Pool Construction Process
Our Pool Construction Process in Cypress, Houston, Bunker Hill, The Woodlands & Surrounding Areas
Your backyard will go through a 10-step pool construction process to convert it from its current condition to the backyard of your dreams.
Here’s how it works:
Think about what kind of pool you want
- Review our website and our portfolio. Make a note of any particular pools
or water features that you like. - Feel free to look at our competitors’ websites as well.
(They’ve never built anything we can’t build!) - If you see a pool in a magazine and book or newspaper, save a copy of that too.
Get some expert advice
- Telephone – we can discuss some ideas right over the phone if you like.
- Backyard meeting – one of our designers will be happy to look at your backyard,
and share some ideas with you. - Get a preliminary design and bid
- If you’ve got an idea of what you’re looking for, our designers
can create a custom design for you. - If you have a specific budget in mind, let the designer know, so that
he can recommend the appropriate features and options.
Fine-tune your design
- You may want to add or remove certain features
- You can choose your tile choices, deck choices, and other specific features at this time.
Decide if you want to buy this pool
- A simple proposal outlines exactly what your new pool is going to look like,
and what it’s going to cost - Schedule your start date – it’s time to decide when you want the process to begin.
- It normally takes between 21 and 30 days to complete your new pool,
depending on the weather and the complexity of the project. - Remember, with the Expression Custom Pools “No Pressure Buying Process”, you are always in control. We look forward to serving you.
1
Excavation
- Remove fence when necessary
- Remove concrete walks and patios if called for in the contract.
- Set the pool beam elevation and grade with a transit.
- Layout the pool in accordance with the dimensions on the technical plan.
- Excavate the pool and remove soil from the job site.
- Handshape skimmers, lights, steps, loveseats, and benches.
- Hand carved bowl and break.
- Final trim and finish work.
- Unless provided for in the contract moving or repairing underground utilities or sprinkler systems is the homeowner’s responsibility.
2
Plumbing
The two basic functions of swimming pool plumbing are to circulate and filter the water. The plumbing system in a swimming pool is self-contained and under normal operation does
not need city water (except to fill the pool) or the sanitary sewer system (except for backwash). Skimmers: Skim the surface of the water and remove floating debris. The size and design of the pool will dictate the number of skimmers needed.
- Minimum of (2) skimmers in each pool
- Plumbed and valved separately using 2″ PVC.
Main Drains: Draw water from the floor of the pool for circulation
- Divided into (2) openings with anti-vortex covers for safety as required by city codes
- Plumbed and valved separately using 2″ PVC.
Returns: Returns water back to the pool from equipment and pushes debris toward the skimmers.
- Minimum of (6) returns in each pool
- Plumbed using 1 1/2″ PVC.
The system operates in the following manner: a pump pulls water from the main drain and the skimmer through a leaf trap and into the pump itself. The water is then pushed through the main filter, through the heater (if applicable), and back into the pool through the returns.
3
Steel Construction
Steel rebar is 40-A615, in accordance with the Texas steel grading system.
- Steel reinforcing bars, (rebar), are placed on 8″ on center each way through vertical walls and floor of the pool and 5″ centers in transitional areas and stress points.
- “Box Beam” construction using four bars of rebar 1/2″ in diameter.
- Steel is secured by sixteen gauge ties.
4
Gunite
During the gunite process pool depths, elevations and dimensions are set. Also, pool benches and steps are hand-shaped and formed.
- Pool light niches and electrical conduit are installed.
- Gunite will be 8″ to 10″ thick on the walls and floor of the pool, 10″ to 12″ thick at transitional areas, (stress points), and 12″ to 14″ thick at the bond beam.
- Broom finishing the gunite creates a rough texture allowing the maximum adherence of plaster.
- An equipment pad is installed (in most cases).
- Homeowners should water the gunite shell at least twice a day for seven days. This allows the gunite to cure properly.
5
Tile & Coping
- Many tile and stone selections are available. We ask that you make your selection as soon as possible.
- Special grout and mortar mixtures are used to prevent water from seeping through and eroding its base.
6
Electrical
- 120-volt GFCI protection is installed on all pool lights.
- Brass conduit is used on all light fixtures.
- The pool equipment is placed on a separate circuit to avoid an overload on any existing household circuit.
- All metal within five feet of the water’s edge will be bonded (grounded).
7
Decking
The concrete swimming pool deck is poured around the pool after tile, stone, coping or brickwork is done. Decking usually takes three days to place.
On the first day, the area to be decked is formed. On the second day, an electrical bond inspection is performed by the respective city or county and the deck is poured on the third day in most cases.
- 4″ concrete thickness.
- Cushion sand installed.
- 3/8″ steel rebar 18″ o.c.e.w..
- Includes 4″ PVC drains and tie-in downspouts in the pool area.
8
Plaster
Important! A newly plastered pool cures in 10 – 14 days. Landscape debris and dirt that comes into contact with the plaster can leave a stain.
- The interior of the pool is washed to remove all debris.
- All fittings are installed.
- Light lenses are cleaned.
- The tile is cleaned.
- The pool is plastered and hand-troweled with two coats of smooth marble finish.
9
Start-Up
- After the pool is filled with water start-up chemicals are added.
- The deck is acid-washed.
- The plumbing is labeled.
- Maintenance equipment is delivered and a cleaning system is installed.
- The customer is walked through and trained on the operation of all equipment.
10
Swimming
It’s time to enjoy your new backyard oasis. If you don’t have one, give us a call!
The Expression Custom Pools “No Pressure Buying Process”
We understand that buying a swimming pool is a big decision for any family. We also know that some families take weeks, months, or even years to make a final decision. We’re okay with that. We’ll help you whenever we can, but we will never try to pressure you into a sale. That’s why we created the Expression Custom Pools “No Pressure Buying Process.” At all stages of the buying process, you are in control. We will proceed to the next step only if and when you tell us you’re ready to proceed.
If that’s the way you hoped to be treated, then you’re in good hands. If you were expecting a high-pressure sales guy to “strong-arm” you into buying a pool, then we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with our No-pressure approach.