By Duke Loper of Hobert Pools & Spas
Building a swimming pool is an exciting process, and if you’re like many homeowners, you want it finished fast so you can start enjoying your new outdoor oasis. While build times used to average a few months, today’s “new normal” has pushed extended build times out even further, leaving homeowners wondering just how long it will take to have their pool built.
So what has pushed pool build dates out as much they have?
Swimming Pools Are in High Demand
It’s no secret that we’ve all had to find more exciting things to do without leaving home. Playing outside in the yard is great, but having your own swimming pool is even better. As a result, the demand for swimming pools is very high right now. We started seeing this trend in mid-2020, so right now, most pool builders have a longer waitlist they need to work through before they can begin your project.
The good news is that it shows you’re making a great decision! A swimming pool is an excellent way to safely have fun and make memories in the comfort of your own home. However, the high demand means that there is a delay in getting your build moving forward. Reach out to your local pool builder to better understand what the current build timeline looks like so you can prepare accordingly.
Shutdowns Have Caused Delays in Permits
Building a pool is a significant construction project. There’s the design stage, and then your contractor needs to get permits from your city municipalities before construction beginning. Unfortunately, due to the length of the COVID-19 shutdowns, most municipal governments are running behind on processing approvals. There are many permits backed up right now, and there are only so many employees to handle them.
Even after offices and cities reopen, many aren’t necessarily opening up to their full capacity and will need time to catch up on the backlog. As a result, it’s best to apply for your permits as early as possible, or there could be additional delays once your pool builder is ready.
Materials Are in Shorter Supply
The shutdowns in 2020 and early 2021 affected every industry, including construction and building. That means that building materials are harder to get and take longer to arrive than anticipated.
Pool equipment manufacturers and pool material suppliers have faced shutdowns or slowed production as businesses took extra precautions to stay safe and healthy. Some equipment is taking twice as long to arrive once we place our orders simply due to the domino effect of the pandemic. The increased number of customers building pools across the country also affects this delay. Suppliers and builders are experiencing shortages at a time that demand is extremely high.
A New Pool is Worth The Wait
While it may take longer than usual to build your pool, we can assure you that the finished product will be worth the wait and your valued patience. In the end, you’ll have a safe and beautiful outdoor oasis to enjoy with your friends and family for many years to come.
The expert pool builders at Hobert Pools & Spas will work closely with you throughout the entire design and build process to ensure you’re always up to date with any delays that may impact your project. You can rest assured that we are moving forward as quickly as possible without compromising one bit of the quality and integrity you’ve come to expect from us.
If you’re ready to get started on your pool project, contact Hobert Pools and Spas today for more information.
