8 Reasons Why You Should Build a Pool in Winter

Like most people, you probably want to wait until spring to install your backyard pool. In theory, it should be finished by early summer, right? But what you don’t know is that planning and building a pool takes time – longer than you realise. In fact, demand for swimming pools is higher than ever, which means it can take months to design, build and finish a backyard swimming pool. 

That’s why you should start shopping around for your pool in autumn or early winter. An early start gives you plenty of time to finalise the design and permissions (yes, you need permissions!) before excavation and installation can begin. What’s more, it can make the building process faster and easier – and save you money in the process. 

Want to know how? Read on to discover eight reasons why it’s smart to plan and build a pool in winter.

1. You can shop around for the best pool builder

A swimming pool is a big investment, which is why you should shop around to find the best pool builder for your needs. According to Canstar Blue, it can cost between $25,000 and $75,000 to buy and install a pool, with custom and premium installations costing as much as $100,000. To make sure you’re spending your money wisely, check out pool websites, visit showrooms and ask other pool owners for recommendations. But more importantly, choose a builder who has a demonstrated history of successful and ethical trading, such as a member of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA). When you start researching early, you have time to check references, weigh up different quotes and make the best decision for your family’s needs. 

2. You can spend longer on the pool plans

Everyone’s pool needs are different. In-ground or above-ground? Fibreglass or vinyl liner? With a spa or without? Starting early means that you can weigh up the pros and cons of different pool sizes, features and types, and make decisions based on your needs and budget – not a deadline.

Your pool builder will also inspect your property, identify challenges and propose solutions. This will give you a chance to ask questions and discuss options. For instance, you may discover that there are sewerage pipes or cables under your property, which could make installation difficult, or that a pool will significantly reduce garden space. They will also advise on how big your pump or heater needs to be based on the size of your pool, and how much clearance you’ll need for the fence. Taking time with the plans will help you make the right choice and avoid unnecessary costs or surprises down the track.

3. You have time for permissions to be granted

Once your pool design is finalised, your builder will send it to your council to get a Development Application (DA) approval and construction certificate. This can take up to eight weeks. In spring or summer, councils are inundated with requests, which means it could take even longer. If you get in early, though, there’s a good chance your application will be processed quickly. But even if there are delays, you’ll still have plenty of time to build the pool and have it ready to go in summer. 

4. Pool builders aren’t as busy in autumn or winter

Winter is a quiet period for pool builders, which isn’t surprising. A swimming pool is the last thing on our minds when temperatures drop.  But it’s actually the best time to start planning your pool. Builders will be available to give you fast quotes and advice, and you won’t have to wait weeks or months to get started. Plus, the pool will be completed sooner because contractors won’t be juggling multiple projects at the same time. 

If you wait until November, contractors like plumbers and electricians will be in high demand for other jobs that need to be completed before Christmas, so it could delay your pool. Make sure you ask your builder for a timeline for completion. With recent COVID and supply issues, there may be unexpected delays on materials, even in winter.

5. Pool companies offer discounts during the off-season

Pool companies aren’t as busy during the cooler months, which is why they offer discounts and run sales to rustle up business. This means it’s a great time to save hundreds or even thousands on pool building costs. At the same time, check out pool supply shops or websites. They may have end-of-season or EOFY deals on pool pumps, pool filters and pool heaters. 

6. There are fewer interruptions 

Most of us spend more time indoors in the cooler months – including our furry friends. This means that excavation and construction can take place without children, pets or soccer balls getting in the way. Outdoor activity can be disruptive and dangerous during the construction phase, particularly if the fencing hasn’t been installed yet. As a result, getting a pool built in the cooler months is safer for both contractors and your family.

7. Plants and grass have time to get established

Not only does a new pool require landscaping to set it off, but you probably need to replace landscaping that was lost during the build. This means planting new shrubs, grass or evergreen trees around your pool. But these can take time to grow and won’t look attractive straight away. If you plant them at the height of summer, they could wilt and die in the heat. However, if you tackle this landscaping in winter, your trees, plants and lawn will have time to establish and look stunning by the time summer arrives. 

8. Your pool will be swim-ready in spring or summer

If you start building a pool in spring or early summer, there’s no guarantee it’ll be finished before February. That means you’ll miss out on using your pool when your family’ needs it most (unless you live in a warm climate or use a heating system). There’s nothing worse than suffering through a long, scorching summer and staring into the pit of an unfinished pool. By starting early, your pool will be swim-ready as soon as it’s warm enough to swim.

Can you still build a pool in spring or summer?

