How Long Does It Take to Build an Inground Pool in Montgomery County?

03/14/2026

If you’re ready to build an inground pool in Montgomery County, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: how long is this actually going to take? It’s a fair question. A pool is a major investment, and you want to know when you can expect to be swimming.

The honest answer? It depends on several factors. Pool type, yard conditions, permit timelines, and the time of year all play a role. That said, most homeowners in Montgomery County can expect the full process to take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks once construction begins.

At KS Pools & Patios, we’ve been building custom pools for over 25 years. We know this area well, and we know how to keep your project moving efficiently from start to finish.

The Design Phase Comes First

Before a single shovel hits the ground, the design phase sets the foundation for everything. This is where you work with your pool contractor to figure out size, shape, depth, and features.

At KS Pools, we use 3D design technology to show you exactly what your finished pool will look like before construction starts. That kind of clarity matters. It helps you make confident decisions early and avoids costly changes later.

The design phase typically takes one to three weeks. It moves faster when homeowners come in with a general idea of what they want. If you’re torn between a gunite pool and a fiberglass pool, this is the time to have that conversation with your contractor.

Permits Take Time in Montgomery County

This is the part of the process that surprises most homeowners. In Montgomery County, you need permits before construction can begin. That includes building permits, zoning approvals, and in some cases, inspections along the way.

Permit timelines vary by municipality. Some townships move quickly. Others take longer. On average, plan for two to six weeks for permits to come through. Your contractor should handle all of this on your behalf. At KS Pools, we work directly with local townships so you don’t have to chase paperwork or figure out the process yourself.

One tip: start planning in the fall or winter if you want to swim by summer. Permit offices get busy in the spring when everyone suddenly decides they want a pool. Getting ahead of the rush makes a real difference.

Excavation and Shell Construction

Once permits are approved, the build begins. The first big step is excavation. A crew comes in and digs out the shape of your pool. This usually takes one to three days depending on the size of the pool and what’s underground.

From there, the process varies based on the type of pool you chose.

Gunite pools are built on-site. After excavation, a steel rebar framework is installed and then gunite is sprayed over it to form the shell. This is a multi-step process that includes curing time. Gunite construction generally takes three to six weeks for the shell alone.

Fiberglass pools move faster at this stage. The shell arrives pre-manufactured and is lowered into the excavated hole. Once it’s set and leveled, construction moves to the next phase quickly. Fiberglass shell installation often takes just one to three days.

Both options produce beautiful results. The right choice depends on your yard, your design preferences, and your timeline. Talk to your contractor about which makes more sense for your specific situation.

Plumbing, Electrical, and Equipment Installation

After the shell is in place, the mechanical work begins. Your pool needs plumbing, filtration, pumps, and electrical wiring. If you’re adding features like underwater lighting, a spa, a waterfall, or a heating system, those get installed during this phase too.

This part of the project typically takes one to two weeks. It requires licensed plumbers and electricians working in coordination. A well-organized pool contractor keeps these crews on schedule so there’s no lag time between steps.

At KS Pools, we coordinate all trades in-house. That means fewer delays and a smoother experience for you as a homeowner.

Decking, Coping, and Outdoor Living Features

Once the pool structure and mechanical systems are complete, attention turns to the surround. Coping is installed along the pool edge. Decking goes in around the pool. If you’re adding a patio, outdoor kitchen, pergola, or landscaping, that work happens during this phase as well.

This is where your backyard really starts to come together. The outdoor living features around your pool matter just as much as the pool itself. They define the space and make it functional and beautiful beyond just the water.

Decking and finishing work generally takes one to three weeks depending on the scope of what you’re building.

Final Inspections and Pool Startup

Before you can swim, your pool has to pass inspection. A township inspector will review the work to confirm everything meets local code. Once the inspection is cleared, your contractor will walk you through startup.

Startup includes filling the pool, balancing the water chemistry, and making sure all equipment is running correctly. Your contractor should also walk you through how to maintain your pool so you’re set up for long-term success.

From the day construction begins to the day you swim, expect eight to twelve weeks for a fiberglass pool and ten to sixteen weeks for a gunite pool. Add two to six weeks for permits before any of that starts.

What Can Slow Down Your Pool Build?

A few things can push timelines out. Weather is a big one. Rain delays excavation and outdoor work. Extreme cold affects concrete curing. Montgomery County winters can create complications if construction starts too late in the season.

Material delays and inspection scheduling can also add time. An experienced contractor anticipates these things and builds buffer into the project plan. Homeowners who are responsive and make decisions quickly also help keep things moving.

Ready to Build an Inground Pool in Montgomery County?

Now that you know what to expect, the next step is simple. Reach out to a team that knows Montgomery County and has the track record to back it up.

KS Pools & Patios has built custom gunite and fiberglass pools for homeowners across the region for over 25 years. We handle design, permits, construction, and finishing all under one roof. You get one team, one point of contact, and a finished pool you’ll enjoy for decades.

Contact KS Pools & Patios today to schedule your consultation and get your project started.