Short answer: In dry summer weather, most custom gunite pools take about 6 to 8 weeks of construction. Design takes 1 to 2 weeks and permits usually take 1 to 3 weeks before that. Rain is the main cause of delays: after a heavy rain, crews wait 2 to 3 days for the soil to dry before bringing machinery back in.
The phases
| Phase | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Design and contract | 1–2 weeks |
| Construction plans, HOA and permits | 1–3 weeks |
| Layout and excavation | 1–2 days |
| Steel and plumbing rough-in | 2–4 days |
| Gunite shell | About 1 week from ground-break |
| Utilities, tile, coping and masonry | 2–3 weeks |
| Decking and finish work | 1–2 weeks |
| Construction total (dry weather) | About 6–8 weeks |
| Interior finish, fill and startup | About 1 week |
Phase by phase
Design and contract
We finalize the 3D design and sign the contract. Your proposal includes our standard selections, and you can upgrade any of them later, with the price difference shown before you decide.
Construction plans, HOA and permits
Construction plans are prepared, the HOA reviews the design if required, and we submit for the city permit. This is the most variable phase and depends on your city and the time of year.
Excavation, steel and plumbing
The pool is laid out and dug, the steel cage is tied, and plumbing for the pool, spa and features is roughed in. The city inspects before gunite.
Gunite
The shell is sprayed and begins curing. Within about a week of breaking ground, you'll see the real shape of your pool.
Utilities, tile, coping and masonry
Electrical, gas and the equipment pad are completed, and waterline tile, coping, raised walls and water features are built.
Decking and outdoor living
The deck goes in, along with patio covers, kitchens and fire features. Larger structures can extend this phase.
Interior finish and startup
The interior finish is applied, the pool is filled, and we start up the equipment and walk you through everything.
What causes delays
- Rain: the biggest one. Wet clay can't be dug, compacted or driven on safely, so after a heavy rain we wait 2 to 3 days for the soil to dry before bringing machinery back in. Rainy stretches are most common in fall, winter and spring.
- Patio covers, kitchens and other structures: these add time beyond the pool itself.
- Permit and HOA timing: varies by city and season.
- Changes mid-build: decisions made after construction starts can affect the schedule.
- Upgrade selections: your proposal includes standard selections, such as 6x6 porcelain waterline tile. If you upgrade tile, coping or finishes, you'll see the price difference first, and some upgrades have longer lead times.
Thinking about timing? Read the best time of year to build a pool in North Texas.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a pool take to build in Texas?
In dry weather, most custom gunite pools take about 6 to 8 weeks of construction, after 1 to 2 weeks of design and 1 to 3 weeks for permits. Rain adds time.
What's the longest part of building a pool?
Permitting and HOA review often take the longest before construction. During construction, tile, coping, masonry and decking take the most time.
Can you build a pool in winter in Texas?
Yes. Winters are usually mild enough to keep building, but rain causes more delays than in summer, since crews wait 2 to 3 days for the soil to dry after a heavy rain.
Written by Jesus Arias, founder of Ridge Outdoor Living, a custom pool and outdoor living builder in Dallas–Fort Worth. Figures are typical ranges from our projects and are a guide, not a quote.