Considering a new pool install, but not sure what the process will be like? The fall and winter months are a great time to get started on a new pool to make sure you’ll have it ready when the temperatures start to rise again. It’s also a slower time in construction, so builders typically can give your project special added attention.
New Pool Construction: From Hole in the Ground to Your Backyard Oasis
You can picture it in your head and dream about it often. Water splashing, children laughing, and you and your spouse relaxing in your very own custom backyard pool. You can almost feel the water on your skin and the sun on your face. You can’t wait! You’re aware it will take some time and work to get there. You’re also aware your backyard is going to look a lot worse before it looks awesome. Familiarize yourself with the building process with the following guide:
1) Excavation
The first step will be to remove any trees that could interfere with the pool’s placement. Then the shape of the pool will be painted and staked out in your yard. Then the builder will bring in excavators or front-loaders to dig out your pool. This part will only take a few hours. They’ll give you the option to keep the dirt or have it transported off your property. When this phase is finished, they’ll often install a gravel drainage bed at the bottom of the pool. Your backyard will look like a messy construction site throughout this phase of installation.
2) Structural Support
This is the first phase of actual construction. The builders reinforce the hole with steel rebar. This serves as the pool’s skeleton, providing structural support for the pool’s shell. The rebar is bent around the surfaces of the steps and walls following the dig.
3) Plumbing and Electrical
PVC pipe is installed during this phase and run to the location of the mechanical equipment. The lines installed will include the skimmers, main drain, water features, and any other mechanical lines included in your contract. The piping is left pressurized and tested before gunite is placed to prevent leaks. The electricians will connect bonding wire to the shell of the pool and install all lighting niches into the pool’s wall. The break box or sub panel will also be installed at the location where the pool pump, filter, and heater will be placed.
4) Gunite
If you miss most of the construction process, don’t miss this day because this is when it finally starts looking like a swimming pool. Gunite, or concrete shot out of a high velocity air gun, is pumped behind and over the steel rebar. Finishers then carve and sculpt the gunite using trowels to form the precise shape of your pool. It will take the gunite several weeks of drying before it’s ready for the plaster. Be careful to remove all debris and large amounts of rain from the pool during these weeks.Watch the gunite for cracks to form. Small ones in the surface are ok, but large cracks or areas that crumbling should be reported back to your builder.
5) Lining and Coping Stones
While the gunite cures, the perimeter tile and pool wall capstones will be placed. The perimeter pool tile provide you an easy-to-clean surface at water level. The coping stones serve as safety grips on the inside of the pool while providing better drainage away from the pool.
6) Plaster
This is the final phase of your pool construction. The plaster serves as a waterproof layer to protect the pool shell and steel while providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. With a crew of 4 or 5, this phase can be completed in 3 or 4 hours. This crew will typically start the pool filling with water as they leave. Add as many extra hoses as possible, as it’s best to fill the pool as quickly as you can. They’ll also leave you with pool start-up and care instructions.
7) Pool Startup
All last minute clean up and equipment installations should take place before starting the pool up. Your builder will come to do the initial startup, equipment operation, and chemical balancing. Your pool chemistry will likely fluctuate and will require daily checks and rebalancing until it stabilizes. Your builder will also walk you through all pool and equipment operation. Take a video of this demonstration so you can watch it again later as needed. You’ll be glad you did.
Before You Dive In, Don’t Forget…
- Obtain all necessary permits and permissions before construction begins. Work with your builder to make sure nothing is missed.
- Most companies will do their best to anticipate any foreseeable delays when estimating final installation, but it’s simply not possible to foresee them all. Keep this in mind and be as flexible and accommodating as you can.
- If your backyard is fenced, a fairly large portion of the fence will likely need to be removed for access unless you have a large enough gate. Be sure to get clear communication from your builder concerning who will take the fence down and put it back up. Most professional pool installation companies will do this for you.
You’ll Be Swimming in Style in No Time
You can see your own backyard oasis, you know what to expect, and now it’s time to get started! Begin your new pool construction now to ensure it will be ready for you and your family when the temperatures start to rise again. Starting now will ensure you have plenty of time to accommodate any delays that may come. Start now and swim in style by the summertime.
To learn more about custom pool and backyard design or to get started with your quote, Contact Us.