Our new pool construction process begins with you. We’ll discuss your budget, design style, your space and how you want to use it. Then we’ll move on to design style, taking all of your feedback and desires into account. We’ll then work together to refine the design and work out all the final details.
We work with each our clients to make sure they have a thorough understanding of our process – how long the process will take, closely adhering to budget. We pride ourselves on 100% transparency so that all expectations are met, and there are no surprises. We will also educate you on regular and preventative long-term pool maintenance and ways to make your pools are operating at maximum efficiency.
Project Design and Proposal
The first step in the construction process is an initial meeting between the client and one of our trained design technicians. During this meeting, our technician will find out what you, as the client, are looking for in the overall pool and landscape layout. All of our pools are designed specifically for each individual customer. Plans from architects or landscapers are also welcome. The technician will then take a detailed survey of the proposed area to include home and lot dimensions, positioning, building setbacks, location of utilities, and accessibility to the construction site. Within a few days, our design technician will have a fully prepared plan and proposed construction cost for the pool organized for you to review.
Permits and Approvals
We shall acquire the permit for the construction of the pool and decking. Permits for electric and gas utility hook-ups shall be obtained by the person contracted to do said work. Any supplementary permits, such as for a poolside cabana or easement variances will be the owner or general contractor’s responsibility. All plans must comply with local and state building codes. We will call 811 in order to locate all existing utility lines before the beginning of construction. We will call for all applicable inspections, including footer, plumbing, and electrical bonding..
Pool Layout
When the plans have been approved by you or your authorized representative and all necessary permits have been obtained, the construction process may begin. Our representative will go over the construction stages with you and help to set the pool elevation. Next, the form boards are set with great care to ensure the pool is in the exact location required.
Excavation
After the forms are set, the excavation of the pool may begin. We generally use small, skid-steer front end loaders in order to precisely trim back the pool walls and to provide added maneuverability within the pool and around the construction site.
Plumbing
The plumbing for each pool is designed specifically to give it the best circulation and filtration for crystal clear water and ease of maintenance. We perform hydraulic calculations to ensure that all equipment and piping are of the correct size to combine water clarity and energy conservation
Structural Steel
The pool shell is reinforced with Grade 60 #3 steel rebar, placed horizontally and vertically. The horizontal and vertical bars are placed 12” on center to a depth of five feet. If the depth of the pool exceeds five feet, the horizontal bars are placed at 6” on center
Pool Floor and Gunite Application
The pool floor consists of concrete with a compressive strength of 4000 psi, and is a minimum thickness of six inches. The walls of the pool consist of a mixture of sand and cement (gunite) that is applied through a hose with highly pressurized air to achieve a compressive strength of 5500 psi. Because of its superior structural strength, we provide a two year warranty on the pool shell after completion.
Tile
After the completion of the gunite phase, you will be asked to choose a decorative tile for the pool. We have a selection of over 150 different tiles for you to choose from. No matter what colors, textures and materials are being used for the project, we will have something to fit your taste.
Electrical and Gas
By this point, electrical conduits for pool lights and for pool equipment power should be run. The breaker box at the location of the pool equipment should be installed and ready for the equipment to be set. Gas lines to the pool heater or heaters should also be run to the equipment location. These operations should be handled by a licensed electrician/utility specialist.
Deck Layout and Pour
The pool deck should reflect the overall theme for the project, including color, pattern and type. Typically, the deck at the pool edge is shaped using a rounded cantilever foam form for comfort and safety. Pool coping such as brick and stone are also available to compliment the other materials used on the job. The deck is a minimum of four inches thick and reinforced with steel rebar approximately 18” on center. In most cases, any stone or brick work should be completed before the decking is poured.
Site Clean Up
At this point, the project is nearing completion. We will now remove all extraneous construction materials and waste from the construction site and prepare the pool interior to be finished.
Equipment Set
An experienced installer will come to the site and plumb in all of the filtration equipment for the pool, including water feature pumps and other optional equipment.
Pool Finish
The pool interior is coated with your choice of materials, from a standard white finish, or one of the many Pebble Tec finish, or one of the many Diamond-Brite brand coatings. Different finishes render different effects and moods upon the pool water and therefore the overall appearance of the backyard area. When the coating is finished, we begin filling the pool with water. This should be the final stage of construction.
Start Up and Instruction
Once full, a service technician will come out to your home to check the installation and start all pool and/or spa equipment. Once the equipment has been started up and the pool is fully operational, our service manager will set up a time to come to your home and show you maintenance operations. This includes everything you will need to know about routine maintenance on the pool and some troubleshooting tips. If you do have questions or require technical support, our trained personnel are only a phone call away.