Will Rainy Weather Delay The Construction Of My Swimming Pool?

The short answer to this question is ‘Yes’! Like with all outdoor works and construction, the weather will always be a huge factor when it comes to a smooth installation process of your swimming pool. Not only is it hard to get the manpower and labour teams out on site in the wet weather, the structural repercussions of stalling an installation due to the rain can be very damaging. Planning your swimming pool installation for the dry season will ensure an easier, more straightforward process. It could be as little as 7 days, or could be up to 10 weeks to complete your swimming pool. Keep that in mind when budgeting and booking the installation and earthworks.

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How Rainwater Can Affect The Construction Of My Pool?

There are many ways the rainwater can affect construction. From the drainage/run off of water collecting in different areas, as well as affecting the external areas surrounding the pool where work is completed. The ground needs to remain hard enough to withstand the pressure from heavy machinery and support the plumbing that is installed. Soft ground from the rain will impact the earthworks and base construction of your pool. Ensure your ground is completely dry before the team starts construction. Custom concrete in-ground pool structures require at least 28 days to dry properly, but constant rain can extend the drying period. On the other hand, above-ground pools need to rely on the foundational support to properly maintain their structure – but excessive rainwater can cause the soil beneath the pool structure to shift, sink, or even collapse. When this happens, cracked surfaces and leaky walls will become more evident. Halting the construction until the ground is dry seems painful, but the damage which can occur during a soggy installation means ongoing repairs and costs. So, pausing the project is the better option. 

Like with any good story or building – it requires strong foundations. If the construction area starts collecting water, you will need to get your hands dirty and get rid of the excess water. There are drainage options you can look at to install around your yard, which you can discuss with contractors prior to the installation to avoid any structural warping and long term (and short term) issues. Otherwise, a pump may be needed to remove any water that has pooled in the excavated hole. You don’t want the excavated walls to cave in! This can equal long delays. 

Depending on your backyard conditions, the ground may take several days to several weeks to be ready. Factors around location and weather can extend or reduce the time needed. For example, in some country areas where the ground contains more clay, the water could remain longer in the soil before evaporating. However, if the ground contains more sand, the excess water will evaporate more quickly. 

While heavy rain is likely to pause your pool installation, light rain can usually be worked through by the contractors. They will use tarps to cover areas so they can continue to work through. These professionals are constantly checking weather patterns and should keep you in the loop with any plans or changes to your install timeline.

What About Wind?

Wind can also slow down the construction of your swimming pool. Strong winds can blow debris and dirt onto gunite (concrete) and plaster surfaces. This will interfere with the look and feel of the overall pool surface. Plaster and concrete also dries very quickly in windy weather- too quickly. When plaster and concrete dry too quickly, it can form cracks and flakes which will deteriorate structurally over time, as well as look tacky.

What Can Stormy Weather Do To The Quality Of My Swimming Pool Water?

The quality of pool water is affected by stormy weather in a few ways. Keeping your pool chemicals balanced after a big dumping of rain can be a bit challenging. When the additional water is added to your pool, it dilutes the chemicals and throws the levels out. The reason we add chemicals into our swimming pools is to prevent bacteria growth and the spread of disease. During a rainstorm dirt and debris will get blown by the wind or drain into the pool from excess water run off. This concoction can encourage bacteria and algae growth. Make sure you regularly keep an eye on the chemistry levels, or ask a professional to help, especially through the wet season/stormy weather. You could even consider installing a pool cover to help prevent future risks. 

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How Can I Avoid Weather Delays?

The short answer to this question is ‘You can’t’! 

Even if you decide to build an indoor pool – in a huge area/shed, there are still no guarantees on how you can avoid the weather delays. It is important for you to do your research with rainfall calendars and checking that you have booked for the right season. Making sure you have chosen the driest season. However, there is always going to be a risk of a freak weather incident or storm. You can still prepare the best you can, by consulting with your new pool construction team to get their advice and local experience of the best season. Being receptive to the drainage plans and making sure there is a plan in place to minimise the risks of flooding the construction area and keep it as dry as possible.

Conclusion

Planning and constructing a new pool for your family is definitely a big project. But once ithas been completed, the arrival of your family’s swimming pool will be a huge asset to the property and a welcome ‘member’ of your family for years to come.

