POOL PROFESSOR 101

Excavation/Dig - The excavation crew will grade your yard, set form boards and dig your pool. The excavation can be done with a variety of machines depending upon your access. This process should take 1 day, unless rock conditions or bad weather exists.

Steel - After the pool is dug, the steel company will install steel reinforcement (rebar) to give strength and support to the gunite shell. An inspection is then performed by your city inspector to ascertain that the job meets city requirements.

Plumbing - The plumbing lines are installed and the equipment is set. All drain lines are split suctioned and the skimmers are individually valved at the equipment. The plumbing lines are trenched and buried.

Inspected - Depending on the city, specific inspections may be required at this point.

Gunite - Gunite is sprayed on the steel to form the concrete shell of the pool. You will then need to water it twice a day for 10 days.

Tile and Coping - Typically installed 3-4 days after gunite, the tile and coping crew will install your tile, coping, and trim or spot tile selections.

Electrical - Electricians will set the circuit breakers, wire in the pool equipment and lights and mount the light switches. If an Aqualink or salt generation is installed, they also mount the control panel(s).

Deck Set - Typically within a week to 10 days from tile and coping, the deck is set with form board, steel and sand, which may be delivered to the job site the day before. The deck crew will bring concrete and pour the deck. Every city requires an inspection at this time.

Pre-Plaster - The day before plaster, the plaster company will pump the water out of the pool, remove any debris and scrape the sides of the pool to prepare it for plaster.

Plaster - Plaster is the internal finish of the pool. Traditional white plaster is a combination of plaster and marble dust. Alternatives to traditional plaster include Diamond Brite (combines natural quartz aggregates, polymer-modified cement, and non-fading 3M Colorquartz) in a variety of colors, and Pebble Tec (usually colored plaster embedded with small colored stones, similar to aggregate). The plaster company will spray the plaster in the pool and hand trowel it for a smooth finish. The pool is then filled with water. If there is a spa, it will be filled first.

Start-up - A Pulliam Pools service technician will chemically treat the pool, start up the equipment, and give instructions. According to the instructions your service technician has given you, you will then need to brush the plaster. At a later date, they will set the diving board, and bring the automatic cleaner.

Clean-up - The clean up crew will pick up all trash and haul it away and grade the yard.

Acid Wash - Water and muriatic acid are used to clean the deck.

Mastic - The last step is to remove the styrofoam strip behind the coping and replace it with a liquid caulk.

Fencing - Any fencing to be installed will be done according to your city's requirements.

Final Inspection - Depending on your city's requirements, a final inspection for your electrical work and/or pool may be done. Some cities may require the final inspection before plaster to check for door alarms, gate closures, or fencing.