– Phases –
Creating a backyard pool is a big decision and a big job!
While the process can be lengthy and intricate, staying well-informed can simplify things for everyone involved.
Our goal is to keep you informed throughout the entire process, while completing your dream pool as quickly as possible without compromising quality.
Check out the steps below to learn about each phase of building your new dream pool from start to finish.
1. POOL DESIGN & APPROVAL
It all begins with an in-home consultation.
Our pool designer has experience in creating backyard designs that blend and compliment the surrounding natural elements.
We understand every backyard and home aren’t built the same. Each one has its own special charm and its own set of opportunities + challenges.
We also understand each ʻOhana is unique and have their own specific wants, needs, budget and vision that fit their lifestyle.
2. PERMITTING & ENGINEERING
Based upon your approval of the final pool design and budget, our pool designer will meet with you again to complete the agreement.
Then it will be submitted to an architect and then to the department of planning and permitting for approval before any work may begin.
Please note that permitting time frames may vary.
3. POOL LAYOUT
In accordance with your plan, our contractor will physically layout the shape of your new pool on the ground in your backyard by marking paint on the ground and/or with flexible wood forms, stakes or string lines.
Before any digging starts you maybe asked to review the pool layout, its location in your yard, the deck configuration, and the location of the pool equipment.
The physical pool layout will be used as a guide for the excavation crew to follow.
Keep in mind, once the process begins it can be difficult and costly to make changes.
Before anyone starts digging, be sure you are happy with all of the elements of your pool plans!
4. EXCAVATION
Now here is where the real fun begins!
It can also be very exciting as you will be able to watch your backyard take the shape of your new swimming pool.
On a typical residential pool project, the dig can be completed in a week or so. However, keep in mind lager pools or those with complex configurations will likely take the dig process longer.
5. FRAME & STEEL INSTALLATION
After the dig the pool is framed out with wood, and we install reinforced steel throughout the entire pool.
We follow engineering plans closely to install steel around the pool, reinforcing the shell and protecting it from any defects.
The steel rebar framework consists of vertical and horizontal series of bars that add strength to your pool.
6. PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL
After the steel structure is in place, it is time to set up the pipes and wires that will make everything function.
The pool pluming system is the network of pipes that carry the water to and from the pool. It is absolutely imperative that this part of the pool plumbing system be engineered correctly.
The plumbing system includes making space for skimmers, drainage, and placing pipes.
Please keep in mind the pipes will have to go through the property to reach the pump and filter system.
At this time the electric box, wires and other materials to make the filter, heating systems, to work correctly, as well as any light system for the swimming pool at this phase of the construction. This is a sub contractor part.
7. GUNITE
Gunite is exceedingly durable, so swimming pools made with this substance are built to last.
Gunite is the concrete shell of the pool, itʻs a blend of sand, cement, and water that’s applied through a high pressure hose.
Once it cures (dries) Gunite becomes rock hard, forming a thick solid structure. After the Gunite properly cures, a third material (plaster) is applied to complete a Gunite pool. Plaster is what actually waterproofs the Gunite pool and this final coating is what everyone sees as the pools gleaming interior surface.
8. TILE, COPING & POOL DECKING
This is the stage that the pool will begin to look very interesting as our experienced tile installers will amaze you with their careful installation of all tiles and decorative stone materials.
There is a wide selection of tile that you can choose from!
You also have an option to accent your steps and benches with tile so you can distinguish where they are.
You also have several choices of pool coping that can be installed, coping is the finished product that sits at the top of the Gunite bond beam.
We offer a complete line of pool decking types, some more common than others and some that are very special ranging from bare concrete slabs to stamped concrete to fit into your lifestyle and budget. Depending on your choice of pool decking materials, the installation procedure may differ slightly.
No matter what decking option you choose for your pool project, you can be assured that the very first step taken is on a quality foundation. We want your beautiful pool decking to last the test of time.
9. EQUIPMENT SET: PUMPS, FILTERS, HEATERS, CHLORINATORS & LOAD CENTER
For your swimming pool to be clean, sparkling and safe, the water needs to be in motion regularly. Stagnant water is attractive to animals, pest, algae, and bacteria- and your pump allows you to avoid all of these things.
SWIMMING POOL PUMP:
Your swimming pool pump circulates water through your pool. This prevents it from becoming stagnant and allows your filter and chemicals to function as intended.
SWIMMING POOL FILTER:
Your swimming pool filter removes fine dirt and debris from the water and allows you to easily clean your water without doing it manually. The filter is connected to the swimming pool pump so it will clean your water as it passes through. You’ll need to regularly clean and maintain your filter to ensure it works correctly to keep your swimming pool clean.
SWIMMING POOL HEATER:
A swimming pool heater is optional for your pool but is required if you are installing a spa. Your pool heater will be connected to your other pool equipment. This will allow your heater to warm your water as it moves through the heating elements. Quality swimming pool heaters offer you options to control and maintain the temperature of your water.
SWIMMING POOL CHLORINATORS:
When you have a swimming pool, you’ll need to be able to add a sanitizer to the water. Keeping your pool clean is extremely important. You can add chlorine by hand but this chore is tedious. Having an automatic pool chlorinator will not only make your life easier, but it will also keep a clean and well- balanced swim environment. An automatic pool chlorinator plugs directly into your pump and filter system and sanitizes the water returning to the pool.
SWIMMING POOL LOAD CENTER:
A load center usually branches off from your homes main breaker box, supplying electricity to the pool area for lighting, the water pump and any heating features you have.
Although it may not seem like it, your swimming pool electrician is one of the most important part of the process and will keep your family safe!
10. PLASTER
The pool is now ready for the pool plaster to be applied.
Plaster is a mix of white cement, white sand or marble aggregate and water. Although usually white, plaster can be dyed different colors. Pool plaster not only enhances the aesthetics and design of your pool but it also provides a protective covering that extends the life and enjoyment of the pool.
We’ve work with two suppliers who provide top-grade finishes – click the links below to view options:
11. POOL STARTUP
The water is put into the pool immediately after the plaster process. The set-up technician will test your swimming pool to ensure that it is functioning properly. The technician will start the circulating pump and set the timer.
We do a full sweep of every piece of equipment installed, to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Please keep in mind that you will not be able to swim in your pool right away, the pool plaster can take up to 7 days to cure. During this time you will need to contact your pool cleaner to have them add in all the necessary pool chemicals needed.
