A custom pool can make your yard seem like a paradise on a hot summer afternoon. But, did you know that a custom swimming pool can also increase the value of your home?
Unfortunately, the process of building a custom pool can seem daunting, and you may not know where to begin.
In this article, we will go over the process from start to finish. So, keep on reading!
Zoning and Permits
The first thing you will need to do at this stage of planning your custom pool is to find out what your local zoning laws are. There are often rules that tell you where a swimming pool can be placed on your property. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you will want to make sure that you check what rules they have regarding custom pools as well.
Once you know what the rules and regulations are, you will need to apply for a building permit from the city. Any large-scale building project will require a permit from the city, and there will likely be several points in the pool building process that require you to obtain permits.
If you are working with a professional pool building company they will most likely take care of obtaining the required permits for you as part of their service.
Planning Your Custom Pool
Now that you have obtained your building permits, and you know what rules your city and your neighborhood HOA have regarding swimming pools, you are ready to begin the real planning.
You will want to take a good look at your backyard and decide precisely where you want your swimming pool to sit. Pay attention to things like how much direct sun hits specific areas of your yard during the day. You don’t want to build your pool in an area that gets too much direct sunlight all day long. Try to strike a good balance between sun and shade.
Imagine how you will be using your swimming pool and what your ideal backyard would look like. This will help you to envision where you need to place your pool. Consider things like what type of landscape and other yard features you might want adjacent to your pool and keep in mind where it is safe to dig to avoid underground utilities.
Designing the Perfect Pool
Once you’ve considered where you want to place your pool, you need to start drawing up a design for it. When creating your design you will need to consider many different factors.
Some of the things you will need to take into consideration are:
- What shape do you want your swimming pool to be
- What types of water features, if any, do you want your pool to have
- How deep do you want it to be
- What types of entrances would you like, stairs, ladders, etc.
- Interior pool lighting
- Tiles and swimming pool deck
- What type of circulation system will your pool be using
- Fencing options if children or pets will be using the yard
- The addition of custom pool covers
If you have hired professional pool builders they will take you through the design process. They will help you to decide what options and features will work best for you and your budget. Then they will use design software to draw up a plan for your new custom pool so that you will be able to see exactly what it’s going to look like before they even begin to dig.
Time to Dig
This is where the real work begins; it’s time to dig the hole where your pool will sit. The digging will be done using an excavator since there is a lot of dirt to remove to accommodate your new pool. If you planned any additional landscaping that requires removing or adding dirt, this is the time to take care of that as well.
Plumbing and Electrical
Plumbing and electrical components will need to get installed during this phase. A professional plumber and electrician will be required to complete these processes. Permits for this portion of the work will also need to be acquired.
The plumbing is one of the most important aspects of your custom pool build. All the piping for your circulation pump, pool filters, skimmers, drains, and jets are added at this time. These systems are what keep your swimming pool water safe and clean, so you want them done right.
Laying the Groundwork
Once the hole is dug it’s time to lay the foundation for your swimming pool. Depending on what type of swimming pool you will be installing, this process will be slightly different.
If you are building a concrete pool, a steel support grid will be installed inside the hole. Think of this steel grid structure as the skeleton of your swimming pool. The concrete will be sprayed onto the steel structure to form your new custom swimming pool.
If you have chosen another type of pool, such as fiberglass, a pre-made shell will be set in place and dirt will be backfilled around it. The pool shell will need to be leveled to make sure that it is properly set.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Now we are in the final stages of your custom pool build. Depending on what options you’ve chosen, the work to be done in this stage may include:
- Building the deck around the pool
- Setting any tile work
- Adding the interior finishes to your concrete pool
- Taking care of the landscaping of your yard
- The final design touches on any custom yard features like outdoor kitchens
Fill and Enjoy
After all of the work is complete, all that’s left is to add water to the pool, check that the pumps and filters are working correctly, and adjust the pool chemicals. Your pool builders will take care of all of that for you too! All that’s left for you to do is enjoy your new custom swimming pool.
Ready to Take the Plunge
Now that you understand the process of building a custom pool, we hope that you’re ready to dive in and explore the possibilities. Contact us today to request a free consultation!
