Fiberglass Pool Installation Process: What Happens Day by Day in Florida

One of the biggest advantages of fiberglass pools over concrete is speed: while a concrete pool takes 3–6 months to build, a fiberglass pool installation in Florida typically takes 7–14 days from first dig to first swim. But what actually happens during those 7–14 days? And what should you do (and not do) as a homeowner?

This guide walks through the complete fiberglass pool installation process in Florida — including the steps that happen before excavation even begins.

Before Installation Starts: Permits and Planning

Step 1: Site Assessment and Design (Week 1–2 before install)

A good contractor starts with a site visit before any work begins. They assess:

• Soil type and drainage — Florida's sandy soils drain well but can shift; areas with clay need additional consideration
• Access for equipment — the crane and excavation equipment need a clear path (usually 10+ feet wide)
• HOA restrictions — many Florida communities have fence height, landscaping, and setback rules that affect pool placement
• Underground utilities — contractors are required to call Sunshine State One Call (811) before any digging
• Elevation and drainage direction — Florida's flat terrain can create drainage challenges that affect pool placement

Step 2: Permitting (1–4 weeks)

Every pool in Florida requires a building permit. The timeline varies by county:

• Marion County (Ocala): Typically 2–3 weeks for residential pool permits
• Orange County (Orlando): 2–4 weeks — submit through the Orange County Permit portal
• Palm Beach County: 3–6 weeks — Palm Beach uses ePZB (e-Permits, Zoning and Building); requirements include engineer-stamped drawings for pools over 25,000 gallons
• St. Lucie County (Port St. Lucie): 2–3 weeks typically
• Miami-Dade: 4–8 weeks — one of the most document-intensive permitting processes in Florida

Your contractor handles the permit filing. Do not let any contractor start excavation before the permit is approved — it is illegal and can result in a stop-work order that delays your project by months.

The Installation: Day by Day

Day 1: Layout and Excavation

The first day is usually the most dramatic. The crew:

• Stakes out the pool location using the approved site plan
• Marks all utility lines
• Begins excavation — a standard 12x24 pool requires removing approximately 60–80 tons of soil
• Digs slightly larger than the pool dimensions to allow for backfill

In Florida's sandy soils, excavation typically takes 4–8 hours for a standard residential pool. In rockier areas (parts of South Florida near limestone), it can take longer. Soil is hauled off-site — ask your contractor in advance where it goes, as some homeowners prefer to keep it for landscaping.

Day 2: Shell Delivery and Set

This is the day that makes neighbors stop and stare. The fiberglass pool shell — pre-manufactured at the factory — is delivered on a flatbed truck and set into the excavated hole using a crane.

• The shell is typically 30–60 feet long on the truck, depending on the model
• A 30–50 ton crane lifts and places the shell — this takes 2–4 hours
• The crew levels the shell precisely — proper leveling is critical to avoid stress fractures and water line issues
• Initial plumbing connections are roughed in

Key quality checkpoint: The shell should be perfectly level in all directions. Ask your contractor what tools they use to verify leveling — laser level is the gold standard.

Days 2–4: Plumbing and Electrical

Once the shell is set, licensed plumbers and electricians rough in all systems:

• Return jets, skimmer lines, and main drain plumbing — typically 2" or 2.5" PVC
• Bonding wire — Florida code requires all metal components to be bonded to prevent electrolysis
• Conduit for lights and any automation systems
• Equipment pad preparation — pump, filter, and any heater or automation equipment

Florida's electrical code for pools is strict and for good reason — pool electrical work is inspected separately by the county inspector before backfill begins.

Day 4–5: Electrical Inspection and Backfill

After rough-in inspection passes (and not before), the crew begins backfill:

• The space between the shell and the excavation walls is filled — most contractors in Florida use gravel, pea gravel, or a sand/gravel mix for drainage
• The pool is simultaneously filled with water during backfill — this is critical to prevent the shell from floating or warping under backfill pressure
• Filling takes 12–36 hours depending on pool size and water pressure

Days 5–7: Equipment Installation

The equipment pad is installed and all mechanical systems are connected and tested:

• Pump and motor installation
• Filter installation (cartridge or sand, depending on selection)
• Salt chlorinator if applicable
• Pool heater if applicable
• Automation system wiring and programming
• All equipment connections tested before final inspection

Days 7–10: Decking

The deck is the finishing touch that makes the pool complete. Common decking options in Florida include:

• Concrete (Brushed or Broom Finish): Most affordable, durable, can be hot barefoot in summer — common add-on is a cool-deck or acrylic coating
• Paver Decking: Most popular upgrade in Florida — pavers allow water drainage, look beautiful, and can be repaired piece by piece if damaged
• Natural Stone: Travertine is especially popular in South Florida — stays cooler than concrete in direct sun

Decking typically takes 1–3 days to pour/install, then requires a curing period before foot traffic.

Day 10–14: Final Inspection and Startup

Before you swim, the county conducts a final pool inspection. In Florida, this covers:

• Pool fence/barrier requirement — Florida law requires a 4-foot barrier with self-latching gate around all residential pools
• Equipment electrical connections
• GFCI protection on all poolside outlets
• Bonding verification

After inspection approval, your contractor starts up the pool: tests all systems, adjusts initial water chemistry, and walks you through operation and maintenance.

What to Do (and Avoid) as a Homeowner During Installation

• DO — mark your irrigation system location before excavation
• DO — take photos before and during backfill (good for insurance records)
• DO — ask for the inspection report copies for your records
• DO NOT — let workers use your home's electricity without agreeing to it first (some contractors connect to your house power during installation)
• DO NOT — swim until the contractor gives final sign-off and all chemicals are balanced
• DO NOT — let landscaping begin until the contractor confirms it is safe to work around the fresh deck

Common Florida-Specific Installation Challenges

High Water Table

In parts of Florida (especially coastal areas and low-elevation inland areas), the water table can be just a few feet below grade. This can complicate excavation and increase the importance of proper backfill technique. Ask your contractor about their experience with high-water-table sites.

Soil Conditions

Sandy soils (most of Central Florida) excavate easily. Limestone (parts of South Florida and the Panhandle) requires specialized equipment. Clay soils (some inland areas) can swell and contract — contractors in these areas should use specific backfill mixes.

HOA Requirements

Many Florida communities require HOA approval before and after installation. Get your HOA approval in writing before scheduling your contractor — some HOAs add 2–4 weeks to the timeline.

Ready to Get Started?

Cool Pool of Florida installs premium Latham and San Juan fiberglass pools across Ocala, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa — with a typical installation timeline of 7–14 days. Request your free estimate and we will walk you through the complete process for your specific location.