WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN BUYING A POOL IN MARYLAND - 2026 edition
Updated March 2026
More families are choosing to invest in their own backyards—
creating spaces that bring everyone together and make home the place they want to be.
More homeowners are thinking beyond just the pool itself—looking to integrate outdoor kitchens, living spaces, fire & water features, and landscaping into a cohesive backyard environment. Automation is also becoming an increasingly important part of that design, with more clients looking for convenient control of their pool and outdoor features. At the same time, the most common questions remain: “How long will this take?” and “When will I be able to swim?” If you’re considering building a pool in 2026, it’s important to understand what to expect from the start.
If you're considering a new inground pool, it's best to start the process sooner rather than later. Designing and building a pool is a detailed project, and timelines should be planned accordingly. Once all design decisions are finalized and the contract is signed, most projects move into construction within approximately three to four months. While some projects may be completed sooner, timelines can vary depending on the size and scope of the work.
To help you better understand the process, here are a few key things to expect along the way.
1 / INQUIRIES
Whether you contact us by phone, email, or through our website, our goal is to respond promptly and begin the conversation.
Designing and building a pool requires thoughtful discussion and planning, and each project takes time to evaluate properly.
If you haven’t already, we recommend reviewing our article, “How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool?” to better understand overall investment and scope. You can expect to hear back from us within two business days, as we make it a priority to respond to every inquiry.
Taking the time upfront helps ensure a smoother, more informed process from start to finish.
2 / THE PERMITTING PROCESS
Once the design is finalized and the contract is signed, we begin the permitting process.
Permitting has shifted to a more digital review system in recent years, and timelines have become less predictable than they once were.
What may have previously taken days can now take several weeks—or longer in some cases.
Permitting timelines can vary significantly by county throughout Maryland, and some areas may experience longer review periods than others.
3 / FINANCING
Financing is an important part of planning your pool project. Understanding how you intend to pay—whether through savings, financing, or a combination of both—can help ensure a smoother process from the start.
Our pool packages typically begin in the low $100,000s, with many projects exceeding that depending on design, features, and overall scope. Taking the time to secure or plan your financing in advance can help avoid delays once you’re ready to move forward.
To better understand overall costs, we recommend reviewing our article, “How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool?” You can also explore financing options in our article, “The Top 5 Ways to Finance Your Swimming Pool.”
4 / MAKING PROMPT DECISIONS
While inquiries are handled in the order they are received,
your place in the construction schedule is secured once the final contract is signed.
Many homeowners assume they have time to delay decisions, but moving forward promptly is what allows the process to begin.
Materials are ordered and permitting begins only after the agreement is in place, so the timing of your decisions can directly impact how soon your project moves forward—and ultimately, how soon you’ll be able to enjoy your pool.
Additional details can still be refined after signing, but having the agreement in place allows us to move your project into the next phase.
Creating a backyard pool is about more than just the pool itself—it’s about building a space that enhances how you live at home. Understanding the process ahead of time allows you to move forward with confidence and make informed decisions along the way.
With over 84 years of experience, Browning is here to guide you through each step—from initial planning to long-term enjoyment—so your investment is built with quality and supported for years to come.
If you’re considering a pool project, we’re here to help you get started.