Pool Builders prioritize high-quality materials and adhere to strict construction standards. They also take extra care in executing details like tiling and decking, creating pools that are enduringly beautiful and a pleasure to use.
Specialty pool projects involving complicated excavations or intricate features are more likely to produce installation or construction challenges that slow the project. This is why it’s vital to hire a licensed and insured builder.
Choosing your pool design is a critical first step. Whether you envision a swim jet for endless laps or a relaxing spa, the choices you make will shape the style of your pool and influence the layout and landscaping of your backyard retreat. Likewise, the pool construction materials you select have a huge impact on maintenance and operational costs over the life of your water feature.
Experienced pool builders use streamlined processes that reduce waste and speed up timelines. They’ll also ensure your project has all the required permits and works within local codes. They’ll help you navigate the many options for pool materials and discuss their pros and cons to ensure your pool fits your goals, lifestyle and budget.
Before digging, your pool builder will prepare the site to ensure it’s safe for excavation and construction. They’ll verify that the location receives adequate sunlight, has appropriate drainage and is free from underground utilities. They’ll also consult with city inspectors to ensure the work complies with all regulations.
With all the necessary permits in place, your pool builder will begin construction with the rebar frame and plumbing and electrical systems. Next, gunite or shotcrete is power-sprayed on the form to actually’make’ the pool shell. During this phase, the builder will also add any water features or hardscaping you’re considering such as outdoor kitchens or fire pits.
After the concrete is cured, tile and coping are installed to give your pool its distinctive look and feel. This is an important step to consider carefully, since tiling comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes to match your style. It’s best to have a design in mind and consult with your pool builder before finalizing your selections.
A reliable pool builder will provide comprehensive warranty coverage to protect your investment in the long-term. They’ll also offer post-construction walk-throughs and assurance that all materials are performing as intended. Lastly, they’ll follow all engineering drawings and specifications to deliver your dream pool exactly as you envisioned it.
Excavation
Excavation is a key step in the construction process. It involves digging the pool area according to the design specifications and preparing the ground for the construction by removing any existing dirt, rocks, or debris. The excavation process also includes installing underground utilities, such as water and sewage pipes and electrical cables. This ensures that the pool and the surrounding area will be safe and secure.
The excavation process is often an exciting time for families as they watch their backyard take shape. The kids will love seeing all the big machinery, while the adults can enjoy watching the steel framework of their new swimming pool form before their eyes. This part of the build is especially exciting for those who have chosen a concrete pool, as it’s during this stage that the concrete is poured and sculpted into the design you had envisioned.
After the concrete has been poured, it’s time for the pool builders to put in the plumbing lines and any water or electrical features that you have chosen to include. This is a great time for the homeowner to get involved and ask any questions they may have. The pool professionals will help guide you through the process and make sure that all of your choices are up to code.
Once the plumbing is finished, a cement collar is poured around each of the pool walls to add strength and stability. This is a critical step for the longevity of your pool, as it will keep the walls from shifting or moving.
During this phase, the builders will also start to construct any hardscaping that you have chosen, such as a deck or outdoor kitchen. Your pool builder will also advise you on how to best work with any natural sloping of your yard. They may recommend leveling, a retaining wall, or clever customizations to make the most of your space.
Depending on your location and soil type, some yards will require special consideration before the pool can be constructed. Clay-based soils, for example, can pose problems because they offer poor drainage and load-bearing capabilities. Your pool builder will be able to offer solutions to address these issues, so that you can still get your dream pool.
Concrete
Concrete is a versatile building material that has a lot to offer pool builders and their clients. It’s incredibly durable and adaptable, and it offers a wide range of finishes that can be customized to match your aesthetic preferences. It can be poured into forms and molds, which helps create a custom pool design that may not be possible with other materials.
Concrete pools are also relatively affordable, and they tend to be more structurally sound than other types of swimming pools. However, they can crack over time, and this is especially true if the concrete is not properly cured or if the pool is constructed with low-quality materials.
In order to minimize the potential for cracks, your SPATA member will ensure that the concrete is properly cured and reinforced with steel. Using high-quality concrete, rebar and proper construction techniques, your pool will be able to withstand the test of time.
Once the frame has been built, the team can begin pouring the concrete. This step is often one of the most exciting for new pool owners as they get to watch their vision come to life right before their eyes.
During the pouring process, your contractor will add the appropriate amount of steel reinforcement for the desired strength and integrity of the pool shell. Once the concrete has been poured, it will be allowed to set for up to four days.
After the concrete has cured, your pool builder will add the necessary plumbing and electrical components for the system to be operational. Once everything is in place, you can enjoy your brand-new pool!
Broom-finished concrete is a great option for your pool deck because it provides a nice texture to prevent slips and falls, while offering a level of heat resistance that’s on par with other concrete options. However, it’s less appealing for people who prefer a more stylish or customizable option. A pool with a broom-finished concrete deck can look plain, especially if it isn’t coated in pavers or Carvestone.
Filling
Once the excavation is complete and the steel frame for your new pool is in place, plumbing lines are installed. This step is critical for connecting your pool to the filtration, heating and cleaning systems. This process may take a few days depending on the size of your pool and how many plumbing lines are needed to connect it to your home.
The next step is installing the interior finish of your pool, which can be plaster or stone. These materials will add to the beauty and longevity of your pool. Our skilled craftsmen will carefully apply and sculpt these materials to match your design.
This is a very exciting step for homeowners! Once the plaster or stone is finished and cured, the final touches can be added to your swimming pool. This includes adding the steps, ladder and other deck-work, as well as any landscaping or fencing.
If your pool is filled with city water, be sure to check the quality of the water and look for any mineral build-up on the walls. If you use a professional water delivery service, the pre-treated water will eliminate the need for chemically balancing the water and will make your pool easier to maintain.
If you’re filling your pool with a fire hydrant or water truck, it is a good idea to use a garden hose to direct the flow of the water into the pool. Otherwise, the high-pressure water can leave impressions in the vermiculite under your liner. It is also a good idea to smooth out any wrinkles in your liner before 2 inches of water covers them. This step will save you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run!