If you’re thinking about building a custom pool in Houston, Spring, Tomball, Cypress, The Woodlands, or Katy, one of the first questions that comes to mind is:

“How long is this going to take?”

The Short Answer:

👉 Most custom gunite pool projects take between 8 to 12 weeks from dig to swim. But depending on weather, permits, HOA approvals, and your chosen features, some pools can take longer.

At Limitless Custom Pools, we believe in transparency — so here’s a week-by-week breakdown of what you can expect during your pool construction journey.

📆Week By Week Pool Construction Timeline

HOA and Permits Usually takes 2-4 Weeks.

✅ Week 1: Dig, Short Plumb, Rebar, Gunite

We mark out the shape and position of your pool and begin excavation.

After digging, our team runs the short plumbing lines, installs rebar steel reinforcement, and then shoots the gunite shell (high-pressure dry-mix concrete).

The pool structure is now formed, and the shell begins its curing process.

💡 During this time, it’s important to keep the shell hydrated by lightly watering it daily to avoid surface cracking.

⚡ Week 2: Cleanup, Long Plumbing, Electrical, Equipment Set

We remove excess debris and smooth out the construction site.

We install all long plumbing lines, route the electrical conduit, and set the pool equipment (pumps, filters, automation systems, etc.).

This is the technical foundation of your pool’s function — and it sets the stage for tile and finish work.

🔧 All plumbing and electrical are pressure-tested and built to meet or exceed code in each municipality we serve.

🧱 Week 3: Tile, Coping & Decking

Your pool starts looking like a showpiece. We install your tile and coping — the stone or material that edges your pool.

Then we move to your decking — whether that’s concrete, travertine, pavers, or a spray deck finish.

🧠 This is a great time to see your material selections come to life — and start visualizing your completed backyard.

🧼 Week 4: Final Clean-Up & Plaster

We wrap up any final site cleanup and prepare for the interior finish.

Your pool receives its plaster or pebble interior finish, and then we immediately begin the water fill-up.

Our team returns to perform the start-up service, balance the water, and teach you how to operate your system.

🎉 Within a few days of plaster, you’re swimming in your new custom pool!

What Can Extend The Timeline?

While our build process is extremely efficient, a few outside variables can add time:

HOA approval delays (especially in The Woodlands, Bridgeland, or Cinco Ranch)

Weather (rain delays excavation, plaster, and decking)

Change orders or material substitutions

Specialty add-ons like grottos, water walls, or outdoor kitchens

We’ll always communicate clearly if delays arise — and we schedule builds intelligently to avoid overlap and downtime.

Why Are Pools Stay On Track