A Guide to Pool Construction Timelines in Atlanta
Building a custom pool in Atlanta is an exciting journey that transforms your backyard into a personal oasis. However, understanding the realistic timeline for pool construction is crucial for managing expectations and planning your family’s summer activities. From initial design to the first swim, the process involves multiple phases, each with its own timeline influenced by Atlanta’s unique climate, soil conditions, and regulatory environment. This guide breaks down each phase of pool construction, helping you understand what to expect during your pool building journey in the Greater Atlanta area.
Understanding Atlanta’s Unique Timeline Factors
Before diving into specific construction phases, it’s essential to understand the factors that make pool construction timelines in Atlanta distinct from other regions. Georgia’s red clay soil, which dominates the Atlanta area, presents unique challenges that can extend excavation and foundation work. This dense, expansive soil requires special handling and often additional stabilization measures that add time to the construction process.
Atlanta’s weather patterns significantly impact construction schedules. While the mild winters allow for year-round construction, the rainy season from December through March can cause delays, particularly during excavation and concrete work. The humid subtropical climate also affects curing times for concrete and plaster, potentially extending these phases compared to drier climates.
The metropolitan Atlanta area encompasses multiple counties and municipalities, each with its own permitting process and inspection requirements. Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties all have different procedures and timelines for permit approval. City of Atlanta permits often take longer than suburban municipalities, and historic neighborhoods may have additional review processes that extend timelines further.
The current demand for pool construction in Atlanta also affects timelines. Since 2020, the pool industry has experienced unprecedented demand, leading to longer wait times for contractors, materials, and specialized subcontractors. Supply chain issues have particularly impacted equipment availability, sometimes adding weeks to project completion times.
Pre-Construction Phase: Design and Permitting (4-8 Weeks)
The journey begins with design and permitting, a phase that typically takes 4-8 weeks but can extend longer for complex projects or challenging sites. This phase starts with your initial consultation and site evaluation, where contractors assess your property’s topography, access points, and any potential challenges like significant slopes or proximity to septic systems.
Design development usually requires 1-2 weeks for initial concepts and another 1-2 weeks for revisions and finalization. During this time, you’ll work with designers to create a pool that fits your lifestyle, budget, and property constraints. Atlanta’s heavily wooded lots often require careful design to work around existing trees, as many neighborhoods have tree protection ordinances that restrict removal of mature trees.
Once the design is finalized, your contractor prepares permit applications. The permit package typically includes detailed construction drawings, engineering calculations, and site plans showing setbacks and easements. In Atlanta, pools must generally be at least 10 feet from property lines, though this varies by jurisdiction. Some neighborhoods with active HOAs require additional approval processes that can add 2-4 weeks to this phase.
Permit approval times vary significantly across the Atlanta metro area. City of Atlanta permits typically take 3-4 weeks for review, while some suburban counties process permits in 10-14 days. Complex projects requiring variances or special reviews can take 6-8 weeks or longer. During peak season (March through June), permit offices experience higher volumes that may extend these timelines.
Excavation and Initial Construction (1-2 Weeks)
Once permits are in hand, physical construction begins with excavation. This phase typically takes 1-2 weeks, though Atlanta’s challenging soil conditions can extend this timeline. The red clay soil, while stable when dry, becomes extremely difficult to work with when wet. Contractors often need to wait for dry conditions, particularly after Atlanta’s frequent summer thunderstorms.
Excavation usually takes 1-3 days for a standard pool, but factors like pool size, site access, and soil conditions can extend this. Narrow lot access, common in older Atlanta neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland or Candler Park, may require smaller equipment that works more slowly. Rock excavation, occasionally encountered in North Atlanta areas, can add several days and significant cost to the project.
After excavation, the crew installs steel reinforcement, typically taking 2-3 days. This phase involves placing a grid of steel rebar that provides structural strength to the pool shell. In Atlanta’s expansive soil conditions, contractors often use heavier rebar schedules or closer spacing to prevent cracking from soil movement.
Plumbing installation follows steel placement and usually requires 2-3 days. This phase includes installing main drains, returns, skimmers, and any water feature plumbing. Atlanta’s frost line requirements mean certain plumbing must be buried deeper than in warmer climates, potentially adding time to this phase.
Gunite/Shotcrete Application (1 Day + Curing Time)
The application of gunite or shotcrete—the concrete shell of your pool—is a critical one-day event that requires careful coordination. However, scheduling this phase can add time to your project, as specialized crews are in high demand across Atlanta. Weather is crucial for gunite application; rain or freezing temperatures can force postponement.
The gunite application itself typically takes 4-6 hours for an average-sized pool. The crew sprays the concrete mixture over the steel framework, creating the pool’s shape. Skilled finishers immediately work to achieve the proper thickness and smooth finish. This phase requires careful attention to detail, as mistakes are difficult to correct once the concrete begins curing.
After application, gunite must cure for 7-28 days before proceeding with further construction. During Atlanta’s humid summers, curing happens relatively quickly, but the process slows during cooler months. The pool must be water-cured—sprayed with water 2-3 times daily—to prevent cracking. This requirement means someone must be available to maintain the curing process, or automatic sprinklers must be installed.
Tile, Coping, and Decking Phase (2-3 Weeks)
Following gunite curing, contractors install tile, coping, and prepare for decking. This phase typically requires 2-3 weeks and involves multiple trades working in sequence. Waterline tile installation comes first, usually taking 2-3 days depending on the complexity of the pattern and linear footage.
Coping installation follows tile work and requires 2-3 days. Coping choices in Atlanta range from natural stone to precast concrete, each with different installation requirements. Natural stone, popular in upscale Atlanta neighborhoods, requires more precise cutting and fitting, potentially extending installation time.
