How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Shotcrete Pool in the Rio Grande Valley?
One of the first questions homeowners ask when planning a custom inground pool is, “How long will it take to build?”
In the Rio Grande Valley, the answer depends on the pool you’re building. A straightforward shotcrete pool without a spa or extensive custom features can move through construction more quickly, while a complete backyard project with a spa, water or fire features, extensive decking and outdoor living elements naturally takes more time.
For most homeowners, the overall process takes several weeks to a few months from start to finish. Your pool design, property, weather, permitting and inspections can all influence the final construction schedule.
That’s why choosing the best pool builder in the Rio Grande Valley isn’t simply about finding the company that promises the fastest completion date. It’s about choosing an experienced builder who understands each stage of shotcrete construction, sets realistic expectations and builds your pool correctly from the ground up.
Hamlin Pools has been building custom pools throughout the Rio Grande Valley since 1952. Our team understands South Texas, custom shotcrete construction and what it takes to turn a pool design into a backyard your family can enjoy for years to come.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Shotcrete Pool?
For most custom pools, homeowners should plan on approximately 4 to 12 weeks of construction, although every project is different.
A basic pool without extensive custom features may be completed in approximately 5 to 6 weeks. A highly customized backyard with a raised spa, tanning ledge, waterfalls, fire or water features, extensive decking, landscaping or a complete outdoor living area may take longer, putting the overall range at several weeks to a few months from start to finish.
Where you live can also affect the schedule. Permitting and inspection requirements can vary throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville, Starbase, Texas, and South Padre Island.
During your consultation with Hamlin Pools, we’ll discuss your specific project and provide a detailed construction schedule so you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect from start to finish.
What Is a Shotcrete Pool?
A shotcrete pool is a custom inground concrete pool created by pneumatically applying concrete to form the pool shell.
Shotcrete construction allows for extensive customization. Your inground pool can be designed around your property, lifestyle and vision rather than being limited to a predetermined shell shape or size.
Depending on your design, a custom shotcrete inground pool can incorporate features such as:
- Custom shapes and depths
- Tanning ledges
- Beach entries
- Integrated spas
- Benches and seating
- Water features
- Fire features
- Custom steps and entry points
Homeowners may also encounter the term “gunite pool” when researching custom concrete inground pools. Hamlin Pools specializes in shotcrete pool construction, which is the specific concrete application method we use to build our custom pool shells.
What Are the Stages of Shotcrete Pool Construction?
A custom shotcrete inground pool is built in a series of specialized phases. While every project is different, here’s what Rio Grande Valley homeowners can generally expect.
1. Design, Planning & Permitting
Before construction begins, your pool design is finalized and the necessary permitting process is completed. Your property, available space, pool layout, desired features and overall backyard plan all need to be considered before excavation begins. This is also when decisions about features, materials and the overall look of your backyard should be finalized whenever possible. Good planning at the beginning can help the construction process move more smoothly once work starts.
2. Pool Layout & Excavation
This is when your new pool starts taking shape. The pool is laid out according to the approved design, followed by excavation. Don’t be surprised if the initial layout looks smaller than you imagined. Once excavation begins and you can see the pool’s depth and dimensions, its actual size becomes much easier to visualize.
3. Steel & Plumbing
After excavation, structural steel is installed to create the framework for the pool shell. Plumbing and other necessary components are also installed according to the pool design. Much of this work will eventually be hidden beneath the finished pool, which is one reason the experience and construction standards of your pool builder matter. The finished pool is what you’ll see every day. What’s underneath it plays an important role in how well your pool performs for years to come.
4. Shotcrete Application & Curing
Next comes one of the biggest milestones in construction: creating the shotcrete pool shell. Shotcrete is pneumatically applied concrete that allows for extensive customization in pool shape, depth, steps, benches, spas and other design features. Once the shotcrete has been applied, it needs time to cure properly. Hamlin Pools recommends keeping the shotcrete wet for at least seven days to support proper curing, strength and long-term durability. This is a necessary part of the construction process and a good example of why faster doesn’t always mean better when building a custom inground pool.
5. Tile, Coping, Decking & Custom Features
Once the pool shell is ready, the finishing elements begin bringing your backyard design together. Depending on your project, this may include waterline tile, coping, decking, patios, a custom spa, water and fire features, landscaping or other outdoor living elements. The number and complexity of these features can affect the overall construction timeline.
