7 Things to Know Before Building an Inground Pool (and a Few Extras You’ll Thank Us For)

Building an inground pool is exciting!!! But we also understand it's a big investment in your home and lifestyle. To help you plan with confidence, we came up with seven essentials every homeowner should know before breaking ground....plus a few bonus considerations that make the process smoother, quicker, and more enjoyable. 

1. Scheduling: Builders are often booked 4–8 months out. Because good work takes time ☺️. Most reputable pool builders run a 4–8 month lead time (sometimes longer during peak season). That timeline includes design, permitting, scheduling equipment deliveries, and lining up subcontractors. If you want your pool ready for a specific date — summer entertaining, a graduation, or a birthday — start the process EARLY! We’ll give you realistic milestone dates and keep you updated every step of the way. 

2. Have your Plat of Survey ready: A current Plat of Survey is one of the fastest ways to accelerate the design and permitting process. It shows property lines, structures, easements, grades, and setbacks — all items we must consider when installing a pool. If you don’t have one, that's ok! We can help you obtain it or recommend local surveyors. Having this document up front avoids delays and costly redesigns. 

3. Local Codes & Village Rules Matter: Every town has different rules for setbacks, fencing, pool alarms, and drainage. We review local codes early so your dream features don’t conflict with municipal requirements. That means we can: adapt designs to village tolerances, recommend compliant equipment, and avoid last-minute changes that push timelines and budgets. Working primarily in the Mokena and nearby cities, we’ve gotten to know these requirements fairly well 😁. This allows us to design with that experience in mind.

4. Permits: We handle the paperwork! Permits can be confusing and time consuming. We take care of permit applications, engineering (if required), inspections scheduling, and compliance documentation. That saves you time and ensures the job proceeds smoothly and legally. 

5. Ongoing maintenance: Plan for the life of the pool. The work doesn’t end at handoff. Routine maintenance (chemical balancing, filtration checks, cleaning) keeps water healthy and equipment running efficiently. We offer full-service maintenance, seasonal openings/closings, and educational resources if you prefer to self-maintain. Factoring maintenance into your budget ahead of time avoids surprise costs and extends the life of the pool. In addition, we have our team at the retail store to always help you during business hours, whether it’s advice over the phone, or bringing a sample of water in for a water test.  

6. Energy efficiency & equipment choices: Modern pumps, variable-speed equipment, LED lighting, and efficient heaters lower operating costs over time. Investing slightly more up front in energy-efficient systems pays dividends in monthly utility bills and long-term reliability. 

7. Drainage, grading & landscaping integration: Pools change how water flows across your property. Proper grading, French drains, and landscape design protect adjacent structures and plantings. Thinking about outdoor living — patios, kitchens, fire pits — at design stage creates a cohesive backyard that functions well year-round.

   
   

BONUS!!! We couldn't decide on just 7 tips for you, so we threw in a few more that may help you when considering buying a pool.

• Warranty, documentation & service access: Review manufacturer warranties (structure, equipment, finishes) and our workmanship guarantee. Make sure you understand what is covered, for how long, and who to call for service. We supply a handover packet with manuals, maintenance schedules, and contact info so you’re never guessing.

• Permits, insurance & resale value: A properly permitted pool increases resale value and avoids headaches during a home sale. Also check with your homeowner’s insurance about coverage changes and advise your agent when construction begins.

• Timeline realities and weather: Weather, material lead times, and municipal reviews influence schedules. We build buffer time into project plans and communicate proactively if delays occur.

At Mud Turtle Outdoor Living, we guide homeowners through every step: producing an accurate estimate, helping with surveys and permits, designing a pool that fits your family, and delivering a project on schedule with attention to the details that matter. Whether you want us to handle full maintenance or teach you to manage chemicals and cleaning, we’ll make sure you enjoy the pool — not just the build. 

Ready to take the next step? Let’s get you swimming and enjoying your backyard! 

-The Mud Turtle Outdoor Living Team