Project Process

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Once you have signed your contract (yay!) and we have received the first contract payment (due at signing) we release to you all design details your HOA will need. Jocelyn is in charge of pulling your permit and your HOA letter will be needed to submit the permit application.

At this time you will receive your Project Documents, each will be explained to you. One of those documents will be your Material Selections form - you can check this form out now by clicking here. We'll need to know your material selections sooner rather than later as delivery/stock can delay your project.

Once we have your permit pulled we can schedule Phase 2: Excavation.

HOA Approval Letter - This is needed for your permit application.

Once you've received your project drawings (x3 Survey Drawings, x2 3D Images) you'll need to start the approval process with your HOA. If they have any specific requirements regarding what needs to be shown in the drawings, let Jocelyn know and she'll work on it. If they have stricter requirements, such as engineered drawings or detailed landscape drawings, these may require outside help + incur additional costs.

Once you have your approval letter (must be a PDF letter from your HOA) send it over to Jocelyn and so she can submit your permit application!

Calling 811 - This ensures we don't damage any unknowns underground where we'll be working!

Calling is easy and normally someone comes out within a few days. We don't need anything marked, just confirmation that the area we're working in is clear!

If something is in the way, like something from Duke Energy, don't worry! They move it for free!

Note: If you have a septic tank and lines, please ensure to mark the locations (or let us know and we can mark them!) so our crews know to not get too close.

Project Entry - We're going to need 9' clearance for all the trucks and equipment, let us know if you need help removing/reinstalling fence sections! You can pay one of our guys directly, it won't be a lot.

Note: We may damage driveways, sidewalks, landscaping, and definitely grass. While we don't cover these damages we can definitely quote you for the repairs. We have to be guaranteed project entry but rest assured we'll do our best to avoid excess damage by using gravel or plywood. 

Close to neighbors? Let us know and we can install a silt fence.

This Phase is an exciting time for the kids as well as the adults. Everyone loves big machinery and you will be able to watch your backyard take the shape of your new swimming pool right before your eyes. Our sub-contractors make it look easy but it takes a lot of time and experience along with a lot of hard work to gain the knowledge and ability to do what they do. 

This process can take up to 3 days depending on your pool size and shape!

Rebar installation; this process takes approximately two days. The family can sit back and relax while watching our team utilize the various techniques that are required to bend and form the steel to the shape of your pool. The interior plumbing is also done at this time and includes pipes to keep the area where returns and LED lights will be installed.

This week of the pool building process is time for the pressurized concrete that is placed and sculpted according to your individual design. We'll use Shotcrete/Gunite and our sub-contractors are skilled in handling the heavy equipment that will shape your pool, spa, and even the steps to your pool. The seven day process does include the time that is needed to allow the drying and curing of the concrete.

Homeowners will have a huge responsibility during this process.

 Start watering your shell two hours after the crew finishes installation. Then, do this four times a day for seven days, for at least one hour each time. Take your time with this process. If you can't be onsite during this critical period, we recommend filling the entire pool with water. 

Here's why it's so important:

• Hydration is Key: Shotcrete doesn't simply dry to harden; it undergoes a chemical process called hydration, in which cement particles react with water to form strong bonds. Keeping the shotcrete moist allows this hydration process to proceed completely and effectively.
• Minimizes Shrinkage Cracking: Rapid drying of the shotcrete surface can lead to plastic shrinkage cracking. Maintaining consistent moisture helps slow the drying process and minimize these cracks, leading to a smoother and firmer surface. Extending wet curing from 3 to 7 days can reduce shrinkage cracking at the outer surface by 10% to 20%.
• Increases Strength and Durability: Adequate curing ensures the shotcrete reaches its designed compressive strength, making the pool shell strong enough to withstand water pressure, temperature changes, and ground movement. Proper hydration significantly contributes to this strength development, particularly in the crucial initial days.
• Reduces Permeability: A well-cured shotcrete shell is less porous, reducing the risk of water penetration and potential structural issues.
• Improves Finish Adhesion: Soaking helps prepare the shotcrete surface for subsequent coatings like plaster or tile, promoting a better bond and reducing the risk of delamination. 

Essentially, proper curing through soaking ensures a stronger, more durable, and long-lasting shotcrete pool shell. The American Shotcrete Association recommends a minimum of 7 days of continuous wet curing, with more frequent soaking advised in the early days, especially when we expect extremely hot weather conditions. 

The tile setter is a design artist that is responsible for the beauty surrounding your pool area. Materials are utilized, at your request to decorate the parameter. This phase takes approximately close to seven days to complete. This is also dependent upon the design and square-footage of the project or if any change orders are requested.