6. Interior Finish, Filling & Pool Start-Up
As construction nears completion, the pool receives its interior finish and is prepared for water. Once your pool is filled and ready for start-up, you’ll receive guidance on equipment operation and the initial care of your new pool. Then comes the part you’ve been waiting for: enjoying your new backyard.
Why Aren’t Crews Working on My Pool Every Day?
A custom shotcrete pool isn’t built by one crew performing the same work every day. Construction moves through a series of specialized phases, and those phases don’t always happen on consecutive days.
There may be periods when your project is waiting for:
- A required city inspection
- Shotcrete or another material to cure
- Completion of a previous construction phase
- Coordination between specialized crews
- Appropriate weather or jobsite conditions
A gap between active construction days doesn’t necessarily mean your pool is behind schedule. Each stage depends on proper scheduling, inspections and curing time. What matters is that every phase is completed correctly and in the proper sequence.
What Can Delay a Pool Build in the RGV?
Several factors can affect how long it takes to build an inground pool in the Rio Grande Valley.
Pool Design & Complexity
A straightforward pool without extensive custom features will generally take less time than a complete backyard transformation. Adding a spa, water features, fire features, extensive decking, landscaping or other outdoor living elements adds additional work and can extend the overall project timeline.
Permitting & Inspections
Municipal requirements and inspection schedules can vary depending on where you live. A project in McAllen or Mission may have different requirements than one in Edinburg, Harlingen, Brownsville or another RGV community.
Weather & Jobsite Conditions
Heavy rain can interfere with excavation and other outdoor construction work. Even after the rain stops, jobsite conditions may affect when certain phases can safely continue.
Changes During Construction
Significant changes to the pool layout, materials or features after construction begins can also affect the original schedule.
While everyone wants a new pool completed as quickly as possible, maintaining construction quality should take priority over rushing a stage simply to stay on a calendar.
How Do You Choose the Best Pool Builder in the Rio Grande Valley?
If you’re searching for the best pool builder in the Rio Grande Valley to build your custom inground pool, don’t make your decision based solely on price or who promises the shortest construction timeline.
Consider the experience and capabilities of the company that will actually design, build and stand behind your pool.
How long has the pool builder served the Rio Grande Valley? Local experience matters. Your builder should understand South Texas and have experience working throughout RGV communities.
Does the company specialize in custom shotcrete pools? Look at the builder’s experience with shotcrete construction, custom inground pool designs, spas, water features and complete backyard projects.
Can you see examples of completed projects and hear from actual customers? A builder’s portfolio and customer experiences can tell you much more than a sales pitch.
Will the company still be there after construction? Pool ownership doesn’t end when construction does. Consider whether the company also provides renovation, maintenance, equipment repair and ongoing pool service.
Does the builder have a proven history in the RGV? A swimming pool is a long-term investment. The company standing behind it matters.
Why Choose Hamlin Pools, the Best Pool Builder in the Rio Grande Valley?
Hamlin Pools has been part of the Rio Grande Valley since 1952, serving generations of South Texas homeowners.
Our third-generation, family-owned company specializes in custom shotcrete inground pool design and construction while also providing pool renovation, service, maintenance and complete outdoor living solutions.
We serve homeowners throughout McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville, Starbase, South Padre Island, Laguna Vista, Rancho Viejo and surrounding Rio Grande Valley communities in Hidalgo and Cameron counties.
Our experience has taught us that a successful pool project isn’t simply about getting from excavation to water as quickly as possible. It’s about building the pool correctly, communicating throughout the process and creating a backyard your family can enjoy for years to come.
That’s the kind of experience homeowners should consider when comparing the best pool builders in the Rio Grande Valley.
Ready to Build Your Custom Shotcrete Pool in the Rio Grande Valley?
Whether you’re planning a new custom inground pool in McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville, How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Shotcrete Pool in the Rio Grande Valley?
One of the first questions homeowners ask when planning a custom inground pool is, “How long will it take to build?”
In the Rio Grande Valley, the answer depends on the pool you’re building. A straightforward shotcrete pool without a spa or extensive custom features can move through construction more quickly, while a complete backyard project with a spa, water or fire features, extensive decking and outdoor living elements naturally takes more time.
For most homeowners, the overall process takes several weeks to a few months from start to finish. Your pool design, property, weather, permitting and inspections can all influence the final construction schedule.
