A swimming pool can add 1 to 7% to your home’s value in North Carolina,…
The Fastest Way to Install a Swimming Pool (And the Option Most People Overlook)
Learn which pool installs the fastest, how long each option takes, and the overlooked solution that gets you swimming sooner.
What’s the fastest way to install a swimming pool? Well, that depends on the pool itself. Above-ground pools are installed in 1-10 days and cost $1,000-$6,000, but they’re seasonal and temporary. Semi-inground pools take a few weeks and cost up to $25,000. In-ground fiberglass pools can be installed in as little as 1–2 days once excavation and site preparation are complete, with additional time depending on permitting and finishing work. Swim spas can be installed in a single afternoon with no permit required in most areas, work year-round, and start around $20,000. For most homeowners, a swim spa is the fastest permanent option by a wide margin.
Whether you want to swim this summer or you’re planning something permanent, this guide breaks down exactly what to expect from each option.
Table of Contents
What Is the Fastest Type of Pool to Install?
The fastest permanent pool to install is an in-ground fiberglass pool, with installation completed in as little as 1–2 days once the site is prepared. Semi-inground pools offer a middle-ground option, typically taking a few weeks to install, depending on excavation and site conditions. Above-ground pools can also be set up quickly in 1–10 days with basic tools, but they’re typically seasonal and not built for long-term use. Swim spas are another fast option, often delivered and ready to use the same day, with minimal setup and no permit required in many areas.
Here’s how the four main options compare:
| Pool Type | Typical Installed Cost | Install Time | Permit Usually Required? | Year-Round Use? |
| Above-ground | $1,000-$6,000 | 1-10 days | No | Seasonal only |
| Semi-inground | $7,000-$25,000 | 1-4 weeks | Sometimes | Seasonal only |
| In-ground fiberglass | $35,000-$100,000+ | 1-2 days (plus permit wait) | Yes | With a heater |
| Swim spa | $20,000-$35,000 | 1 day | Usually no | Yes, year-round |
Now, let’s look at each one in detail.
Above-Ground Pools: Affordable with a Few Trade-offs
Above-ground pools offer a fast, affordable entry point for homeowners looking to add a swimming pool without a major investment. Round steel-frame models are the simplest to assemble, and a DIY install saves $1,000-$2,500 in labor compared to hiring a crew, according to Angi’s above-ground pool cost guide. Total installed cost for most homeowners runs between $1,012 and $5,967, with small inflatable models available for as little as $150.
Above-ground pool options work well for families who want a seasonal splash pad without a big upfront investment. The installation can be done in just a weekend, and no permit is required in most areas.
The catch? Longevity and usability. In North Carolina, above-ground pools are a seasonal product, leaving you with a covered, unused structure for five or more months per year. They don’t add meaningfully to your home’s value, and most standard models aren’t built for year-round swimming. If you want to swim in February, you’ll need to look further down this list.
How to Install an Above-Ground Pool: Step by Step
| Step | What to Do |
| 1. Pick your location | Choose a level area away from trees, overhead lines, and underground utilities. Avoid low spots where water collects. |
| 2. Level the ground | Remove grass and add a 1-2 inch layer of sand or foam pad. Check with a long level — even a 1-inch slope can cause problems once the pool is full. |
| 3. Assemble the frame | Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A round steel-frame pool typically takes 2-4 hours. Oval models take longer and benefit from an extra pair of hands. |
| 4. Install the liner | Drape the liner inside the frame and smooth out wrinkles from the center outward. Do this before adding water — you can’t fix folds once it’s full. |
| 5. Fill with water | Start filling slowly while you continue smoothing the liner. A standard above-ground pool takes 8-24 hours to fill depending on size and water pressure. |
| 6. Connect pump and filter | Attach the filtration system, add startup chemicals, and test the water balance before anyone gets in. |
How Long Does a Semi-Inground Pool Take to Install?
A semi-inground pool typically takes 1-4 weeks to install, depending on the amount of excavation involved, your terrain, and whether you’re adding a deck. Costs range from $7,000 to $25,000 installed, depending on pool size and the type of material used, according to Home Guide’s semi-inground pool cost breakdown.
Semi-inground pools are a solid middle-ground option. They look more finished than a standard above-ground model and work especially well on sloped or uneven terrain, since part of the pool sits below grade while the rest stays above it. Steel is the most affordable frame material, while concrete and fiberglass add cost but improve durability.
You may need a permit depending on your county and how deep the excavation goes. Permits typically run $100-$300, according to Home Advisor’s installation cost data, though approval timelines vary. It’s worth checking with your local building department before you schedule installation.
If a semi-inground pool is on your shortlist, Epic Swimming Pools has a range of semi-inground pool options available to browse.
