swimming pool construction phases
1. PLANS ENGINEERING, AND BUILDING PERMITS
Shortly after we reach our agreement for building your pool, a formal "swimming pool plot plan" will be drawn to meticulous detail. It will show all the details of construction as we have previously agreed upon. It usually requires about one day to complete these detailed plans.
All pertinent specifications should appear on your plan. You will receive a copy of this Final Construction Plan before Excavation is scheduled. Please inspect it thoroughly. It is usually easy to make changes in the plan before work begins. But it becomes very difficult—and costly—to introduce changes after the work has been done.
So be sure that the Plan shows exactly what you want! If something troubles you, let’s talk it over immediately. Unless you tell me otherwise, your pool will be built as close to this plan as possible.
Building Permits
After your plans are approved, they will be taken to the Building Department for your area. They will do a formal plan check and issue the Building Permits. The time required to get these permits varies from a few hours to over a week, depending on local requirements. If your job is in a critical soil or grading area, or has a septic tank system, the Building Department (or the health Department) may require that an Inspector visit the site before they issue the permit. Naturally, this would mean some delay before we could begin construction.
When the permits are issued, they will be posted in a prominent location at the job site. Please do what you can to help protect them from the weather and vandals. But please DO NOT remove them to the inside of your home. They MUST remain outside so the various Building Inspectors can get to them easily. Your help in this will be greatly appreciated.
2. EXCAVATION
After the required Building Permits have been issued, Excavation will be scheduled. It is vital that you or a responsible agent be present for Excavation. Every effort will be made to accommodate to your schedule.
The first task for the Excavators is to "pre-grade" the pool site. This provides a level "pad" on which to build your pool. Then the pool will be "staked out," or outlined with bender board and stakes. The layout will comply with the Final Construction Plan. Before actual excavation of the hole can begin, you or your agent must approve the size, shape, and location of your new pool as it is staked out in your yard.
Then the Excavation Crew will remove all the dirt within the designated layout area, and will contour the bottom of your pool according to the Final Construction Plan. Under normal conditions, Excavation usually takes up to ten working hours over a full day to two days, depending on the time they arrive.
Dirt Removal
If you want some of your dirt left on your property, please tell the Excavators exactly where and how much dirt to leave.
Please NOTE the following important conditions:
• DIRT ONLY will be removed unless we have made other arrangements in advance. Please don’t ask them to remove trash or other debris.
• Dirt removal will take place on Excavation Day ONLY.
• If you change your mind after the Excavation Crew has left, there will be an extra charge for trucks and equipment to either remove additional unwanted dirt, or to bring back clean fill.
Forms
The forms, which are placed around your pool, are precisely positioned at a predetermined grade. They are at exactly the right elevation to allow adequate drainage. It is critical that they be accurate. PLEASE DO NOT MOVE OR adjust them IN ANY WAY. If they should become moved or dislodged, please notify us immediately so we can inspect and reset them.
3. STEEL REINFORCEMENT
Heavy-duty structural steel reinforcement will be placed in your pool shell, and blocked at least 2-1/2 inches above natural dirt. The proper installation and spacing of this steel ensures that the Gunite will completely surround each bar. This provides the enormous structural strength and integrity your pool shell requires to withstand the surprising stress and pressure a swimming pool is subjected to. Placing the steel usually takes one. (By the way, the steps into your pool are usually built of solid Gunite and require no steel.)
NOTE:
After Steel has been placed, it is time to make your First Payment:
40% of the Contract Price.
4. INSPECTIONS
We will notify the Building Department and arrange for inspections as required by local laws at each required stage of construction. By law, work must come to a standstill until the Building Inspector approves the job. Naturally, we cannot tell you exactly when to expect him—Inspectors have busy schedules. Under "normal" circumstances, you should expect the inspection to be done within a day or two from the date of the request. Please realize, however, that in some cases it may take quite a bit longer.
Please notify us when the inspection has been done. There will either be a signature on the Inspection Card, or the installation will be "tagged." If you can’t see any indication of an inspection within a reasonable time, we’ll check with the Building Department. Remember: Work cannot proceed until the job is approved, since to do so would be in violation of building codes, and might involve additional delay and inconvenience to you.
