Build Process
Our Pool Build Process Goes Above and Beyond
#1 layout
Before any work is done, we paint the shape of your pool on the ground as a guide for the excavators. You approve the pool’s outline and position before scheduling the dig.
#2 excavation
Our unique excavation specifications include vertically excavated walls and flat floors. This creates a safer, more enjoyable, spacious swimming pool than the industry norm. In addition, our excavation crews are equipped with the newest trucks and equipment. This equipment, combined with our training and policies, results in crews that can leave your property free of damage, oil spills and any unprofessional mess.
#3 steel rebar
Steel rebar is placed throughout your pool on a steel grid pattern. The steel reinforces the tensile strength of your pool’s concrete shell. Most pool companies use standardized steel specifications driven by the belief that the least expensive is the best.
Our steel specifications will be developed and engineered for your particular pool, in your specific soil and with your design’s unique load and stress. Our one-pool-at-a-time engineering generates steel plans with grid patterns typically 8″ apart. Under boulders, near the patio or fences, and in other stress areas, we will place steel on 6″ grids.
We have never had a structural failure due to too little steel. This includes hundreds of pools on hillsides and features such as disappearing edges. We will not sacrifice long-term durability and peace of mind to save a few dollars!
#4 plumbing and equipment
Your pool plumbing and equipment are the guts of your pool. When properly installing the best equipment, the hydraulics will ensure years and years of trouble-free enjoyment with minimal maintenance. Special features standard on our pool include dual main drains for safety, a high-flow skimmer and looped returns for balanced water flow.
The schedule 40 PVC piping will be buried below your excavated pool forms to ensure long-term integrity. The valves that direct water flow are guaranteed for a lifetime are low maintenance, easy to operate, and labeled for simplicity. Water flow is increased by the size of the pump and by the diameter of the piping. We routinely bid against undersized systems that provide insufficient water for good pool circulation, spa action or water feature needs. Compare these features, and you will understand a pool company’s desire for long-term customer satisfaction.
We guarantee your pool for life against any steel rebar rust bleed-through caused by placing steel too near the concrete surface. This rusting problem is excluded from many warranties, but it is our responsibility to ensure this does not happen.
#5 electrical
Standard Features include a full–sized pool light with remote control abilities. A time clock and control panel will be placed on the equipment for daily, effortless pool system control. Many optional lighting and spa control systems are available to meet your budget and needs.
#6 gunite
We use a special mix of gunite that test to 4000 psi. Industry standards are as low as 3000 psi. Our other mix adds compaction strength to the concrete shell.
Our pneumatically placed (shot in place with air pressure) shell is a minimum thickness of 6”. It is a minimum of 8” thick in coves and stress areas. Our bond beam and other structural load areas will be 12” minimum thickness. As a result, we never return to the homeowner and charge for additional concrete, known as overbreak. (This can add up to several hundred dollars with other pool companies.)
Our lifetime pool shell warranty includes replacing water, chemicals, and electricity and complete repair of any interior or incidental damage should the shell ever develop a crack. We give this extensive warranty because we build pools that last!
#7 masonry and rock
Like all the initial phases of construction, our masonry and rock work are built and engineered with long-term durability in mind. Now we add a new criterion—-appearance. Our rock installers and masons are closer to artists than construction workers.
You may have chosen our pool because of our design awards, customer service reputation or how our pools look. Now you will see why we shine above our competitors. It comes down to pride in what we do, the attention to detail and the artistry these crews put into their work.
The bottom line is if it doesn’t look great, we will do it again until it does. This approach develops teams who do it right the first time!
#8 decking
Tile deck, spray deck, pea gravel decks, pavers, colored concrete — you dream, and we can do it. The sizeable horizontal covering we call a pool deck is the most visible part of your pool. A deck must be well-built for durability, heat resistance and chip resistance. It must stay in place, withstanding the movement of the soils it is built on.
The artistry of this stage must combine with many essential construction issues. As a result, our deck prices may be slightly higher than many of our competitors. But when you compare the thickness, the footings and the aesthetics, you will probably decide, as we have, that an extra few hundred dollars here are well-spent when it buys a lifetime of practical use and maintenance-free beauty.
#9 interior finishes
Again, there are many choices here. Tile surfaces, pebble surfaces, stone surfaces, plaster and an array of colors and textures allow the pool to be individualized for your décor and needs. These surfaces must resist various chemicals and constant attacks from hard water scaling and the sun.
Our project manager will discuss the features, benefits and costs. Whatever your choice, we pledge the highest quality in materials and artistry.