7 Compelling Reasons to Start Your Summer Pool Project Right Now

Getting a head start will help your pool project move along swimmingly

swimming pool in a large yard
Photo: Tom Merton / OJO images / Getty Images
swimming pool in a large yard
Photo: Tom Merton / OJO images / Getty Images
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It’s tough to imagine a splash in the pool when coffee shops are still serving peppermint mocha. Despite the fact that you’re still wearing mittens, now is a great time to get your plans in motion. Here’s why you should get the beach ball rolling on your pool project during the winter months.

1. You’ll Have More Time to Plan

The doldrums of winter tend to drag on and on—until they’re suddenly over and your outdoor space isn’t ready for it. If it’s past Memorial Day and you’re still scrambling to set up your pool, you’re more likely to compromise or cut corners. 

What’s more, you could end up with a disreputable pool company that does a poor job or charges you far more than you should have to pay.

Why not contact a local pool installation company while the bears are still asleep? That way, you’ll have your ducks in a row well before Easter.

2. You May Save Money

construction workers installing pool in backyard
Photo: Jeff Clow / Adobe Stock

Pool companies don’t hibernate during the colder months—in fact, they’re especially energized and eager to secure new business. Think of winter as a perpetual Black Friday for swimming pools. If you want to secure the best deal, catch pool pros on the off-season when the discounts are the juiciest.

3. You’ll Have a Time Cushion in Case of Any Snags

A large and lengthy pool project can get delayed for a number of reasons. From manufacturing hiccups to issues with the landscaping, a lot can go wrong. 

If this happens near the summer, you could get left high and dry for months. Don’t leave yourself open to this level of disappointment—start ahead of time and you’ll have a much larger margin for error.

4. You Can Get Necessary Permits Out of the Way

In many places, you can’t just build a pool willy-nilly. There are a few things you should know, including building code regulations, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. On top of that, many municipalities require permits for this type of build. By getting the project in motion during the winter, you’ll have plenty of time to get this all squared away before summer hits.

5. Your Yard Will Have More Time to Recover

digging out hole for swimming pool
Photo: Eléonore H / Adobe Stock

Big digs and pool setups can be traumatizing for your landscape. If you start your pool project in the summer, you won’t have much time for a rebound. Starting as soon as your area’s climate allows will help your landscape recover before your first summer barbecue. 

You’ll even have a chance to add bug-repelling plants, which can make cleaning your pool easier (and less creepy-crawly).

6. You’ll Have More Time for the Finishing Touches

If the pool pros finish your project after the summer heat hits, you’ll probably be in the water before the kids can say “Marco Polo.” While this is obviously the ultimate goal, you’re missing out on the opportunity to get creative and add more. You could DIY a deck, plant some greenery, or do whatever else your heart desires. 

7. Your Pool Will Be Summer-Ready

Why waste the hottest, most swimmable days of summer getting antsy for your new pool? Many builds can take weeks or even months to complete, so you don’t want to wait until you’ve unpacked your sandals. Depending on time and availability, you could be winterizing your new pool before you’ve even had time to enjoy it. 

If you live in a more temperate climate, you’ll likely be able to start your pool project any time of the year (and winter is prime). For areas that see ice and snow, you’ll need to wait for the spring thaw—but you’ll still get hot discounts and early-bird install dates.

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