So when is the best time to install a pool?
Depending on who you ask, the answer to that question can be quite different. If you ask a pool contractor the most likely response will be “right now”. The reasoning being that prices will only go up, not down so now is as good as time as any. Not bad logic.
If your in the market for a pool the answer should be “when your ready” and when you can afford the pool you want. But there are other factors and for the purposes of this article the factor we are discussing is what the “best time of year” to install or shop for an in-ground swimming pool is. So lets take a look at each of the four seasons starting with the obvious.
Summer:
June and July are the months when homeowners pick up the phone to inquire about having a pool built the most. This is unfortunate for everyone involved. The weather is hot so it makes sense, but the truth of the matter is any pool contractor worth his salt is booked solid at that time of the year. If you were able to find someone to build your pool three things would happen.
1. You would be paying top dollar.
2. The building process would be taking place during the hottest part of the summer and you will get very impatient because you want to swim.
3. And last your backyard will be in a state of dis-repair for the remainder of the summer.
Fall:
Fall is a good time to install a swimming pool. Summer is over so there is no rush to swim, thus no pressure on the pool builder to complete the project in record time. You might also get a price break at this time of year as the pool contractors workload starts to ease up. It is also the last chance to get the current years pricing as most pool manufacturers raise the price on fiberglass pool shells after the new year. And it gives you until next spring to get your yard back in shape.
Winter:
If you are serious about installing a pool for the next swim season you should absolutely be thinking about your pool project starting in January. This is when you should be thinking about what size, shape and style of pool you want. This is when you should start shopping for a pool contractor. These things take time and should not be taken lightly as a swimming pool is a big investment.
This is when pool contractors schedules start filling up and you want to get on the calendar as early as possible. If you can get your pool installed by March or April it will give you time to get your landscape in shape by the time the weather and water temps scream “everybody in the pool!” To me, this is the best time of year to start your pool project.
Spring:
Many people feel that if they start the pool buying process in the spring that they have plenty of time to have a pool installed and have a full swim season. In most cases this will work out and you can have a great summer. For me the official start of summer is Memorial Day weekend. That’s the first big party of the year and that’s when you want your pool in full working order.
So if you’re going to wait till spring make sure it’s early spring. Do your due diligence beforehand and get on the calendar as soon as you can. Then, all you need to do is kick back and enjoy the perfect summer!
It’s your backyard…Use it. Live it. Love it!
