HOW LONG DID YOUR POOL MAKEOVER REALLY TAKE?

HOW LONG DID YOUR POOL MAKEOVER REALLY TAKE?

I totally get wanting to lock everything in early, but honestly, I’ve seen some of the best results when people leave a little room for change as the project unfolds. Sometimes you just can’t visualize how a tile or finish will look until you see it in the actual space, especially with natural light and water reflections. A bit of flexibility can save you from “wish I’d known” regrets later. Sure, it might add a week or two, but if you’re investing all that money, a little extra time to get it right isn’t always a bad thing.

Totally agree about leaving some wiggle room. My pool reno was supposed to be six weeks, but it ended up closer to nine. We changed the coping stone halfway through after seeing it in the sun - looked way different than the sample. It was a pain to wait, but honestly, I’m glad we didn’t rush it. Sometimes you just can’t plan for how things will look until you’re in the thick of it.

Totally get what you mean about the samples looking different in real life. I’ve run into that with tile and decking, too - colors shift so much with sunlight and water reflection. Here’s how I try to keep things on track, though it’s never perfect:

1. Build in at least a 20% time buffer, minimum. If the contractor says six weeks, I mentally prep for eight or nine.
2. Ask for full-size samples and look at them outside, wet and dry. Even then, sometimes you just can’t tell until it’s installed.
3. If you’re using eco-friendly or recycled materials (which I usually do), expect longer lead times. Supply can be unpredictable.
4. Don’t be afraid to pause if something feels off - better to wait than regret it for years.

I hear you on the frustration, but honestly, every time I’ve rushed a choice, I’ve regretted it. The extra weeks are worth it for something you’ll be staring at all summer.

Ask for full-size samples and look at them outside, wet and dry. Even then, sometimes you just can’t tell until it’s installed.

Couldn’t agree more - those little chips are useless half the time. I also ask for a mock-up board when possible, with grout and everything. Lighting is huge. If you can, check the samples at different times of day, not just mid-afternoon. I’ve had clients love a tile at noon and hate it by dusk. As for timelines, I always pad the schedule, but even then - rain delays, supply hiccups, or random surprises can easily tack on another week or two. It’s just the nature of outdoor projects.

POOL MAKEOVERS: WHY DOES IT ALWAYS TAKE LONGER THAN YOU THINK?

Those tiny sample chips are like the Tinder profile pics of the tile world - never quite the full story. I learned that the hard way after picking a “perfect” blue that turned into a weird shade of gray once it was actually in my backyard. Lighting, weather, even the color of your neighbor’s fence can mess with how things look. I started dragging samples around the yard at sunrise and sunset like some kind of tile-obsessed raccoon. Still got surprised.

On timelines, I always tell folks: whatever you think it’ll take, add at least 30%. My last pool project was supposed to be a “quick” three-week job. Ended up closer to six, thanks to a surprise cold snap (in April, go figure), a backordered eco-friendly grout, and one very determined squirrel who kept stealing my contractor’s gloves. Outdoor projects just have a mind of their own.

If you’re trying to keep things moving, I’ve found it helps to order all your materials before demo even starts. That way you’re not stuck waiting on some random part from across the country. And if you’re going green - recycled glass tile or permeable decking - just know those specialty items can take longer to arrive.

Bottom line: patience is key, and maybe keep a sense of humor handy for when your “weekend project” turns into a month-long saga. At least you’ll have some good stories for the next BBQ...