Great question! Choosing the right type of pool depends on a few key factors: your yard’s layout, your budget, your design preferences, and how you plan to use the pool.

Fiberglass pools are great if you're looking for low maintenance, quick installation, and a sleek, modern look.

Vinyl liner pools offer flexibility in shape and size while being more budget-friendly.

Gunite pools are fully customizable and ideal for more complex designs or sloped yards.

At Sterling Pools, we start every project with a personal consultation and site evaluation to help you choose the best option for your space and goals. We'll walk you through everything—so you can feel confident from the very beginning.

The timeline can vary depending on the type of pool you choose and the complexity of the project, but on average, most pools take 6 to 12 weeks from breaking ground to the first swim.

Here’s a general breakdown:

Fiberglass pools often install the fastest—typically in 4 to 6 weeks—since the shell arrives ready to go.

Vinyl liner pools usually take 6 to 8 weeks, depending on custom features and weather.

Gunite (concrete) pools take the longest—around 8 to 12+ weeks—due to the curing process and level of customization.

Weather, permitting, and add-ons like decking or landscaping can affect the schedule, but we keep you updated every step of the way so there are no surprises.

Not as much as you might think! With today’s advanced filtration systems and optional automation, most homeowners spend less than an hour a week on basic pool care like skimming, checking chemicals, and cleaning filters. Choosing a fiberglass or saltwater pool can reduce maintenance even more.

In many cases, yes. A well-designed, professionally installed pool can boost property value and appeal, especially in warmer climates or family-friendly neighborhoods. It’s also a huge lifestyle upgrade that can make your home more enjoyable for years to come.

Both systems use chlorine to sanitize the water—but in different ways:

Saltwater pools use a salt cell to convert salt into chlorine, which feels softer on skin and eyes.

Traditional chlorine pools require manual chlorine treatments.

Saltwater is often favored for lower maintenance and gentler water, but both systems are safe and effective when properly managed.

Saltwater systems are more gentle on skin and typically require less chemical upkeep.

Chlorinated systems are slightly more affordable upfront and easier to repair.

Both are great options, and we’ll help you choose the right system based on your lifestyle, budget, and maintenance goals.

The best time to start building a pool is late winter to early spring, so it's ready by summer. However, fall and winter builds often mean faster permitting and better contractor availability. We build year-round, so the right time is whenever you're ready to dive in!

In most cases, yes. Our team will assess access points and layout during your site visit. Even in tighter spaces, we have compact equipment and creative solutions to get the job done safely and efficiently.

Sometimes. If trees are in the way of the pool site or excavation path, they may need to be trimmed or removed. We’ll help identify any trees that could interfere during your consultation and offer guidance on how to handle them.

At Sterling Pools, we believe in providing accurate and personalized estimates. As each pool project is unique, we do not offer estimates over the phone. To ensure we fully understand your needs and assess the specific characteristics of your property, we prefer to conduct an on-site evaluation. This approach allows us to provide you with a precise and comprehensive quote tailored to your specific project requirements.