Why Pool Construction Delays Happen (and How Good Builders Work to Prevent Them)

Anyone considering a new pool will eventually ask the same question:

“How long will it take to build?”

It’s a fair question—but the truth is that pool construction, like all outdoor construction, is influenced by several variables. Some are predictable. Some aren’t. And some are completely outside the builder’s control.

What separates great builders from average ones isn’t the ability to avoid all delays—it’s the ability to minimize them through smart planning, communication, and project management.

Here’s a clear look at the most common causes of construction delays and how professional pool builders work to stay ahead of them.

1. Weather Delays: The Biggest and Most Unpredictable Factor

Weather is hands-down the #1 cause of delays in pool construction.

Certain stages simply cannot happen when conditions are wet or stormy:

• Excavation can collapse in saturated soil

• Steel installation becomes dangerous

• Concrete cannot bond properly

• Decking cannot cure correctly

• Heavy equipment can’t safely access the site

In many regions—especially the Gulf Coast and Southeast—the heaviest rainfall occurs in summer. Ironically, that’s also when most people decide to build pools, which means summer builds are often the slowest.

No builder can control the weather, but responsible ones monitor forecasts closely, shift schedules when needed, and move quickly the moment conditions allow.

2. Talent Availability: How Subcontractor Scheduling Affects Timelines

Most pool builders, especially in small to mid-sized markets, rely on subcontractors for the majority of the work. This is industry standard.

Because many builders use the same subcontractors, one delay can ripple across multiple companies.

Common contributing factors include:

• Subcontractors visiting several job sites per day

• Longer-than-expected tasks pushing back their schedule

• Weather delays affecting previous jobs

• Trade shortages affecting the entire region

Builders who limit their geographic territory, avoid overbooking, and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors typically experience fewer setbacks. Builders who overextend themselves tend to struggle the most.

3. Material Delays: The Part Nobody Likes but Everyone Deals With

Even with early planning and careful ordering, material delays can still occur.

Common causes include:

• Discontinued products

• Shipping issues

• Factory backorders

• Random supply chain disruptions (global or domestic)

• Logistics delays during peak seasons

Good builders reduce the impact of these delays by finalizing selections early, tracking shipments, and communicating quickly when something changes.

4. Change Orders: Why Mid-Build Changes Can Slow Things Down

Change orders—whether requested by the homeowner or required due to unexpected site conditions—can affect the project timeline.

Examples include:

• Adding new features

• Changing the size or shape of the pool

• Encountering unforeseen underground issues

• Needing additional materials

• Adjusting plumbing or electrical

• Moving the equipment pad

High-quality design tools (like 3D modeling and photogrammetry) help eliminate surprises on the front end. The more precise the planning, the less likely it is that change orders will disrupt the schedule.

5. Municipal Delays & Stop Work Orders

Cities and counties play a major role in construction timelines.

Delays can occur from:

• Slow permit approvals

• Inspection backlogs

• Shifting municipal policies

• New permitting requirements

• Red-tagging or Stop Work Orders when builders cut corners

This is one area where choosing the cheapest builder can become very expensive. A skipped step or improper inspection can stall a project for weeks.

Reputable builders follow all requirements, schedule inspections promptly, and maintain strong communication with municipalities.

How Professional Builders Minimize Delays

While no builder can eliminate all delays, strong builders consistently:

• Limit their territory to stay hands-on

• Keep a manageable workload

• Use project management technology

• Maintain long-term subcontractor relationships

• Plan materials well in advance

• Document the site with tools like drone photogrammetry

• Communicate clearly and frequently

These strategies don’t just reduce delays—they help prevent miscommunication, unnecessary change orders, and scheduling conflicts.

Delays Are Sometimes Part of Construction—But Good Builders Keep Them Rare

Understanding potential delays helps set realistic expectations while also highlighting the importance of choosing a builder with strong processes.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s professionalism.

When builders communicate openly, plan wisely, and manage the process carefully, delays become manageable rather than disruptive.