First, a few things to remember:
- Permits: On average, the permit phase takes two to three weeks. In some cases, it may take as long as 35 days, while others are issued “over the counter”, the same day. The city you live in and the work involved in the project will determine this time.
- Inspections: Inspectors will not call the homeowner or project supervisor prior to arrival. City inspectors usually arrive between 8am and 5pm, Mon. thru Fri. With the exception of the fence and gate inspection, homeowners are not required to be present during most inspections. Homeowners should make sure that they leave the work area accessible and all pets are kept in a safe and secure area.
- Construction Time Line: In most cases, the time to construct a swimming pool is between ten and twelve weeks. Completion times may vary due to the unique requirements of any given site, including weather related conditions and scope of work on the project.
A swimming pool is built in a series of stages that begins with the design and ends with the pool being filled with water. Your pool’s specific design and engineering requirements will determine exactly what phases you can expect to experience.
While each pool’s construction process is somewhat unique, most pool construction does follow a basic construction plan. Here is a standard swimming pool construction flowchart.
- Free Consultation and Project Site Survey:
Once you have contacted us for your free consultation, we will arrange a time that is convenient for you to meet and discus what type of pool best fits your needs. We’ll ask questions and listen carefully so that you can be assured that the design we create meets all of your criteria and exceeds your expectations. After our meeting we will take a complete survey of your yard by taking measurements, elevations and pictures so that we can accurately replicate your backyard to 3D computer generated design image and layout.
- The Design:
Within a couple of weeks we will have a detailed 3D design of your new backyard ready for presentation. With our advanced design software you’ll be able to see what your new pool will look like in incredible detail.
- Engineering, Plans and Permits:
Once you have approved the design we will immediately begin to schedule the building phase of your new pool. We will obtain the required engineering for your pool and draft all plans necessary for the project. As we move through the permit process we will schedule a “pre-construction meeting” with you so that you know exactly what to expect over the next few months. Once permits are issued, we are now ready for construction.
- Lay-out, Grading & Excavation:
During this phase, your swimming pool is laid out according to approved plans. Elevations are reconfirmed and set. A form board is set around the perimeter of the swimming pool to show the elevation and shape. Heavy machinery is brought in and excavation begins. All dirt is hauled off site to local landfills.
- Installation of Reinforcing Steel:
½” steel reinforcement bars are used to form the shape of your pool and spa. There will be rebar on the bottom of the pool, up the sides around the skimmer, and into the bond beam. Concrete spacers ensure the steel is not against the wall or the floor of the pool. This system allows gunite to be evenly distributed under and above the steel.
- Underground Plumbing and Electric:
Trenches are dug for all underground plumbing and electrical. Non-corrosive schedule 40 PVC with schedule 40 fittings on the plumbing will be used throughout the pool. Skimmers, drains and returns are set. Wiring will be run from your electric panel to the equipment and then from the equipment to lighting in the pool. Electric wiring and all grounding will meet and/or exceed National Electric Code standards. Ground fault interrupter devices will be installed for protection against electric fault.
- Gunite:
Gunite is pneumatically applied to create the pool shell and bond beam. During this phase; steps, benches, love seats and/or special rock formations are formed and the swimming pool really begins to take shape.
- Coping & Tile:
Waterline tile is installed around the perimeter of the swimming pool, this tile provides aesthetic beauty, and helps to prevent waterline stain on your pebble/plaster finish. Coping is installed around the top perimeter of the pool. Coping can consist of travertine, brick, flagstone, or custom formed concrete that is manufactured on site.
- Decking:
Decking is laid out with forms according to dimensions taken from your plans. In most cases drains are placed around the swimming pool, planters and low spots of the yard to prevent flooding. Soil is compacted and Steel is placed to reinforce the concrete decking. If you choose to use Brick or Pavers, a sand base is laid to prevent sinking.
- Equipment Set:
The equipment is delivered and set into place.
- Plaster:
The interior pool finish is now applied, sealing the gunite, and creating the waterproof ‘lining’ of your swimming pool. There are many finishes from which to choose; white or colored plaster, pebble finishes, quartz and more. Immediately after plastering, water is now added to your swimming pool.
- Start-Up:
All equipment will be tested for proper operation. Once everything is operational, we will instruct you on the operation of all equipment, and answer any questions you have. To ensure proper operation and maintenance, R&R POOLS will service your pool for the first thirty day after plaster.
