Building A POOl
Whether you come to Royal Pools with a specific idea or are looking for creative options, bringing that vision to life starts with a design and we’re here to help – and it doesn’t cost a thing to start dreaming!
Construction
As you look through the pictures that follow, you’ll start to get a sense of what actually goes into building a swimming pool. There are multiple phases and each one is a completely separate operation and we utilize specialty subcontractors for each phase. In addition to your onsite construction superintendent, you will have a construction coordinator at our office. Their job is to keep your project moving along and to keep you informed as to the construction and inspection schedule. You will get to know them quite well.
Phases Of Construction
Excavation
With the completed permit package in hand, our construction superintendent and our excavation crew will arrive to begin the actual construction process. The first step is to layout the location of the pool. We do require that you be present at this time, we want to make sure that you’re happy with where the pool is going to go and also, it’s fun to watch the start of a lifelong dream began to take shape. Normally the excavation crews can finish the job in one day.
Plumbing and Steel
In most cases, the order of these two phases is interchangeable and we will generally schedule whichever one is available first.
Think of the underground plumbing as the circulatory system of your pool. It circulates the water to and from the filter to keep your pool sparkling clean. And unlike our competition, at Royal Pools, we use two skimmers and 2 ½ inch pipe for greater circulation efficiency.
Plumbing and Steel
In most cases, the order of these two phases is interchangeable and we will generally schedule whichever one is available first.
Think of the underground plumbing as the circulatory system of your pool. It circulates the water to and from the filter to keep your pool sparkling clean. And unlike our competition, at Royal Pools, we use two skimmers and 2 ½ inch pipe for greater circulation efficiency.
And if the plumbing is the circulation system, the steel rebar would be the bones of the structure. Good bones is often a phrase directed at a well built home and we believe that additional and oversized steel makes for good bones for your swimming pool. At Royal Pools, our steel schedule always exceeds the engineer’s recommended specifications.
Inspections: Building Department Inspections may seem like an inconvenience at times, but they fulfill an important function. They’re there to make sure the contractor is building the project per the engineering specifications and the work is in compliance with all the relevant building codes.
Pre-Gunite Inspection: At this point, construction stops and we call for the pre-gunite inspection which is the first of several inspections by the building department. The timing for scheduling inspections can be charitably called challenging as we’re at the whim of a bureaucratic beast. One of the other things that separates Royal Pools from our competition is that we always have a person onsite to meet the inspector. They’re there to answer questions and provide information to facilitate the process which results in far fewer delays because of turndowns.
One other point regarding inspections; the pool plan and the building department inspection sign-off card are left at your property and will remain in place for the duration of the project. We place these in a PVC tube and usually hang it on the fence near the pool. Please make sure it is available when the inspector shows up.
Gunite/Shotcrete
The gunite or shotcrete might be thought of as the muscle of the pool structure. Along with the steel rebar, it forms your pool shell structure. You will really get a sense of what your new pool is going to look like when the gunite is completed. These amazing craftsmen shoot the gunite into place and create the intricate shapes and design that make your pool unique. It’s a good day to play hooky to stay home and watch.
You may be tempted to walk down into your pool after the gunite crew leaves… please don’t. The material takes several days to fully set and is susceptible to damage. We also ask that you water the surface two or three times a day for about a week to assist in the curing process. Also, please don’t get too close to the edge of the pool and keep children and pets away from the pool. All construction sites carry some risk, so we ask that you please be careful around the pool shell.
Tile and Masonry
This is when the first set of artisans show up. Our masonry crews have no peers; their art is handed down from one generation to the next and it shows in their craftsmanship and attention to detail. The beauty and visual appeal of your pool will become evident as you watch these masters work their magic.
Tile and Masonry
This is when the first set of artisans show up. Our masonry crews have no peers; their art is handed down from one generation to the next and it shows in their craftsmanship and attention to detail. The beauty and visual appeal of your pool will become evident as you watch these masters work their magic.
While your tile and masonry are being installed, our electrical and plumbing crews will be onsite running electrical service and gas plumbing (if required) to your pool equipment pad. Depending on the scope of work, this work usually takes from one to three weeks.
Inspections: Once again, everything stops as we wait for the building department to inspect the electrical and gas work and this work must be signed off before we can proceed.
It is now time to for your concrete contractor to begin the forming and drainage work and preparation of the ground for the concrete deck. We will refer you to several experienced concrete contractors who specialize in decking around a swimming pool. That last part is really important, knowledge of the unique aspects of concrete around swimming pools is critical. The concrete work is usually a two week process.
Inspections: And again, all the preliminary deck work must be inspected before the concrete can be poured. After the concrete is installed, we ask that you stay off it and keep pets off until it’s had about a week to cure.
Pool Equipment
After the concrete crews finish up their work, our plumbers will return and install the pumps, filters and the all-important “brains” (computer) of the system. And while it may not seem important, we insist that the equipment pad resemble a work of PVC art. A well organized pool equipment set improves functionality and efficiency and will give you years of trouble free filtration.
Inspections (what, again?!): After all the plumbing, equipment, gas and electrical work is complete, we call for a pre-plaster inspection. This is where the building department pronounces the pool ready for water… but first…
Interior Surface
More artists, this time it’s the plaster/pebble finishers. Along with the masonry work, this is the most visual aspect of the pool and we take great pride in the amazing workmanship produced by these crews. Their work is virtually flawless and it shows in pool after pool. The interior finish work is a two-day process and at the end of the second day, we will start filling your new pool! The fill process is usually a 24 to 36 hours duration depending on your water pressure, and we require you to be home to shut off the water when the level reaches the middle of the tile.
Interior Surface
More artists, this time it’s the plaster/pebble finishers. Along with the masonry work, this is the most visual aspect of the pool and we take great pride in the amazing workmanship produced by these crews. Their work is virtually flawless and it shows in pool after pool. The interior finish work is a two-day process and at the end of the second day, we will start filling your new pool! The fill process is usually a 24 to 36 hours duration depending on your water pressure, and we require you to be home to shut off the water when the level reaches the middle of the tile.
When you call to tell us the pool is full, we will send out our “start-up” technician and he will start the filtration equipment, go through the correct operation of the pool equipment with you and add chemicals to begin the water balancing. By now you should have received our start-up instructions. The first couple of weeks of life of your new pool are important so we hope you’ll familiarize yourself with the start-up instructions before our start-up technician arrives. We know you’ll have a lot of questions regarding the care and feeding of your new swimming pool and we’re happy to help. Filtration equipment and chemical treatment automation have come a long way in the last few years, but they are not a substitute for hands on care. If you want to maintain your pool yourself, we can provide initial guidance or we can provide you with the name of several pool service companies in your area. Another resource for pool service companies is IPSSA. The Independent Pool & Spa Service Association is a national organization of pool service professionals with chapters throughout the United States. They set and maintain a standard of care and code of ethics for their members and are a good resource for finding a reputable pool care professional.
Inspections (the last one, we promise): The final inspection is usually a cursory sign off to make sure everything functions as indicated. Sometimes it takes weeks or even months for some building departments to schedule this inspection. They know your pool is complete and with nothing pending, they’re in no hurry so they get to it when they can. If you have an automatic pool cover, this inspection will take place after the cover is installed.
Automatic Pool Cover
If your project includes an auto-cover it will be installed after the pool is full of water. Each cover is custom made for your specific pool so it can take several weeks after the pool is full for the installation to take place.
Now that your pool is complete, you can take a breath and really start enjoying the experience of owning a Royal Pool. We know it will provide years of family enjoyment and trouble-free operation.