Every new pool built by Pool Xperts will go through a rigorous 15 step process to ensure the utmost quality and reliability of the finished project.
Details of each step are explained below.
Step #1- Excavation - *Homeowner is required to be home*
The day of excavation begins with the removal of fence panels to allow access for the trackhoe or bobcat to enter and exit the backyard. The yard will be graded, shrubs, or concrete in the designated construction area will be removed and then the pool will be staked-out and elevations set according to the design plans. The dirt will be removed and the hole will be made ready for steel installation.
Step #2 - Helical Piers
Helical piers are installed around the perimeter of the pool, during or right after excavation, at a predetermined depth and spacing (noted on the construction drawing).
Step #3- Steel
Steel bars are placed on the walls, floor, and beam of the pool and are used to reinforce the structure of the swimming pool and maintain structural integrity. The beam is tied using a 4 bar box beam which consists of 4-#4 bars - (1/2") placed around the perimeter of the pool. The beam will also have deck dowels added to reinforce the steel installed at the deck phase. Normal steel schedule for the walls and floor use #3 bars - 3/8" placed on 10" centers. Additional steel support may be added to high stress areas creating 5" centers. The bars are lifted approximately 3" to ensure a strong bond with the gunite.
Step #4- Plumbing
Plumbing is installed behind the steel framework. Proper plumbing and the appropriate use of valves is essential for maintaining ample flow of water to and from the pool, spa and water features. Normal plumbing lines consist of schedule 40 PVC in combinations of 1 1/2", 2" and 2 1/2" diameters. Plumbing lines are classified as either return lines or suction lines. Return lines bring filtered water into the pool and suction lines include skimmers and main drains which draw water from the pool to the pump. POOL XPERTS uses only the highest rated anti-entrapment safety drain standard on all of its pools. POOL XPERTS uses Virginia Graeme Baker Act compliant main drains. POOL XPERTS uses Pentair’s Whisperflo pump as a standard feature on all pools.
Step #5- Gunite
Gunite is pneumatically applied concrete where cement and sand are mixed and applied through a hose under pressure while at the same time mixing with water. With gunite, only enough water is added to start the chemical reaction referred to as hydration which allows for walls to be vertically stacked without falling. After gunite is applied it is extremely important to keep the shell damp to aid in the curing process. It is recommended that the shell be watered twice a day for seven days. Several holes will be made in the gunite to relieve the pressure from beneath the shell. These holes need to remain free of debris to allow water to surface when necessary.
Step #6- Tile & Coping
The Tile and Coping phase help create the overall aesthetics of the pool using the materials that you have selected. The top of the gunite shell will be leveled, smoothed, and sealed in preparation for applying a 6" waterline row of tile. Coping usually consists of stone, brick, or precast material and is placed on the beam of the pool. Special detail is emphasized by using quality stone that is approximately 2" thick and by manually cutting each stone to create larger pieces and minimizing grout joints.
Step #7- Gas
If you purchased a heater for your pool and spa, a licensed utility plumber will dig a trench from your gas meter to the pool equipment heater. This often times requires tunneling under your driveway to create the shortest gas run between the meter and heater.
Step #8- Electric - *Homeowner is required to be home*
Our licensed electricians will install the wiring that runs the pool's lights, pumps, heaters, timeclocks, and remote controls. The electrician will require access to your electrical panel, usually located in your garage.
Step #9- 1st Clean
At this time our Clean-Up Crew will be sent out to remove any excess debris from around where the decking will be poured.
Step #10- Decking
Decking is a critical phase of construction because of the expansive soil conditions that exist in the Dallas/Fort Worth areas. The deck process begins with the installation of a drainage system that uses 4" PVC pipe that will carry water from the gutters and deck away from the pool and into the lower lying areas of your yard. A layer of sand will be spread on the ground to create a base and the deck will be formed according to the design plans. Reinforced steel is installed using #3-(3/8") bars. If required, the city will inspect the deck forms and the plumbing lines will be tested to ensure they hold adequate pressure. The deck will then be poured and expansion joints placed throughout to allow for ground movement and minimize cracking.
Step #11- Final Clean
Now our Clean Up Crew will return to remove any debris left in the yard and grade the yard. The yard will be graded using any remaining dirt and sand left on the jobsite.
Step #12- Interior Clean - Fence Replacement - Sprinkler Re-route - Mastic
Our crews will be sent out to do a final interior clean of the pool prior to plaster. The foam separating the deck from the coping will be removed and mastic will be applied. Mastic is a tacky substance that should be avoided for at least 24hrs after it is applied. The sprinkler system will be re-routed to allow the system to work properly if it was purchased through POOL XPERTS. Also, the fence will be put back up. If you will be replacing your fence with a new fence be sure to verify the city requirements needed for a swimming pool. Each city will vary in the requirements needed.
Step #13- Superintendent Pre Plaster Walk-thru - *Homeowner is required to be home*
Your Superintendent will be out on this day to do a final inspection of the entire pool construction prior to calling in for plaster. He will check all equipment, make sure the yard is cleaned, and all phases have been completed to the customer’s satisfaction.
Step #14- Plaster
In New Construction the most common plaster is white marble which is applied through a hose and hand-troweled to achieve a smooth interior finish. You may choose to upgrade to one of the many quartz, Sunstone or pebble finishes available in many colors. After installation the plaster crew will begin filling the pool with water. DO NOT TURN THE WATER OFF UNTIL IT REACHES HALF-WAY UP YOUR TILE LINE AROUND THE POOL. DOING SO WILL LEAVE A PERMENANT RING AROUND THE POOL FROM THE WATER LINE WHERE YOU STOPPED THE FILL. Regardless of the type of plaster installed, it is extremely important to brush the pool twice a day for two weeks to keep the plaster dust from settling and scaling which may also result in a rougher finish.
Step #15- Start-up - *Homeowner is required to be home*
Once your pool is completely filled with water, a service technician will be scheduled to come to your house. The technician will turn on all of your pool equipment, review with you any items that need to be completed and discuss how to operate your equipment and maintain your pool.
Step #16- Maintenance/Warranty/Service -
We are always here for you!
POOL XPERTS offers a complete service department trained in pool maintenance, equipment repairs and general warranty items. A weekly pool maintenance program ensures that the your swimming pool maintains safe and effective chemical levels at all times, even if you are out of town or it is freezing cold outside. A clean pool is always beautiful and inviting and will help maintain the longevity of your pool finish.