By James – Landscaping & Outdoor Design Specialist
Building a swimming pool is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. Not only does it increase your property’s value, but it also transforms your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat for family gatherings, summer afternoons, and weekend entertainment. However, for many homeowners, the pool construction process can feel mysterious or overwhelming—especially if it’s your first major outdoor project. As a landscaping expert who works closely with pool builders and outdoor designers, I’ve helped guide countless clients through each stage of the construction journey. When you understand what to expect, the process becomes smooth, exciting, and full of anticipation.
The first stage of any pool project begins with design and planning. This is where you meet with your pool builder to discuss the shape, size, depth, and style of your new pool. You’ll consider features like steps, ledges, lighting, waterfalls, and even heating options. During this stage, your landscaping vision also comes into play—thinking ahead about surrounding gardens, pathways, seating areas, and other outdoor elements ensures your pool fits seamlessly into your yard. Many homeowners also start exploring poolside plants to complement the final design. Looking at plant options early provides helpful secondary insight into greenery that thrives near water and adds the finishing touch to your poolscape.
Once your design is finalised, the builder will move into the permit and approval stage. This involves submitting engineering plans, soil reports, and site surveys to your local council or building authority. Approval timelines vary by location, but once the green light is given, your construction can officially begin. Although this phase requires patience, it ensures safety, compliance, and proper structural planning.
The next step is excavation, which is one of the most dramatic moments of the process. Heavy machinery arrives to dig the shape of your pool according to the design plans. This part can be noisy and messy, and your yard will look dramatically different for a short time. Excavation generally takes a few days, depending on soil type, access limitations, and pool size. Don’t be alarmed—this is completely normal and marks the transformation from concept to reality.
Following excavation, the crew will begin forming and steel installation. Steel rebar is placed throughout the pool’s shape to reinforce the structure. This becomes the skeleton of your pool, ensuring strength and durability. It’s also during this phase that plumbing lines for filtration, heating, water features, and in-floor cleaning systems are installed. This underground network ensures your pool runs efficiently for years to come.
Once the steel and plumbing are in place, the next major milestone is concrete application, often referred to as shotcrete or gunite depending on the method. The concrete is sprayed onto the steel frame, forming the solid walls and floor of your pool. After shaping and smoothing the surface, the pool must cure for several days to several weeks. During the curing period, it’s important to keep the concrete damp to prevent cracking and ensure maximum strength.
With the shell complete, your builder will start the tiling and coping phase. Tiling enhances both the beauty and functionality of your pool, providing a clean waterline finish. Coping—the edging around the pool—adds visual appeal and creates a smooth transition to the surrounding landscape. You can choose from materials like natural stone, pavers, or precast concrete to match your style.
Once tiling is finished, attention shifts to the surrounding landscaping and hardscaping. This includes paving, decking, fencing, lighting, pathways, and garden design. This stage is where your outdoor space really comes together. If you’ve been gathering ideas for poolside plants, now is the perfect time to implement them. The right plants bring colour, texture, privacy, and softness to the pool area, making it feel like a resort-style retreat.
The final construction stage is interior finishing, where the inside surface of the pool is coated with materials such as pebblecrete, quartz, or plaster. This gives your pool its final colour and texture. Once the interior is complete, the pool is filled with water—an exciting moment for every homeowner. As the pool fills, your builder will balance the water chemistry and check all systems to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
When the pool is officially filled and running, you’ll receive a handover and training session. Your builder will explain how to operate the filtration system, maintain water chemistry, and care for your pool throughout the year. You’ll learn about cleaning tools, robotic vacuums, seasonal adjustments, and ongoing maintenance tips to keep your pool crystal clear.
From initial design to the first splash, the pool construction process is a detailed but extremely rewarding journey. With the right team and a clear understanding of each phase, the experience becomes smooth and enjoyable. When the pool is finally complete, you’ll have not just a swimming area—but a beautifully designed outdoor sanctuary ready for endless relaxation and memories.
