Platinum Pool, Spa & Sauna provides professional fiberglass pool installation throughout Minnesota. As an authorized Leisure Pools dealer with factory-trained crews, we transform backyards in weeks, not months. From initial site survey to your first swim, our team handles every detail of your pool installation with precision and care. We've completed hundreds of installations across St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Brainerd, and Central Minnesota—backed by a 5-year installation warranty and lifetime structural warranty on every Leisure Pool.
Ready to start your pool project? Contact us for a free consultation or call (763) 250-1333.
Why Professional Installation Matters
A fiberglass pool is a $55,000 to $150,000 investment. The quality of installation determines whether your pool provides decades of trouble-free enjoyment or becomes an expensive problem. Professional installation isn't just recommended—it's essential for warranty coverage and long-term performance.
Minnesota's climate presents unique challenges: 42-60 inch frost depths, extreme temperature swings, and varied soil conditions. Our crews understand these factors intimately because we live and work here. We know which soils drain well, which areas have high water tables, and how to engineer installations that perform flawlessly through harsh winters and hot summers.
Inexperienced installers often make critical errors: improper backfill material, inadequate compaction, incorrect plumbing pitch, or failure to account for frost heave. These mistakes lead to settling, shell movement, plumbing leaks, and voided warranties. Our factory-trained teams follow Leisure Pools' precise installation specifications, ensuring every pool meets manufacturer standards.
Our 6-Step Installation Process
Step 1: Site Survey & Design Consultation
Every installation begins with a comprehensive site evaluation. We assess your property's access points, grade, utilities, soil conditions, and any potential obstacles. Using this information, we help you select the perfect pool shape and size from Leisure Pools' extensive lineup—from compact plunge pools to expansive 40-foot family pools.
During the design phase, we discuss patio options, equipment placement, fencing requirements, and landscaping integration. You'll receive a detailed proposal with transparent pricing—no hidden fees or surprise costs.
Step 2: Permits & Approvals
We handle all permit applications with your local municipality. Minnesota building codes require permits for swimming pool installation, and requirements vary by city and county. Our team is familiar with permit processes throughout St. Cloud, Minnetonka, Brainerd, and dozens of other communities.
Typical permit requirements include site plans, setback verification, electrical permits, and fence compliance. We coordinate utility locates through Gopher State One Call and verify there are no underground conflicts with your installation area.
Step 3: Excavation (1-2 Days)
Once permits are approved, excavation begins. Our crews use precision equipment to dig the pool cavity to exact specifications—typically 6-12 inches larger than the pool shell on all sides and 6 inches deeper than the pool floor.
Excavation depth accounts for the gravel base beneath the pool. In areas with high water tables or poor drainage, we may install a dewatering system to keep the excavation dry during installation. Excavated soil is either spread on your property (if desired) or hauled away.
Step 4: Pool Delivery & Placement
Your Leisure Pools fiberglass shell arrives on a flatbed truck. Depending on your property's access, we use either a crane or specialized equipment to lift the pool over your home and into the excavation. Pool placement is the most critical phase—the shell must be perfectly level and positioned exactly according to the site plan.
Crane placement typically takes 2-4 hours. We verify level in multiple directions, make final adjustments, and ensure the pool is oriented correctly for optimal sun exposure and visual appeal.
Step 5: Plumbing, Electrical & Backfill
With the pool set, our crews connect plumbing lines—typically two skimmers, a main drain, and multiple return jets. All plumbing uses rigid PVC with sweep elbows (no 90-degree angles) to maximize flow efficiency and prevent future issues.
Simultaneously, licensed electricians run power to the equipment pad. Minnesota code requires a dedicated circuit for pool pumps and GFCI protection for all pool electrical. Equipment installation includes the filter, pump, heater (optional), salt system or chlorinator, and automation controls.
Backfill is the final structural step. We use clean, washed gravel or sand—never dirt—to support the pool shell. Backfill is placed in 12-inch lifts while simultaneously filling the pool with water. This balanced approach prevents shell movement and ensures proper compaction.
Step 6: Patio, Startup & Orientation
Once backfill is complete, your chosen patio material is installed—concrete, pavers, travertine, or another option. We coordinate with trusted local contractors for patio work, ensuring seamless integration with your pool.
Final startup includes water chemistry balancing, equipment programming, and a comprehensive orientation. We teach you how to operate your pool, maintain proper chemistry, winterize for Minnesota's cold months, and troubleshoot common issues. You'll receive all warranty documentation and our direct contact information for any questions.
Installation Timeline: What to Expect
Most fiberglass pool installations complete in 2-4 weeks from dig to swim. This is dramatically faster than concrete pools (3-6 months) or vinyl liner pools (4-8 weeks). Here's a typical timeline breakdown:
- Week 1: Excavation, pool delivery, and placement
- Week 2: Plumbing, electrical, and backfill
- Week 3: Patio installation and grading
- Week 4: Final touches, startup, and orientation
Timeline can vary based on weather, permit processing, pool size, and patio complexity. Large pools with extensive patios may take 4-6 weeks. We provide a detailed schedule during your consultation and keep you informed throughout the process.
What Homeowners Need to Prepare
Before installation begins, homeowners should:
- Clear access paths – We need a minimum 10-foot wide path from the street to the backyard. Remove fencing, gates, or other obstacles that could impede equipment or crane access.
- Mark sprinkler heads – Identify any irrigation system components near the installation area.