Will Rainy Weather Delay The Construction Of My Swimming Pool?

The short answer to this question is ‘Yes’! Like with all outdoor works and construction, the weather will always be a huge factor when it comes to a smooth installation process of your swimming pool. Not only is it hard to get the manpower and labour teams out on site in the wet weather, the structural repercussions of stalling an installation due to the rain can be very damaging. Planning your swimming pool installation for the dry season will ensure an easier, more straightforward process. It could be as little as 7 days, or could be up to 10 weeks to complete your swimming pool. Keep that in mind when budgeting and booking the installation and earthworks.

How Rainwater Can Affect The Construction Of My Pool?

There are many ways the rainwater can affect construction. From the drainage/run off of water collecting in different areas, as well as affecting the external areas surrounding the pool where work is completed. The ground needs to remain hard enough to withstand the pressure from heavy machinery and support the plumbing that is installed. Soft ground from the rain will impact the earthworks and base construction of your pool. Ensure your ground is completely dry before the team starts construction. Custom concrete in-ground pool structures require at least 28 days to dry properly, but constant rain can extend the drying period. On the other hand, above-ground pools need to rely on the foundational support to properly maintain their structure – but excessive rainwater can cause the soil beneath the pool structure to shift, sink, or even collapse. When this happens, cracked surfaces and leaky walls will become more evident. Halting the construction until the ground is dry seems painful, but the damage which can occur during a soggy installation means ongoing repairs and costs. So, pausing the project is the better option. 

Like with any good story or building – it requires strong foundations. If the construction area starts collecting water, you will need to get your hands dirty and get rid of the excess water. There are drainage options you can look at to install around your yard, which you can discuss with contractors prior to the installation to avoid any structural warping and long term (and short term) issues. Otherwise, a pump may be needed to remove any water that has pooled in the excavated hole. You don’t want the excavated walls to cave in! This can equal long delays. 

Depending on your backyard conditions, the ground may take several days to several weeks to be ready. Factors around location and weather can extend or reduce the time needed. For example, in some country areas where the ground contains more clay, the water could remain longer in the soil before evaporating. However, if the ground contains more sand, the excess water will evaporate more quickly. 

While heavy rain is likely to pause your pool installation, light rain can usually be worked through by the contractors. They will use tarps to cover areas so they can continue to work through. These professionals are constantly checking weather patterns and should keep you in the loop with any plans or changes to your install timeline.

What About Wind?

Wind can also slow down the construction of your swimming pool. Strong winds can blow debris and dirt onto gunite (concrete) and plaster surfaces. This will interfere with the look and feel of the overall pool surface. Plaster and concrete also dries very quickly in windy weather- too quickly. When plaster and concrete dry too quickly, it can form cracks and flakes which will deteriorate structurally over time, as well as look tacky.

What Can Stormy Weather Do To The Quality Of My Swimming Pool Water?

The quality of pool water is affected by stormy weather in a few ways. Keeping your pool chemicals balanced after a big dumping of rain can be a bit challenging. When the additional water is added to your pool, it dilutes the chemicals and throws the levels out. The reason we add chemicals into our swimming pools is to prevent bacteria growth and the spread of disease. During a rainstorm dirt and debris will get blown by the wind or drain into the pool from excess water run off. This concoction can encourage bacteria and algae growth. Make sure you regularly keep an eye on the chemistry levels, or ask a professional to help, especially through the wet season/stormy weather. You could even consider installing a pool cover to help prevent future risks. 

How Can I Avoid Weather Delays?

The short answer to this question is ‘You can’t’! 

Even if you decide to build an indoor pool – in a huge area/shed, there are still no guarantees on how you can avoid the weather delays. It is important for you to do your research with rainfall calendars and checking that you have booked for the right season. Making sure you have chosen the driest season. However, there is always going to be a risk of a freak weather incident or storm. You can still prepare the best you can, by consulting with your new pool construction team to get their advice and local experience of the best season. Being receptive to the drainage plans and making sure there is a plan in place to minimise the risks of flooding the construction area and keep it as dry as possible.

Conclusion

Planning and constructing a new pool for your family is definitely a big project. But once ithas been completed, the arrival of your family’s swimming pool will be a huge asset to the property and a welcome ‘member’ of your family for years to come.