Constructing a pool- What can you expect?

There’s a common misconception that constructing a pool is a simple process that can be completed in just a few weeks. A quality pool must undertake a number of steps.

Excavation

The arrival of diggers is a momentous occasion as your pool build is getting underway. Before breaking ground, your team will check the location of any underground utilities around the area of your pool.

They’ll then create access to the site and mark out your pool layout. This will ensure your pool is located in the correct position and any trees, shrubs or outdoor features will be protected.

Reinforcement

Once your trades have completed excavation, the next step in constructing a pool is where the steel rods will be installed to reinforce the site. The steel construction will help form the shape of the pool before the concrete is sprayed. It will also assist with structural integrity and help avoid the site falling in.

Plumbing

The pool plumbing will be the next element to be installed and the pool equipment will be put into position. Plumbing caps will be added to the ends before the concrete is sprayed.

Concrete

After the site has been prepped and reinforced and the plumbing installed, the concrete is sprayed and constructing a pool base is completed. This will need to be left to cure for approximately 4 weeks. The time of cure is greatly dependent on the weather conditions.

Surrounding surfacing

While your pool is curing, surrounding surfaces such as stone paving or timber decking can be installed.

For advice on choosing the right pool pavers, click here. 

Pool fencing

One of the major steps in constrcuting a pool is pool fencing. In order for your pool to be filled, you’ll be required to install fencing that complies with your state. This is the case for any pools installed after 2007.

Waterproofing & rendering

At this stage, most swimming pools will be rendered to create a smooth finish and then waterproofed to maintain structural integrity and increase your pool’s longevity. If your pool builder isn’t waterproofing the shell, it may pay to ask what other measures they are taking that will help eliminate calcification and leakage.

Tiling

Once you render and waterproofing has cured, the finishing touches will commence. If you are tiling the interior of your pool, this will process will begin now. The tiling will occur in sections with the corners typically left until last. Once the adhesive has cured, it’s now time to grout the tiles. The time for this will vary depending on the product chosen and the weather conditions. You’ll also need to allow time for the grout to cure once applied.

Fittings & Equipment

Before the pool is filled with water, any additional fittings such as inlet and outlets or lights will be installed. The pool equipment will also be connected ready for testing. This will occur once the surfaces have completely cured and the finishing touches have been completed.

Balancing

The settings on the pool equipment will be adjusted as required prior to the pool builder introducing the chemicals. This process will be dependent on the type of pool you are installing i.e. chlorine, salt water, mineral, fresh water etc.

Watch a video about the health benefits of mineral pools here. 

Handover

Once the curing process is complete, the equipment is checked and the pool is filled it’s time for the handover. It’s worth discussing at this time who is going to carry out the ongoing maintenance of your pool. Many pool builders offer a maintenance service or you may consider using a maintenance-only company.

Feature image: Pool by Urban Habitats finished with Bluestone.