- Relocate items – Move patio furniture, play equipment, and landscaping features away from the work zone.
- Arrange water source – Pool filling requires a garden hose connection. We'll need access for 24-48 hours of continuous filling.
- Plan for disruption – Heavy equipment will be on your property. Plan for noise, dust, and limited backyard access during installation.
Minnesota-Specific Installation Considerations
Installing pools in Minnesota requires expertise that installers in warmer climates don't need. Key considerations include:
- Frost Depth: Minnesota's frost line ranges from 42 inches in the south to 60+ inches in the north. Plumbing must be buried below frost depth or properly winterized to prevent freeze damage.
- Water Table: Many Minnesota properties have high water tables, especially near lakes and wetlands. We assess groundwater conditions and install dewatering systems when necessary.
- Soil Conditions: Clay soils (common in Central Minnesota) drain slowly and require careful backfill planning. Sandy soils drain well but may need additional stabilization.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Leisure Pools' Composite Armour® technology is specifically engineered for freeze-thaw durability—flexing rather than cracking as ground conditions change.
- Short Season: Minnesota's swimming season runs May through September. We optimize installation scheduling to maximize your first-season enjoyment.
Learn more about fiberglass pools for cold climates.
Pool Shapes We Install
As an authorized Leisure Pools dealer, we install their complete lineup of fiberglass pool shapes:
- Elegance – Classic rectangle with integrated spa, perfect for formal landscapes
- Ultimate – Expansive free-form shape with beach entry and tanning ledge
- Pinnacle – Geometric design with dual entry points and clean lines
- Wave – Flowing curves with built-in bench seating
- Reflection with Splash Deck – Includes wading area for kids and pets
- Fiji Plunge – Compact plunge pool ideal for smaller yards
View all available models on our Leisure Pools page.
Fiberglass Pool Installation Cost in Minnesota
Complete fiberglass pool installation in Minnesota typically ranges from $55,000 to $150,000, depending on pool size, features, and patio scope. This includes:
- Pool shell with manufacturer warranty
- Excavation and backfill
- Plumbing and electrical
- Equipment (pump, filter, heater, automation)
- Basic concrete patio or deck
- Permits and inspections
- Startup chemicals and orientation
Why Fiberglass Costs Less Long-Term: While initial installation may be similar to concrete, fiberglass pools cost 50-75% less to maintain over 20 years. No resurfacing, no liner replacements, lower chemical costs, and reduced energy consumption. Learn more in our fiberglass vs. concrete comparison.
Every project is unique. Contact us for a free, detailed quote based on your specific property and preferences.
Our Service Area
Platinum Pool, Spa & Sauna installs fiberglass pools throughout Central Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro, including:
- St. Cloud Area: St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park
- Lake Minnetonka Area: Minnetonka, Wayzata, Excelsior, Mound
- North Metro: Elk River, Rogers, Monticello, Albertville
- Central Minnesota: Brainerd, Little Falls, Alexandria
View all locations on our service areas page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does fiberglass pool installation take?
Most installations complete in 2-4 weeks from excavation to swimming. This is significantly faster than concrete pools (3-6 months) because the fiberglass shell arrives pre-manufactured. Timeline depends on pool size, patio complexity, weather, and permit processing.
Do I need a permit for a pool in Minnesota?
Yes, all Minnesota cities and counties require building permits for swimming pool installation. Requirements include site plans, setback verification, electrical permits, and fence compliance (pools must be enclosed by a fence with self-closing, self-latching gates). We handle all permit applications as part of our installation service.
What is the best time of year to install a pool in Minnesota?
The optimal installation window is April through October when ground isn't frozen. We recommend starting your project in late winter or early spring to ensure completion before prime swimming season. Fall installations are also popular—your pool winters easily and is ready for spring.
How much yard access do you need for installation?
We need a minimum 10-foot wide path from the street to the installation area. For crane placement, additional clearance above the path is required. If access is limited, we'll assess options during the site survey—some properties require removing fence sections or coordinating with neighbors.
What happens if you hit rock during excavation?
Rock is uncommon in most Central Minnesota soil but does occur. If rock is encountered, we use hydraulic breakers or specialized equipment to remove it. Rock removal may add 1-3 days and additional cost, though this is rare. We assess soil conditions during the site survey to identify potential issues.
Can you install a pool near a septic system or well?
Yes, with proper setbacks. Minnesota regulations require pools to be a minimum distance from septic systems (usually 10-25 feet depending on the county) and wells (typically 50-100 feet). We verify all setback requirements during the permit process.
What warranty do I get on installation?
Platinum Pool provides a 5-year installation warranty covering workmanship and labor. Your Leisure Pool shell comes with a lifetime structural warranty and 15-year surface warranty directly from the manufacturer. Equipment warranties vary by component—typically 2-3 years on pumps and filters, 2 years on heaters.
Do I need to be home during installation?
You don't need to be home for every phase, but we recommend being present for key moments: initial excavation start, pool placement, and final orientation. We'll coordinate scheduling and keep you informed with regular updates throughout the process.
Start Your Pool Project Today
Ready to transform your backyard with a Leisure Pools fiberglass pool? Contact Platinum Pool, Spa & Sauna for a free consultation. Visit our St. Cloud showroom to see pool samples, discuss design options, and meet our team.
Call (763) 250-1333 or fill out our online form to get started.