Step-By-Step Construction Guide & Timeline for Pool Building

Last week we discussed how long it takes to build a pool, and this week we're going to dive into what all building a pool entails and how long it takes to complete each individual milestone.

1. Layout: The initial phase where your pool is marked on the ground according to the precise specifications of the site plan.
2. Excavation: Special attention is paid to proper depth transitions, while excess soil is either hauled away or redistributed around the property. Generally completed in one day.
3. Plumbing Rough-In (or Stub-Out): Installation of all pipes before concrete work begins. Generally completed in one to two days.
4. Steel: Install steel rebar framework for pool walls and floor. Must be precisely positioned with proper spacing and support to ensure structural integrity, with extra reinforcement around steps and benches. Generally completed in one day.
5. Gunite Application: The process of spraying concrete at high pressure onto the steel cage to form the shell of the pool. Must be applied by skilled operators to ensure proper thickness. Generally completed in one day.

1. Gunite Clean-Up:  The process of clearing out all the leftover materials and debris such as excess gunite (or overspray), chunks of dried gunite and leftover rebound (loose concrete that didn’t adhere) after the gunite phase of construction.  This step ensures the site is safe, tidy, and ready for the next stages.  Generally completed in one day. 
2. Tile And Coping: Installation of waterline tile and coping, as well as any other natural stone or tile to be applied to other areas of the pool/spa (i.e. raised walls). This stage requires precise leveling as it affects both appearance and water drainage. Generally completed in three to five days.
3. Plumbing, Equipment Installation & Drainage: Set equipment on pad and connections are made to all underground plumbing lines laid prior to gunite. Plumbers will usually run necessary drainage lines according to your site plan at this time. Generally completed in one to two days.
4. Electrical: Licensed electricians will come and wire up all equipment previously set by plumbers. Everything must be properly bonded for safety and efficiency. Generally completed in one to two days.
5.  Decking: Construction of the surface around your pool, which requires proper soil compaction, reinforcement, and slope for drainage. Generally completed in three to five days.
6.  Interior Prep: This is a crucial step that takes place just before a new pool interior finish is applied. It’s all about getting the surface perfectly clean, smooth, and ready to ensure the interior finish bonds properly and looks flawless for years to come. Generally completed in one day.
7.  Final Clean-Up: This is when all remaining construction debris will be removed from the site, and any excess dirt will be graded as needed.  Generally completed in a half day.

1.  Fence Replacement: Now that all of the heavy machinery use is over, this is when the permanent fence structure is replaced.  You will likely have at least 2 panels removed throughout the course of construction, during which time a temporary construction fence should be placed in its stead.  Generally completed in a half day.  Note: This can be completed after excavation as well, but causes limited access to all other crews using heavy machinery.
2. Interior Application: Now that the site is clean and safety measures such as fence replacements have been completed, it’s time to apply the final waterproof coating that gives the pool its color and texture (plaster, aggregate, or quartz). Requires careful chemical balance monitoring for the first month. Generally completed in one day, then allow another two to three more days to fill the pool.
3. Start-Up: Following the NPC (National Plaster Council) guidelines, this is the process that involves initially adding chemicals to the pool and starting equipment for the first time to circulate said chemicals. Generally takes about half a day. Note: Equipment will be left running consistently for 24 - 72 hours to allow lines to clear out and dirt built up during construction.
4. Equipment Calibration: This is where all remaining fittings will be installed, and equipment will be programmed to run at specific times, pending the needs of your pool.  Generally takes about a half-day to complete and is done 24 – 72 hours after start-up.
5. Pool School: Upon project completion, training for pool maintenance and operation will be provided. This also marks the “handover” of the pool, where the homeowner takes over all necessary operations and maintenance.  *Note: The Pool Man allows 2 – 3 weeks between Equipment Calibration and Pool School dates.  This give us time to complete any remaining “Punch List Items” (minor repairs and finishing touch items), and it also allows our technicians to get your initial water chemistry balanced safely while your interior finish is curing to avoid any potential damage to that finish.

Pool construction follows a systematic sequence of steps, each requiring specific expertise and quality control measures. Again, the process generally takes six to ten weeks from Excavation to Pool School, depending on the factors described last week. By following these steps, you ensure that each stage of pool construction is completed efficiently and meets quality standards. Understanding this process helps set realistic expectations and ensures proper oversight.