You’ve not built a pool…yet. But if you’re on this article you’re looking to build one and learn from the mistakes of others as you go. As you’d expect with something large and expensive there are a lot of things that can go wrong in a pool build.
In this article, we’ve scoured the web for crowd wisdom. Looking into articles and social media threads of people sharing their version of ” what I wish I knew before building a pool” with others. Every pool installation experience is different and every company and contractor has their way of going about the process. But it helps to be prepared. So we’ve combined the regrets homeowners have had when installing their pool to help you with your research process.
1. Project Timelines and Delays
Building a pool rarely goes according to the initial timeline. Many homeowners enter the process expecting their backyard paradise to be ready in a few months, only to be left waiting for far longer. Weather, inspections, subcontractor scheduling, and permit delays can all extend the project significantly.
As one Reddit user pointed out,
“No matter how long you think it’ll take, it will take much, much longer… Some of the subcontractors won’t know what they’re doing… the GC did not apply for the permit until the last business day before they started digging” (Reddit user nye1387).
This kind of poor planning can lead to months of frustration.
Another homeowner shared a similar experience: “Be prepared for delays. Our contractor told us the pool would be ready in 6-8 weeks, but it took nearly 6 months” (Wagtail Built). Accept that delays are almost inevitable and plan accordingly.
2. Cost Overruns
It’s not just the timeline that can balloon during the pool-building process—the costs can skyrocket too. Initial quotes rarely account for all the additional expenses that can crop up along the way. Factors like unexpected rock excavation, drainage solutions, or upgrading features can quickly add to the bill.
As one Reddit user warns,
“It’s going to take longer and cost more than you’ve realized. Drainage is expensive, fencing is expensive, actually everything is expensive and it’s likely not included” (Reddit user Brianshurst).
This is a great reminder that you should make sure to check your contract before signing for a pool build and ask your pool builder what things mean (use the PRIC method).
“Costs can spiral quickly. In the end, we paid 50% more than what we originally expected because of issues like hitting rock and needing to upgrade our drainage system” (Home Style Insider).
Budgeting for at least 30% more than the initial estimate is a smart way to prepare for potential overages.
3. Communication Issues with Builders
Communication can make or break the pool-building experience. Poor communication from contractors and general contractors (GCs) can lead to frustration and confusion for homeowners. Many people report that builders can be hard to reach or fail to provide updates on progress, leaving clients in the dark.
As one Redditor shared,
“The biggest issue for us was poor communication. If the GC is proactive and communicating well, the client will feel like they’re in the loop… When the GC isn’t responsive or communicative, it gets frustrating very quickly” (Reddit user fikis).
Another homeowner said, “Our builder was great when we first signed the contract, but after that, it was almost impossible to get a hold of him, leaving us completely out of the loop during the build” (Trouble Free Pool, Page 2). Proactive communication is key, so make sure to have regular check-ins scheduled with your builder.
4. Understanding Contracts and Permits
Before any work begins, it’s crucial to carefully review the contract and ensure everything is clearly outlined. Permits can also cause significant delays if not handled correctly.
A Reddit user nye1387 wisely advised,
“Make sure your contract not only specifies who will be applying for permits (ideally your General Contractor aka GC, not you), but when they will be applying for permits” (Reddit user nye1387).
This sentiment is echoed in articles: “Ensure you go over the contract with a fine-tooth comb. We didn’t realize until later that key details, like the placement of equipment, weren’t even mentioned” (Wagtail Built). Being thorough with contracts can save you from unexpected costs and delays.
5. Placement of Pool Features
Proper planning for the placement of jets, skimmers, lights, and the pump system is critical. Poor placement can lead to issues with circulation, noise, or even aesthetic concerns. Many homeowners regret not adding more lights or strategically placing features for efficiency.
“Put in more lights and returns than they recommend… Placement of skimmers and returns is critical for circulation” (Reddit user nye1387).
