How the Construction Labor Crisis is Turning Your Dream Pool into a Waiting Game in Douglas County

If you’ve been planning to install a swimming pool in Douglas County, Georgia, you’re facing an unprecedented challenge that extends far beyond choosing the right design or contractor. The construction industry is grappling with a severe labor shortage that’s fundamentally reshaping project timelines, costs, and availability across the nation—and pool construction is feeling the impact in a big way.

The Numbers Behind the Crisis

The construction industry will require nearly 454,000 additional workers beyond its usual hiring needs in 2025 to keep up with demand, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors. 92 percent of contractors report they are having a hard time filling open positions, creating a bottleneck that’s affecting everything from residential pool installations to major infrastructure projects.

The labor market has also influenced the swimming pool industry, with a shortage of skilled labor impacting construction timelines and costs. This shortage isn’t just a temporary inconvenience—it’s a structural challenge that’s forcing pool contractors to completely rethink how they schedule and price projects.

What This Means for Your Pool Project Timeline

Worker shortages are respondents’ most-commonly listed reason for project delays. Forty-five percent of respondents report experiencing project delays due to shortages of their own, or subcontractors’ workers. For pool construction specifically, this translates to extended wait times that can stretch projects well beyond traditional timelines.

A labor shortage means jobs will take longer to complete. Even a basic task can take more time if your crew is stretched thin or less experienced because of the skills gap. Your project schedules should now include a 10-15% labor float to account for potential delays.

In Douglas County, where pool construction douglas projects typically take 8-12 weeks from permit approval to completion, homeowners should now plan for potential extensions. Deep Waters Pools, a local contractor specializing in custom inground cement pools, has adapted their scheduling to account for these industry-wide challenges while maintaining their commitment to quality craftsmanship.

The Root Causes of the Shortage

Several factors are driving this labor crisis. The construction industry is facing a wave of retirements as experienced workers who make up a significant portion of the workforce are aging out of their roles. Unfortunately, the pace of younger workers entering the trades is not keeping up with the rate of retirements, resulting in a growing skills gap.

Over 20% of construction workers are over 55, nearing retirement. Less than 3% of young people consider construction careers. This demographic shift is particularly challenging for specialized trades like pool construction, which requires specific skills in excavation, plumbing, electrical work, and concrete finishing.

Financial Impact on Pool Construction

The labor shortage is driving up costs across the board. Wages are going to keep climbing. For your 2026 construction bids, you need to plan for labor costs to go up by 6-8% each year. The growing demand for skilled labor has led to a sharp increase in wages and benefits as companies compete for the limited talent available. For construction firms, this means higher project costs, tighter profit margins, and the need to reallocate budgets to cover labor expenses.

For Douglas County homeowners, this means pool construction costs are likely to continue rising. While basic inground pools might start around $35,000, the combination of material inflation and labor shortages is pushing many projects into higher price ranges.

How Pool Contractors Are Adapting

Companies have had to adapt by investing in training programs or automating specific processes to mitigate labor shortfalls and maintain project schedules. Forward-thinking pool contractors are implementing several strategies to manage these challenges:

• Seven out of eight firms raised base pay for workers as much or more than they did a year earlier. And 42 percent initiated or increased spending on training and professional development in the past year
• A majority, 55 percent, of firms added online strategies like social media and targeted digital advertising to connect better with younger applicants
• Investing in technology and equipment that can reduce labor requirements
• Building stronger relationships with subcontractors and skilled trades workers

What Homeowners Can Do

If you’re planning a pool project in Douglas County, here are some strategies to navigate the current market conditions:

• Plan Early: Start your planning process 6-12 months before you want construction to begin
• Be Flexible: Consider scheduling your project during off-peak seasons when contractors may have more availability
• Choose Experienced Contractors: Work with established companies that have strong relationships with skilled subcontractors
• Budget Appropriately: Factor in potential cost increases and timeline extensions
• Consider Design Efficiency: Opt for designs that require fewer specialized trades or complex installations

The Silver Lining

Despite the challenges, the strong wage growth is drawing more interest to construction jobs, and a growing number of young people may be enticed into the trades by the promise of good pay. Overall, the industry is positioned for success in 2025, mainly due to the growing trend toward outdoor living spaces, with more homeowners investing in their backyards to create a personal refuge.

For Douglas County residents, the investment in a quality pool remains worthwhile. Companies like Deep Waters Pools continue to deliver custom inground cement pools and luxury spas, focusing on quality construction that can withstand Georgia’s soil conditions and weather patterns while providing families with years of enjoyment.

The key is setting realistic expectations and working with contractors who understand both the current market challenges and local conditions. While the labor shortage may mean longer wait times and higher costs, the end result—a beautiful, professionally constructed pool that enhances your property value and family lifestyle—remains as valuable as ever.

By understanding these industry dynamics and planning accordingly, Douglas County homeowners can still achieve their backyard dreams while navigating the current construction landscape successfully.