That’s why choosing the best pool builder in the Rio Grande Valley isn’t simply about finding the company that promises the fastest completion date. It’s about choosing an experienced builder who understands each stage of shotcrete construction, sets realistic expectations and builds your pool correctly from the ground up.
Hamlin Pools has been building custom pools throughout the Rio Grande Valley since 1952. Our team understands South Texas, custom shotcrete construction and what it takes to turn a pool design into a backyard your family can enjoy for years to come.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Shotcrete Pool?
For most custom pools, homeowners should plan on approximately 4 to 12 weeks of construction, although every project is different.
A basic pool without extensive custom features may be completed in approximately 5 to 6 weeks. A highly customized backyard with a raised spa, tanning ledge, waterfalls, fire or water features, extensive decking, landscaping or a complete outdoor living area may take longer, putting the overall range at several weeks to a few months from start to finish.
Where you live can also affect the schedule. Permitting and inspection requirements can vary throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville, Starbase, Texas, and South Padre Island.
During your consultation with Hamlin Pools, we’ll discuss your specific project and provide a detailed construction schedule so you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect from start to finish.
What Is a Shotcrete Pool?
A shotcrete pool is a custom inground concrete pool created by pneumatically applying concrete to form the pool shell.
Shotcrete construction allows for extensive customization. Your inground pool can be designed around your property, lifestyle and vision rather than being limited to a predetermined shell shape or size.
Depending on your design, a custom shotcrete inground pool can incorporate features such as:
- Custom shapes and depths
- Tanning ledges
- Beach entries
- Integrated spas
- Benches and seating
- Water features
- Fire features
- Custom steps and entry points
Homeowners may also encounter the term “gunite pool” when researching custom concrete inground pools. Hamlin Pools specializes in shotcrete pool construction, which is the specific concrete application method we use to build our custom pool shells.
What Are the Stages of Shotcrete Pool Construction?
A custom shotcrete inground pool is built in a series of specialized phases. While every project is different, here’s what Rio Grande Valley homeowners can generally expect.
1. Design, Planning & Permitting
Before construction begins, your pool design is finalized and the necessary permitting process is completed. Your property, available space, pool layout, desired features and overall backyard plan all need to be considered before excavation begins. This is also when decisions about features, materials and the overall look of your backyard should be finalized whenever possible. Good planning at the beginning can help the construction process move more smoothly once work starts.
2. Pool Layout & Excavation
This is when your new pool starts taking shape. The pool is laid out according to the approved design, followed by excavation. Don’t be surprised if the initial layout looks smaller than you imagined. Once excavation begins and you can see the pool’s depth and dimensions, its actual size becomes much easier to visualize.
3. Steel & Plumbing
After excavation, structural steel is installed to create the framework for the pool shell. Plumbing and other necessary components are also installed according to the pool design. Much of this work will eventually be hidden beneath the finished pool, which is one reason the experience and construction standards of your pool builder matter. The finished pool is what you’ll see every day. What’s underneath it plays an important role in how well your pool performs for years to come.
4. Shotcrete Application & Curing
Next comes one of the biggest milestones in construction: creating the shotcrete pool shell. Shotcrete is pneumatically applied concrete that allows for extensive customization in pool shape, depth, steps, benches, spas and other design features. Once the shotcrete has been applied, it needs time to cure properly. Hamlin Pools recommends keeping the shotcrete wet for at least seven days to support proper curing, strength and long-term durability. This is a necessary part of the construction process and a good example of why faster doesn’t always mean better when building a custom inground pool.
5. Tile, Coping, Decking & Custom Features
Once the pool shell is ready, the finishing elements begin bringing your backyard design together. Depending on your project, this may include waterline tile, coping, decking, patios, a custom spa, water and fire features, landscaping or other outdoor living elements. The number and complexity of these features can affect the overall construction timeline.
6. Interior Finish, Filling & Pool Start-Up
As construction nears completion, the pool receives its interior finish and is prepared for water. Once your pool is filled and ready for start-up, you’ll receive guidance on equipment operation and the initial care of your new pool. Then comes the part you’ve been waiting for: enjoying your new backyard.
Why Aren’t Crews Working on My Pool Every Day?
A custom shotcrete pool isn’t built by one crew performing the same work every day. Construction moves through a series of specialized phases, and those phases don’t always happen on consecutive days.
