss what style of swimming pool you envision. This discussion will include the shape and extra features like slides, spas, waterfalls, etc. If you need some inspiration, please visit our gallery for ideas.

After this is completed, an estimate is provided. Homeowners can speak directly to their contractors if they want any modifications. Once satisfied, the contract is signed by both parties.

2. Plan creation and application for permits

Once you sign the contract, your contractor begins drawing plans for the pool. Pools are part of the larger outdoor living space of a home, so a design should include how the pool fits into the greater plan for the space. Designs can include dining and cooking spaces and lounge areas for seating. 

Once a general plan is established, the pool contractor will apply for and obtain the proper permits with the local permit office. 

3. Yard layout

Next, the contractor spends a few hours staking out the pool and designing the basic layout in the yard. This part of the process allows for final confirmation or revisions to the pool and/or features prior to construction.  

Underground services like plumbing supply pipes, electrical wires, communication lines, and irrigation lines are discussed and planned during this stage. 

4. Construction starts: Excavation

Once the permit is issued and the design confirmed, the construction starts with the arrival of the dump trucks and heavy equipment. Any existing elements of the yard not being reused or incorporated into the build are removed, and the pool shape is excavated in the yard.

For the next few days, the yard is a busy area as the transformation begins.

5. Pool structure shaped

The walls and features of the pool are shaped, including steps, benches and shallow water ledges for in-pool furniture.  

An in-ground pool contains pipes for water circulation to the heating and filtration system, which are buried in the ground. In this step, plumbers arrive and install your in-ground pipes. This process takes a few days to complete.

6. Rebar is added

Rebar is the steel skeleton that supports the concrete structure for concrete in-ground pools. It provides the structural steel framework with a series of horizontal and vertical bars tied together. This phase of construction can take one to two days.

7. Installation of gas and electrical connections

Below the ground, electrical lines are run to the pool circulation system from the house and to the pool & spa for any lighting in the pool. If the pool project contains extra features like barbecues, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens requiring gas, the line is also run. This step takes one to two days to complete. 

All gas and electrical work are inspected. The timing of the inspection is dependent on your inspector’s schedule. On average, expect it to take three to four days.

8. Shotcrete application

In this step, concrete is pumped through hoses and exits at high velocities around the structural steel rebar. 

The shotcrete application provides a very strong pool structure and is then shaped to the pool design.

9. Tile Installation and coping

An advantage to concrete pool construction is the customization of the pool structure, features, and finishes. Concrete in-ground pools have a tile line on the upper part of your pool, and there is a vast array of tile options to choose from. 

Next, a coping goes on the top of the pool wall. If water features are required, they are incorporated during this step. Basic installations require two days, whereas complex ones take between five and seven days. 

10. Installing pool decking

If you want decking or a patio, this takes an additional five to ten days to complete, depending on the complexities of the project. 

Most homeowners select textured, poured concrete because of its low maintenance. However, concrete and natural stone pavers are other options.

11. Inspection and major cleanups

Once the patio and landscape work is done, a municipal official comes for an inspection. Depending on the schedule, it may take five days for an inspector to arrive. 

At this time, debris is removed from the area, and the site is restored, including the machine access route.

12. Pool surface application

Once approved, a smooth-surfacing plaster is installed on the pool’s concrete surface. The plaster has colour options and is installed on the pool interior below the tile previously installed. 

Acid wash is applied to the surface to give the pool interior a slight texture.

13. Getting the pool ready for use

The final step is adding water to the pool for use. Water can be trucked in, or the pool can be filled with a garden hose. Once water is in the pool, it’s time to start up the circulation system to start filtering and heating the pool water. After a test of the equipment and features, you are ready to swim!

14. Landscaping

Finish off your oasis by adding decorative garden beds, rockery, cabanas, shade structures, gazebos, pergolas, or a fire feature.  

Bring your outdoor entertaining to the next level by adding an outdoor kitchen.  The final step is restoring any grass areas used for equipment access.

Book an Appointment With Solda Pools for Your Pool Installation

Solda Pools creates custom designs and builds according to our customers’ needs and tastes. Our company has a combined 100 years of experience in pool installation. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional spa, pool, and landscaped backyard oasis.

Please book your appointment now by calling us at 289-201-2487 or contact us here for a free quote.