How Long Does It Really Take to Build a Pool on Long Island?

July 17, 2026

Share this article

How Long Does It Really Take to Build a Pool on Long Island?

It is one of the first questions we hear from homeowners who are seriously considering a new pool. And it is a fair one. You want to know what you are getting into, how long your backyard will be a construction zone, and most importantly, when you will actually be able to swim.

The honest answer is that the timeline depends on a number of factors, and understanding each one helps set realistic expectations. Here is a breakdown of the full process from first call to first swim.

The Design and Consultation Phase: 1 to 2 Weeks

The process starts with a conversation. We sit down with you to understand your vision, assess your backyard, and start developing a design that works for your space and your lifestyle.

This phase involves measuring your yard, discussing shape, size, depth, features, and finishes, and putting together a design that reflects exactly what you want. We use detailed design tools so you can see what your finished pool will look like before a single shovel hits the ground.

Most homeowners find this phase takes one to two weeks to get through. It can move faster if you have a clear vision going in, or take a little longer if you are weighing a lot of options. Either way, getting the design right at this stage is worth the time.

Permitting: 4 to 8 Weeks

This is where most of the waiting happens, and it is important to understand upfront. Before any construction can begin, your pool needs to be permitted through your local municipality. On Long Island this process varies depending on your town, but it typically takes anywhere from four to eight weeks.

At Arthur Edwards we handle the entire permitting process for you. We prepare and submit all the necessary documentation and follow up with the municipality on your behalf. You do not have to navigate the paperwork or make a single phone call. We take care of it all.

The permitting timeline is largely outside of anyone's control once the application is submitted, which is why we always emphasize the importance of starting the process early. The sooner you reach out, the sooner the clock starts on permitting and the sooner you are swimming.

Excavation: 1 to 2 Days

Once permits are approved, the construction process moves quickly. Excavation, the process of digging out the pool shell, typically takes just one to two days for a standard residential pool. Our equipment and crew are efficient, and we take care to protect your yard and landscaping throughout.

Pool Shell Construction: 1 to 2 Weeks

With the excavation complete, the Permacrete pool shell is formed and poured. This is the structural backbone of your pool and it is built to last. The shell curing process takes a few days, during which other work like plumbing and electrical can begin happening simultaneously.

Plumbing and Electrical: 1 Week

All the mechanical systems that make your pool run, including the pump, filter, heater, lighting, and any automation, are installed and connected during this phase. Our team handles everything in-house and coordinates with inspectors as required.

Decking and Finishing: 1 to 2 Weeks

The final phase covers everything you see when the pool is complete. Coping, decking, tile, and the vinyl liner installation all happen here. This is also when any water features, steps, or other custom elements are finalized.

Once the liner is in and the pool is filled, we balance the water chemistry and conduct a full equipment check before handing it over to you.

Total Timeline: 8 to 14 Weeks From Contract to First Swim

When you add it all up, most Long Island pool builds take between 8 and 14 weeks from the time you sign a contract to the time you are swimming. The biggest variable is permitting, which is why starting early is so important.

If you start the process in the fall or winter, you can be swimming the following Memorial Day weekend. If you start in the spring, you are typically looking at mid to late summer for your first swim. And if you are reading this in July, it is not too late to start planning for next season.

The Best Time to Start Is Now

Every week you wait is a week added to the other end of the timeline. Reaching out today means we can get the design started, submit permits as soon as possible, and have your pool ready to go as early as next summer.

Call us at 631-744-7189 or visit aepools.com to request your free consultation. Our team is ready to walk you through every step of the process.How Long Does It Really Take to Build a Pool on Long Island?

Arthur Edwards Pool and Spa Centre has been serving Long Island families since 1974. All construction supervised personally from start to finish.

