What to Expect When You’re Expecting (a Fiberglass Pool, That Is!)

Congratulations! You’ve taken the plunge, and your growing family excitedly awaits its forthcoming bundle of joy: an inground fiberglass pool! That’s amazing, and it will be a fabulous addition to your family—maybe even with lower

 maintenance and less cost than raising a child over time. A proactive and customer-focused pool builder typically shares their projected schedule with how long you can expect your  fiberglass pool installation process to take. There are things you should know and ways to get ready before the work begins. Knowing what to expect when expecting your fiberglass pool can help everyone prepare for your pool’s big opening day. 

Expect a Mess.

There’s no way of getting around it. A construction crew will bring heavy equipment and dig a giant, pool-sized hole in your backyard.

An experienced, trusted pool builder will work to ensure there is as little mess and disruption as possible during the excavation process. However, you’ll still have piles of dirt, mud, gravel, boxes, and equipment in your yard.

Heavy machinery, trucks, and other equipment will move around your project site. Protect children, neighbors, and pets during the pool installation by entirely keeping them out of the construction area. You might also want to give your neighbors a courtesy “heads-up” that you are getting a pool. They may hear loud noises or construction commotion, but inviting them to make some noise with you at your opening pool party should compensate for the inconvenience.

Expect Delays.

Under ideal conditions, experienced builders can install a fiberglass pool in as few as three weeks. However, every pool project is different; issues can crop up beyond the pool builder’s control.

Deliveries, permits, or inspections may experience delays. Essential equipment can break down. The builder could unearth  unexpected soil conditions, or Mother Nature might decide to wreak havoc with your schedule.

Take an open-minded approach to your pool’s schedule. Proactively preparing yourself for the possibility of some delays can help you feel much more relaxed throughout the process.

Expect Communication From The Builder.

The pool builder should consistently communicate with you during each phase of the installation process. They should inform you of projected start, delivery, inspection, and completion dates. The pool installer may coordinate subcontractors for portions of the project, like plumbing, electrical, concrete, and automatic pool cover installation. They should keep you informed and updated throughout.

Let the pool installer know how much communication you expect from them during the installation. For example, some homeowners want to know ahead of time every time someone is going to be in their backyard, while others just want to know if there are any significant delays or when the builder expects the job to conclude.

Expect to Do a Little Work, Too.

Every pool builder includes various “standard” options with an inground pool installation, but most won’t offer an altogether “turn-key” package. Chances are you will have some work to take care of after the installers have done their part.

Most pool builders’ standard installations take projects through a “rough grade” stage. The finishing touches of the pool area, such as surrounding grass and  landscaping, are your responsibility. While every pool builder should perform a final cleanup of your yard and pool area before they leave, you’ll likely continue to deal some with dirt, dust, or debris collecting in the pool until your grass and landscaping begin to take hold.

Expect Great Things to Look Forward To!

Now that you know what to expect throughout your pool installation process, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your pool’s progress. You could use this time to review pool safety rules with your children, plan for that first big pool party, or research the best toys and most comfortable floats you can find.

For some fun for the whole family, create a countdown calendar and celebrate the milestones along the way, like Dig Day, Pool Delivery Day, and Concrete Day, until you can finally check off the biggest one: Pool Opening Day!

The first milestone is meeting with a local pool dealer in your area. Reach out to book a design consultation with an independent Thursday Pools dealer near you to begin discussing designs and other options for your backyard pool paradise.