Your Pool Build Journey
Building a custom gunite pool is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home. Understanding the process removes the mystery and helps you plan your life around the build timeline. Here's exactly what happens from start to finish.
Phase 1: Consultation & Design (Weeks 1-3)
Everything starts with a site visit. Your pool builder walks your property, discusses your vision, evaluates the terrain, and identifies any challenges — drainage, utilities, setback requirements, or access limitations.
What happens:
- Property survey and soil evaluation
- Design consultation with 3D renderings
- Material selection (coping, decking, tile, finish)
- Feature decisions (spa, waterfall, tanning ledge, etc.)
- Engineering drawings and structural plans
- Detailed proposal with transparent pricing
Phase 2: Permitting (Weeks 3-5)
Your builder handles permits with the city or county. In Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), this includes building permits, zoning verification, and sometimes HOA approval.
Timeline varies by:
- Jurisdiction (Charlotte vs. Mooresville vs. unincorporated)
- HOA review requirements
- Engineering complexity
- Time of year (spring permits take longer)
Phase 3: Excavation & Plumbing (Weeks 5-6)
This is when it gets real. Heavy equipment arrives, and your backyard is transformed in 1-2 days. After excavation:
- Plumbing lines are run for returns, skimmers, drains, and water features
- Electrical conduit is placed for lighting and automation
- Equipment pad location is prepped
Phase 4: Steel & Gunite (Weeks 6-8)
A reinforcing steel cage (rebar) is tied throughout the entire pool shell. This is inspected by the municipality before gunite is sprayed. Gunite application day is dramatic — a crew of 6-8 sprays the entire shell in a single day.
After gunite:
- The shell cures for 7-10 days
- Daily watering is required to prevent cracking
- Tile and coping installation begins
Phase 5: Decking, Coping & Tile (Weeks 8-10)
This is where the pool starts looking beautiful:
- Waterline tile is set
- Coping (the cap on the pool wall) is installed
- Pool deck is poured or pavers are laid
- Any retaining walls or seat walls are finished
Phase 6: Equipment & Automation (Week 10-11)
Your pool's mechanical heart is installed:
- Variable-speed pump and filter
- Salt system or chemical automation
- Heater (gas or heat pump)
- LED lighting controllers
- Pool automation system (phone-controlled)
Phase 7: Interior Finish & Fill (Weeks 11-12)
The final pool finish (plaster, pebble, or glass bead) is applied, and the pool is filled with water. This takes 24-48 hours depending on size.
Startup includes:
- Chemical balancing over 30 days
- Brushing the finish twice daily for 2 weeks
- Equipment testing and programming
- Owner orientation and training
Phase 8: Landscaping & Final Touches (Weeks 12-14)
Sod, plants, mulch, landscape lighting, and any remaining hardscape are installed. Your backyard transformation is complete.
Total Timeline
Most custom gunite pools take 10-16 weeks from groundbreaking to swimming. Complex projects with outdoor kitchens, pavilions, or extensive hardscape may take 16-20 weeks.
Ready to Start Your Build?
Contact Blue Waters Construction for a free consultation. We'll walk your property, listen to your vision, and give you an honest timeline and budget for your dream pool.