Phases Of Pool Construction
The information listed below outlines the major phases of construction that will take place when building your pool.
Excavation
This is the beginning phase of construction and one that is of utmost importance in the finished appearance of your pool! We take great pride at Paul Miller Custom Pools to insure that the finished product is a reflection of the master pool plan that we designed for you.
Reinforcement Steel
This is the second phase of pool construction.Ê During this phase, steel reinforcement bars will be added to the pool and spa.
Plumbing
Unless you are a hydraulic engineer, the method we use to plumb your pool may not have you sitting on the edge of your seat! Plumbing is plumbing....right? Absolutely wrong! This is one phase of pool construction that is the least understood by the average consumer. If a short cut is going to be taken in the construction of a swimming pool, this is usually where it occurs. The bottom line is this: If the size of pipe, number of suction and return lines and the manner in which they are plumbed is not adequate in relation to the size of your pool, you will spend much more time maintaining it than is necessary!
Gunite
Gunite, in conjunction with your pool's steel reinforcement, is what gives your pool its form and strength. After the gunite phase is complete, you will actually begin to see what your pool is going to look like! To insure proper curing, you will be advised on how to water cure the gunite shell during the construction of your pool.
Tile And Coping
Tile is added at the water line to create an aesthetically pleasing finish and to provide a material at the surface (where oil and dirt accumulate) that is not porous and is therefore easier to clean. Sometimes accent tile is also added to steps, loveseats, and spa benches.
Coping is the finishing work at the top of the pool wall, usually attached directly to the bond beam. Coping comes in a variety of materials, including bullnose brick, natural flagstones, slate, limestones and precast products.
We offer a wide variety of tile and coping selections for you to choose from. Tile and coping choices should be made shortly after excavation of your pool.
Decking
It is important that the decking around your pool be practical as well as aesthetically pleasing. It should serve as a walkway around the pool as well as providing areas to sit, lounge and entertain.
A good pool deck design should be almost as important as the pool design itself!
All decks will be reinforced with 3/8" steel rebar at 20" o.c.e.w. (We do not use wire mesh.) There will be a 4" bed of cushion sand underneath. The cushion sand and a 1/2" expansion joint between the coping and deck absorbs some of the stress as a result of expansion and contraction of damaging clay-based soils found in parts of the Metroplex.
Interior Surface
An interior surface of your choice is applied to the gunite surface to give your pool a finished appearance. Different types of applications can be used during this phase. You have the choice of a textured or smooth aggregate finish, or you may choose the standard plaster. All interior pool finishes come in a variety of colors.