Recent Posts

July 24, 2026
How to Keep Your Pool Crystal Clear All Summer Long
July 10, 2026
The Best Pool Upgrades to Consider This Summer
July 3, 2026
Hot Tub in the Summer? Absolutely. Here Is How to Get the Most Out of It.
June 26, 2026
Pool Liner Replacement: How to Know When It Is Time and What to Expect
By Jarrett Edwards June 12, 2026
Spring is here on Long Island, and if you're one of the many homeowners dreaming of a backyard pool, you're probably wondering where to start.
By Jarrett Edwards June 3, 2026
This is a subtitle for your new post
By Jarrett Edwards May 27, 2026
As Long Island temperatures climb and Memorial Day weekend approaches, the excitement of summer pool season is building. But before you dive into those first refreshing swims, there's one crucial step that can make or break your entire summer experience: professional summerizing service. After 50 years of opening pools across Long Island, we've seen what happens when homeowners rush the process or skip essential steps. The difference between a properly summerized pool and a DIY attempt often shows up weeks later in frustrating ways that could have been easily prevented. The Hidden Complexity of Pool Opening What looks like simply removing a cover and adding water is actually a precise sequence of chemical balancing, equipment checks, and system testing. Your pool has been dormant for months, and bringing it back to life safely requires expertise that goes far beyond basic maintenance. Our Summerizing Service includes comprehensive water testing, equipment inspection, and careful chemical adjustment to ensure your pool opens crystal clear and stays that way. We check every component – from your filtration system to safety equipment, because small issues discovered early prevent major headaches during peak swimming season. Equipment That's Been Sleeping Needs Professional Attention Pool equipment doesn't just sit quietly during winter months. Pumps, filters, and heating systems can develop issues that only become apparent when you try to start them up. Our technicians have opened over 5,000 pools on Long Island, and we know exactly what to look for. We test all your equipment under actual operating conditions, not just a quick flip of the switch. This means checking flow rates, pressure readings, and system efficiency. When we find issues (and we often do), we can address them immediately rather than leaving you with a non-functional pool in the middle of July. Chemistry That Creates the Foundation for Summer The water chemistry balance achieved during your pool opening sets the tone for your entire season. Get it wrong, and you'll spend weeks fighting algae blooms, cloudy water, and skin irritation. Our Summerizing Service establishes the perfect chemical foundation that makes weekly maintenance throughout the summer much simpler. We don't just dump chemicals and hope for the best. Each pool opening involves customized treatment based on your pool's specific conditions, local water characteristics, and the unique challenges that Long Island's climate presents. The Peace of Mind That Comes with Professional Service When Arthur Edwards Pool & Spa Centre handles your summerizing, you're not just getting a service, you're getting five decades of Long Island pool expertise. We personally supervise every opening, just like we do with our custom pool installations. Your family's safety and your investment protection are too important to leave to guesswork. Professional summerizing means your pool opens right the first time, stays clean longer, and operates efficiently all season long. Ready for the Best Summer Yet?  Don't let improper pool opening ruin your summer plans. Our Summerizing Service ensures your pool is ready for that first Memorial Day weekend swim and every sunny day that follows. Ready to schedule your professional pool opening? Call us at (631) 744-7189 or visit aepools.com/contact to request your free quote. Your perfect summer is just one phone call away. Arthur Edwards Pool & Spa Centre Inc. has been serving Long Island families since 1974. All services performed by trained professionals. Individual results may vary based on pool condition and maintenance history.
By Jarrett Edwards May 22, 2026
June on Long Island means one thing: prime pool season is officially here
By Jarrett Edwards April 24, 2026
If you've been researching pool construction, you may have come across the term Permacrete. And if you haven't, you should — because the material your pool is built with has a profound impact on how long it lasts, how well it holds up to our climate, and how much maintenance it requires over its lifetime. At Arthur Edwards Pool & Spa Centre, we use Permacrete because we believe in building pools that stand the test of time, not just look good for a few years. The Problem With Traditional Pool Construction Standard concrete pools, while popular, come with some well-known long-term challenges. Traditional concrete is porous, meaning it absorbs water, chemicals, and contaminants over time. It can crack as the ground shifts and settles. It's susceptible to the freeze-thaw cycles that are a reality in much of the country — water gets into tiny pores, freezes, expands, and gradually breaks down the structure. Owners of older concrete pools know this story well: resurface, patch, resurface again. This isn't a failure of the pool owner — it's a limitation of the material. Enter Permacrete Permacrete is an advanced construction material engineered specifically for pool shells. It's denser, stronger, and significantly less porous than traditional concrete mixes, which changes the performance equation in several important ways. Because Permacrete is less porous, it doesn't absorb water and chemicals the way standard concrete does. This means the structure itself stays cleaner, holds its integrity longer, and resists the kind of internal breakdown that plagues older pools. The result is a pool shell that maintains its strength and shape over decades of use — not one that needs constant attention and resurfacing. Built for Our Climate Here in the US, pools face real seasonal stress. Summer heat, winter cold, and everything in between puts tremendous pressure on pool structures year after year. Permacrete's density and reduced porosity make it exceptionally well-suited to these conditions. It handles temperature swings better, resists freeze-thaw damage more effectively, and holds up to the chemical environment of a well-maintained pool without degrading. For homeowners who want to build once and build right, this matters enormously. What It Means for You Long-Term The practical benefits of a Permacrete pool come down to three things: lower maintenance costs, fewer repairs over the life of the pool, and greater long-term value. You're not just buying a pool — you're buying peace of mind that the structure underneath your beautiful finish will remain solid for decades. When we build a pool at Arthur Edwards, we're thinking about how it will perform not just this summer, but ten, fifteen, and twenty years from now. Permacrete is one of the ways we make that long-term commitment to quality a reality. The Arthur Edwards Difference Choosing the right builder is just as important as choosing the right material. Our team has the expertise to work with Permacrete correctly — proper mixing, placement, and curing — because even the best material performs only as well as the craftsmanship behind it. We've seen what corners cut during construction look like years down the line, and we refuse to let that be the story of any pool we build.  If you're considering a new pool and want to understand more about Permacrete and why we build with it, we'd love to talk. Visit aepools.com or stop in to see us at Arthur Edwards Pool & Spa Centre. Build it right the first time — and enjoy it for a lifetime.
Show More