Welcome to Pool School, where we give you the straight talk about what it’s really like to build a custom pool in Middle Georgia.
In our first episode, we’re not sugar-coating anything – building a pool gets messy, loud, and chaotic. But here’s why it’s absolutely worth it.
Let’s be honest about something right upfront: if you’re thinking about building a custom pool, you need to know it’s going to disrupt your life for a few weeks. Your peaceful backyard is about to become a construction zone. There will be noise, dust, and equipment where your lawn used to be.
But here’s what we’ve learned after 30 years of building pools for Middle Georgia families – the temporary chaos is nothing compared to the lifetime of memories you’re creating.
Step 1: Digging In – When We Tear Up Your Yard
The first phase is the loudest and dustiest. We’re going to excavate your future pool, and that means heavy machinery, lots of dirt, and yes, it’s going to be loud. Your neighbors will know something big is happening.
What to expect:
- Excavation equipment in your backyard
- Piles of Georgia clay that need to go somewhere
- Noise during working hours (we stick to reasonable times)
- Dust – even with our best efforts to control it
The reality check: This phase feels destructive because, well, it is. We’re literally tearing up your beautiful lawn to create something even better. One of our customers described it perfectly: “It looked like a war zone for about a week, but then we started seeing the shape of our pool and got so excited we could barely sleep.”
How long: Typically 3-5 days, depending on your pool size and soil conditions
Step 2: Laying the Foundation – Building the Skeleton
Once we’ve got your hole dug, we create the foundation that makes your pool virtually indestructible. This is where the real craftsmanship shows.
Steel reinforcement (rebar): We install a grid of steel reinforcement that gives your pool incredible strength. This isn’t something you can see in the finished product, but it’s what makes the difference between a pool that lasts decades and one that develops problems.
Plumbing installation: All the pipes that will circulate your water, power your jets, and connect your equipment get installed now. We’re talking about the circulatory system of your future oasis.
Electrical work: Lighting, pumps, heaters, automation systems – all the electrical infrastructure goes in during this phase.
Why this matters: Everything we install now is permanent. This is why we take our time and do it right the first time. Fixing plumbing or electrical issues after your pool is finished means jackhammering concrete.
How long: 3-5 days for most pools
Step 3: Taking Shape – When It Starts Looking Like a Pool
This is when the magic really happens and your pool starts taking its actual shape.
Shotcrete application: We spray a mixture of concrete and sand over your steel framework using high-pressure equipment. This creates the shell of your pool and requires perfect weather conditions – we won’t spray in rain, extreme heat, or high winds.
Tile installation: Your waterline tile goes in, along with any decorative tile work. This is detailed craftsmanship that can’t be rushed.
Decking work: Whether you’re getting concrete, pavers, or natural stone, your deck starts taking shape around your pool.
Stunning finishes: Plaster, aggregate, or other interior finishes get applied. This is what you’ll see and feel every time you swim.
The transformation: This is when family members start getting really excited. You can finally see your pool’s shape, size, and style. Kids start planning their first cannonball.
How long: 2-3 weeks, depending on complexity and weather
Final Touches – From Construction Zone to Paradise
Equipment installation: Pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems get connected and tested. Everything needs to work perfectly before we call it done.
Inspections: Local authorities inspect our work to ensure everything meets safety and building codes. We handle all the scheduling and paperwork.
Cleanup: We remove all construction debris and clean up the work area. Your yard starts looking like a yard again instead of a construction site.
Water and startup: We fill your pool, balance the water chemistry, and test all systems. This is when it becomes real – you actually have a swimming pool.
How long: 3-5 days for final phases
The Truth About the Timeline
Total time: 8 weeks from excavation to first swim, weather permitting
Weather impact: Georgia weather can extend timelines. Summer thunderstorms delay concrete work. Spring rains make excavation difficult. We build weather contingencies into every schedule, but Mother Nature has the final say.
Why it takes this long: Each phase requires proper curing time, inspections, and quality control. Rushing any step compromises the final result, and you’ll be living with your pool for decades.
What Our Families Tell Us
“The construction phase felt like forever when we were living through it,” shared one Warner Robins family. “But now that we’re swimming every day, we can barely remember the inconvenience. Our kids tell everyone we have the coolest backyard in the neighborhood.”
Another customer said: “MidState Pools is a joy to work with and provided a true gift to my family. The gift of TIME. I cannot stress enough how much more we’re together as a family.”
Managing Expectations During Construction
Communication is everything: We keep you updated throughout the process. You’ll know what’s happening each week and if weather or other factors affect our timeline.
Temporary disruption, permanent joy: The noise fades. The dust settles. The equipment disappears. What remains is a backyard paradise that transforms how your family lives and entertains.
Planning helps: Knowing what to expect makes the process easier. We walk you through every phase before we start so there are no surprises.
The Payoff
After a few weeks of construction chaos, you have something extraordinary: a custom pool built specifically for your family’s needs and your property’s unique characteristics. It’s not just a place to cool off – it’s where birthday parties happen, where friends gather, where your family creates memories that last a lifetime.
Ready for the Real Deal?
If you can handle a few weeks of controlled chaos in exchange for decades of backyard paradise, let’s talk. We’re honest about what the process involves because we want you to be prepared and excited, not surprised and frustrated.
Visit our showroom at 540 S. Houston Lake Road in Warner Robins to see examples of finished pools and discuss what the construction process would look like for your specific property. Call us at 478-953-7300 to schedule your consultation.
Want more Pool School episodes? Follow us on YouTube for the complete series where we break down everything you need to know about building your dream pool. From design secrets to maintenance tips, we’re sharing 30 years of expertise to help you make the best decisions for your family.
