1. Pool Layout Meeting
Before the excavator is moved on site, we will have a site meeting to finalize the size and location of the pool and pool equipment.
2. Excavation of Your Swimming Pool
The excavation crew will arrive on site to dig the pool. We will need power and water available. In the event that we hit ledge or soil unable to accommodate the pool, buried stumps etc. we will need a phone number where we can reach you to authorize any changes or extra expense.
3. Plumbing Rough In
Our plumbing crew will arrive and install whatever piping is necessary per your contract specifications, depending on the site conditions. The pipes may be extended to the filter location or they may be stubbed off at the pool’s edge to be extended at a later date. The piping will be pressurized with either water or air and will remain so throughout the gunite process. We will install a hydrostatic relief valve in the bottom of the pool main drain. This will alleviate any ground water by allowing water to enter the pool after the gunite shell has been shot. We will need power and water available for this step.
4. Steel Rebar
Steel will be installed within the excavated hole. The gunite bond beam (top of pool wall) will have a ring of bar bent back and tied with horizontal bars for additional bond beam strength. The steel reinforcement cage will eventually be blocked up with bricks prior to the gunite application that morning. Electricity must be available for this phase of construction.
5. Gunite
Gunite is the pneumatic application of concrete over the blocked up steel reinforced cage. This highly pressurized concrete is hydrated at the nozzle during application, which results in lower moisture levels and less chance of slump. For this reason, it is up to ten times stronger than poured concrete. Water and electricity must be available at pool side for this phase.
6. Strip Forms / Rough Grading
After the gunite process is complete we will strip the wood forms and rough grade the site with existing fill (if necessary). After this phase is complete we will coordinate extending the plumbing to its final location.
7. Electrical & Gas Lines
After the site has been graded, it is time for the electrician and gas plumber to begin their work. Whatever trenches, electrical lines and gas lines are necessary to accommodate the pool equipment should be installed at this time. These lines will need to be inspected and approved by the local building department prior to pool patio installation.
8. Pool Tile
The 6″ tile border of frost proof tile will be installed around the perimeter of the pool. If you are a commercial project, tile depth markers will be installed at the appropriate places around the pool perimeter. Tile trim will also be installed at this time if you choose.
9. Pool Patio Grading & Installation
The decking that surrounds your pool can be concrete, decorative concrete, pavers, stone or many other materials. Your hardscape installer will perform finish grading with proper base material of your desired patio areas and then move forward with the hardscape installation. This is the final stage before the pool shell interior finish is applied.
10. Pool Plaster
A crew will be sent in to do final clean up of the gunite shell and pump out any remaining water that may be left in the deep end, a day or two before the plaster crew. If water is to be trucked in, it needs to be arranged in advance. Plastering consists of the pneumatic application of a mixture of white limestone sand with white waterproof medusa cement. The mix is applied as a scratch coat and then hand trowel as a finish coat. The pool must begin to fill immediately and constantly up to the tile when the plasterers have finished.
11. Pool Start Up
When your pool is filled to the middle of the tile and the electrician has completed wiring the pool equipment system, we ask that you call our office to set up a time when we can meet you at the pool to go over care and maintenance. At this time we will deliver any accessories that are included in your pool contract.
12. Customer Follow Up
The follow up crew is made of technicians from the service department who are trained in all aspects of pool construction, operation and especially maintenance. They will provide written materials and booklets on pool care. Should any questions develop after this final phase our retail store and service department are open six days a week for chemical and service support.