Installation Overview

Plans & Permits

The most important part of a major home improvement project is PLANNING. Start by checking with your local building department to determine what your setback requirements are and if there are any easements on your property. If you live in a community that has an HOA, you will also need their permission to install a pool. Typically, they require an application (and fee) and drawing of what you plan to do. Your professional pool builder will be able to assist with this phase.

Layout

Now that you know you can put in a new fiberglass pool, it is time to lay it out. If you haven’t committed to a project yet and are still researching, a good planning tool is a Big Blue Tarp (BBT). You can pick one up at a local home improvement store and fold it to the size you are considering for your new pool. Place it in your backyard and watch how the sun goes over the BBT. Is there a good flow from your house to the pool area? Typically, two sides of your pool (one long, one short) will get the most usage and therefore should have the most decking. As you consider all these factors, move the BBT around and “live” with it for a while. Reach out to local pool contractors for their expertise. They are the professionalss and can guide you through the process

Excavation

Congratulations! You’ve found your contractor, ordered your pool, received permits and permission and it’s time to move some dirt! This is a very messy process, but we promise the short term (pain) will be quickly forgotten when your new pool is done. Fiberglass pools are typically dug with an excavator with a skid-steer/bobcat on site to move dirt around. Your pool should be dug in a day and ready for preparation of the base. Remember to consider how your pool and heavy equipment is going to get in the backyard. Everything is possible, but there may be extra costs if access is limited.

Preparing the base

The most important part of the entire process is getting the hole properly prepared to receive your new pool. The hole should not be excessively over dug, typically, 1′ more than that size of your pool. It should be dry and free from organic material. Depending on your soil conditions, your contractor will determine the best material (NOT DIRT) to use for the base and backfill.

Delivery / Pool Set

You may want to keep the kiddos home from school the day your pool is getting delivered. Your pool will arrive (typically) on a flatbed truck. A crane, telehandler or other piece of equipment will pick the pool from the truck and place it into the prepared hole. It may take a few picks to ensure your pool is level (within 1″ is acceptable tolerance) and sitting snugly in the ground.

Backfill (Partial)

With the pool set in the ground, backfilling with now commence with water going into the vessel at the same rate material is going around it. IT IS IMPORTANT that backfill on the outside occur at the same rate as water on the inside (no more than 1′ difference).

Utility Connections

At this point, it is time for the electrician and gas plumber (if using) to come in and do their work. This portion of the project can be delayed with sub-contractor’s schedules and inspections. Every municipality has different requirements and getting this very important portion of the project done can take some time.

Plumbing

Backfilling and water will pause while the plumbing is connected to your pool equipment. The skimmer, typically at the deep end, main drains (if used) and returns are connected to the equipment pad. LED lighting fixtures, plumbing for water features are also installed at this time. All the pipe and conduit runs back to the equipment pad where your pump, filter, sanitizing system and heater (if using) are located.

Backfill (Finish), Collar prep

Almost done! With some inspections done, the remaining backfill can be done and the pool filled to the top. Your contractor will install steel rebar and bend it back to affix to the wire mesh bonding grid. He will then set up forms around the perimeter of the pool to pour the concrete. The concrete is the last item required to validate your warranty.

Coping, Deck and Finishing Touches

Only limited by your imagination and budget, your outdoor oasis can be customized with a myriad of coping and decking materials.