There may be periods when your project is waiting for:
- A required city inspection
- Shotcrete or another material to cure
- Completion of a previous construction phase
- Coordination between specialized crews
- Appropriate weather or jobsite conditions
A gap between active construction days doesn’t necessarily mean your pool is behind schedule. Each stage depends on proper scheduling, inspections and curing time. What matters is that every phase is completed correctly and in the proper sequence.
What Can Delay a Pool Build in the RGV?
Several factors can affect how long it takes to build an inground pool in the Rio Grande Valley.
Pool Design & Complexity
A straightforward pool without extensive custom features will generally take less time than a complete backyard transformation. Adding a spa, water features, fire features, extensive decking, landscaping or other outdoor living elements adds additional work and can extend the overall project timeline.
Permitting & Inspections
Municipal requirements and inspection schedules can vary depending on where you live. A project in McAllen or Mission may have different requirements than one in Edinburg, Harlingen, Brownsville or another RGV community.
Weather & Jobsite Conditions
Heavy rain can interfere with excavation and other outdoor construction work. Even after the rain stops, jobsite conditions may affect when certain phases can safely continue.
Changes During Construction
Significant changes to the pool layout, materials or features after construction begins can also affect the original schedule.
While everyone wants a new pool completed as quickly as possible, maintaining construction quality should take priority over rushing a stage simply to stay on a calendar.
How Do You Choose the Best Pool Builder in the Rio Grande Valley?
If you’re searching for the best pool builder in the Rio Grande Valley to build your custom inground pool, don’t make your decision based solely on price or who promises the shortest construction timeline.
Consider the experience and capabilities of the company that will actually design, build and stand behind your pool.
How long has the pool builder served the Rio Grande Valley? Local experience matters. Your builder should understand South Texas and have experience working throughout RGV communities.
Does the company specialize in custom shotcrete pools? Look at the builder’s experience with shotcrete construction, custom inground pool designs, spas, water features and complete backyard projects.
Can you see examples of completed projects and hear from actual customers? A builder’s portfolio and customer experiences can tell you much more than a sales pitch.
Will the company still be there after construction? Pool ownership doesn’t end when construction does. Consider whether the company also provides renovation, maintenance, equipment repair and ongoing pool service.
Does the builder have a proven history in the RGV? A swimming pool is a long-term investment. The company standing behind it matters.
Why Choose Hamlin Pools, the Best Pool Builder in the Rio Grande Valley?
Hamlin Pools has been part of the Rio Grande Valley since 1952, serving generations of South Texas homeowners.
Our third-generation, family-owned company specializes in custom shotcrete inground pool design and construction while also providing pool renovation, service, maintenance and complete outdoor living solutions.
We serve homeowners throughout McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville, Starbase, South Padre Island, Laguna Vista, Rancho Viejo and surrounding Rio Grande Valley communities in Hidalgo and Cameron counties.
Our experience has taught us that a successful pool project isn’t simply about getting from excavation to water as quickly as possible. It’s about building the pool correctly, communicating throughout the process and creating a backyard your family can enjoy for years to come.
That’s the kind of experience homeowners should consider when comparing the best pool builders in the Rio Grande Valley.
Ready to Build Your Custom Shotcrete Pool in the Rio Grande Valley?
Whether you’re planning a new custom inground pool in McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville, Starbase, South Padre Island or elsewhere in the RGV, Hamlin Pools can help you design a custom shotcrete pool and understand what to expect throughout construction.
Contact Hamlin Pools to schedule your consultation and receive a detailed construction schedule based on your specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a shotcrete pool in the Rio Grande Valley? Most custom pool projects take approximately 4 to 12 weeks, with the overall timeline ranging from several weeks to a few months depending on the size and complexity of the project, weather, city inspections and other project-specific factors. A shotcrete inground pool without a spa, extensive water features or other complex design elements may take approximately 5 to 6 weeks, while a more elaborate pool and outdoor living project may require additional time.
Can a shotcrete inground pool without a spa or extensive water features be completed faster?
Yes. A shotcrete inground pool without a spa, extensive water features or other complex design elements may be completed in approximately 5 to 6 weeks. More elaborate designs with additional features and outdoor living elements may require additional time. Every property and project is different, so Hamlin Pools provides a detailed construction schedule based on your specific project.
