PERMITS and Pre Construction preparation
Our experienced staff will work with each municipality in the Houston Metro area and will obtain any and all applicable permits and work with them to comply with all building codes. During this time you can help with the preparation by removal of plants to another location, move lawn furniture away, cap off your irrigation system, and move any obstacles that would prevent access to the area. If there isn't a gate or open access to your yard, the fence must be removed. If we have contracted to remove your fence, we will remove only the portion necessary to gain access and complete the construction process
STAKE-OUT
Wooden stakes are driven in the ground to mark the boundaries of the pool. The stakes will show the shape and dimensions of your exact pool location in your yard, (per the contract drawings). Look to see if you have any changes in pool or spa placement And, be sure this is what you want. This is your last chance to move the pool!
EXCAVATION
Within the staked out area, excavation begins by use of a bobcat tractor, to cut a precise shape and curvature. The actual hole will be 6” to 9” larger than the finished dimensions of the pool in all directions. This is to allow forming material to be placed around the outer edge of the pool and/or spa. Also keep in mind, the bond beam is a 12” x 12” dimension around the top circumference of your pool. Excess dirt/soil is removed on the same day of excavation. If you want any dirt/soil left on site be sure to arrange with us in advance where it should be dumped and how much before excavation.
ReBar
Reinforcement bar (ReBar - 3/8" diameter steel bar) is tied to form a mesh framework on the floor and walls of your pool. 8" centers throughout the pool. There will be ReBar on the bottom of the pool, up the sides around the skimmer, and into the bond beam (also referred to as the box beam ). The entire pool has ReBar placed every eight inches (8" centers). For added strength, the bond beam construction has a larger 1/2" diameter ReBar. Spacers insure that the ReBar is suspended above the ground and not against the dirt floor of the pool (ReBar in the walls are spaced from the dirt sides, accordingly).
STUB-OUT, Plumbing and Electrical
Plumbing and electrical stub-out is performed. “Stub-out” means that the major components of the plumbing/electrical parts are installed inside the wall and through the ReBar (they will be finished at a later date). Non-corrosive schedule 40 PVC plumbing pipes, with schedule 40 fittings, will be used throughout your pool. Our plumber will place the pipes and set in place the latest state of the art equipment per your plan. Electric wiring will be installed from your electric panel to the equipment. Then, the installation extends from the equipment to all the lighting fixtures and equipment in your pool.
GUNITE
Gunite is pneumatically applied which is a spraying process to create the pool shell. The pool shell implies the base flooring, wall areas, and bond beam of your pool. By strict specifications, gunite is applied to both sides of the ReBar to suspend the bars within the walls and floor to form a solid structure. Water curing of the gunite is critical and the entire pool shell must be hosed or sprayed with water three times daily, for seven to ten days. This slows the gunite's curing process, and is a preventative measure that will minimize shrinkage cracks due to premature curing.
COPING
Several types of Coping can be used all 12" in width. You can choose from our standard Bull Nosed or Safety Grip brick. You also have the option of using an upgraded material for your coping, such as Flagstone, Marble, or Slate. Before installation, your changes to the style or selection of coping materials may have additional costs and no changes to the coping will be made after installation.
TILE
Tile is installed at this phase around the pool perimeter and other areas indicated on your design drawing. The usual installation of 6x6 inch tile will offer a decorative accent at the waterline. The waterline tile also prevents staining of the plaster with residue like dirt and tanning oil. Toe tiles are applied to the tops and facings of all benches and steps. Toe tiles are actually required in some municipalities. Choose your tile early to ensure availability and allow for extended manufacturing and shipping times.
Also, your line of selection could be obsolete or discontinued, - so choose an alternate color scheme of tile and/or tile selections. After construction begins, changes to the style or selection of tile may have additional costs, and no changes to the tile will be made after installation.
ROCK WORK
Rock work for waterfalls, retaining walls, and accent or natural boulders around your pool will be installed at this time. The water works will be tested for operation and proper plumbing installation.
DECK
The finishing materials, of your choice are applied to the deck area. Decking that surrounds your pool can be concrete, pea gravel, brick, stone, cool deck, tile or many other materials. Concrete decking around the pool is 4” minimum thickness with wire mesh reinforcement throughout. Any deck shape changes, additional deck or deletions should be made at the time prior to forming. Some changes may have additional costs and no changes to the deck will be made after the deck has been poured and/or installed. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa CLEAN-UP
Construction debris will be cleaned away from both the interior and the exterior of the swimming pool at this time. If the exterior fence was taken down, it will be put back up in that municipalities require pool safety barriers to deter children from entering the pool.
PLASTER SURFACE
The pool surface is applied at this juncture. Plaster is mixed on site and applied in two coats then hand troweled to a non-slip waterproof surface. When the plaster is complete we will immediately begin filling the pool and/or spa. You can help ahead of this task by having your garden hose available for the fill. You will need to fill your pool until the water level reaches the center of the waterline tile (the perimeter tile located at the top edge of your pool) or to the center of the skimmer. Your pool is then full and you may turn off the water. Do not turn the water off during the fill as this will cause a bathtub like ring to occur and stain your plaster.
START-UP
Your pool is now complete and ready for start-up. One of our professional representatives will perform this start-up of your pool equipment for the first time. The equipment will need to remain operational for a full week to clear the water of any plaster dust or sediments. You'll want to schedule Pool School with our representatives who will provide you with instructions on how to maintain your new Custom Cool Pool. You will receive valuable “hands on” instructions, explanations, and demonstrations on the operations and use of your new pool. Our representative will share with you the easy methods to clean the filter, empty your skimmer baskets, and check your chemicals. Only a minimal amount of maintenance will keep your pool working efficiently and clean for many years to come.
