Step 1
Becoming Partners
Step 2
Plans & Permits
Step 3
Excavation
This is the big day, so don’t miss it! That hole in the ground is about to begin. Stakes, strings or other markers will be placed to form the layout of your pool. Then the bobcats come in and start demolition of the site to prepare the pool site for digging. (We will use DIG ALERT to identify underground utility lines.) In some cases where Soils Engineers are required there will be a post-dig soils inspection that we coordinate prior to steel placement.
Now’s the time to caution you about a couple of things:
1. Don’t let anyone touch or move the stakes, strings or other markers forming the layout of your pool. These markers are critical to the shape, elevation and placement of the pool.
2. Once the hole is dug, keep your distance away from the edge, and be especially mindful that your children and pets remain a safe distance away. The sides may have a tendency to crumble and could present a safety hazard unless you’re vigilant.
Homeowner Instructions:
Step 4
Steel
Step 5
Plumbing
This operation includes the installation of all equipment, plumbing, sewers and gas lines.
Homeowner Instructions:
Check hot water – verify pilot light is lit
Call gas company to check meter size and coordinate what is typically a free upgrade on the size.
Step 6
Electrical
All underground conduits are placed from your electric panel to the equipment fixtures and controls. The wire is usually pulled at a later time. A pre-gunite inspection is then called.
This is the time that electric meters may have to be upgraded if the new pool is adding to the load of the main panel beyond its capacity..
Step 7
Shotcrete (Gunite)
This is the loudest operation of them all and the most participatory for you! After the concrete is blasted, you get to water the concrete. Yes we said it – you get to water the fresh concrete. Start watering the day after gunite, morning and evening, then follow up for ten days with a good soaking two or three times per day depending on how hot the weather is.
Homeowner Instructions:
Step 8
Tile & Coping
This selection must be made as early as possible in the pool building process to insure stock. You can see many tile options on the National Pool Tile website or in our design center.
Step 9
Masonry
All masonry, BBQ islands, block walls, and rock work is to be completed in this stage. This phase usually takes the longest to complete; anywhere from a couple of days to a month or more depending on the scope of work. Design or material changes during this process can cause big delays, depending on suppliers and availability. There are usually three to six payments due during this phase.
Step 10
Decks & Drains
Step 11
Fencing & Gates
Step 12
Plaster & Pebble
Step 13
Fill Up
The plasterers will start filling the pool before they leave. The pool should be filled as fast as possible, so round up at least two hoses, especially if you have low water pressure. DO NOT STOP THE WATER FLOW until the water reaches the center of the tile line otherwise you’ll end up with a permanent “ring around the pool”. If you get concerned that the water might overflow during the night simply reduce the flow rate and set your spouse’s alarm to check it out!
Homeowner Instructions:
Keep an eye on water level as hoses fill pool to prevent overflow
Step 14
Start Up
The pool equipment will be started up after the pool is full by our start up technician after the pool reaches the middle of the tile line. You will have to call our office to let us know when it is actually full. We usually run the pumps 24 hours continuously for the first few days or until the cloudy water clears up. Instructions on operation will be given usually at the completion of the first week of operations depending on your availability.
If you have a salt pool, the salt will be added approximately 28 days after the pool has been filled. The pool heater can be turned up to a maximum of 85 degrees for the first 28 days while the plaster/pebble is curing. After that, game on and you can enjoy a hot dip in the spa.
Homeowner Instructions:
We have been servicing Southern California for over 35 years and I am extremely proud to say that we have some of the most professional, experienced and conscientious staff in the industry.
3007 South Harbor Boulevard Santa Ana, CA 92704
Lic. # 1033262
If you can dream it, we can build it!