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The Pool Construction Process
Now that you have decided upon your
dream pool, it is now time to make your dream a reality. There are
many steps that your builder must follow in order to insure that
your pool turns out the way you expect it to. The following is an
example of what you can expect during the construction phases of
your pool. Please be advised this is just an example. Your
contractor will cover their company's step by step process.
Phase 1: Pool Plan/Drawing
Once you have chosen a contractor, a meeting will be scheduled to
discuss ideas and plans for the pool. From the meeting discussions,
a drawing will be prepared for your approval. Most contractors have
pictures and plan drawings to help in your selection.
Phase 2: Permits
It is very important to have all the necessary permits before
construction begins. Your contractor will obtain the necessary
permits for your municipality. If you need homeowner's association
approval, now is the time to make sure you have the approval. Such
approval is the responsibility of the owner, not the contractor.
Phase 3: Site Preparation & Layout
This usually requires a grade machine to strip the sod and organic
material from the pool and deck area first. Any plants in the area
you wish to save should be removed prior to this phase. Then a crew
will arrive and form the pool shape with stakes and lumber.
Phase 4: The Dig
During the dig phase, the ground where the pool will be is dug up
from the earth. Expect heavy equipment such as backhoes, graders,
and dump trucks to be brought in to accomplish the task.
Phase 5: Steel Reinforcement
Phase 5 is when the steel framework of the pool is installed. The
frame is important because it adds strength to the concrete shell of
the pool. More than likely after the frame is in place, an inspector
will come out to the property to make sure the frame was installed
properly.
Phase 6: Installing the Pool Shell
This is when the concrete is added to the frame. Most pool
structures are pneumatically applied (shot through a hose with air
pressure) using either “shotcrete” or “gunite”. The shell of the
pool is now in place, and you will start to see you dream pool take
shape.
Phase 7: Pre-grade for the deck
Once the shell has cured, the pool company will return to remove the
forms and perform a rough “machine grade” of the deck area. Some
dirt will be left behind to be used for the final grade of the
access area after the job is completed.
Phase 8: Plumbing
The plumbing will be installed and pipes run to the area where the
pool equipment will be located. At this time, an inspector will
visit the property to make sure the shell and plumbing meet codes
and standards.
Phase 9: Tile
If your pool has coping or brick around the perimeter the coping and
tile is added around the rim of the pool at this time. NOTE: If your
pool has a concrete edge around it instead of coping or brick, the
deck will be formed and poured prior to tile installation.
Phase 10: Deck forming
The deck will be formed and prepared. An inspector will come out and
make sure the deck and footings are properly prepared.
Phase 11: Pouring the Deck
The concrete decking will be poured in place and troweled to prepare
for the deck topping. The equipment pad is poured at this time.
Phase 12: Installation of Equipment
The pool equipment is installed and hooked up to the piping. It is
now ready to be wired by the electrician. Completion of the job will
include installing the deck topping, screen enclosure or fencing,
cleaning out the pool shell and installation of the pool interior
finish. Once completed, the pool is filled with water and “started
up” with proper chemistry and cleaning. The job is concluded with
site clean-up and operating instructions to teach you how to operate
and maintain your new pool. NOTE: Depending on particular material
selections and/or schedule preferences, the order of phases may
change but the essential functions will remain the same. All phases
are, of course, subject to weather conditions.
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