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Call Now | 519-652-7665 | Custom LeisureScapes: London & Stratford Ontario’s pool, hot tub, and swim spa experts.
If you’re planning a backyard transformation in London or Stratford, the second most common question we get at Custom Leisurescapes—right after “how much”—is: “When can we actually swim?”
In Southwestern Ontario, the typical timeline for an inground pool installation ranges from 3 to 12 weeks. However, the “active construction” phase is only part of the story. Between new 2026 provincial safety regulations and local municipal permits, timing is everything.
Here is the step-by-step timeline of what to expect.
Before a single shovel hits the dirt, we have to handle the paperwork.
The Design: Choosing your shape, features, and landscaping usually takes a week or two of collaborating with our team.
The Permits: In London and Stratford, pool fence permits are now strictly digital. Under the updated 2026 Ontario Building Code, requirements for non-climbable fencing and specific gate latches are tighter than ever. Depending on how busy the municipal office is, approval usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.
Once the permit is in hand, the speed of the build depends entirely on the material you chose:
Fiberglass Pools (1–3 Weeks): These are the speed demons of the pool world. Since the shell arrives pre-manufactured, we can often have the pool in the ground, leveled, and plumbed in just a few days.
Vinyl Liner Pools (3–5 Weeks): These require more on-site assembly. We build the wall panels, pour a concrete “hopper” (the floor), and then wait for a clear, warm day to drop in the liner.
Concrete / Gunite Pools (8–12 Weeks): If you’re going for a high-end custom concrete build, patience is a virtue. The concrete alone requires a 28-day curing period before we can apply the final finish or marbelite.
A common misconception is that you can fill the pool as soon as it’s built. In Ontario, you cannot add water until a compliant safety fence is inspected and approved.
Temporary Fencing: If your permanent stone or glass fence isn’t ready, we can install a temporary safety enclosure (valid for up to 120 days in London) to get the water moving and the chemicals balanced.
Final Inspections: Once the fence is up, we call the city for a mandatory inspection. Only after their “green light” is your oasis officially open for business.
Even with the best planning, a few local factors can shift your “swim day” back:
Spring Rain: Southwestern Ontario springs can be muddy. Heavy rain can delay excavation or liner installation by several days.
Access Issues: If we’re working in an older Stratford neighborhood with tight alleyways, moving equipment in and out takes a bit more time.
The “Landscaping Gap”: Most homeowners want a patio around their pool. This usually adds another 1 to 3 weeks after the pool is in the ground but before the project feels “finished.”
To ensure you’re swimming by Canada Day, the best time to start the design and permit process is February or March. This puts you at the front of the line when the ground thaws.
