"When should I start planning my pool?"
This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer often surprises people. If you want to swim next summer, you should be planning now—not when the weather warms up.
Here's how timing works for Utah pool projects.
The Calendar Reality
Utah's pool construction season runs roughly April through October. That's when weather consistently cooperates for excavation, concrete work, and finishing.
But here's what catches people off guard: the best projects are planned months before construction starts.
If you want to swim by Memorial Day: Start planning in fall or early winter
If you want to swim by July 4th: Start planning by February
If you want to swim by Labor Day: Start planning by April (tight but possible for precast)
These timelines account for consultation, design, permitting, and construction. Each phase takes time.
Why Fall and Winter Planning Works Best
Starting your pool planning in the off-season offers real advantages:
1. More scheduling flexibility Spring is our busiest time. Customers who planned ahead are already in the queue. Last-minute projects compete for limited slots.
2. Time for thoughtful design Rushing design decisions leads to compromises. Off-season planning allows time to think through options, adjust plans, and make confident choices.
3. Permit processing time Permits take 2-4 weeks in most Northern Utah municipalities. Starting this process early means you're ready to break ground when weather permits.
4. Better contractor attention Honest truth: when we're not actively building, we have more time for detailed consultations and design work. Off-season conversations tend to be less rushed.
Construction Season Breakdown
Here's what each part of the construction season looks like in Northern Utah:
April-May: Prime start time for custom gunite pools. Weather is reliable, and there's runway to complete before summer.
June-July: Still good for precast pools (fast installation). Tighter for gunite starts if you want significant summer swimming time.
August-September: Excellent for pool construction. Weather is stable, and projects can be completed before winter.
October: Last chance for concrete work before cold weather. Decking and finishing can sometimes extend into early November.
November-March: Generally too cold for pool construction. Planning and design season.
Precast vs. Gunite Timing
Your pool type affects timing flexibility:
Precast pools can be installed in as little as 8 days after delivery. This makes them viable even for mid-summer decisions if you can accept reduced swim time the first season.
Gunite pools require 8-16 weeks of construction. A gunite pool started in July won't be ready for meaningful summer use that year.
If summer swimming is non-negotiable and you're starting late, precast is often the better choice.
What If You're Already Behind?
It's April and you're just starting to think about a pool for this summer. Options exist:
Precast pool: If permitting moves quickly and scheduling works, you could be swimming by July or August.
Plan for next year: Use this summer to finalize design and handle permitting. Be first in the construction queue when spring arrives.
Consider a hot tub: If immediate backyard upgrade is the goal, hot tubs install quickly and provide year-round enjoyment.
We'll be honest about what's realistic given your timeline. False promises about timing help no one.
Planning Timeline Example
Here's a realistic timeline for a gunite pool with summer completion:
October-November: Initial consultation and site visit
December-January: Design development and finalization
February: Permit application submitted
March: Permit approved, materials ordered
April: Construction begins (excavation, steel, plumbing)
May: Gunite application, curing, tile work
June: Finish work, decking, equipment
Late June/Early July: Pool complete, ready to swim
This timeline has reasonable buffer for normal delays. Compressed timelines are sometimes possible but carry more risk.
Start Now
Whatever month you're reading this, the best time to start planning is now. Even if construction is months away, early conversations shape better outcomes.
Contact us to schedule a consultation, or call (801) 510-7142. We'll help you understand what's realistic for your timeline.