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If you’re planning to build an inground pool in Davidson County, one of the first things you want to know is how long the whole process takes. It’s a smart question. A pool is a big investment, and knowing the timeline helps you plan your summer around it.
Here’s the straightforward answer: most homeowners in Davidson County can expect the full process to take anywhere from 10 to 18 weeks. That includes design, permitting, construction, and finishing work. The exact timeline depends on your pool type, your yard, and how early in the season you start.
At Sunshine Pools & Patios, we’ve been building pools in Middle Tennessee for over 40 years. We know this market, we know the local permit process, and we know how to keep a project on track from start to finish.
Every pool project starts with design. This is where you figure out size, shape, depth, and features. It’s also where you choose between pool types, which has a real impact on your overall timeline.
At Sunshine Pools, we work closely with homeowners to understand their vision and bring it to life. A well-thought-out design saves time during construction because decisions are already made before the crew shows up. Last-minute changes are where timelines slip.
The design phase typically takes one to three weeks. It goes faster when you come in with a general idea of what you want. If you’re still deciding between a gunite pool and a liner pool, that conversation is the most important one to have upfront.
After your design is finalized, permits come next. In Davidson County and the surrounding Nashville metro, you need building permits and zoning approvals before any construction can begin. Some projects also require inspections at specific stages of the build.
Permit timelines in this area typically run two to five weeks. Metro Nashville’s permitting office handles a high volume of applications, especially in the spring and summer when pool projects peak. Getting your application in early is one of the best things you can do to protect your timeline.
Your pool contractor should manage the entire permit process for you. At Sunshine Pools, we handle all permit submissions and follow-up so you don’t have to navigate that on your own.
The best advice we can give: start planning in the fall. Homeowners who begin the design and permitting process in the fall are almost always ready to start construction in early spring and swimming by early summer.
Once permits are approved, construction begins. The first step is excavation. A crew digs out the shape of your pool, which typically takes one to three days depending on yard conditions and pool size.
From there, the build varies based on your pool type.
Gunite pools are constructed entirely on-site. After excavation, a steel rebar framework is built and gunite is applied over it to form the shell. The shell then needs to cure before the next phase begins. Gunite pool construction generally takes three to six weeks for the shell alone. The tradeoff is total design freedom. Any shape, any depth, any custom feature you can imagine is possible with gunite.
Liner pools move faster through this stage. The pool structure is built, and then a vinyl liner is fitted over it. Liner pools are a cost-effective option with plenty of design flexibility and a clean, finished look. This phase typically takes two to four weeks.
Both options have real advantages. The right choice depends on your priorities and budget. Talk through both with a contractor who builds each type regularly.
With the shell in place, the mechanical work begins. Your pool needs plumbing lines, a filtration system, a pump, and electrical wiring. If you’re adding extras like a heater, underwater lighting, a spa, or water features, those get installed during this phase as well.
This work usually takes one to two weeks. It requires licensed tradespeople working in a specific sequence. A good pool contractor keeps these crews coordinated so there are no gaps or waiting periods between phases.
Choosing the right equipment upfront matters for long-term performance and cost of ownership. Your contractor should walk you through the options and help you make informed decisions before installation begins.
Once the pool is mechanically complete, the surrounding space gets attention. Coping is installed along the pool edge. The deck goes in. If you’re adding hardscaping like a patio, retaining wall, or outdoor living area, that work happens here too.
This phase is where the project transforms from a construction site into an actual backyard. Most homeowners spend time thinking about the pool itself but underestimate how much the surrounding space matters. A well-designed deck and hardscape makes the whole area more functional and far more enjoyable.
Decking and finishing work typically takes one to three weeks depending on the scope of what you’re building.
Before you can use the pool, it has to pass a final inspection. A county inspector reviews the finished work to confirm everything meets local building codes. Once the inspection clears, your contractor will walk you through startup.
Startup includes filling the pool, balancing the water chemistry, and testing all mechanical systems. You should also get a full walkthrough on how to operate and maintain your pool properly.
From first shovel to first swim, expect eight to twelve weeks for a liner pool and ten to sixteen weeks for a gunite pool. Add permit time on top of that.
A few common factors can push timelines out. Weather is the biggest one. Heavy rain delays excavation and outdoor work. Tennessee summers can bring stretches of rain that add days to a project.
Permit delays, material lead times, and change orders can also add time. Homeowners who are available, responsive, and decisive keep things moving. The more you lock in upfront, the less likely you are to hit delays mid-build. Contact Us
An experienced contractor with strong vendor relationships and a well-organized crew minimizes all of these risks. Sunshine Pools has been building in this market for over 40 years. We’ve seen every variable and we know how to manage around them.
You now have a clear picture of what the process looks like and how long it takes. The next step is simple.
Reach out to a team that knows Davidson County, knows the local permit process, and has the track record to deliver. Sunshine Pools & Patios has been the trusted pool builder in Middle Tennessee for over four decades. We handle every phase from design through final walkthrough.
Contact Sunshine Pools & Patios today to schedule your consultation and get your project started.