How to Install a Semi-Inground Pool: Step by Step
| Step | What to Do |
| 1. Check permit requirements | Contact your county building department before you dig. Even partial excavation can trigger a permit requirement depending on your location. |
| 2. Mark and excavate | Dig to your chosen depth. The deeper you go, the more built-in the pool looks. A bobcat or mini-excavator handles most residential jobs in a day. |
| 3. Level and compact the base | The bottom must be flat and firm. Soft or uneven ground will shift the pool over time. Use compacted sand or gravel as your base layer. |
| 4. Place the pool shell | Lower the frame or panel structure into the excavation and check it’s perfectly level before securing anything. |
| 5. Backfill around the sides | Pack clean soil, sand, or gravel around the outside walls as you go. Compact in layers — loose backfill causes settling and can warp the pool wall. |
| 6. Connect plumbing and electrical | Run lines to the pump and filter. All electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician and comply with local codes. |
| 7. Add water and finish the surround | Fill the pool while adding your deck, coping, or landscaping around the perimeter. A simple wooden or composite deck can transform the look. |
What’s the Timeline for an In-Ground Fiberglass Pool?
Installation of an in-ground fiberglass pool is one of the fastest permanent options available, with the pool shell placed and installed in as little as 1–2 days once the site is ready. Final steps like decking, electrical work, and finishing work may extend the timeline. The shell arrives pre-manufactured and drops into the excavated site within a single day using a crane. Most of the timeline after that involves backfilling, plumbing connections, and finishing the deck around the pool.
Still, fiberglass is the fastest of the in-ground options. By comparison, vinyl liner pools can take up to 8 weeks, and concrete (gunite) pools can stretch up to six months, according to Covers in Play’s pool installation guide. If you’re set on an in-ground build, fiberglass is the clear choice for speed.
The bigger variable is permitting. Getting a pool permit can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks, depending on your county and the time of year. Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for permit offices, so if you’re planning a summer install, it pays to get the paperwork started in late winter or early spring.
You can explore in-ground pool options at Epic Swimming Pools, including what the full build and permitting process looks like.
The Beach Club and Beach Club Premium
Two of our favorite in-ground fiberglass pool models worth taking a closer look at are the Beach Club Deluxe Swimming Pool and the Beach Club Premium.
The Beach Club Deluxe is a full-sized swim spa with powerful swim jets, therapy seats, and everything you need for daily exercise and recovery. It’s a straightforward, high-performance option that doesn’t cut corners.
The Beach Club Premium adds enhanced hydrotherapy features and upgraded finishes, making it the better pick if you want the full spa-and-swim experience in one package.
Both of these models are built by Wellis and can be installed in three different ways, giving you flexibility no traditional pool can match.
How to Install an In-Ground Fiberglass Pool: Step by Step
| Step | What to Do |
| 1. Design and permits | Finalize pool placement and dimensions with your builder, then submit the permit application. Budget 2-12 weeks for approval, depending on your county. |
| 2. Mark the dig site | Your builder stakes out the exact boundaries and requires underground utility checks before any digging starts. |
| 3. Excavate | A crew digs the hole to match the pool shell’s exact dimensions. Most residential excavations are complete in 1-2 days. |
| 4. Place the fiberglass shell | A crane or excavator lowers the pre-made shell into position. Placement and initial leveling typically take a few hours. |
| 5. Plumbing and backfill | Pipes connect while clean gravel or sand is packed around the shell in stages to stabilize it and prevent shifting. |
| 6. Electrical and equipment | A licensed electrician connects the pump, filter, heater, and any lighting. All work must pass a local inspection. |
| 7. Deck and coping | Concrete, pavers, or composite decking finish the surround. This is usually the longest phase, taking 1-3 weeks. |
| 8. Fill and balance | The pool is filled with water, chemicals are balanced, and the system is tested before first use. |
Why a Swim Spa Might Be the Right Choice
None of those sounds like the perfect fit for you? Then it might be a swim spa to the rescue. These can be delivered, placed, and ready to use in a single afternoon once your base is prepared. There’s no weeks-long excavation timeline, no permit paperwork waiting to clear, and no concrete curing time. You get a heated, swim-in-place pool from day one.
Most prefabricated, above-ground swim spas don’t require a building permit under the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, which exempts self-contained above-ground units in many jurisdictions. That’s a significant advantage over in-ground pools, where the permit process alone can delay your project by weeks or months.
Swim spas also work year-round. Built-in temperature controls let you use them in January just as easily as July. That’s a real difference in NC, where traditional above-ground and semi-inground pools sit covered and unused for five-plus months a year. To see how the numbers compare more broadly, the swim spa vs pool breakdown on the Epic blog is a good read.
