A well-designed pool deck serves a dual purpose: safety and aesthetics. They provide a beautiful space surrounding the whole perimeter of the pool for walking, sunbathing, relaxing, and partying. They also provide a stable anti-slip surface, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Overall, a pool deck maximizes both the beauty and utility of your swimming pool and increases your home’s value.
But an inviting and functional deck takes time to build, and the timeline varies depending on several factors. While there is no definite number for how long it takes to build a pool deck, getting an idea can save you time, stress, and money.
This guide provides key information required to set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary delays for your pool deck project.
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A variety of factors affect the construction time of a pool deck. The size and complexity of the deck design, material, contractor experience, weather, and permits can all play a role. Now, let’s explore how each factor affects the deck-building timeline.
Simple deck shapes like squares and rectangles will take around one week to complete. On the other hand, complex or custom shapes typically involve curves, elevation changes, and multiple entry points, stretching the timeline. Add-ons like seating, stairs, lighting, hot tubs, and pergolas also increase the construction time.
Planning an inground pool with deck? Flushed with the ground, in-ground pools require precisely leveled and sealed decks to prevent water damage, requiring more planning and time. In contrast, a deck for an above-ground pool with deck must be raised, and it takes relatively less time to complete.
Constructing a deck around an existing pool requires more measurement, adjustment, and custom fitting time. On the other hand, building a pool and deck together is usually faster, as the contractor can plan and execute both side-by-side without return visits or redesigns.
The bigger the deck, the larger the timeline because they need more labor, material, and support structures.
A pool deck can be built at any time of year, even in the winter. But extreme weather conditions like cold outside, heavy blizzard, hailstorm, or severe thunderstorm, make it nearly impossible for the deck building crew to work outdoors.
Extreme heat can delay the process, causing materials to cure too quickly and resulting in cracks. Sealants and adhesives may not set well because they need cooler conditions for proper application. Similarly, rain can interrupt activities like installing wood decking or pouring concrete, further stretching the deck timeline.
Drainage, slope, and soil type may also impact your deck project. For example, clay soils may require drainage solutions, whereas sandy soils may require additional support. Stairs or retaining walls could be necessary on a steep slope. Also, consider the potential effects of rocky terrain, vegetation, and root systems on the deck foundation. It helps to stop the pool deck construction until the land is prepared for a stable and durable foundation.
At Epic Watershapes, we strongly recommend an in-depth site assessment even before pool construction. This saves you time, headaches, and money in the long run.
Choosing the right pool deck contractor is crucial, no matter how long you have to wait. A reputable and experienced contractor understands the entire construction process and is able to give you a nearly accurate idea of the timeline upfront. They use their exceptional scheduling and management skills to ensure the timely completion while minimizing downtime and accelerating the timeline.
So, these are the key factors that typically affect how long it takes to build a pool deck in Florida. Of course, there may be more factors depending on your unique circumstances, which may speed up or cause delays in accomplishing the project.
Why do you need to understand the process? Well, with this information, you can make faster and smarter decisions, and also set realistic expectations. Results? No surprises in the later stage! Save time during the process!
While this step is obvious, we still want to emphasize it because it’s perhaps the most important step. Because your choice of contractor shapes the final outcome, costs, and timeline. You want to work with professional pool deck contractors who can expedite the process while ensuring high-quality results. Selecting the best deck designer and builder might take a few days to a week or two.
Make sure you get everything in writing from your contractor in order to avoid misunderstandings regarding what’s included and what’s not.
Your contractor works with you to create the design using 3D conceptual design software. The design team listens to your preferences and also offers expert recommendations for your pool deck. This step also involves obtaining the required permits and approvals from local authorities in Florida. The entire process might take a few weeks, combined with the time to obtain a permit.
Preparing an even and smooth land is relatively easier than a rocky, sloppy, or uneven area. It will take longer for a larger deck that requires drainage, grading, or clearing.
This stage, which typically lasts one to two weeks, entails removing any grass, plants, or debris from the area. Drainage inspection is important to prevent water problems near the pool. The foundation of crushed stone or gravel is laid to prevent shifting. Once the site is prepared, precise deck measurements are made for the next step.
Also, please note that if we are replacing a concrete deck, this phase can be longer, because of the demolition of the existing concrete.
In this step, the crew lays down the decking material and installs other features. As mentioned above, deck installation time varies depending on the material used for decking. For example, a wooden deck may take longer than a travertine pool deck. Plus, add-ons further increase the time.
This phase involves sealing, staining, and the final clean-up to have your pool deck ready to be enjoyed.
Finally, your local building authority will inspect the new build to ensure compliance with applicable building codes.
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A professional deck builder can shorten the project timeline through smart planning, faster access to resources, and knowledge of local Florida codes and permitting processes. They can help select the best materials for your pool deck, identify and address potential issues before they occur or escalate, and work faster, thus expediting the whole process. Most importantly, reputable pool deck builders in Florida stand out for their ability to stick to deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of service quality.The bigger the deck, the larger the timeline because they need more labor, material, and support structures.
Being well-prepared with all relevant paperwork can help prevent many possible construction delays. Exploring pool deck ideas, knowing your property’s setback lines, and understanding HOA requirements as early as possible can help avoid surprises in later stages. You can also schedule material delivery before the project start date to keep work moving and minimize downtime.
As we mentioned above, unfavorable weather can extend the project timeline. So, choose the right season—spring and early summer. During this time, the construction can continue without weather-related hurdles. Fall is also ideal because of lower demand and better pricing, so you can enjoy your pool deck ready before it’s the right time to plunge in.
Bonus tip: If you want to upgrade your existing pool deck, you can choose pool deck resurfacing, which is faster and cost-effective than rebuilding the entire deck from scratch.
Building a pool and deck is an exciting decision; after all, you’re going to own your personal oasis for unlimited fun with your loved ones. Although the timeline to build a pool deck varies depending on several factors, the Epic Watershapes crew can get it done in the shortest possible time. Our custom decks in Florida are built with smart planning, exceptional craftsmanship, and complete dedication, ensuring you get your pool deck ready before the date agreed upon in the beginning.
