Swimming pool construction: the full cycle from design to launch
Swimming pool construction isn't just "digging a hole and pouring concrete." It's a full-fledged engineering project, where each stage depends on the previous one, and a mistake at the beginning costs twice as much in the end. ModernPools handles the entire construction cycle independently—from the technical specifications to the commissioning of the equipment—without involving subcontractors or losing quality control.
On this page, you'll find detailed information about the entire process, how long each step takes, and what factors influence the final cost.
What kind of pools do we build?
| Pool type | Bowl material | Construction period | What is it suitable for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Monolithic concrete + liner or tiles | 2–4 months | Any shape and size, commercial properties |
| Plastic (polypropylene) | Welded polypropylene | 3–6 weeks | Private homes with optimal price-quality ratio |
| Composite | Finished fiberglass bowl | 1–3 weeks | Quick installation, standard sizes |
| Sandy | Concrete + quartz sand | 2–4 months | Natural reservoir effect |
| Made of stainless steel | Stainless steel sheet | 2-3 months | Overflow pools, spas, designer objects |
➡️ bathhouse, saunas, hamam, salt rooms,
➡️ bowls with various types of overflow,
➡️ construction of water complexes and water parks.
Finishing materials include large format ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, granite mosaics and PVC film.
Stages of pool construction:
Regardless of the bowl type, the construction process follows the same key stages. Let's examine each in detail.
Stage 1. Technical specifications and preliminary calculations
It all starts with a conversation. Our specialist finds out:
➡️ location of the pool (open or indoor space);
➡️ desired size and shape of the bowl;
➡️ overflow type (skimmer or overflow);
➡️ conceptual zoning;
➡️ determination of equipment parameters and basic materials;
➡️ budget and deadlines;
➡️ additional settings – heating, hydromassage, lighting, counter-current, waterfall.
Upon completion of the first stage, a preliminary estimate is prepared and a decision is made on the construction of the pool.
Consultation and preliminary estimate are free.
Stage 2. Planning and design
After signing the contract, the design part begins:
➡️ architectural design of the bowl and the surrounding area;
➡️ technological project – water treatment, filtration, heating, power supply and ventilation schemes (for indoor pools);
➡️ 3D visualization – the customer sees the future pool before construction begins;
➡️ landscape design of the adjacent territory (if necessary).
The result of this stage is an approved working project, on the basis of which all subsequent work is carried out.
Stage 3. Site preparation and excavation work
The first physical stage of pool construction is excavation:
➡️ marking the outline of the future bowl;
➡️ digging a pit using professional equipment (excavator) or manually – if there are space limitations;
➡️ soil removal;
➡️ preparing the base for the foundation slab or sand cushion.
Important: The type of pool and the groundwater level on the site have a significant impact on the technology – if the groundwater level is high, additional waterproofing or a drainage system is required.
Stage 4. Construction of the bowl
The most technologically advanced and longest stage depends on the type of pool:
Concrete pool:
Installation of formwork → reinforcement with steel rods → pouring concrete → technological pause for strength gain (28 days) → waterproofing → finishing (liner, tiles or mosaics).
Plastic (polypropylene) pool:
The bowl is manufactured by welding polypropylene sheets at the production facility → delivery of the finished bowl → installation in the pit → backfilling and compaction → installation of embedded parts.
Composite pool:
Delivery of the finished fiberglass bowl → lowering into the pit → leveling and fixing → backfilling.
Stage 5. Arrangement of technical premises and installation of equipment
In parallel with the work on the basin, or immediately after, a technical room (pump house) is constructed. It houses:
➡️ filtration unit – filters and purifies water from mechanical impurities;
➡️ pumping equipment – ensures circulation;
➡️ heating system – heat pump, heat exchanger or electric heater;
➡️ chemical dosing station — automatically maintains pH balance and disinfection levels;
➡️ the automation and control unit is the single control center for all systems.
All ModernPools equipment and accessories are from trusted manufacturers: Astralpool (Spain), Renolit (France), Electro (England).
Stage 6. Finishing the bowl and surrounding area
After the equipment installation is complete, final finishing:
➡️ Laying ceramic tiles, mosaics or installing liner film;
➡️ Development of bypass paths and a beach area;
➡️ Installation of decking or paving slabs;
➡️ Installation of lighting (according to the project);
➡️ Landscaping around the pool.
ModernPools also offers pool repair and reconstruction services.
Stage 7. Commissioning and handover of the facility
The final stage is launching the system:
➡️ Filling the bowl with water;
➡️ Setting up and testing all filtration, heating, and dosing systems;
➡️ Leak test;
➡️ Balancing the chemical composition of water;
➡️ Handover of the facility to the customer with instructions on operation and maintenance;
➡️ Preparation of warranty documentation.
How much does it cost to build a swimming pool:
The cost of building a swimming pool is a common question, and there's no simple answer. The price is determined by several components:
Bowl type - a concrete pool is more expensive to build, but offers maximum design freedom. A composite pool is cheaper and quicker to build, but is limited to standard dimensions.