Deck preparation involves forming and steel placement for concrete decks, or base preparation for pavers. This work typically takes 3-4 days. In Atlanta’s climate, proper drainage is crucial to prevent standing water and slip hazards. Contractors must carefully grade surfaces to direct water away from the pool and house.
Concrete deck pouring is weather-dependent and requires dry conditions for at least 24 hours after pouring. Atlanta’s frequent summer afternoon thunderstorms can complicate scheduling. After pouring, concrete needs 3-7 days before further work can proceed. Alternative decking materials like pavers or natural stone can be installed in various weather conditions but typically take longer to install than poured concrete.
Equipment Installation and Plumbing (1 Week)
Equipment installation typically requires one week and involves setting up pumps, filters, heaters, and control systems. This phase has been particularly affected by recent supply chain issues, with some equipment having lead times of several weeks or months. Planning ahead and ordering equipment early in the process is crucial to avoid delays.
The equipment pad must be properly prepared with a level concrete surface and appropriate drainage. In Atlanta’s climate, equipment should be positioned to allow for easy winterization and protection from falling debris. Installation includes connecting all plumbing runs from the pool to the equipment, electrical connections, and control system programming.
Gas heater installation requires coordination with gas line installation, which may need separate permits and inspections. Many Atlanta homes require gas line upgrades to support pool heaters, potentially adding time and complexity to this phase. Heat pump installation, increasingly popular for Atlanta’s mild climate, requires proper electrical service and positioning for adequate airflow.
Automation systems and salt chlorine generators add complexity but improve long-term pool management. Programming these systems and integrating them with home automation platforms typically adds a day to equipment installation but provides significant convenience benefits.
Interior Finish Application (3-5 Days)
The interior finish—whether plaster, pebble, or other aggregate finish—transforms the gunite shell into a swimmable surface. This phase typically requires 3-5 days including preparation, application, and initial curing. Surface preparation involves cleaning and acid washing the gunite to ensure proper bonding.
Traditional plaster application takes one long day, with crews working continuously to avoid cold joints. More complex finishes like pebble or glass bead aggregates may require additional time for exposure and washing to reveal the aggregate. Atlanta’s humidity generally aids in proper curing, though extreme heat can require special measures to prevent rapid drying.
After application, the pool must be filled immediately to prevent cracking or delamination. In Atlanta, filling an average pool takes 24-48 hours depending on water pressure and pool size. Some municipalities require notification before filling large pools to ensure adequate water system capacity.
Start-Up and Final Phase (1-2 Weeks)
The final phase involves start-up procedures, water chemistry balancing, and addressing any punch list items. This phase typically requires 1-2 weeks but is crucial for long-term pool success. New plaster surfaces require careful chemical balancing and brushing procedures during the first month to ensure proper curing and prevent staining.
Equipment training ensures homeowners understand operation and maintenance requirements. This typically involves 2-3 hours of hands-on instruction covering daily operations, chemical testing, and basic troubleshooting. Many Atlanta pool builders include follow-up visits during the first month to ensure everything operates properly.
Final inspections by local authorities must be passed before the pool can officially be used. Atlanta area inspections typically cover electrical bonding, barriers, and equipment operation. Failed inspections require corrections and re-inspection, potentially adding days or weeks to the timeline. Having an experienced contractor familiar with local requirements helps avoid inspection delays.
Landscaping restoration often extends beyond pool construction completion. Excavation equipment and construction traffic damage surrounding turf and planting beds. In Atlanta’s climate, the best times for grass installation are spring and early fall, which may not align with pool completion timing.
Seasonal Considerations and Best Timing
The time of year significantly impacts construction timelines in Atlanta. Spring starts (March-May) are popular but face competition for contractors and potential rain delays. Summer construction (June-August) offers more predictable weather but extreme heat can affect worker productivity and material curing. Fall construction (September-November) provides ideal weather but may push completion past prime swimming season. Winter construction (December-February) is possible in Atlanta but faces the highest risk of weather delays.
Many Atlanta homeowners find that starting construction in September or October results in completion by the following spring, allowing time for any weather delays while ensuring the pool is ready for summer. This timing also often provides better contractor availability and material pricing compared to peak season.
Managing Timeline Expectations
Understanding that delays are common helps manage expectations during pool construction. Weather delays are nearly inevitable in Atlanta’s climate. Building buffer time into your expectations prevents disappointment. Most contractors quote timelines assuming reasonable weather, but extended rain or extreme conditions can add weeks to the project.
Communication with your contractor throughout the process helps identify potential delays early. Regular progress updates and schedule reviews keep everyone aligned on timeline expectations. Flexibility in material selections can sometimes accelerate timelines if preferred options face long lead times.
Creating a realistic timeline involves adding 20-30% to contractor estimates to account for typical delays. For a pool with a 10-week estimated construction time, planning for 12-13 weeks provides a more realistic expectation. This buffer helps accommodate weather delays, inspection scheduling, and minor changes during construction.
Conclusion: Your Pool Construction Journey
Building a custom pool in Atlanta typically requires 10-16 weeks from breaking ground to first swim, with additional time for design and permitting. Understanding each phase helps you plan accordingly and make informed decisions throughout the process. While delays can be frustrating, remembering that quality construction takes time helps maintain perspective.
The key to a successful pool construction project lies in choosing an experienced contractor familiar with Atlanta’s unique challenges, maintaining realistic timeline expectations, and staying flexible when delays occur. Your patience during construction will be rewarded with years of enjoyment in your completed pool.
By understanding the typical timeline and potential delays, you can better plan your pool construction project. Whether you’re hoping to swim by summer or planning a longer-term project, knowing what to expect helps ensure a smoother construction experience and a superior final result that enhances your Atlanta home for decades to come.