Also, since most Building Inspectors will not knock, please be sure that they have access to the pool construction area to do their inspection work. Some areas are now requiring "Letters of Authorization" which give specific authorization for the Inspector to enter your property if you are not home. If that is the case, you and I will need to work together to be sure that such a letter is properly posted, or that the Building Department has a blanket approval letter in their files.
5. GUNITE
The Gunite (or: structural cement) is a fascinating (but noisy!) step. It is at this stage that your pool first really begins to look like a swimming pool. The sand and cement to be used normally arrive first, to be followed by the experienced Gunite Crew.
Gunite is applied by mixing dry sand and cement in specific proportions, then injecting it under high pressure through the hose to the mixing nozzle. At this nozzle, water is first applied to the mix. This is a precision operation, and you will be impressed with the skill and workmanship displayed here. These are the craftsmen who literally shape your pool.
IMPORTANT: CURING YOUR GUNITE
After your pool has been Gunited, it must be kept moist to "cure" properly. It needs to be watered down at least four times a day for at least five to seven days. The rule is this: The wetter the better!
Spray the entire gunited area with a fine spray each time until the water starts to run down the walls. Gunite works much like a sponge. It will only absorb so much water at one time. Naturally, during the wetting down process, some water accumulates in the bottom of your pool. Don’t worry about it—it will be pumped out and the interior surface will be cleaned and prepared just before the Plaster is installed (See Step 15).
PLEASE DO NOT STEP ON ANY PART OF THE GUNITED AREA FOR AT LEAST
TWO (2) FULL DAYS! Spray the water from outside the pool shell.
The importance of properly water-curing your Gunite cannot be overstressed. It is YOUR responsibility. The Gunite may dry prematurely if it is not properly water-cured. If that happens, it could become brittle and lose much of its natural structural strength.
NOTE: After the Gunite has been placed, it is time to make your Second Payment.:
30% of the Contract Price.
6 BACK FILL
Swimming pool shell will be back filled to receive plumbing pipework
8. PLUMBING AND EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION
Plumbing lines from the main drain and skimmer to the equipment site, and return lines back into the pool will be installed according to your Final Construction Plan. All other pipes, such as self-cleaning systems, waterfalls, therapy spa lines, and Solar heating system suction and return lines will also be installed now. In addition, the circulation, heating, and filtration system equipment you ordered will be installed at the location shown on your Final Construction Plan, unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
(In some circumstances such as unfenced new construction areas, the equipment may be installed at a later date to safeguard against damage, vandalism or theft. We’ll discuss this in advance if it applies to you.)
Plumbing normally takes one or two days to finish. When the Plumbing is completed, all lines will be pressure tested to guard against the possibility of leaks. When in the pool area, please be careful not to bump or poke holes in the pipes. And let us know if you spot any leaks.
9. ELECTRIC
Just after Gunite the Electricians will install the wiring and prepare the pool equipment for safe electrical operation. The Electric Installation normally takes one day. (In some cases, this might be done before the Gunite. The sequence is not really important to the construction.)
8. GAS LINES
If you will have a gas or propane heater, the Gas Lines should be installed at this time.
10. TILE AND COPING
We will work closely together to select the right decorative tile for the waterline trim on your pool. Once you have made your selection, the artists from the Tile and Coping Crew will install it. They will also install brick or rock coping if you have selected that. Tile and Coping usually take one or two days to install. But on complex projects, this vital stage could take longer. (If you chose cantilever style decking, the sequence of Steps 9 and 12 will be reversed.)
NOTE: After Tile and Coping have been installed, it is time to make your Third
Payment: 20% of the Contract Price.
11. MASONRY—ROCKWORK, WATERFALLS, ETC.
If you have ordered any masonry or rockwork, it will be done now. If you are planning to add any walls or walkways, they should be installed at this time—before decking is installed—so that the decking can be poured right up to the other face.
12. SPRINKLERS, DRAINS AND UTILITY LINES
Before construction begins all utilities will be marked. At this point you should make arrangements to have all underground sprinklers and pipework rerouted to avoid damage. Replacement of sprinklers, underground electric or anything of that nature will be solely the homeowners responsibility. underground lines and pipes should be installed and marked before the decking is poured. It is a good idea to leave a few extra unused pipes under deck areas for future use (you just never know when they might come in handy!). It is also very helpful to take a photograph or two of the lines and pipes before they are permanently covered up.
