You may have waited a long time to have your dream of a backyard pool become reality. You’ve got ideas about what you would like it to look like and a custom pool builder wants to know what they are. Here’s how a custom pool is designed and built.
The Planning Stage
Your custom pool builder will visit the site where the pool will go and look at the home’s architecture and the proposed space for the poolscape. Then they find out about your personal tastes. Here are some of the questions they should ask:
- How do you plan to use the pool?
- What styles, shapes and water features do you like?
- How many children will be using the pool?
- What safety features would you like to incorporate into the design?
- What architectural elements, such as outdoor rooms, kitchens, fireplaces and dining areas would you like?
- Will you want landscaping done?
- Do you want lights installed in and around the pool
- What is your budget?
When these questions have been answered, they will then discuss materials for finishing the pool, decking and the surrounding landscaping. Every space is unique and can offer inspiration that results in something unexpected, so be open to suggestions from the pool builder, too.
The builder will then sit down with their landscape architect to go over the technical aspects of the space, zoning and grading issues. Then a master plan is drawn up.
Building the Pool
The pool builder must always keep the homeowners up-to-date on what’s happening; if any problems have cropped up and if the solutions will in any way impact the budget.
First, the pool is marked out and you will be able to see how the pool will fit in your backyard.
Next, the site needs to be prepared by removing trees, boulders and rocks. Grading is done, the pool is excavated and the work area safety fence is installed. Then craftsmen shape out the pool and install the rebar, plumbing, electrical and other utilities, as well as drains and retaining walls.
Concrete trucks arrive and the pool shell is created. The stone coping is installed and the pool deck is ready to be created. Tile installers and concrete finishers are master artisans.
Plumbing equipment is state of the art to ensure minimal maintenance. Each municipality has its own plumbing codes. P-traps, backwash lines, vacuums breakers and gas lines, when required, are all inspected and approved by the city.
Licensed electricians will wire the lighting and filtration systems. Electrical service re-routes and panel up-grades are determined by the electrical codes of the city or town you live in.
Landscape architects and lighting experts add the finishing touches and your new pool is ready to enjoy.