Installing an inground pool is a major project—and an exciting investment in your home and lifestyle. Whether you’re building a simple backyard retreat or a luxurious outdoor living space, the key to a smooth installation lies in preparation, communication, and working with the right professionals.

At Aqua Pool & Patio, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island bring their pool visions to life for over 50 consecutive years. Here are our top tips for ensuring a seamless installation process from start to finish:

• Choose the Right Pool Builder. The most important decision you’ll make in the entire process is who you hire to build your pool. Look for an experienced, licensed pool builder with strong references, transparent communication, and a proven track record of delivering quality work. At Aqua Pool, we’re consistently ranked among the top pool builders in the U.S. and are known for our expertise in custom gunite pools.
• Start the Design and Permit Process Early. Before construction on your pool begins, you’ll need to finalize your design, select features, and obtain the necessary permits from your local municipality. This process can take several weeks depending on your location, so it’s wise to begin planning as early as possible—particularly if you’d like the pool to be swim-ready by a certain date.
• Communicate Your Vision Clearly. As you embark on the design process, think about how you’re planning to use your pool and which features are most important to you. Dreaming of a family-friendly pool with a shallow tanning ledge? A spa that invites relaxation through three seasons—or even all year long? How about elegant lighting that transforms your backyard into an evening oasis? The clearer you can express your vision, the more personalized and rewarding your final pool design will be. Experienced designers will offer a range of features—some you may not have considered but could end up loving. Be open to exploring the pros and cons of each option before making any quick decisions. Often, there are compelling reasons behind certain recommendations that can elevate your entire backyard experience.
• Plan for the Construction Zone. Installing an inground pool is a fairly significant construction project, so expect some temporary disruptions. Equipment will need access to your backyard, and there will be noise and dust during excavation and installation. Therefore, be sure to clear pathways, remove any fragile landscaping or outdoor furniture in advance, and prepare for some wear and tear to your lawn—which can be addressed after construction is complete.
• Be Flexible with Timing. On average, building a gunite pool takes about 6–8 weeks from excavation to completion. However, factors such as weather delays, permitting issues, or supply chain disruptions can occasionally impact the schedule. Working with an experienced team like Aqua Pool & Patio will help ensure that your project stays on track and any roadblocks are addressed promptly and professionally.
• Think Beyond the Pool. A great pool that will deliver long-lasting enjoyment is about more than just the water—it should complement your property and elevate your outdoor living space. Consider features such as patios, fire pits, landscaping, lighting, and fencing during the planning phase to ensure that your space will be cohesive, functional, and beautiful once the pool is finished.
• Schedule Professional Services. Once construction is complete, it’s time to get your pool swim-ready—and your pool builder should be there to guide you through those first important steps. Look for services like a comprehensive “Pool School” or a few initial maintenance visits to help you feel confident in caring for your new pool. After the initial setup, ongoing professional care is key. A seasonal pool opening by a trusted expert includes thorough equipment checks, precise water chemistry balancing, and expert advice to ensure your pool stays in top condition. At Aqua Pool, we proudly offer professional Spring Openings and Fall Closings, along with fully customizable maintenance programs to keep your investment looking beautiful and performing flawlessly year-round.

Are you ready to start the process of building your dream pool? At Aqua Pool & Patio, we are committed to making the pool-installation process as smooth, efficient, and stress-free as possible. Our team handles everything—from permitting and design to construction and long-term maintenance—with a level of expertise and care that routinely earns us accolades from our customers and industry peers. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your custom backyard oasis!