There’s no reason why you can’t plan and build a pool in the warmer months – if that’s what works for your budget and schedule. Just be prepared for it to take longer. It could be autumn or winter by the time it’s finished. But this isn’t a problem if you get a pool heater or you live in a warmer climate. 

However, you won’t be able to enjoy those winter discounts that could save you thousands in installation costs or equipment or the prompt attention you get from pool builders during the off-season. On the plus side, building in the warmer months means that the ground is dry, making the earth move lighter and quicker. Plus, if you’re getting a concrete pool, waterproofing, painting, or tiling will dry faster in the heat.

Are there any disadvantages to building in winter?

The only problem with installing a pool in winter is the weather. Some regions can be battered by rain, wind and storms, delaying construction and turning your yard into a mud pit – or a pond for aquatic birds! Plus, removing water from a hole in the ground is challenging and time-consuming, particularly if the shell hasn’t been installed yet. 

If you live in a region where temperatures dip below zero, there may be delays in pouring concrete and waiting for it to cure (5–35 degrees Celsius is the ideal temperature range) or even filling the pool with water (there’s a risk it could freeze in your pipes). In that case, your builder will keep an eye on the weather and tell you when it’s best to proceed.

What can you expect during pool installation?

Once your plans have been approved, installation can begin. Most builders will give you a timeline for each step, but if you want to know what to expect, here’s a quick rundown:

• Excavation. The area of your pool will be marked out, and earth-moving equipment will dig out the pool. This may take days or weeks, depending on the size of the pool, site challenges and weather conditions.
• Steel-fixing (for a concrete pool). If you’re getting a concrete pool, the builder will install steel fixings to give the pool stability. These structures will mark out slopes and steps so you can see the overall design of the pool. Fixing can take a few days, depending on the size and complexity of your pool.
• Pre-plumbing and wiring. This is when all your connecting pipes, drainage, jets, skimmers, lights and electrical lines are installed. Your pipes will be capped so no debris can get inside. 
• Pouring the concrete (for a concrete pool). Now it’s time for the concrete to be poured into the frame. This is often done with shotcrete, a high-pressure hose that shoots concrete over your pool area. Once this is done, edges are smoothed with manual tools. In general, the concrete needs to be cured for two weeks or more to ensure its integrity and stability. This means that you or your builder will spray it with water two or three times a day. 
• Installation of pool shell (for a fibreglass or vinyl liner pool). If you’re getting a fibreglass or vinyl liner pool, the shell will be lowered into the excavated areas with a crane. The builder will then backfill it with sand or gravel for stability. 
• Fencing the pool. All pools in Australia must have compliant fencing and signage to keep your family and pets safe. Each state and territory has different regulations, so check them beforehand to make sure your fence meets their standards. Installation may be organised by the pool builder or pool owner and needs to be completed before any further work can continue. 
• Finishing the interior (for a concrete pool). The builders will smooth any sharp edges on your pool and add a waterproofing membrane. This will make your pool watertight and prevent leaks. After it dries for a few days, the surface is painted, pebblecreted or tiled. This can take up to two weeks, depending on the size and difficulty of the job.  
• Installation of coping and waterline tiles. The tiles around the pool’s edge and waterline will now be installed. Not only do they make your pool look more attractive and finished, but they also prevent erosion and stop water from getting behind the pool wall. Coping and waterline tiling can take 3–7 days. 
• Connecting the pool equipment. Any pool equipment that you or your builder supplied will now be installed. That includes your pool pump, heater, chlorinator (if required), filter, pool cleaner and automation system (if required). 
• Filling the pool. Now that all your equipment has been installed, the pool can be filled with water, which can take 1–2 days. Once this is complete, your pool equipment will be turned on, and your water chemistry balanced. Don’t worry if the water is murky at the start. This is normal and will clear in a day or so. 
• Handover. After a final site clean-up, a pool technician will complete a handover. This means showing you how to operate the pool pump, clean the filter, add salt to the chlorinator and use the automation system. You’ll also be given a manual and advice on maintaining the pool. If you’re happy with the job and workmanship issues have been resolved, the balance is paid, and you can start using your pool!

Wrapping up

While most people scramble to plan and build their pools in spring, it’s not always the best time if you want a fast, affordable and trouble-free pool installation. By starting the process in autumn or winter, you’ll ensure that you have plenty of time to find a builder, plan your pool, get permissions, find off-season sales and – most importantly – start swimming in summer. Keep in mind that many issues can delay construction, like a sloping site, material shortage, COVID and the increasing popularity of backyard pools, so you can never start too soon! For more information about looking after your new pool, check out our Pool & Spa Guides.