How Long Does It Take to Build a Swimming Pool in Birmingham? (Timeline, Permits & What to Expect)
A Step-by-Step Guide for Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia, Homewood & Mountain Brook Homeowners
Most in-ground swimming pools in the Birmingham area take between 6–14 weeks to complete, depending on pool type, weather, permitting, and how much hardscaping or grading is required.
Fiberglass pools are usually the fastest.
Gunite (concrete) pools take longer but allow full customization.
Planning in fall or winter = faster spring installation.
Why Pool Build Timelines Matter More Than Homeowners Expect
One of the most common questions Birmingham homeowners ask is:
“If I start now, will my pool be ready by summer?”
The answer depends on:
- Pool type (fiberglass vs. gunite)
- Permits and inspections
- Yard conditions (slope, access, soil)
- Weather
- Contractor scheduling
Understanding the full timeline upfront helps you:
- Avoid missed summer deadlines
- Budget properly
- Coordinate patios, retaining walls, and landscaping
- Reduce stress during construction
This guide walks through exactly what happens, when it happens, and why delays occur — from design to first swim.
What Factors Affect Pool Construction Timelines in Birmingham?
Before we break down the step-by-step timeline, here’s what influences how long your pool takes to build:
- Pool type (fiberglass installs faster than gunite)
- Permits & inspections (city/county dependent)
- Slope & grading needs (very common in Vestavia, Hoover & Mountain Brook)
- Retaining walls or drainage requirements
- Custom features (spas, waterfalls, fire features)
- Weather (rain slows excavation and curing)
- Time of year you start
Now let’s walk through the full process.
Step-by-Step: Swimming Pool Construction Timeline in Birmingham
Step 1: Design, Budgeting & Site Evaluation (1–3 Weeks)
This is where most successful projects are won or lost.
During this phase:
- Your contractor evaluates slope, soil, access, and drainage
- Pool type and size are selected
- Hardscaping (patios, pool decks, retaining walls) is planned
- Budget expectations are finalized
- Engineering needs are identified
Why this step matters:
Birmingham’s clay soil and hilly terrain often require grading, retaining walls, or drainage systems, which must be planned before construction begins. Rushing this step leads to delays later.
Step 2: Permits & Engineering (2–6 Weeks)
This is the biggest unknown for most homeowners.
Depending on your city (Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, etc.), permits may include:
- Pool permit
- Electrical permit
- Plumbing permit
- Engineering approval (for retaining walls or slopes)
- Fence or safety compliance
Important:
Permit timelines vary by municipality and time of year. Spring and summer approvals often take longer due to volume. This is why starting in fall or winter is a major advantage.
Step 3: Excavation & Site Prep (3–7 Days)
Once permits are approved:
- Excavation begins
- Soil is removed
- Base is prepared
- Access challenges are addressed
In Birmingham neighborhoods with tight access or steep slopes, this phase may take longer and require:
- Smaller equipment
- Hand excavation
- Temporary access solutions
Step 4: Pool Installation (Varies by Pool Type)
Fiberglass Pool Installation Timeline (2–4 Weeks Total)
Fiberglass pools are factory-built shells, which speeds things up.
Typical steps:
- Shell delivery and placement (often via crane)
- Plumbing and electrical connections
- Backfilling and leveling
- Initial inspections
Why fiberglass is faster:
The pool structure already exists — it’s set into place rather than built on site.
Gunite (Concrete) Pool Installation Timeline (8–14 Weeks Total)
Gunite pools are built entirely on site and require curing time.
Typical steps:
- Steel rebar framework
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in
- Gunite application
- Curing period (usually 2–4 weeks)
- Tile, coping, and interior finish
Why gunite takes longer:
Each phase must be completed in sequence, and curing time cannot be rushed.
Step 5: Pool Decking & Hardscaping (2–4 Weeks)
This phase is where your backyard really comes together.
Common additions include:
- Paver or concrete pool decks
- Natural stone patios
- Retaining walls
- Outdoor kitchens
- Fire pits or seating walls
- Steps and walkways
If your yard is sloped (very common locally), this step may include:
- Additional grading
- Drainage solutions
- Tiered retaining walls
Many timeline delays happen here if hardscaping wasn’t planned early.
Step 6: Final Inspections, Startup & Swim-Ready (1 Week)
Final steps include:
- Electrical and safety inspections
- Equipment startup
- Water balancing
- Owner orientation
Once approved, your pool is officially ready to use.
Total Pool Construction Timeline Summary
| Pool Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass pool | 4 - 8 weeks |
| Gunite pool | 10 - 14+ weeks |
| Pool + Full Outdoor Living | 12 - 20 weeks |
What Causes Pool Construction Delays in Birmingham?
The most common causes include:
- Permit backlogs in spring/summer
- Heavy rain during excavation or curing
- Unplanned drainage or retaining wall needs
- Late design changes
- Material lead times
Most of these delays are avoided with early planning.
Best Time of Year to Start a Pool Project in Birmingham
Fall and winter are ideal, even though swimming season is months away.
Why planning early works:
- Faster permit approvals
- Better contractor availability
- Design decisions without pressure
- Ready to swim when warm weather arrives
Homeowners who wait until spring often miss peak swimming season.
How Long Before Summer Should You Start?
If you want to swim by:
- May → Start planning by December–January
- June → Start planning by February
- July → Start planning by March–April
This is especially true for gunite pools and full backyard renovations.
How J & M Landscapes Keeps Pool Projects on Schedule
J & M Landscapes manages the entire outdoor environment, not just the pool shell. That means:
- Design + construction coordination
- Hardscaping and pool integration
- Retaining walls and grading handled in-house
- Drainage planning upfront
- Realistic timelines — not sales promises
This approach prevents delays and change orders that frustrate homeowners.
Ready to Start Planning Your Pool? Let’s Get Ahead of the Timeline.
Building a pool is a major investment — and timing matters just as much as design. J & M Landscapes helps Birmingham homeowners plan smarter, avoid delays, and create outdoor spaces that are ready when you want them.
Whether you’re considering a fiberglass pool, a custom gunite design, or a full outdoor living transformation, our team will guide you through every step.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and secure your place on the build calendar before peak season fills up.