What can delay a pool build in the RGV? Weather, city inspections, jobsite conditions, project complexity and changes made during construction can all affect the timeline of a custom pool project.
Why aren’t crews working on my pool every day? Custom pool construction involves specialized phases that need to happen in the proper sequence. Inspections, curing, weather, jobsite conditions and coordination between crews can create normal gaps between active construction days.
What is a shotcrete pool? A shotcrete pool is a custom inground concrete pool created by pneumatically applying concrete to form the pool shell. Shotcrete construction allows for extensive customization in pool shape, depth, steps, benches, spas and other design features.
How long does shotcrete need to cure? Hamlin Pools recommends keeping the shotcrete wet for at least seven days to help support proper curing, strength and long-term durability.
Does pool construction time vary by city in the Rio Grande Valley? It can. Municipal permitting and inspection requirements can vary throughout the RGV, so your property’s location may affect the construction schedule.
Does Hamlin Pools build gunite pools? Hamlin Pools specializes in custom shotcrete pools. Homeowners may encounter the term “gunite pool” when researching custom concrete inground pools, but shotcrete is the specific concrete application method Hamlin Pools uses.
What areas does Hamlin Pools serve? Hamlin Pools serves homeowners throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville, Starbase, South Padre Island, Laguna Vista, Rancho Viejo and surrounding communities.
Who is the best pool builder in the Rio Grande Valley? When searching for the best pool builder in the Rio Grande Valley, consider local experience, shotcrete construction expertise, quality, customer history and whether the company can support your pool long after construction is complete. Hamlin Pools has served the Rio Grande Valley since 1952 and provides custom shotcrete inground pool construction, renovation, maintenance and service throughout the RGV.
South Padre Island or elsewhere in the RGV, Hamlin Pools can help you design a custom shotcrete pool and understand what to expect throughout construction.
Contact Hamlin Pools to schedule your consultation and receive a detailed construction schedule based on your specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a shotcrete pool in the Rio Grande Valley? Most custom pool projects take approximately 4 to 12 weeks, with the overall timeline ranging from several weeks to a few months depending on the size and complexity of the project, weather, city inspections and other project-specific factors. A shotcrete inground pool without a spa, extensive water features or other complex design elements may take approximately 5 to 6 weeks, while a more elaborate pool and outdoor living project may require additional time.
Can a shotcrete inground pool without a spa or extensive water features be completed faster?
Yes. A shotcrete inground pool without a spa, extensive water features or other complex design elements may be completed in approximately 5 to 6 weeks. More elaborate designs with additional features and outdoor living elements may require additional time. Every property and project is different, so Hamlin Pools provides a detailed construction schedule based on your specific project.
What can delay a pool build in the RGV? Weather, city inspections, jobsite conditions, project complexity and changes made during construction can all affect the timeline of a custom pool project.
Why aren’t crews working on my pool every day? Custom pool construction involves specialized phases that need to happen in the proper sequence. Inspections, curing, weather, jobsite conditions and coordination between crews can create normal gaps between active construction days.
What is a shotcrete pool? A shotcrete pool is a custom inground concrete pool created by pneumatically applying concrete to form the pool shell. Shotcrete construction allows for extensive customization in pool shape, depth, steps, benches, spas and other design features.
How long does shotcrete need to cure? Hamlin Pools recommends keeping the shotcrete wet for at least seven days to help support proper curing, strength and long-term durability.
Does pool construction time vary by city in the Rio Grande Valley? It can. Municipal permitting and inspection requirements can vary throughout the RGV, so your property’s location may affect the construction schedule.
Does Hamlin Pools build gunite pools? Hamlin Pools specializes in custom shotcrete pools. Homeowners may encounter the term “gunite pool” when researching custom concrete inground pools, but shotcrete is the specific concrete application method Hamlin Pools uses.
What areas does Hamlin Pools serve? Hamlin Pools serves homeowners throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville, Starbase, South Padre Island, Laguna Vista, Rancho Viejo and surrounding communities.
Who is the best pool builder in the Rio Grande Valley? When searching for the best pool builder in the Rio Grande Valley, consider local experience, shotcrete construction expertise, quality, customer history and whether the company can support your pool long after construction is complete. Hamlin Pools has served the Rio Grande Valley since 1952 and provides custom shotcrete inground pool construction, renovation, maintenance and service throughout the RGV.