New Pool Construction Process
Setting expectations before undertaking a project is UNIQUE’S top priority. The information below is an example of the standard pool construction project for MOST UNIQUE pool projects. During the actual new pool construction, we provide our clients with specific information for each phase of the project in an effort to keep you informed. Comprehending each phase of the construction process is critical to your overall understanding of your new pool and landscape. UNIQUE clients love our “INFORMATIVE” approach during construction. This processes allows our clients to have all the information available when they have a concern or question.
DESIGN – PLANNING
PERMITTING
Prior to construction, your new pool is reviewed by our design and construction team, CAD Department, Engineers and the UNIQUE Owner, Chris Griffin. All of the construction notes are carefully put on the plans for permitting and for use by our crews. Permits are then obtained. This process can take anywhere from 1 day to 4 weeks, depending on the municipality.
DURATION: 2 days to 4 weeks
LAYOUT
Once the engineering and permitting is complete, the plans are carefully transposed to your yard. The layout person has a precise drawing which ensures that your new pool is built to within inches of measurements we have specified on the plan. Other important details are also marked out and the homeowner has a chance to see the proposed new pool prior to excavation. Any final changes and alterations can then be made before the excavation begins. These detailed steps allow UNIQUE to make sure that we are building YOUR perfect pool.
DURATION: 1 to 2 hours
EXCAVATION
Excavation marks the start of the actual swimming pool construction process. This usually includes heavy equipment (bobcats, backhoes, and dump trucks) to dig your new pool and remove the excess soil from your property. Our excavators take many precautions when digging your pool and forms are set to show our crews the shape and size of the pool.
DURATION: 1 to 3 days
PLUMBING
Plumbing is one of the most critical aspects of UNIQUE pools. Because our primary focus is over-sized plumbing, hydrology, and pump efficiency, we take careful precautions during this phase. Our plumbing layouts are designed and reviewed by our owner, Chris Griffin, prior to every pool project. Job-site pictures are also taken throughout the process for documentation.
DURATION: 1 to 2 days
STEEL
The structural integrity of the pool is defined here in the “STEEL” phase of the project. The rebar shell of the pool is made of 3/8″ rebar at every 12″ on center or more if required by engineers. UNIQUE uses additional steel in all of our pools with our 5-bar bond beam and center shell reinforcement for longer and larger pools.
DURATION: 1 – 2 days
ELECTRICAL
The Electrical Phase of the project involves safely installing all of the electrical service needed to operate the pump and light electrical aspects of your new swimming pool. With underground conduit, equipment sets, and pool lighting, our electricians take careful precautions to make sure your pool is safe. Our designers also make sure we can integrate your pool electrical service with your landscape features which require electrical such as Outdoor Kitchen and Barbecue outlets, Ramada lighting, and landscape lighting.
DURATION: 1 to 2 days
SHOTCRETE
Probably the most exciting phase of UNIQUE pool projects is seeing the shotcrete blown into your new swimming pool. The steel cage is covered with 6″ – 8″ of solid concrete which ultimately transforms your pool into a permanent structure. Our craftsmen have years of experience making sure this phase is perfect and UNIQUE uses the highest strength concrete with fiber-mesh in all of our pools. This ensures that your pool will truly last a LIFETIME.
DURATION: 1 day
TILE & DECKING
The installation of waterline tile generally happens before or after the “decking” phase, depending on the type of deck. Our professional tile setters have years of experience setting tile along the waterlines, as well as decorative mosaic tile installations, coping, and more. You might also notice that they will be setting the tile for your outdoor kitchen and barbeque counter top if that is part of our scope of work.
DURATION: 2 – 5 days
WATER FEATURES
Water features can be natural rock, artificial rock, block or stone. UNIQUE’S pool construction process integrates our water features at different points throughout the project depending on the type of feature. A properly designed and well-built water feature is key to any new swimming pool and spa project.
DURATION: 1 – 3 days
LANDSCAPING & MASONRY
UNIQUE’S Landscape Division completes all of our pool masonry and hardscape projects. Our skilled masons construct all of our block water features, walls, barbecues, fireplaces and more. This is usually followed by an application of stucco, stone, and paint and is streamlined throughout the pool construction project.
DURATION: 2 – 10 days
FINAL INSPECTION
We are down to the final aspects and requirements to finalize your project and get your pool to interior finish which could be pebble tec, pebble sheen, or any other surface. At this point, things are looking spectacular, and one of the final steps is making sure your pool meets all the requirements, codes, and regulations of the city/county, and that we’ve done everything safely and properly. It always helps to have another set of eyes on your pool, and those are provided by a city or county inspector.
DURATION: 1 – 2 days
INTERIOR FINISH
Your UNIQUE swimming pool is now complete but showing you how to use it takes a few days. First, chemicals are added and the pumps are started. This is called the STARTUP. For a few days we work out any kinks or issues with the pool and equipment. After everything is perfect, our clients get a few hours of lessons in our very own Pool School to teach new pool owners about caring for their pool and correct operation of the equipment.
DURATION: 1 – 3 hours
STARTUP & ORIENTATION
Your new swimming pool is now complete but showing you how to use it takes a few days. First, chemicals are added and the pumps are started (STARTUP). For a few days we work out any kinks or issues with the pool & equipment. After everything is perfect, our clients get a few hours of lessons in our very own – Pool School.
DURATION: 1 – 3 hours
SWIM!
You have waited anywhere from 30 to 60 days for your pool to be built and now it is time to enjoy. UNIQUE pools are designed and built to last a lifetime and we look forward to keeping in touch with you to be sure that you are enjoying your new pool and that it meets or exceeds all of your expectations.
