Pool Construction Guide
Phases of Building a Pool in the Folsom CA Area
Pool Construction Overview
If you are looking to build an inground gunite pool in the Folsom, CA area, the source article describes the process as moving through several phases. According to the source article, most phases build on the previous one, although some may overlap. The source notes that phases can take varying amounts of time, and that working with a Folsom swimming pool contractor who can handle most of the work in-house may help streamline coordination.
The source article describes the following phases of pool construction. Treat phase timing as source examples rather than guaranteed schedules.
Design Phase
The source article describes the design of the gunite pool as based on the size of the yard, property line setbacks, underground utilities, topography, and personal preferences on style and shape.
Options described by the source article include edges and entrances and exits, benches and other fixtures, pool equipment such as slides, ladders, and rails, lighting features, and pool cleaners. The source notes that once selections are made, the designer can draw the plans and submit them for city or county permits or Homeowners Association approval.
Excavation Phase
The source article describes the excavation phase as the messy part of construction, with equipment used to dig out the area where the pool will go. According to the source article, the crew generally starts by painting and staking the shape and size of the pool on the surface of the project site.
The source notes that trees, plants, or other objects may be removed if they are in the way. The crew then digs a hole that is roughly the shape of the new pool, and the source article describes the dirt as being transported away unless the homeowner requests to keep it.
Plumbing and Steel Phase
According to the source article, steel rebar is used in a grid pattern during this phase to create a sort of skeleton and provide structural support for the pool. The source notes that the material is set roughly two to four inches from the wall of the dirt, generally following the shape of the hole.
The source article describes plumbing as part of this phase as well. The crew installs drains, skimmers, cleaner lines, and returns.
Gunite Phase
The source article describes gunite as a mixture of sand, cement, and water applied through a pressure hose to produce a dense, hard layer of concrete. According to the source, gunite is shaped to form the shell of the pool around the steel framework.
The source article notes that gunite needs time to dry and cure, and the source describes monitoring for any crumbling areas or large cracks during this period and alerting the construction team if any concerns appear.
Tile and Coping Phase
The source article notes that the next phase can begin while other work is in progress. During the tile and coping phase, the source describes the crew placing the perimeter pool tile and pool coping stones along the lip of the pool. Coping is generally milled flagstone, brick, or precast concrete.
The source also describes the pool deck as something that may be added during this phase, with the expansion joint between the back of the coping stones and the pool deck being caulked to help prevent debris from blocking the joint.
Electrical Phase
According to the source article, a licensed electrician handles the electrical phase. The source describes the electrician installing the pool’s electrical breaker box or sub-panel that powers the electrical outlet, lighting, and pump timeclock.
The source article notes that the electrician then connects the lights, equipment, and accessories to the sub-panel. The source mentions that different lighting and spa control systems are available to fit different homeowner needs and preferences.
Finishing Phase
The source article describes the finishing phase as nearly the end of the project. According to the source, the crew puts a finish on the interior basin of the pool, often plaster but also marble, paint, or tile. The source notes that the pool finish can be decorative while also helping protect the pool shell and make the surface easier to clean.
The source article suggests following any critical care instructions provided by the construction crew.
Start-Up Phase
According to the source article, the start-up phase is when the pool is filled with water. The source describes initial chemical balancing as part of this phase, with the source article noting that this initial balancing should be done by the builder. Follow builder guidance for any care instructions.
The source article also describes any final equipment installation or adjustment and a final cleanup of the project site as part of this phase.
Planning a Pool Build in the Sacramento or Folsom Area?
Contact Sac Pool Pros to discuss your pool construction plans, design preferences, and next steps for your backyard project. The team can walk you through the pool building process and answer questions about the phases described above.