Plumbing is one of the more important steps in installing a swimming pool. The plumbing is what maintains the circulation system. The features that you have chosen for your pool can be the determining factor in how complicated the plumbing job will be. The hired plumber will be the person that installs the circulation and the main drain system, as well as the skimmer. All flowing systems that are required according to your design will be installed at this time, such as deck jets, sheer descent, and any additional water features that you have chosen. These features that filter into the pool water are also a part of the plumbing process. This portion of the process takes up to a week.

The decking phase takes approximately close to two weeks to complete. This is also dependent upon the design and square-footage of your pool deck and materials chosen. We start with a bed of gravel, then rebar and concrete. The rebar will hold the concrete together, avoiding huge cracks. If you chose decking other than brushed concrete, like travertine pavers, we add a layer of sand on top of the concrete and install. These layers keep your decking from turning green over time. With travertine you also have the added benefit that should one crack or become damaged over time, the broken tile can be removed and replaced easily.

The interior finish is the concrete coating that is applied to the floor and walls of the swimming pool. Then water is put into the pool immediately after acid wash is completed (usually the following day). The interior finish is completed after approximately two days. 

At this time your pool construction would be finished and the contract and any additions/changes would need to be paid. This does not mean we're done working on your project but that the major construction is completed and thus materials and sub-contractors must be paid. So don't freak out or try to withhold the remaining balance - read the contract carefully. We aren't running away once we get paid.

As soon as your acid wash is complete your water needs to be added, and while we don't provide your water, there are various ways to fill up your pool to meet your needs: 

• Hose - This option may take a day or two (and that's okay!) and may include discounts. Contact your water provider and let them know your planning to fill your pool and provide them the gallons - they may offer a discount.
• Local Fire Department (maybe!) - This is an unexpected option that has worked for some of our clients. Try reaching out to your local fire department and see if they could potentially fill your pool for a donation. This isn't guaranteed to work but its worth a try!
• Water Truck Delivery - Many clients choose this option because of how hassle free it can be + how quickly you can start swimming! Below is the water truck company many of our clients use: 

Aqua-Duck Water Transport https://www.aquaduckwater.com/

(704) 877-7768 | 3501 Gribble Rd. Matthews, NC 28104

Then its time for your Final Inspection, but don't worry this doesn't mean we're done. Final Inspection is all about pool safety. Once your pool is complete your county/city will want to confirm you have all safety measures in place to prevent any accidents.

To pass your Final Inspection you'll need to do the following:

1. Install your fence and gates. Fence must meet code (height) and all gates must open outwards, away from the pool, and auto close with a pool lock. View our Barrier Requirements page for more information.
2. Install a UL 2017 approved alarm to all doors that open up to the pool area. These aren't your standard home alarms, they'll need to be specific UL 2017 approved alarms. They're easy to install, just a peel and stick. View our Swimming Pool Alarms page for some examples/options - and an installation video!
3. Lastly, you'll need to be home for this inspection! The inspector will need to check your alarm(s) is in place and will need yard access to check out your fence. While inspectors don't traditionally provide ETA's for this inspection they will give you a call to confirm they're heading over. 

Once you pass your Final Inspection the permit will be finaled and completed!

One important thing to note is that if there is a delay (6mo+) or something preventing us from being able to complete the Final Inspection, the permit may expire. If this happens the amount to reopen it will be charged to you so keep this in mind!

Did you know as soon as your water is in that you can start swimming? 

For our new pools, and some renovations, your project will include one month of service from Clearwater Pool Services. After that month you have the option to continue hiring them or to care for the pool yourself.  Either way you will be trained on what to do in order to care for your pool - this will be a very hands on process so if you need a little extra help just let us know.

The start up technician is responsible for testing the swimming pool to ensure that it is functioning properly. For example, the start up tech starts the circulating pump and sets the timer. Depending on the design, this will determine the overall job that the technician has to complete. If your design includes eye-ball fittings in the return jets, this tech will install those at this time. The start up tech will also thoroughly clean the pool and the tile deck. Once he has completed the scrubbing and brushing of the pool and surrounding areas, the tech will then begin the balance of the water and the chlorine start up. The chlorine is added over a period of a few days to ensure that the proper amount is added but not too much. The process takes about a day to complete. After 28 days the salt is added and the cell system starts! 

*Salt water pool process, Chlorine pools will be different.

Something we also include with all our new pools is a Dolphin M400. This Bluetooth vacuum will climb your walls and help you keep your pool clean. Set up is easy but keep in mind you can't use it right away. You have to wait for the pebble to cure first. While we may gift you this vacuum you'll still need to buy a brush, net, etc. If you need help purchasing just ask Clearwater, they sell these items.