Take a moment to imagine this: the sun begins to set, covering your backyard with a golden glow. The soft hum of a water feature dances in the background, while your family lounges poolside, laughter filling the warm evening air. This isn't a vacation, it's home. A custom-built pool by Paladina Pools transforms your outdoor space into a private retreat where memories are made daily and stress fades with every swim.

But before the first splash, most homeowners ask the same question:

"How long will it take to make this dream a reality?"

Planning for the Experience You Deserve

Understanding the project timeline is more than just watching the calendar; it's about setting realistic expectations, avoiding frustration, and ensuring every detail is handled with care. The pool-building process involves several key phases: design consultation, permits, excavation, construction, plumbing and electrical, finishing touches, and finally, the grand reveal. 

While this journey can take several months with traditional contractors, Paladina Pools completes most projects in just 4 to 8 weeks, a fraction of the time many homeowners expect.

Thanks to our all-in-house team, streamlined project management, and company-owned equipment fleet, we eliminate the delays that come from juggling subcontractors or waiting on outside vendors. That means less waiting and more enjoying.

A Pool Is More Than a Luxury—It's a Lifestyle Upgrade

While timelines matter, so do the lasting benefits a custom pool brings to your life. Here's what you gain along the way:

• Health & Wellness at Home: Swimming is one of the best low-impact exercises for cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. It's like having your own personal wellness center, steps away.
• Family Bonding & Entertainment: From pool parties to quiet moments with loved ones, your backyard becomes a hub for connection.
• Increased Property Value: A well-designed pool adds significant curb appeal and resale value, especially when it's integrated with beautiful hardscaping and outdoor living features.
• Stress Relief & Mental Escape: There's a reason spas and resorts center around water. Your pool becomes a daily source of calm, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
• Customization That Reflects You: Whether you want a tanning ledge, an infinity edge, mood lighting, or a waterfall, your pool is built to reflect your lifestyle, preferences, and personal style.

Faster Timeline, No Compromise

With Paladina Pools, you don't have to choose between speed and excellence. Our process is engineered to deliver both an efficient timeline and a luxury finish. We manage every detail, communicate clearly at each step, and treat your property like it's our own. That's the Paladina difference.

So, how soon could you be diving into your dream pool? Sooner than you think.

What's the Typical Timeline for a Custom Pool Project?

Custom pool installation is an intricate, multi-phase process. On average, a traditional custom pool project can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks to complete, depending on complexity and contractor efficiency. Here's a breakdown of the standard phases:

Design

The design phase typically takes one to two weeks and begins with an initial consultation in which the homeowner discusses their vision, lifestyle needs, and budget. During this period, designers gather site measurements, evaluate sun exposure and existing landscaping, and begin creating preliminary sketches or digital renderings. 

Clients have the opportunity to choose pool shapes, materials, and integrated features like tanning ledges, water features, or spas. Multiple revisions may occur before final approval, ensuring that the pool fits seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and satisfies both functional and aesthetic goals.

Permitting

Next is the permitting phase, which can vary greatly depending on your municipality. Generally, it takes between two and six weeks to receive the necessary approvals. Still, this timeframe depends heavily on how efficient the local permitting office is and whether the site falls under any special zoning rules or HOA restrictions. 

During this step, architectural drawings and engineering plans are submitted, and sometimes additional documents, such as stormwater runoff plans or soil studies, may be requested. Paladina's in-house permitting specialists help fast-track this phase by preparing accurate documentation and maintaining strong relationships with local authorities.

Excavation and Site Preparation

Once permits are secured, the site is prepared, and excavation begins. This phase usually takes about one week but involves more than just digging a hole. Crews first mark out the pool footprint and clear any trees, roots, or obstructions. 

Access paths for heavy equipment are created, and temporary safety barriers may be erected to protect the worksite. Excavation must be precise, as the depth and shape of the dig directly impact the structural integrity of the finished pool. Soil conditions are assessed and adjusted as needed to support the base, and excess soil is either redistributed for grading or hauled away.

Pool Construction

Construction is the most intensive phase, lasting approximately three to six weeks. It includes installing the pool shell, which could be concrete (shotcrete or gunite) or fiberglass, depending on the design. Concrete pools require the installation of steel rebar for reinforcement before the shell is sprayed and shaped, followed by a curing period. Plumbing and electrical systems are laid out to connect the filtration system, pumps, heaters, lighting, and automation controls. 

Once structural work is complete, waterline tiles and interior finishes such as plaster or aggregate are applied. Throughout this phase, inspections are often required to ensure our work complies with all building codes and safety standards.

Finishing Touches

Finally, the finishing touches bring the vision to life. This stage includes the installation of coping (the edge around the pool), decking materials such as pavers or stamped concrete, and any surrounding patios or outdoor living spaces. Landscaping elements are added to enhance privacy and beauty, while accent features such as pergolas, water bowls, or lighting are installed for ambiance and functionality. 

A final cleaning and startup of pool systems ensure everything is operational. The project wraps with a walkthrough and orientation session, during which homeowners are introduced to their new pool and shown how to use and maintain the equipment.

However, many factors influence these stages, including the property's terrain, scope of features, and weather. That's where Paladina Pools makes a difference.

Your Dream Pool Is Closer Than You Think- Call Paladina Pools Today! 

Imagine stepping into your own private oasis, a space that reflects your unique style, fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, and invites relaxation, entertainment, and unforgettable memories. At Paladina Pools, we believe your dream backyard shouldn't be a distant goal. With our streamlined, client-focused approach, it's within each.

When it comes to investing in a custom pool, timeline matters as much as craftsmanship. That's why we've built a process that balances speed with excellence, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for efficiency. From the initial design consultation to the final water test, every phase is thoughtfully managed to stay on schedule and exceed expectations.

Whether you're designing a sleek, modern lap pool, a resort-style retreat with waterfalls and lighting, or a full outdoor living area complete with a kitchen, fire features, and landscaping, Paladina Pools is your top choice among custom pool builders in Pittsburgh. We specialize in creating custom environments that are as functional as they are breathtaking.

Don't wait for the perfect moment to start. Explore our stunning portfolio to see what's possible or connect with our expert team to begin designing your ideal outdoor escape today.