How Long Does it take to Install a Fiberglass Pool in Green Bay WI
- mike
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Installing a fiberglass pool is an exciting step toward creating an outdoor living space of your dreams. If you live near Green Bay, WI, you might be asking yourself, how long does it take to install a fiberglass pool in Green Bay, WI? Having a realistic timeline will help you plan your project, manage expectations, and prepare your home for the transformation you have been dreaming about. Pool Pros created this blog post to help provide clear expectations of the installation process once you sign a contract with a fiberglass pool builder. Here are the key stages of installing a fiberglass pool in Green Bay and a break down what factors influence the duration.
Understanding Fiberglass Pool Installation and how long does it take to install a fiberglass pool
Fiberglass pools come as one-piece shells manufactured in a factory. Unlike concrete pools that are built on-site, fiberglass pools arrive ready to be placed into an excavated hole. This difference significantly reduces installation time and will help you better understand the question, how long does it take to install a fiberglass pool in Green Bay, WI? The process generally involves:
Site Prep
Excavation of the site and installation of pool base
Delivery and placement of the pool shell
Plumbing and electrical connections
Backfilling around the pool with clean fractured stone and filling with water
Installation of pool tile and or automatic pool covers
Installation of a 12" thick concrete collar
Installation of Pool Coping
Grading of pool deck area
Pouring Pool deck or installing pavers
Landscaping and final clean up
Typical Timeline for Fiberglass Pool Installation in Green Bay
On average, installing a fiberglass pool in Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin can take as little as 10 days typically, but generally takes 2 to 4 weeks from the start of excavation to the pool being ready for use. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline so you dont have to ask yourself how long does it take to install a fiberglass pool in Green Bay, WI.
1. Site Prep (1 Day)
On site prep day the pool builder typically arrives at the site goes over the pool layout with the client to confirm there are no last minute changes, then the pool builder will set up a laser level and mark out the location of the pool with spray paint and then shoot elevations in preparation for the excavation of the pool. At this time excavation equipment and job trailers are typically delivered to the site in preparation to excavate the pool. Last but not least fences, plantings, and or other obstacles are removed at this time to allow for efficient excavation fo the pool the following day.
2. Excavation (1 Day)
On day 2 the excavation and haul out of the spoils is completed in typically about 4-6 hours pending the size of the pool and distance needed to travel to the dump site to get rid of the dirt. Once the pool is dug we install a geotextile fabric over the subbase to prevent the fractured clean stone base from working into the subbase. After the geotextile is installed a 4" thick base of 3/4" clean fractured stone is installed and levelled for the pool to be set next. Barring the amount of time left after the pool is dug and the base installed the pool may or may not be set on the same day. If not, its done first thing the following morning.
3. Fiberglass Pool Delivery (1/2 Day)
At Pool Pros we deliver the pools ourselves from our shop to the clients house. We do this with a specialized goose neck trailer and pilot vehicles to help control traffic when hauling the oversized load. By delivering the pools ourselves it allows us to control exactly when the pool will arrive and gives us the freedom to preplumb the pool at our shop if time allows. Once the pool arrives at the clients house we use a crane to pick the pool from the trailer and reach over or around the house to set the pool in the excavated hole. From there we double check the elevations and levelness of the pool and adjust as necessary.
4. Plumbing and Pool Lights (1/2 day)
After the pool is set, the plumbing and pool lights are installed on the pool and up to the pools equipment pad. Plumbing is installed and supported with heavy duty zip ties to the pool to prevent the pool plumbing from moving or settling and leaking. We then pressure test the plumbing to ensure it integrity. After that we install wood beams to hold the pool wall straight while we fill and backfill the pool in the next step. Before we backfill we do add a perforated 8" schedule 40 pvc stand pipe in the deep end between the pool shell and the excavated hole that allows us to pump out ground water at anytime.
5. Backfilling and Filling a Fiberglass Pool (1/2 day)
Now its time to fill and backfill the pool at the same time. If the pool is backfilled too quickly the pool walls can bow in and if its filled with water too quickly the walls can bow out. So its critical to keep a close eye on the walls during this process. Its also imperative to use only clean fractured stone to backfill a pool. This allows water to flow freely around and under the pool and be pumped out through the stand pipe that we installed prior to backfilling.
6. Automatic Pool Cover (1/2 day)
At this point if your pool is to be equipped with an automatic pool cover, what is called the prepour portion of the automatic pool cover will be installed and the concrete collar that goes around your pool will be graded and formed up at this time.
7. Concrete Collar Pour (1/2day)
Now is time to pour the 12" thick concrete collar around the pool. This help stiffen and lock the top of the pool and the automatic pool cover pre pour together, creatign a more solid and lasting installation. At this time we also pour the pools equipment pad.
8. Pool Coping Installation (1 day)
At this point if you chose pool coping, it will now be installed along with the pools filtrations system and the gas and electrical service.
9. Grading and Forming (1 day)
If your pool will have a concrete pool deck we will not grade out the area that will have concrete and then install a base of gravel that is raked and compacted to accommodate the proper pitch to divert water away from the pool. Then the concrete forms are installed and either steel of fiberglass rebar is tied in place and readied for the pool deck to be poured.
10. Concretes Here! (1 day)
Now we pour the pool deck. After the concrete has cured the forms are removed and control joints are cut in to control where the concrete cracks in the future. The only guarantee you will ever get with concrete is that it will get hard and it will crack!
11. Clean Up (1day)
At this point either you, your pool builder or a landcaping company will be cleaning up the site. That can mean different things depending on who you talk to but regardless the backyard, side yard and front yard will likely need to be restored from all the trucks and machines driving in and out of the site. So you can expect topsoil, seed and hay to be spread and raked out at the least to restore the lawn. At this time we fire up the pool and install the start up chemicals and install the remainder of the automatic pool cover.
11. Final Walkthrough (1 hour)
Here is where the fun begins. You are now ready to learn how to operate and care for your pool moving forward and if you are ready, its time to take that first dip into the pool.
Factors That Affect Fiberglass Pool Installation Time in Green Bay
Several factors can affect the installation process of a fiberglass pool in Green Bay, WI but in reality there is only one and that is the weather, but lets go through other common reasons a project can fall behind.
Weather: Green Bay’s climate includes cold winters and rainy springs. Heavy rain or frozen ground can delay excavation and delivery.
Site Conditions: Rocky or sandy soil or limited yard access requires extra work and equipment.
Permitting Delays: Incomplete applications or high demand at the city office can extend permit approval.
Change Orders: Last minute change orders on previous projects can lead to delays down the road. Which is why @ Pool Pros we do everything in our power to eliminate the possibility of change orders with meticulous planning. That's not to say that change order don't happen but we do our best not to. Some change orders for custom materials can throw a pool project off weeks in the middle of the summer. Its not a fun time for anyone involved so my advice is be certain of all the details of your project before you start. It will help everyone's project run smoother.
Tips to Speed Up Your Fiberglass Pool Installation
To keep your project on track, consider these tips:
Submit permit applications early and ensure all documents are complete.
Clear your yard of obstacles before excavation.
Choose a reputable contractor with experience in Green Bay.
Plan your installation far enough in advance
Don't plan a pool party before your pool project has started. Schedules can change and pool parties are not easy to reschedule. Doing so will jinx your project!
Communicate regularly with your contractor to address issues promptly.
Select all materials at the time you sign the contract and dont ask for change orders after your project is scheduled.
What to Expect After Installation
Adhere to your pool builders and the manufacturers recomendations for operating your pool and treating your pool water. If you dont, it could void warranties and create issues down the road. When in doubt call your pool builder for advice, they will be more than happy to help.
