Building a custom gunite or shotcrete pool is a process that blends engineering, craftsmanship, and design. At Enhanced Pools, we guide our customers through each step so they can understand exactly what goes into creating a pool that’s built to last. Here’s a look at the key stages of construction:
- Design and Planning
Every great pool starts with a vision. We first meet with you to discover your goals, style preferences, and budget. We then create a detailed 3D pool design showing placement in your yard, size, shape, depth, colors of the pool, tile, and coping, and features like tanning ledges, spas, and water features. We can modify the design while we are with you to perfectly capture your vision.
- Layout and Excavation
After you approve the design, we add you to our construction schedule and begin some of the preliminary work on things like permitting. The first thing we do is to mark the pool’s position and shape directly in your backyard. Excavation then begins—heavy equipment removes soil to form the pool’s shell, digging to the exact dimensions required. The excavation is exciting for many people because you see the pool take shape for the first time.
- Plumbing and Electrical
Next, we install plumbing lines for circulation, filtration, and water features, as well as conduits for lighting. Professional plumbing acts as the arteries of the pool, allowing the water to be circulated, cleaned and heated for years to come.
- Steel Reinforcement
A steel rebar framework is installed across the floors, ledges, steps, and vertically around the pool to define the walls. This steel cage adds strength and durability, acting as the backbone of your pool. The grid is carefully shaped to match every curve and contour of the design.
- Gunite / Shotcrete Application
Gunite or shotcrete—a mix of cement, sand, and water—is pneumatically applied over the steel framework and shaped by skilled craftsmen to create the pool’s structure. Once cured, this pool shell is incredibly strong and built to last decades.
- Tile and Coping
With the pool shell completed, the mason must first prepare the bond beam to receive the pool cover encapsulation (a component that is installed between the tile and coping that receives the pool cover track). After the pool cover encapsulation is installed, tile is added along the waterline for beauty. The coping is the stone or concrete edging around the pool and it is done after the tile is completed, which is different than the process followed for pools that don’t have an auto cover.
- Decking
The surrounding deck is poured or laid, whether you choose concrete, pavers, natural stone, or another material. This stage ties the pool into your outdoor living space and defines its overall look and functionality. Adding decking and other hardscape is best done during the pool building process since contractors are already there.
- Interior Finish
Finally, the inside of the pool is finished with a plaster product. This coating not only helps hold the water, but it also added beauty, and can even change the water color. Once filled, your pool is nearly ready for enjoyment.
- Automatic Pool Cover
After the pool is filled with water, it is ready for the automatic pool cover to be installed. We install the auto cover mechanism, track, pool cover, and lid.
- Startup and Orientation
The last step is to carefully balance the water chemistry, run the pool system, and ensure everything is operating as it should. Then we walk you through how to use and care for your new pool so you can feel confident from day one. We can also help you maintain your pool if you don’t want to do it.
A Pool Built to Last
Constructing a gunite or shotcrete pool is a detailed process, but the result is a custom, durable, and beautiful pool tailored to your preferences. At Enhanced Pools, we pride ourselves on combining best-practice construction with expert supervision to deliver a swimming pool and backyard our clients are proud of.