The Capital Region of New York is home to exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, splendid vistas, and gorgeous weather. For homeowners in the area, fully embracing what makes the area so special means transforming your property into an idyllic outdoor space that welcomes you home and encourages you to take it all in.

Adding a pool to your backyard is a monumental step toward the paradise you envision, and it’s fully within your reach when you work with a local design and installation team. Thanks to the seasonal changes that upstate New York is known for, however, there’s more to this process than choosing a direction and starting construction.

Choosing the best time of year to buy a pool and perform an inground pool installation will play a major part in determining how long it takes to install your pool, the cost associated with the installation, and when you can begin enjoying the new centerpiece of your outdoor oasis.

At Gallivan, we’ve been helping homeowners with pool design and installation in the Capital Region and cities such as Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Clifton Park for decades. Overall, we would recommend beginning your pool design and installation process during the fall or winter. Read on for more guidance on the best time to install a pool and how you can streamline your backyard transformation.

• Your Guide to Installing a Pool in New York 
• How New York's Climate Impacts Pool Construction
• When is the Best Time to Build a Pool in the Capital Region of New York?
• How Long Does it Take to Build a Pool 
• Are Pools Cheaper in the Winter? 
• How to Meet Your Pool Project Deadline
• Streamline Your Pool Installation with Gallivan

Your Guide to Installing a Pool in New York

If you have big plans for the New York pool season, you will want to time your pool installation appropriately. After all, maximizing the family fun, backyard barbecues, and neighborhood gatherings from June to September means having your pool ready to use as soon as the temperature allows.

There is more to adding a pool to your dream backyard than simply selecting a design and digging a hole, meaning that you must be realistic about your goals and timeline when installing a pool in New York. From evaluating your property to addressing the rest of your landscaping, Gallivan is here to ensure that your inground pool installation process goes as smoothly as possible.

How New York’s Climate Impacts Pool Construction

It’s no secret that upstate New York’s climate experiences an impressive variety. It is, in many ways, the best of all worlds. Sunshine-filled summer days fade into crisp fall evenings before a soft blanket of snow descends, only for the vibrance of spring to burst forth. It’s a season-lover’s paradise, but it does make pool construction difficult.

If you begin your pool installation in the summer months, you will miss out on prime New York pool season. You could also suffer from setbacks as a result of heavy rainfall. So, while it is typically easier to install a pool during the warmer months, that doesn’t mean it will be free from challenges.

On the other hand, if you begin construction during the colder months, the freeze and thaw cycle can present notable challenges to builders. Harder ground makes the construction process difficult, and a wet and snowy winter could lead to frustrating setbacks.

The season can also influence the demand for installing a pool in New York. Many homeowners opt to begin construction in the spring or summer because it is easier. The downside is that more demand creates competition, leading to waitlists and higher prices.

So, is there a best time of year to buy a pool? The answer depends on your specific goals, timeline, and budget!

When is the Best Time to Build a Pool in the Capital Region of New York?

There are essentially two pool building seasons in upstate New York: the warmer months (spring and summer) and the cooler months (fall and winter). The best time to install a pool depends primarily on your unique situation and preferences, making a direct answer to the question of “when is the best time to build a pool” a bit muddy.

When to Build a Pool in the Spring and Summer

The warmer months are the peak season for installing a pool in New York. This is the right time to build your pool if you want a faster, easier installation process. Spring and summer are also appropriate for those who don’t mind higher costs and potential wait times due to increased demand and competition.

When to Build a Pool in the Fall and Winter

The colder months make pool construction more difficult, but they are not without benefit. By opting to install your pool during these months, you set yourself up for lower costs, faster permit approval, and more attentive builders.

Additionally, your pool will be ready for use by summer, and your landscaping will have time to recover. The result is a pristine backyard paradise that is ready for endless fun and lifelong memories during the next New York pool season.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool?

Before embarking on a massive backyard renovation that could leave a large portion of your outdoor space torn up and unusable for some time, it is important to understand just how long pool design and installation takes. From those initial brainstorming sessions to sharing a celebratory drink poolside, the process from start to finish can take many months, so planning accordingly is essential.

While your timeline could vary based on certain factors, including weather delays and unique design preferences, the following timelines should provide some insight into the inground pool installation process.

• Design and permitting: one to three months. Solidifying your pool design is step number one, and working with a professional designer typically takes a few weeks up to a month to lock everything in. Depending on your local regulations, securing permits could take two weeks to two months – sometimes even longer.
• Pool construction and installation: two to four months. Installing a pool in New York involves site preparation (two weeks), plumbing and electrical work (two weeks), installing the pool shell (two to four weeks), coping (a few days to two weeks), decking (about a week), and any other finishings (a few days).
• Landscaping and finishing touches: two to four weeks. Your outdoor living space is more than just the pool, even if it is the focal point. Adding water features, outdoor fire pits, and landscaping is a must, and it typically takes between one week and a month to complete.

In total, you should plan on installing a pool in New York to take between three and eight months. Keep in mind that this timeline can shift dramatically depending on external factors such as weather and permitting delays.

Are Pools Cheaper in the Winter?

Budget may not be everything, but it often plays a significant role in the choices made surrounding the design and installation of a pool. For many in the Capital Region, saving a bit of money during the pool construction process can make a huge difference in the overall renovation of their backyard. Retaining resources means an increased opportunity to invest in things like outdoor fireplaces, beautiful landscaping, outdoor kitchens, and more.

Opting to build your pool in the winter can contribute to financial savings. The warmer season is a time of high demand for pool design and installation, leading to higher prices and longer wait times. You may have to pay a premium to complete your project during this competitive season.

When you choose to install your inground pool in the winter, you create an opportunity for a more attentive experience and lower pricing. As a general rule, it is cheaper to build a pool in the winter. However, you could face weather delays and other challenges associated with the Capital Region’s climate. These setbacks could impact not only your timeline, but your budget, causing those potential savings to dissipate.

How to Meet Your Pool Project Deadline

All debate about the best time to install a pool goes out the window if you have a specific deadline you are trying to meet. The more proactive you are, the more likely you are to meet your deadline, so communicate clearly with your pool design and installation team, start the process as early as possible, and be prepared for potential delays along the way.

If you want to be able to use your new pool when the next New York pool season arrives, you should consider reaching out to a professional and beginning the design process in September. This way, your pool should be ready by June, even if the installation experiences some delays and setbacks.

Streamline Your Saratoga Springs Pool Installation with Gallivan

Working with a professional pool design and installation team in the Capital Region is the best way to ensure you are soaking up the sun beside a beautiful and refreshing pool next summer. From securing permits to perfecting the accompanying landscaping, the experts at Gallivan are ready to help transform your dream backyard oasis into a stunning reality.

Fill out our consultation form today to speak to our passionate team of pool experts, discuss your design ideas with our in-house design team, and experience a stress-free approach to inground pool installation. We’re here to help your vision for idyllic outdoor living come to life!