When Is the Best Time to Install a Pool in Charlotte?

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If you want to enjoy your gorgeous new backyard retreat and swimming pool by summer, then you’ll want to get started this winter. At Ivy Creek Pools & Patios, we build custom pools, spas, and outdoor living spaces so your family can maximize warm weather. 

Pool Installation Takes Time

Adding a pool isn’t a weekend DIY project. It’s a full-scale construction effort that takes time and precision. On average, a custom concrete pool project takes 3 to 4 months. Larger backyard transformations that include a new patio, retaining wall, or outdoor kitchen can take closer to 5 months.

Here’s the typical timeline for Charlotte pool installation:

  • Planning & 3D Design: 2-4 weeks
    We create a custom layout based on how you want to use the space, the shape of your yard, and your budget. We tailor the design to your family and your lifestyle. 
  • Permitting: 3-4 weeks
    Permits are required for pool installs and can take up to a month. We handle this as part of our turn-key, fully inclusive process. 
  • Construction: 3-4 months
    This includes excavation, pool shell, plumbing, finishes, and all surrounding hardscapes.

Bottom line: If you put off pool planning until the spring, you’ll likely miss most of the summer season.

Why Winter Is the Smartest Start

In Charlotte and surrounding areas, severe winter weather is rarely a problem. We don’t experience frequent snowfalls or long-term freezing temps. That makes it a prime time to begin your custom concrete pool.

In most cases, the biggest culprit for delays is rain. Heavy rain can stall excavation or equipment access (we don’t want to turn your yard into a muddy mess). By starting the project in winter, we have some wiggle room in our timelines. We can work around any weather delays and still keep your project on track. Starting in late fall or early winter builds in a cushion and ensures your family pool is ready for swimming by spring.

What Delays Pool Projects

Even with a solid plan, a few things can add time:

  • Material changes after approval
    We want your pool to reflect your taste. But once materials are ordered, switching them means starting the process over and a likely schedule delay. 
  • Extra features added midstream
    Want to add an outdoor kitchen or spa after breaking ground? We can handle it, but know that it can reset timelines and permits. 
  • Unpredictable Mother Nature
    Muddy conditions can pause work. We monitor forecasts closely and keep you in the loop every step of the way. 

Building Your Ivy Creek Pool: Step-by-Step

Your backyard retreat is built with care. Each step in the pool installation process matters.

  • Excavation and Rebar Forming
    We dig your custom pool and install the steel reinforcement for a strong, lasting foundation. 
  • Concrete Shell Shoot
    Concrete is applied using a high-pressure shotcrete process that forms the durable pool structure. 
  • Pool Plumbing and Utilities
    We install all gas, electrical, and plumbing connections to support your pool, spa, and other outdoor living features. 
  • Coping and Tile Installation
    From natural travertine to modern marble, we install coping and waterline tile to define your pool’s look and feel. 
  • Plaster and Pool Fill
    Once the pool interior is finished, the water goes in! We are almost there.  
  • Decking and Final Touches
    We build your surrounding paver patio, seating areas, or outdoor kitchen to complete your backyard family retreat. 
  • Final Walkthrough
    You and your project manager inspect every detail of the pool and patio installation. We don’t leave until it’s right.

Summer Fun Starts Now

At Ivy Creek Pools & Patios, we design custom backyard spaces that bring people together. Our expert team handles everything — from permits to materials to timelines. You won’t manage contractors. You won’t chase updates. You’ll get a stress-free, high-quality experience — and a space that feels like home.

Schedule your phone consultation today. Let’s get your project on the schedule now, so your family is ready to enjoy a luxury backyard retreat when warm weather returns.

North Carolina Food Banks Call on Elected Officials to End Shutdown

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Amid the highest food insecurity rates in nearly a decade, a government shutdown is creating hardship and uncertainty for around 200,000 federal employees, active-duty military members, and people who work for federal contractors in North Carolina. Many hardworking people are just one paycheck away from needing support from their local food bank.

Even before the shutdown, food banks have been experiencing high levels of need. Many food banks across the Carolinas are seeing an increase of 30% or more over this time last year. Some food banks in North Carolina set new records for the number of individuals seeking assistance in September, especially in areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

“We need our elected leaders to come together and act,” said Eric Aft, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, and Chair of Feeding the Carolinas. “Shutdowns and short-term fixes are not strategy. Continuing resolutions are not stability. Nutrition programs must be funded fully and predictably so that families, farmers, schools, and health systems are not held hostage to gridlock.”

If the federal government does not find a way to fund SNAP by November 1, Feeding the Carolinas expects to see a sharp rise in hunger across the state.  SNAP (also known as food stamps) helps 1.4 million people in North Carolina get enough to eat each month. 43% of North Carolina SNAP households have children living at home.

Cuts to federal and state food programs throughout 2025 have harmed food banks’ ability to meet this rising demand. The USDA and Congress significantly reduced funding to food banks in 2025. And, to date, the state legislature has not continued its historical funding of North Carolina food banks that helps them buy food from North Carolina farmers and distribute where it is needed most.

