Building a concrete pool is exciting, but it's also a big project. If you've never gone through the process before, it's normal to wonder what happens after you sign the contract. How long will it take? What should you expect? When will your backyard start looking like a pool instead of a construction site?

At Rising Sun Pools, we've been building custom concrete pools throughout the Triangle since 1972. Every project is unique, but most follow the same general timeline. Here's a look at what you can expect from the day we meet until the day you're ready to jump in.

Step 1: Planning Your Pool

Every project begins with a conversation. During your consultation, we'll talk about how you want to use your pool, the style you're looking for, and your budget. Some families want a place where kids can swim all summer, while others are creating a backyard retreat for entertaining friends and relaxing after work.

We'll also take a close look at your property. The size of your yard, the slope, drainage, sun exposure, and soil conditions all influence the design and construction process. After decades of building pools across the Triangle, we've learned that every backyard has its own opportunities and challenges.

Step 2: Designing Your Backyard

Once we've gathered all the information, it's time to create a custom design.

One of the biggest benefits of a concrete pool is that it can be built specifically for your space. You're not limited to standard shapes or sizes, which gives you much more flexibility when it comes to depth, layout, tanning ledges, spas, water features, and other custom details.

During this stage, you'll review the design, make any final adjustments, choose finishes and materials, and approve the overall plan.

We'll also handle the permitting process. Approval times vary depending on your local municipality, but we stay on top of the paperwork so everything keeps moving forward.

Step 3: Excavation

Once permits are approved, construction begins.

Excavation is usually the first major transformation homeowners notice. Heavy equipment is brought in to dig the shape of the pool, and within a few days, your backyard starts looking very different.

The exact timeline depends on the size of the project and soil conditions, but this phase generally moves quickly. Our crews also work carefully to minimize disruption to the surrounding property whenever possible.

Step 4: Building the Framework

After excavation, we begin building the structural framework of the pool.

Steel rebar is installed throughout the excavation to create the support system that gives a concrete pool its long-term strength. At the same time, plumbing lines, drains, return lines, and electrical conduit are installed before the concrete is applied.

This is one of the most important stages of construction because everything behind the finished surface is being put into place.

Step 5: Applying the Concrete Shell

Now the pool really starts taking shape.

Using either shotcrete or gunite, concrete is sprayed over the steel framework to create the walls and floor of the pool. The result is a strong, seamless shell that's built specifically for your design.

After the shell is completed, it needs time to cure properly. This curing period typically lasts at least 28 days. During that time, you may see our crews wetting the concrete to help it cure evenly, which is a normal part of the process.

Step 6: Adding the Finishing Touches

While the shell cures, work continues around the pool.

Tile, coping, and decking are installed, giving your backyard its finished appearance. This is when many homeowners really start to see their vision come together as the colors, textures, and materials they selected begin to take shape.

If your project also includes patios, outdoor living spaces, fire features, or landscaping, much of that work happens during this stage as well.

Step 7: Equipment Installation

Once the pool structure is complete, we install the equipment that keeps everything running smoothly.

This includes pumps, filters, heaters, automation systems, lighting, and any additional features you've chosen, such as waterfalls, bubblers, or deck jets. Every component is tested to make sure it's operating properly before the pool is filled.

The final interior finish—whether plaster, pebble, or tile—is then applied to create the finished swimming surface.

Step 8: Filling the Pool and Final Walkthrough

The last step is filling the pool with water and getting everything ready for your first swim.

We'll balance the water chemistry, verify that every system is working correctly, and walk you through your new pool. We'll explain how to operate the equipment, answer your maintenance questions, and make sure you feel comfortable caring for your investment.

Our goal is to hand over a pool that's ready to enjoy from day one.

How Long Does the Entire Process Take?

Most concrete pool projects take between 12 and 20 weeks from start to finish, although weather, permitting, and the complexity of the design can affect the overall timeline.

Building a custom concrete pool isn't an overnight project, but the extra time allows every phase to be completed correctly. The end result is a pool that's built specifically for your home and designed to provide decades of enjoyment.

If you're thinking about adding a concrete pool to your backyard, the team at Rising Sun Pools is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning a pool that's designed around the way you live.