“The placement of jets, lights, and skimmers is more important than you think. We regret not adding more lights and moving the equipment further away from our patio” (Home Style Insider).
Careful planning can save you from frustration later on.
6. Material and Finish Choices
The choice of materials and finishes for your pool can have long-lasting implications. Darker finishes, for example, often look dirty more quickly, while certain types of decking can crack or require more maintenance over time.
One Reddit user shared,
“Dark pools always look dirty” (Reddit user nye1387),
“I wish I knew that dark fiberglass finishes show every little scratch. I would have gone for something lighter” (Trouble Free Pool, Page 1).
Take your time selecting the right finishes, and consider factors like maintenance and longevity in addition to appearance.
7. Additional Features to Consider
Investing in certain features upfront can save you money and headaches later on. Many homeowners regret not installing pool heaters, saltwater systems, or automatic pool covers during the initial build.
As a Reddit user wisely advised, “Get a heater and go for salt out of the gate, you’ll regret it if you don’t” (Reddit user Brianshurst).
Another article highlights similar regret:
“We skipped the heater initially and ended up adding it a year later at double the cost” (Home Style Insider).
Don’t skimp on what might be essential features for your lifestyle and location. Yes, it might be costly at install but splurging there can improve your pool experience. One of the worst things that can happen after an install is that the pool is a place that no one wants to be because of temperature, depth or other factors.
8. Drainage Planning
Improper drainage can lead to serious issues after the pool is completed. Sinking concrete, erosion, and water damage to your home or yard are just a few of the problems poor drainage can cause.
One Reddit user experienced this firsthand: “Drainage around the pool and pool deck. Mine wasn’t done properly so all the concrete around is sinking and pushing into the pool” (Reddit user bastard_child_botbot).
The Wagtail Built article adds,
“Plan your drainage carefully. We didn’t, and it cost us thousands to fix the issues after the fact.”
Proper drainage planning from the start can save you from expensive repairs down the road.
9. Post-Construction and Maintenance
Building the pool is just the beginning. The ongoing costs of pool maintenance—including chemicals, electricity, and cleaning—can be significant. It’s important to plan for these expenses and to understand the time commitment involved.
As a Redditor succinctly put it, “It’ll constantly cost you each MONTH for upkeep” (Reddit user YogiBeRRies5).
The Trouble Free Pool article reinforces this point:
“Pools are expensive to maintain. We weren’t prepared for the ongoing costs of electricity, chemicals, and repairs” (Trouble Free Pool, Page 2).
Make sure you understand the long-term financial commitment before diving in.
10. Landscaping and Yard Damage
Building a pool can wreak havoc on your yard, leaving you with an additional landscaping project that can add thousands to your final cost. Many homeowners underestimate how much damage construction will do to their property.
One Reddit user warned, “be prepared to spend a lot more on landscaping. Nobody wants a $100k pool surrounded by mud and slurry” (Reddit user Brianshurst).
Another homeowner shared, “The yard was a disaster after the build. We had to budget for landscaping to make it look right again” (Trouble Free Pool, Page 1). Be sure to plan for post-construction landscaping costs.
11. Involvement During Construction
Staying involved throughout the construction process can help prevent mistakes and give you the opportunity to make changes before it’s too late. Homeowners who are present during construction often have more influence over the final product.
One Redditor shared their experience:
“Be home when the work is being done… Being there let us negotiate changes on the fly with the subs, like widening the steps at no additional cost” (Reddit user Astro_Afro1886).
The Home Style Insider article adds, “Stay involved during the build. We caught a few mistakes, like misplaced lighting, because we checked on progress regularly.” Being hands-on can help ensure the pool turns out the way you envisioned.
12. Local Codes and Zoning
Understanding local building codes and zoning regulations is essential. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, delays, or even the need to redo parts of the project. As one Redditor learned the hard way,
“Make sure you understand the local code requirements. I had to shut down the project for weeks because the contractor didn’t follow the proper bonding procedure” (Reddit user TravelPirate).