Private charity, including generous donations from individuals, is crucial to food banks’ ability to meet the increasing need for food assistance in our communities. However, philanthropy cannot replace the volume and stability that federal nutrition programs provide to children, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities across North Carolina.

Even with robust support, food banks can provide only a fraction of the nutritional assistance that federal programs like SNAP provide. For every meal that a food bank provides to neighbors experiencing hunger, SNAP provides nine.

As need rises, North Carolina’s food banks will continue to show up for their communities, but meeting this challenge requires pulling together. Food banks are calling on our communities to stand united—lawmakers, businesses, faith communities and individuals—to ensure that no one in North Carolina goes without the food they need.

How Individuals Can Help:

  • Donate to your local food bank. Food banks are incredibly efficient, with every dollar purchasing multiple meals.
  • Volunteer at your local food bank. Bring a friend!
  • Call on your elected officials to come together to end the shutdown and fully fund our nation’s food and nutrition programs.

Where to Find Food Assistance:

Individuals who need food assistance can get help to find groceries and meals near them. Food banks partner with thousands of local community organizations to distribute food in every county in North Carolina. To find help near you, use your local food bank’s website (linked below) or call them directly.

North Carolina’s Food Banks:

NC Man’s Recent Cow Theft Echoes $1.1 Million Charlotte Cattle Scam

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via Randolph County Sheriff’s Office

Two NC men have just been arrested for stealing and selling cattle under a fake name, according to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say Randall Ray Burgess and Zachary Banks Todd stole three calves from a farm on Royal Ridge Road on October 17. After taking the livestock, Todd allegedly transported them to neighboring Chatham County, where he sold the animals at the Carolina Stockyard for just under $5,500.

Authorities say Todd used a false identity to complete the sale. The stolen calves have since been recovered, and Todd now faces multiple charges related to theft and fraud.

This case comes nearly a year after one of North Carolina’s most notorious cattle thefts. In that incident, a Charlotte-area man used fake checks to purchase 3,000 cows, then drove them to Texas and sold them for $1.1 million. Federal prosecutors later charged him with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Department of Agriculture after all the checks bounced.

Officials say both cases underscore the need for stronger verification measures at livestock markets and better interstate tracking of agricultural sales.

A Company Has Opened Up North Carolina’s Haunted Battleship To Overnight Tours

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The State of North Carolina is packed with legends, history, and many places rumored to be haunted.

Perhaps one of the most storied and eerie places in our state is the USS North Carolina Battleship – one of World War II’s most decorated warships.

According to Haunted Rooms, “This battleship that now commemorates the veterans and 11,000 North Carolinians that lost their lives in World War II, is a hotbed of paranormal activity that has drawn attention from investigators and enthusiasts from all over the globe”

The exterior of the ship has an eery silence about it;

 

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Looking out the bridge on the USS NORTH CAROLINA

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The battleship still includes fully stocked hospital rooms;

 

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Welcome to sickbay

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Looking through the long-gone soldiers’ belongings and living quarters is truly hard to describe, especially considering the tragedies and horrors the crew witnessed from within the ship’s cold steel walls.

You can now experience the spooky sounds and feelings during Ghost Hunt’s USS North Carolina Tours during the day between 10am – 4pm and their far creepier overnight ghost hunt between 7:30pm – 3am

Charlotte Breaks Ground on Iconic $16.4 Million Rail Trail Bridge Linking South End with Uptown

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via CharlotteNC.gov

Charlotte leaders officially kicked off the long-awaited Rail Trail Bridge Project this morning, marking a major milestone in the city’s effort to better connect Uptown and South End.

The $16.4 million pedestrian and bicycle bridge will span I-277, linking the CATS Blue Line’s Brooklyn Village Station with the existing Rail Trail beneath East Morehead Street.

via CharlotteNC.gov

City officials describe the project as a transformative step toward safe, car-free mobility and a more connected Center City. The new bridge will feature multiple arches, cables, and artistic lighting, creating both a functional and architectural landmark for Charlotte’s skyline.

Once complete, the bridge will allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel freely between Uptown and South End without navigating traffic-heavy routes. City planners say it also removes I-277 as a barrier between two of Charlotte’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

Construction crews are expected to finish the project by 2028, with additional upgrades to surrounding walkways and approach areas.

Charlotte’s FinTech Boom: $15 Million SEL Expansion Fuels City’s High-Tech Growth

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Charlotte’s high-tech and highly skilled labor force is receiving a major boost this week as multiple companies announce expansion projects and reinvestment commitments in the region. Among them, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is injecting $15 million into a new 50,000-square-foot office building at 901 Center Park Drive, scheduled for completion in 2027.

Citigroup also revealed this summer that it will invest $16.1 million to establish a new tech hub in Charlotte, with 510 new jobs averaging $131k/year, and SoFi also just announced plans to build a new East Coast headquarters right here in Charlotte.

