Your Pool Building Journey: A Step-by-Step Timeline in Tulsa

Jul 18

Building a pool is a big investment, but also an incredibly exciting one! At Blue Environments, we believe the process should feel just as rewarding as the final result. That’s why we make it a priority to keep you informed and involved every step of the way. While every pool is unique, here’s a general look at the timeline and what you can expect along the journey.

Initial Consultation and Design Phase

Week 1-2

This is where the fun begins! We’ll visit your backyard to get a feel for the space and talk through your vision, budget, style preferences, and any custom features you’re dreaming of. Once we’ve got a clear idea of your goals, our design team will create a custom 3D rendering of your future pool. We’ll work closely with you to make tweaks and revisions until it feels just right.

Note: If you have HOA approvals or strict city/county regulations, this phase could take longer.

Permitting and Engineering

Week 2-4

After finalizing your design, we’ll get to work on the structural plans and submit them for permits. This part involves a bit of waiting as we hear back from your local office.

Note: Permit approval can take up to anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on your city/county.

Layout and Excavation

Week 4-5

Once we get the green light, we’ll paint the pool outline on the ground to double-check placement. After your final thumbs-up, our team will carefully excavate the space. Depending on access and yard size, this usually takes 1-3 days, but could be longer depending on bigger yards or hard-to-access backyards. In tight backyards, we may need to temporarily remove part of a fence to get equipment through, but don’t worry, we’ll put everything back when we’re done.

Steel Reinforcement

Week 5

This phase is all about building the foundation. We’ll install a steel rebar framework that shapes the walls, steps, benches, and tanning ledge, laying the groundwork for a strong and lasting structure.

Pre-Plumbing and Pre-Electrical

Week 5-6

Now it’s time to install plumbing for things like drains, returns, skimmers, and water features. We’ll also get all the electrical lines in place for lighting and equipment.

Inspection

Timing Varies

Before moving forward, city or county inspectors will stop by to check the steel, plumbing, and electrical work. These inspections are important to make sure everything meets safety and building standards. These inspections are organized by our team, so don’t worry about getting them set up!

Shotcrete Application

Week 6-7

Here’s where the magic starts to happen! We’ll spray the shotcrete (a concrete mix) to form the full shape of your pool. Once that’s done, we’ll begin a curing process that lasts anywhere from 7 to 28 days. During that time, we’ll water the shell daily to prevent cracks and help it set properly.

Tile and Coping Installation

Week 8

Next up: the details that make your pool beautiful. We’ll install your chosen waterline tile and spa tile, and lay the coping (the material that borders the top edge of the pool). You can choose from options like travertine, concrete, or pavers for this finishing touch.

Decking and Surrounds

Week 8-9

Your pool area really starts coming together as we add the surrounding decking, whether it’s pavers, concrete, or travertine. If you’ve added extras like an outdoor kitchen or patio, this is when we’ll get started on those, too.

Note: Timeline can vary depending on the size and scale of your setup.

Equipment Set-Up

Week 9-10

We’ll install all your pool equipment, including pumps, filters, heaters, automation systems, and then get everything connected and running. If you’re using smart controls, we’ll sync everything up so you can operate your pool with ease.

Interior Finish

Week 10-11

This is the final touch that gives your pool its color and texture. Once your chosen plaster finish is applied, we’ll start filling the pool with water right away.

Start-Up and Final Adjustments

Week 11-12

We’ll balance your water chemistry, fine-tune the equipment, and test everything to make sure it’s running perfectly. Then, we’ll walk you through how to use and care for your new pool. We’ll also go over any touch-ups, cleanup, or maintenance options moving forward.

Enjoy!

Once everything is complete and passes final inspections, your pool is officially swim-ready! Time to kick back and soak it all in.

A Few Things That Might Slow The Process Down

We do our best to stay on schedule, but here are a few things that can occasionally cause delays:

Weather, especially rain, which can require dry-out time
Limited backyard access for equipment or deliveries
Custom features that need extra time and care
Changes to the design or features due to a client change order after construction has begun can impact the timeline
Unforeseen supply chain issues for chosen materials can cause minor delays

No two pool builds are exactly alike, and that’s part of what makes the process so exciting. Our team is here to keep things on track, keep you informed, and make sure everything comes together just the way you envisioned. Ready to explore what your pool journey could look like? Reach out to us — we’d love to help you bring it to life.