From First Call to First Swim — The Wahoo Pool Build Timeline
Mike DillonMost clients want to know one thing before anything else: how long will this take?
The honest answer is somewhere between 12 and 16 weeks from contract signing to handover, depending on the build, the council, and the weather. But that timeline doesn't really start at contract — it starts the day you ring us up. Here's how the whole thing plays out.
Week 0: The site visit (free)
Mike or one of the team comes out, walks the yard, takes measurements, checks access, and talks through what you're after. We sketch a few options on the spot if it helps.
This visit usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. No charge, no obligation. We'd rather spend the time getting it right than guessing from photos.
Weeks 1-3: Design and contract
From there it's back to the office. We work up a detailed quote with the design, inclusions, and pricing. If you want changes — pool size, spa added, different finish — we revise and re-quote.
Most clients take a week or two to think things over, compare with other quotes, and chat as a couple. No pressure from us. When you're ready, we sign the build contract and you pay the $500 site assessment deposit, which is fully credited toward your final invoice.
Weeks 3-6: Council and permits
Concrete pools in Brisbane need building approval. We handle this — drawings, structural engineer, certifier liaison, the whole lot. Council turnaround is normally 2 to 4 weeks but can be quicker on uncomplicated jobs.
This is the only part of the timeline that's not really in our control. If the council asks for extra info, we provide it the same day we get the request.
Weeks 6-10: The build itself
Once we have approval, the build moves quickly. Roughly:
- Days 1-3: Excavation. The yard goes from grass to hole pretty fast.
- Days 4-7: Steel reinforcement (the cage that gives the pool its strength).
- Day 7: Engineer inspection. Nothing else happens until they sign off.
- Days 8-10: Shotcrete (the 200mm concrete shell sprayed in place).
- Days 10-21: Concrete cure. The pool sits and sets up properly.
- Days 21-35: Plumbing, electrical, paving, coping, fence.
- Days 35-42: Pebble-crete interior, water in, equipment connection.
The order can shift depending on the weather and the trades' schedules, but that's the rough flow.
Week 10: Handover
Travis (water chemistry) comes out, balances the pool, walks you through equipment use, hands you the warranty paperwork and the user manuals. The pool is yours from this point.
What can shift the timeline
Three things mostly: rain, council, and your decisions on finishes. We can work in light rain, but heavy weather genuinely shuts the site down for safety. Council we just have to wait on. Late finish changes (e.g. switching pebble-crete colour after we've ordered) can add a week or two.
We give you a written schedule at contract sign and update it weekly via email or text. No surprises.
If you're serious about a build
Most of the calendar is just process. The bit you really care about — your pool being finished and ready to swim in — is reliably 12-16 weeks from approval. Get a quote started and we'll be at your block within a week.
— Mike