Size and shape – a standard rectangular pool 6x3 m costs significantly less than a free-form 12x5 m pool with radius corners.
Type of finishing – film liner, ceramic tiles or glass mosaics have different costs for materials and installation.
Equipment – the basic kit (pump + filter) and the fully automated Smart Pool system differ in price by 3–5 times.
Additional options – heating, hydromassage, counter-current, waterfall, lighting are added to the estimate in accordance with the chosen solutions.
Construction conditions – limited access for equipment, difficult soil or high groundwater levels increase labor costs.
Approximate price ranges:
| Object | Price |
|---|---|
| Ready-made bowl (without installation) | from €2,000 |
| Turnkey plastic pool | from €10,000 |
| Turnkey concrete swimming pool | from €15,000 |
| Commercial pool / water park | according to an individual estimate |
Any more questions? We'll be happy to answer them!
Post-construction service
The completion of a facility isn't the end of ModernPools' work. We offer a full range of maintenance services throughout the entire lifespan:
➡️ balancing the chemical composition of water (pH, chlorine, alkalinity);
➡️ seasonal conservation and de-conservation of the pool;
➡️ flushing and cleaning of filtration systems;
➡️ repair and reconstruction as needed;
➡️ control of the operation of all equipment;
➡️ cleaning the bottom and walls of the bowl.
Service can be arranged under a contract for the entire season or ordered on a case-by-case basis.
Common mistakes in swimming pool construction
Most problems pool owners face arise from mistakes made during the construction phase. Here are the most common:
Incorrectly chosen location. Trees near the basin provide a constant source of organic matter for the water. A shaded area can lead to problems with warming and algal blooms. A sloped area without adequate drainage can lead to flooding of the pit.
Savings on filtration equipment. A weak pump or insufficient filter capacity means cloudy water, excessive chemical consumption and constant manual maintenance.
Lack of heating system in the project. When the owner decides to add a heat pump after construction is complete, they have to dig up utility lines and disturb the existing finishes.
Cheap bowl finishing. Tiles without pool certification peel off within 2-3 years. A poor-quality liner cracks under ultraviolet light. Skimping on finishing can result in a complete renovation of the pool within 3-5 years.
One contractor for different stages. When one company digs a pit, another pours the concrete, and a third installs the equipment, responsibility becomes blurred. When problems arise, everyone blames the previous one.
Solution: entrust the entire cycle to a single contractor – the only scheme that guarantees the consistency of all stages and clear responsibility for the result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Swimming Pool Construction
Yes, but with restrictions. Excavation work and installation of plastic and composite bowls are possible at temperatures down to -5°C. Concrete work in freezing temperatures requires special additives and formwork insulation. The best time to begin construction is fall or early spring, so that the project is ready for the summer season.
Yes, ModernPools operates throughout Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territories. Our main locations are Kyiv and the Kyiv region, Transcarpathia, Bukovel, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and other regions.
The bowl lining is covered for 5 years. The polypropylene structure is covered for 7 years. The equipment is covered by a full manufacturer's warranty (usually 2-3 years). All warranty obligations are specified in the contract.
It depends on the pool size and level of automation. For an automated private pool measuring 6x3 meters, seasonal maintenance (opening, monthly visits, and maintenance) costs approximately 20,000–40,000 UAH per season. The exact cost is calculated on a case-by-case basis.
In a skimmer pool, water is collected through skimmers (intake devices at surface level) – this is a simpler and more economical option. In an overflow pool, water flows over the edge of the pool into an overflow channel – this is a more complex system, but it provides an "endless water" effect and better surface cleaning. More details are available in separate blog posts: "Skimmer Pool" and "Overflow Pool"
Yes. ModernPools can handle every single stage: design, excavation, pool installation, equipment installation and setup, finishing, and service. However, it's important to understand: full responsibility for the outcome is only possible when working from start to finish.
A full cycle: technical specifications → design → excavation work → pool construction → equipment installation → finishing → commissioning → site handover with instructions. The customer receives a pool ready for swimming without the need to coordinate contractors.
Artificial ponds always seem like a great addition to any home. But building one can be a huge project. The most important thing to consider when building a pond is that it should be safe. There are many factors to consider, including the shape and size of the pool. Find out more in our article on building a permanent pool.
Calculate the cost of your pool
Types of turnkey pools
Concrete pool (with liner)
A liner-covered concrete bowl is a form and design that has been around for decades without limitations.
Plastic pool (polypropylene)
Made from high quality German polypropylene. Ideal price-quality ratio.
Ceramic composite swimming pool
Turnkey solutions from a European manufacturer.
Sand pool (sandy)
New - sand pebble pool, bringing the feeling of a real beach to your home.
Jacuzzi (Whirlpool Spas)
Swimming pool with hydromassage and heating, SPA hydromassage baths for relaxation and health improvement.