13. DECKING
Forms will be set according to your Final Construction Plan by the Forming Crew. Later the same day, or perhaps the following day the deck will be poured (weather permitting, of course).
Occasionally, clients decide that they want to make changes in the design or the amount of decking to be poured. You may work either with us or directly with the Decking Crew Supervisor. Please give this matter very careful consideration because it is very hard to add decking at a later time which matches the original deck in texture and color. And please make your desires known well in advance so the changes can be made, and the proper amount of material can be brought to do the job completely.
PLEASE DO NOT WALK ON OR WATER THE NEW DECK FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS!
14. FENCES
Now it is time to replace or build fences. Generally, local Safety Codes require fences between five and six feet in height, of a non-climbable material with self-closing, self-latching gates. We will discuss fencing requirements, which pertain to you well in advance. Since fences and gates must be inspected and approved before Plaster can be scheduled, please don’t delay in arranging for them.
15. LANDSCAPING
While it is not always possible to do so, when it can be done, it is always advisable to install Landscaping before finishing (Plastering) your pool. This is because the mess and fertilizers used in Landscaping can be very harmful to the pool water, and may discolor or permanently stain new Plaster. Since we often work with landscapers, we will be happy to coordinate this vitally important phase of your exterior environment with you.
Although Landscape installation occurs fairly late in the construction schedule, it is important that you start planning for it very early—preferably as soon as you design the shape and location of your new pool.
16. PLASTER your Final Payment is due before plaster begins:
10% of the Contract Price, and all Change Orders.
Plaster is the final stage of construction for your new pool. When it is installed, your pool is "substantially complete." Plaster is a smooth waterproof material, which coats the interior surface of your new pool. The Plaster Crew will install the interior fittings such as the Main Drain and rope anchors. It usually takes about ¾ of one day to install the Plaster.
When they are through, the Plaster Crew will wrap the end of your garden hose with a rag, and leave the hose turned on, resting in the deep end of your pool. Once you have started filling your pool, please follow these important guidelines:
1. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, STOP THE WATER UNTIL IT REACHES HALFWAY UP ON THE TILE! This is critical! If the water is stopped, there is a high risk that the fresh plaster will develop a permanent stain or ring at the water line. Or the remaining exposed area could dry out and develop checks or cracks.
2. Try to protect your new pool from dust, dirt, and leaves while it is filling. BUT DO NOT GO INTO THE POOL TO REMOVE DEBRIS! You may use a FINE MIST SPRAY to hose down dust or dirt into the pool water.
3. Please do not turn on any switches or try to operate the pool pump or light. We will turn on the equipment after the pool is full. Any attempt to operate any of the equipment before the pool is full and before we have properly prepared it could lead to electrical shorts or serious equipment damage.
4. CALL US when the water reaches halfway up the tile. We will schedule a prompt visit to complete detail work and perform the Start-up (Step 17).
17. SOLAR SYSTEM
If you have ordered a Solar Heating System for your pool, it is time for the collector panels to be installed. They can be put in place any time around the date of Plaster installation. The installation job normally takes one or two days, depending on the complexity of the job. Some difficult jobs require unusual mounting or racks and may take longer to finish.
18. SYSTEM START-UP
After your new pool has filled with water (it usually takes about a day and a half or two days to fill), we will clean out the minor construction debris, inspect all operating pool systems, and turn on the pumping and filtration system. We will check everything to be sure it works properly.
During Start-up, we will put in the initial chemicals, which will help keep your water clean, clear, and sparkling.
19. WARRANTY
Upon receipt of your Final Payment and all Change Orders, your Liquori Pools Warranties become effective. Each item of equipment carries the Manufacturer’s Warranty, and the pool shell comes with the Warranty outlined in our original Contract.
20. CONTINUING SERVICE
We can provide you with weekly service to keep your new pool looking and operating like new for years to come.
Our business is SERVICE—for YOU! Let us know how we can serve you.
EMAIL liquoripools@comcast.net
