FAQ: In-Ground Pool Construction Process, Budget, and Timeline
If you’re considering adding an in-ground pool to your backyard, you probably have a lot of questions. As a premier pool installer based in Minnesota, we constantly get phone calls and emails from homeowners who have more questions than answers. Today, we’ll be covering some of the most common questions we receive about an in-ground pool installation: from construction to completion.
Minnesota In-Ground Pool FAQs
1. What goes into initial prep for a pool project?
Before any type of construction starts, a pool project begins with a good design. The landscape expert will work with the homeowner to know their needs, budget, and any site challenges. The design should be comprehensive and outline all detail items.
It’s important to know if the project includes additions such as a retaining wall for the permit step. After the design is approved, a general building permit will be necessary for the pool, along with any other permits such as stormwater management. The permit process can take months, so you need to ensure you have a comprehensive plan to keep the project on schedule.
2. Why are paver pool decks so often recommended?
Pavers are a common site for midwest pools - these large-scale hardscape surfaces surround an in-ground pool and resemble a walkway.
In the Midwest, the freeze-thaw cycle is always a challenge with hardscape projects. A paver pool deck offers more durability when going up against contrasting temperatures, and it will not bend and break as easily as a large concrete slab. Additionally, if there’s damage in the pool, the pavers can be removed to get down to the mechanics of it for the repair. The pavers can then be put back for a seamless finish.
3. How are budgets decided and will they increase during a project?
The budget depends on the specific applications and landscape plan. The final cost breakdown should focus on what you want on the site, any unique site challenges, and other parts of the project. It’s essential that all items are finalized before the job officially starts.
While we can’t always predict what will happen during a project, we do our best to stick to our agreed budget during the construction process. That’s why we have an in-depth consultation process before work begins. This allows us to look for anything that might be a “surprise” and need extra solving. It’s not common, but when we do encounter a situation where the work will exceed the anticipated budget we work directly with our clients to determine the best path forward.
4. What’s the typical timeline for new pool construction?
The initial design phase can last from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on how long it takes to get to an approved design after revisions. Next is the permitting phase, which typically takes 1 to 3 months, but could last even longer depending on your location. The final phase, construction, can last 1 to 6 months depending on how in-depth your project is and the time of the year.
Overall, an in-ground pool project can take anywhere from 3 - 12 months depending on the complexity of the project. We make sure to give all of our clients a concrete timeline (no pun intended) once their project is set to begin.
5. What challenges could arise when building an in-ground pool?
Winter is the biggest challenge in the Midwest. The frost can go down as far as four or five feet, which then moves the soil come spring. The ground can heave up 6 to 12 inches. A rigid concrete pool deck will heave and crack under that kind of pressure, which is why we recommend using pavers. It’s a longer-lasting finish, so you get a lot more longevity out of it.
Outdoor Innovations has a pool construction division, so we can work on the entire job from start to finish.
Where to Get In-Ground Pool Installation Services in Minnesota
Outdoor Innovations Landscaping aims to make your lounging and swimming experience unique to your wants and needs. Whether you value a high-end swim-up tiki bar, comfortably chic lounge locations in every corner, or a fun-dominated in-ground pool complete with slides and waterfalls, we can do it all. Our in-ground pool installation experts at Outdoor Innovations Landscaping love bringing your ideas to life, and we’ve proudly been doing so since 2007.
Contact us if you’d like to talk about upgrading your outdoor living.
Outdoor Innovations Landscaping creates elevated backyards for homeowners in Minnesota. From in-ground pools to luxurious grilling stations to outdoor living rooms, we do it all. Explore our past projects and get a quote online to make your dream backyard a reality.
