What to Expect During Your Pool Build: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners
Having a pool built is one of the most exciting home improvement projects you can undertake — but for most people, it's also completely unfamiliar territory. Knowing what happens at each stage, how long things take, and what decisions you'll need to make along the way takes a lot of the stress out of the process. This guide walks you through every step of a Sienna Pools build, from your first conversation with Steve and Patrick through to the moment you take that first swim.
Why Understanding the Process Matters
A pool build involves multiple trades, council approvals, and weather-dependent stages — all moving in sequence. Homeowners who understand the process upfront are better positioned to make good decisions early, avoid surprises mid-build, and get a result they're genuinely happy with.
The timeline and specific steps will vary depending on whether you're building a fibreglass pool or a concrete pool — fibreglass is significantly faster due to the pre-manufactured shell. But the planning, approval, and finishing stages are broadly similar for both. If you're still weighing up which type is right for you, our concrete vs fibreglass comparison guide is a good place to start.
Fibreglass Timeline
From consultation to swimming: typically 8–14 weeks including approvals. Physical installation often just 1–3 weeks.
Concrete Timeline
From consultation to swimming: typically 6–9 months including approvals, curing, tiling, and finishing stages.
The Build Process: Stage by Stage
Here's exactly what happens at each stage of a Sienna Pools build — and what you need to know as the homeowner at each point.
Initial Consultation
Steve or Patrick visit your property to understand your vision, assess your block, and walk you through your options. They'll look at access, soil conditions, drainage, and how the pool can best integrate with your existing outdoor space. This is a free, no-obligation conversation with no pressure — just honest advice from people who've been doing this for over 30 years.
No cost — book anytimeDesign and Quoting
Based on your consultation, Steve and Patrick will prepare a detailed design and written quote. For fibreglass pools, this involves selecting your preferred shell shape, size, colour, and finish from the available range. For concrete pools, this stage involves more detailed design work to finalise the custom shape, depth profile, features, and finishes. All costs are clearly itemised — no hidden extras.
Typically 1–2 weeksCouncil Approvals and Permits
Before any work can begin, your pool build needs council approval. This involves submitting a development application or building permit, depending on your local council's requirements. Sienna Pools manages this process on your behalf — preparing the documentation, liaising with council, and keeping you updated. Approval timelines vary across Melbourne's suburbs, but typically take 4–8 weeks.
4–8 weeks (council dependent)Site Preparation and Excavation
Once approvals are in hand, excavation begins. This is usually the stage where things start to feel real. The excavator removes soil to the required depth and profile, with excess material carted away from site. Access for machinery is assessed during the initial consultation — tight access can sometimes require hand-digging or smaller equipment, which will be factored into your quote upfront.
1–3 daysPool Installation or Construction
This is where the two pool types diverge most significantly. For fibreglass pools, the pre-manufactured shell is craned into the excavation and set into a prepared base — a process that typically takes just one day. For concrete pools, this stage involves steel reinforcement fixing, shotcrete spraying, formwork, and an extended curing period before any finishing can begin. Either way, this is the most technically complex part of the build and is managed entirely by the Sienna Pools team.
1 day (fibreglass) · 4–8 weeks (concrete)Plumbing, Electrical and Equipment
Once the shell is in place, the hydraulic and electrical systems are installed. This includes all pipework, the filtration system, pump, chlorinator, and any additional equipment such as heating, lighting, or automation systems. All electrical work is carried out by licensed tradespeople and inspected before being commissioned.
3–7 daysBackfilling and Surrounds
The excavation around the pool is backfilled and compacted. This stage also covers any coping, paving, or decking that forms part of your pool package. If you're having additional landscaping, fencing, or retaining walls done, this is typically when those trades come in. Getting this stage right is important — poor compaction or drainage around the pool can cause problems later.
3–7 daysFencing and Safety Compliance
Pool fencing is a legal requirement across Victoria, and must be installed and certified before the pool can be used. Sienna Pools will ensure your fencing meets all current Victorian pool safety regulations, including gate self-closing and self-latching requirements. A certificate of compliance is issued once the fence passes inspection.
2–4 daysFinal Inspection and Handover
Before we hand over the keys, Steve or Patrick walk through the completed pool with you — checking every system, confirming water chemistry, and showing you how to operate your equipment. You'll receive a full handover pack including equipment manuals, warranty documentation, and an ongoing maintenance schedule so you know exactly what to do from day one.
Handover dayKey Decisions You'll Make Along the Way
A pool build isn't a set-and-forget process — there are several points where your input shapes the final result. Here's what to think through before you get started.
Pool Type
Fibreglass or concrete — your most significant decision. Affects timeline, cost, maintenance, and design options. Read our full comparison guide if you're still weighing up.
Shape and Size
Think about how you'll actually use the pool — lap swimming, family play, entertaining — and size accordingly. Bigger isn't always better if your yard doesn't support it.
Equipment Upgrades
Heating, LED lighting, automation systems, and robotic cleaners are all easier and cheaper to include at build time than to add later. Decide upfront what you want.
Surrounds and Landscaping
The pool is only part of the picture. Think about decking, coping, shade, privacy screening, and outdoor furniture — the surrounds determine how the whole space feels.
Make Decisions Early
Changes requested mid-build — particularly to plumbing routes, equipment placement, or coping styles — can cause delays and additional costs. The earlier design decisions are locked in, the smoother the build will run.
Common Questions During the Build
How Much Access Will the Tradies Need?
Throughout the build, various trades will be on site — excavators, crane operators, concreters, plumbers, electricians, and fencing contractors. You don't need to be home for every stage, but it helps to have clear access to the backyard confirmed before each major phase. Steve or Patrick will give you advance notice of what's happening when.
What Happens if It Rains?
Some stages — particularly concrete spraying and curing — are weather-sensitive. Heavy rain during these phases can cause delays. For fibreglass builds, weather has much less impact given the shell is manufactured offsite. Sienna Pools will manage any weather-related adjustments and keep you informed of any timeline changes.
Will My Yard Be a Mess During the Build?
Excavation is the messiest stage — soil is removed and the site will look significantly disrupted. The Sienna Pools team manages site clean-up progressively throughout the build, and the backfilling and landscaping stages restore order. By handover day, the site should be clean and the pool surrounds complete.
Our Building Process — Full Detail
Want to see exactly how Sienna Pools approaches each stage of a build, including what's included in our standard packages and what the handover process looks like? Visit our full building process page for a detailed walkthrough — or call Steve and Patrick directly to ask anything you have in mind.
After Handover: Your First Weeks as a Pool Owner
The handover is the finish line of the build — but it's also the start of your life as a pool owner. Here's what to stay on top of in the first few weeks.
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Test water chemistry weekly — in the first month, water chemistry can fluctuate more as the pool settles. Keep a close eye on pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels.
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Run the filtration system daily — typically 8 hours per day in summer, less in winter. Your handover documentation will include a recommended schedule for your specific equipment.
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Check fencing and gates regularly — pool safety compliance is an ongoing responsibility. Ensure gates are self-latching correctly and no objects have been left that could assist a child in climbing the fence.
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Register your pool with council — Victorian law requires all pools and spas to be registered with your local council. Sienna Pools will guide you through this at handover.
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Call us if anything looks off — minor settling, small water level changes, or unfamiliar equipment sounds are often nothing to worry about, but Steve and Patrick are always reachable if something doesn't seem right.
Ready to Start Your Build?
The best time to get the ball rolling is before you need the pool — approvals take time, and the best spring and summer slots fill up fast. Contact Steve and Patrick today to book your free consultation, or explore your options across fibreglass pools and concrete pools to come prepared.