Three Ways to Install a Swim Spa
- Above-ground: Fast setup, no excavation needed, works well for renters or homeowners who may move
- Semi-recessed: A cleaner, more built-in look without the cost of a full excavation
- Fully in-ground: Looks and feels like a traditional in-ground pool, with year-round use and hydrotherapy built in
How to Install a Swim Spa: Step by Step
| Step | What to Do |
| 1. Prepare the base | Pour a reinforced concrete pad at least 4 inches thick, or use a compacted gravel base. If using concrete, it must cure for at least 28 days before the spa is placed on it. |
| 2. Plan site access | Confirm that the delivery truck and any crane or forklift equipment can reach the installation spot. Tight gates, overhead lines, or soft ground can complicate delivery day. |
| 3. Delivery and placement | The swim spa is craned or rolled into position on the prepared base. Most deliveries and placements are complete within 2-4 hours. |
| 4. Electrical hookup | A licensed electrician connects a dedicated 240V circuit to the spa’s control panel. Plan for this to happen before or on delivery day so you’re not waiting to use it. |
| 5. Fill with water | Connect a garden hose to the fill port and let it run. Most swim spas take 1-3 hours to fill, depending on size and water pressure. |
| 6. Heat and balance | Set your temperature and let the spa heat up. Most models reach swim temperature within 24-48 hours. Add startup chemicals and test pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels before first use. |
You can read more about how in-ground swim spa installation works or browse the full range of swim spa options in NC to find the right setup for your yard.
Total Cost and Value: Which Option Gives You the Most?
Speed and cost matter, but so does what you’re actually getting. Here’s a full comparison:
| Above-Ground | Semi-Inground | In-Ground Fiberglass | Swim Spa | |
| Installed cost | $1,000-$6,000 | $7,000-$25,000 | $35,000-$100,000+ | $20,000-$35,000 |
| Permit needed | Rarely | Sometimes | Yes | Usually no |
| Install time | 1-10 days | 1-4 weeks | 1-3 days + permit wait | 1 day |
| Year-round use | No | No | With heater | Yes |
| Exercise capable | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hydrotherapy jets | No | No | No | Yes |
| Works in small yards | Yes | Somewhat | No | Yes |
When you factor in the permit wait, construction time, heating costs, year-round usability, and long-term maintenance, swim spas are the strongest value under $35,000. They cost less to heat than a full-sized pool, take up less yard space, and are usable every single month of the year.
For families who just want a seasonal splash zone, an above-ground pool gets the job done fast and cheap. But for anyone thinking long-term about value, health, and how much they’ll actually use what they buy, the swim spa case is difficult to argue with. Our swim spa cost guide breaks down the full investment, and this post on whether swim spas are worth it addresses the bigger picture.
The Fastest Swimming Pool to Install
If you want something permanent that you can use year-round, doesn’t require months of waiting, and delivers both swimming and relaxation, an in-ground pool or swim spa is the smartest choice. These options offer long-term value, better usability, and a more complete backyard experience. If pure speed and lower upfront cost are the priorities, an above-ground pool can still be a quick solution, though it’s typically seasonal and more limited in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do swim spas require a permit?
Most prefabricated, above-ground swim spas don’t require a building permit in the US, as they fall under the exemption threshold in the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code for self-contained above-ground units. That said, rules vary by county and HOA. It’s worth a quick call to your local building department before you order. In-ground or semi-recessed installations may require an electrical permit for the hookup.
Can you install a swim spa in the ground?
Yes. Swim spas like the Beach Club and Beach Club Premium can be installed above ground, semi-recessed, or fully in-ground. In-ground installation gives the cleanest look and mirrors a traditional pool appearance, while above-ground is the fastest and most affordable setup. Epic’s team can help you decide which approach fits your yard and budget.
How long does it take to install an in-ground fiberglass pool in North Carolina?
Once excavation starts, a fiberglass pool typically takes 1-2 days to reach swim-ready. The biggest variable is the permit timeline, which in NC can range from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on your county. If you plan to swim in the summer, it’s smart to start the permit application by late winter. Epic Swimming Pools handles the full process from permits through finished deck.
What’s the difference between the Beach Club and Beach Club Premium swim spas?
Both are full-sized Wellis swim spas with powerful swim jets and therapy seats. The Beach Club Premium offers enhanced hydrotherapy features and higher-end finishes compared to the standard Beach Club model. Both can be installed above ground, semi-recessed, or in-ground. The right pick depends on how much you plan to use the hydrotherapy side.
Swimming Pool Installation in Raleigh and Surrounding Areas
If you’re searching for the fastest way to install a swimming pool in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Sanford, Wake Forest, Garner, Rock Hill, Apex, Fort Mill, Concord, the greater Triangle area, or Charlotte, NC, Epic Swimming Pools is here to help. From new construction to backyard transformations, our team guides you through the most efficient installation options from start to finish. We’ll help you choose the right pool for your space, budget, and timeline so you can get in the water sooner. Contact us today to get started and find the right pool for your space, budget, and timeline.