These expansions come as North Carolina’s technology occupations have grown by 31 percent over the past five years, placing the state among the top four nationally in tech growth. The state now employs approximately 437,690 workers in tech roles, and the median wage for these positions reached $95,750 annually.

The Charlotte region continues to offer an ever increasing array of opportunities for software developers, engineers, systems architects, and tech financiers alike — supported by a workforce pipeline from local universities and skilled-trades programs – Charlotte’s future is certainly looking bright.

Charlotte Animal Shelter at Capacity, Urgently Pleads for Cat Adoptions

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control has reached a crisis point, with its cat kennels completely full and euthanasia now imminent without immediate help from adopters, fosters, or rescue partners.

Staff say the shelter, located at 8315 Byrum Drive, has no remaining space, and the constant noise and confinement are taking a toll on the cats’ health. “We never want to make these heartbreaking decisions,” the shelter said, “but we’re at a critical point. Every adoption or foster truly saves a life right now.”

Among the many cats waiting for homes are Zorro, a calm 6-year-old gentleman; Chimuelo, a playful 2-year-old; and Chloe, a gentle 2-year-old who loves to snuggle. Older cats like Butch Cassidy, 9, and kittens like Anais, just 5 months old, are also hoping for a second chance.

Officials say the next few days are crucial. Without adoptions, overcrowding could force staff to euthanize healthy cats simply due to lack of space. The shelter urges residents to adopt, foster, or share adoption posts to help save lives.

“If you’ve been thinking about adopting,” the shelter said, “today is the day. These cats can’t wait any longer.”

3 Spooky Places in North Carolina To Avoid This Halloween

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We’ve officially entered spooky season, which means Halloween-lovers are carving pumpkins, stocking up on candy, and getting their costumes ready for the big day on Friday.
According to a new list of 150 spooky destinations that might not be well-known but are worth checking out, North Carolina came up several times.
These were found to be the spookiest places in our state:
1) Paint Rock (Hot Springs, NC) – myths of a beautiful woman who lured campers to their deaths with singing.
2) Lydia’s Bridge (Jamestown, NC) – sightings of a mysterious woman who locals say died at the site attempting to help her lover.
3) The Devil’s Tramping Ground (Chatham County) – a circular patch of land where nothing seems to grow.
You can check out the full list of all 150 destinations here.

Charlotte Travelers Face Mounting Delays Amid Nationwide Air Traffic Staffing Shortage

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charlotte douglas delays and cancelationsA nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers is causing mounting flight disruptions, including here at Charlotte Douglas. Controllers are working without pay as the federal government shutdown nears its one-month mark, forcing them to work long hours under increasing financial and emotional strain.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said many workers are clocking six days a week with mandatory overtime, all without pay. Some have begun calling in sick as the stress of working unpaid intensifies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that staffing shortages are creating ripple effects nationwide, with average delays of 20 to 40 minutes at several major airports.

According to Flight Aware, Charlotte Douglas reported 447 flight delays and 15 cancellations on Monday.

The FAA has reported staffing issues at more than 250 facilities since the shutdown began on October 1 — four times more than this time last year. Some airports have started offering food and financial assistance to unpaid federal workers.

Airport officials are urging travelers to arrive early, check flight updates frequently, and prepare for longer wait times, especially as the holiday travel season approaches.

Charlotte Breaks Ground on New Eastland Park at Former Mall Site

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via Mecklenburg County Government

Charlotte has officially broken ground on a long-awaited public park at the former Eastland Mall site, marking a major step in East Charlotte’s redevelopment. The new 4.5-acre Eastland Park will serve as the centerpiece of the Eastland Yards project, transforming the historic retail landmark into a vibrant community destination.

Construction began this month, with completion expected by spring 2027, according to Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. The park’s design was shaped by community input from public meetings in 2023, where residents helped select its features and layout.

The updated plan includes two lawn areas — one artificial and one natural turf — with terraced seating, walking trails, a playground with hillside play, splashpad, picnic shelters, and multi-use courts for basketball, futsal, and hockey. The splashpad will feature the iconic Eastland “rising sun” logo, created in partnership with CharlotteEAST, symbolizing renewal and honoring the site’s legacy.

Other amenities include skateable elements, a dog lounge, and landscaped seating areas, with a nearby parcel reserved for future private development. Through the 1% for the Arts Ordinance, the county has partnered with the Arts & Science Council (ASC) to commission public art celebrating East Charlotte’s history and diversity.

Once a million-square-foot shopping hub with four anchor stores and a skating rink, Eastland Mall thrived from 1975 to the 1990s before closing in 2010. The City of Charlotte purchased the 80-acre property in 2012 and demolished the mall the following year. In 2018, Crosland Southeast was chosen as the master developer for the Eastland Yards redevelopment, which includes housing, retail, and recreational spaces.

The new park exceeds the city’s original requirement of two acres of green space, expanding to more than 4.5 acres. Officials say Eastland Park will become “a community gathering place that restores pride and connection in East Charlotte.”

For updates and project details, you can visit EnvisionEastland.com.