(737) 990-9077Get a Free Quote

Pool Installation, Step by Step

Our pool building process is composed of 9 distinct steps. Usually, a pool takes around 12 to 16 weeks to build after we get the permit, depending on the design, the yard and the weather.

Freshly shot gunite pool shell with steps and a spa in a Hill Country backyard

4.5

Google rating, from 25 reviews

25+

Years building in Central Texas

How long does it take to build a pool in Austin?

A custom pool from Westbank Pools usually takes around 12 to 16 weeks to build after the permit is issued, depending on the design, the yard and the weather. Before that, design and engineering come first. A free consultation at your home is followed by your survey, a soil report and a 3D prototype of the pool that you can adjust. Engineered drawings are then submitted for permits to your city, county or HOA. The process has nine steps: site visit, design and engineering; permitting, HOA and materials; the dig; steel and plumbing; a 10–12 inch gunite shell; electrical and equipment; tile, coping and decking; the interior finish; and start-up with Pool School. Rain can pause excavation and concrete work, which is why the timeline is given as a range. A dedicated project manager is your main point of contact throughout, and Pool School walks you through your equipment, features and care.

Updated November 5, 2026

At a glance

Build time
Usually 12 to 16 weeks after the permit
Shell
10–12 inch gunite, engineered for your ground
Design
3D prototype from your survey before anything is built
Typical Austin range
$60,000 to $150,000 for most custom pools
Experience
25+ years building in Central Texas

Pool Installation by Westbank Pools

We handle all aspects of a project, from site evaluation and design to obtaining permits, excavation, plumbing, electrical work, and finishing touches like decking and landscaping.

We want to be as transparent as possible to manage your expectations: a dedicated project manager is your main point of contact throughout the build, and you are kept informed at every stage.

How we build

Engineering Expertise
Our in-house engineers bring precision, safety, and lasting quality to every pool design.
Thorough Planning
Complete engineering and construction drawings created upfront to prevent downstream issues.
Complex Projects
Skilled in handling challenging terrain, elevated pools/patios, and limited-space yards.
Organized Process
Detailed Gantt charts keep permitting and construction on schedule.
Durable Construction
Pool shells poured 10–12 inches thick with high-quality gunite to withstand shifting and settling.
Premium Materials
Only the best plaster, decking, coping, tile, and pergolas are used.
Top-Tier Equipment
Installed by our trained construction team and licensed electricians for lasting performance.

What to expect during installation

Talk to a designer

Before the first shovel

Installation really starts at your kitchen table. A site visit, your survey and a soil report give the designers and engineers what they need to plan the pool for your ground. Engineered drawings are then submitted for permits.

This is also the best time to make changes. Moving a step, resizing a spa or adding a feature is simple on paper and much harder once the steel is in.

Living with a construction site

Excavation means heavy equipment in the yard, so access is planned ahead. Fences may be opened, gates widened and a route set for the trucks. Inspections happen at several stages, and work moves forward as each one passes.

Your project manager is your main point of contact throughout the build and keeps you informed at every stage, so you always know what is coming next.

The finishing stretch

Once the shell is shot, the pool starts to look like the design. Tile, coping, decking, equipment and the interior finish follow, then the pool is filled and started up.

Weather affects the schedule in Central Texas. Rain can pause excavation and concrete work, which is why timelines are given as a range.

The build at a glance

Usually, a pool takes around 12 to 16 weeks to build after we get the permit, depending on the design, the yard and the weather.

OptionWhat happensWhat you do
Design and engineeringSite visit, survey, soil report, 3D design and engineered drawings.Share your ideas, review the design and request changes.
PermitsDrawings are submitted to your city, county or HOA.Provide any HOA approvals your neighborhood requires.
Excavation and steelThe pool is dug, then steel and plumbing are set and inspected.Keep the work area clear and pets indoors.
Gunite and equipmentThe shell is shot and the equipment pad, electrical and lines go in.Watch the pool take shape.
Tile, deck and finishTile, coping, decking and the interior finish, then the fill.Final walk-through and Pool School.

How to prepare your yard

  • Have your latest survey ready for the design meeting
  • Check your HOA rules and approval timeline early
  • Plan where trucks and equipment will enter the yard
  • Move outdoor furniture, pots and anything near the access route
  • Think about where the equipment pad can sit out of sight
  • Plan for a safety barrier, which most cities require around a pool

The build, illustrated

View all projects

Pool excavation cut into limestone and caliche with an excavator
Rebar grid and white plumbing lines set in an excavated pool
Crew member spraying gunite over pool rebar
Glass waterline tile and limestone coping being set on a new pool
Pool equipment pad with pump, filter, heater and automation panel
New pool being filled over a fresh plaster finish

These images are illustrations of design concepts, not photos of finished Westbank projects. See the photo gallery for completed work.

Nine steps from design to Pool School

Usually around 12 to 16 weeks to build after we get the permit. Read the full process

  1. Engineered pool, spa and deck plan drawing with depth section1

    Site visit, design & engineering

    1–2 weeks

  2. Backyard of a new home graded and ready for pool layout2

    Permitting, HOA & materials

    1 to several weeks

  3. Crew setting forms in an excavated pool3

    The dig

    1–3 days

  4. Steel rebar cage and plumbing lines inside wooden pool forms4

    Steel & plumbing

    2–5 days

  5. Freshly shot gunite pool shell with steps and benches5

    Gunite shell

    1–2 days, then cure

  6. Pool pump, filter and heater plumbed on an equipment pad6

    Electrical & equipment

    About 2 days

  7. Close view of iridescent blue glass waterline tile7

    Tile, coping & decking

    1–3 weeks

  8. Dark pebble interior finish applied to a spa and pool8

    Interior finish

    2–3 days

  9. Finished pool and spa filled and running in front of the home9

    Start-up & Pool School

    A few days

Honest Reviews from our Customers

4.5

Google rating
from 25 reviews

Questions about pool installation

What is the first step in the custom pool process?

It starts with a consultation where we discuss your ideas, budget and site details to create a personalized pool design.

How long does the design phase take?

Typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on revisions and your approval.

How long does the construction phase take?

Usually 12 to 16 weeks after permits are approved, depending on design complexity and weather.

Can I make changes during construction?

Minor changes may be possible early on, but major changes could affect cost and timeline.

Who will manage my project?

A dedicated project manager will be your main point of contact throughout the build.

Do I need to be home during construction?

Not usually. Your project manager will tell you when your input or access is needed, such as during layout and the final walk-through.

What happens if it rains?

Rain can pause excavation and concrete work until the ground is ready. Timelines are given as a range because weather is part of building in Central Texas.

Will my yard be damaged?

Access routes are planned before work starts. Any areas disturbed by equipment are part of the plan for decking and landscaping at the end of the project.

What is Pool School?

At the end of every build we walk you through your equipment, features, phone app controls and proper care, and review your warranties.

Ready to transform your outdoor space?

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Our expert team will guide you from concept to completion, creating a personalized outdoor retreat.

  1. 1We call youWe get in touch to hear what you have in mind.
  2. 2We visit your yardFree consultation: measurements, photos, site and code review.
  3. 3You see it in 3DA custom 3D design and proposal before you sign anything.

Get your free quote

Tell us a little about the project. It takes under a minute.

What would you like to build? (optional)
Tell us a bit more (optional)

We use your details only to reply about your project. See our privacy policy.

Prefer to talk? (737) 990-9077info@westbankpools.com · 551 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Ste 331, Round Rock, TX 78664