Natural Stone Pools - New Pool Construction

The following is a step-by-step outline about the process and what to expect
during the construction of a new swimming pool.

The Design Process

The initial meeting with the homeowner involves getting familiar with goals, style, budget, and discussing the various options and design ideas so that our design of their back yards reflect their own taste and unique personality, as well as complementing their home and lifestyle. After carefully listening, we transfer the elements into a design for your review and make sure that you are getting exactly what you have in mind for your backyard oasis. We also offer to provide the homeowner with 3-D imaging so that the design idea can be better visualized. Once the design is perfect, the construction process begins.

Excavation

Excavation of your pool begins with pre-grading the area of which the pool is to be located including the proposed deck area. Lines and the layout of the pool are marked according to the design plan and elevation. Forms are set and excavation of the pool begins. Excess dirt is hauled away in dump trucks unless utilized on site.

Steel

The reinforcing steel is placed throughout the shape of the pool. The steel is tied to form a grid pattern. In most applications, the steel is 3/8” tied on 8” squares with 8” x 4” rectangle in the floor. However, in unique circumstances, we will use ½” steel tied on 10” squares with 10” x 5” rectangle in the floor. The plumbing inlets/returns, main drains, skimmers, and light niche are also set at this phase.

Gunite

The gunite material is applied with high pressure nozzles that create the shell structure of the pool. The 12” bond beam, steps, walls, tanning decks, and love seats are formed as specified and attention is given to the details of its finish.

Tile & Coping

Experienced craftsmen place the tile and coping selected by the customer on the beam. The tile band is placed in the interior and around the perimeter of the pool at the top edge; this is also known as the waterline tile. There is a wide range of waterline tile to choose from: most common is 6” ceramic tile that blends with the coping; but many are discovering the beautiful effects of mosaic and glass tile. The coping material is placed on the top of the beam around the perimeter of the pool. Various coping material includes natural flagstone, bullnose brick, cast stone or travertine. Attention is given to the joints and cuts as they are mortared in.

Other pool features such as waterfalls, fountain walls, custom mosaic tile patterns, and specialty items are constructed and installed during this phase as well.

Plumbing and Electrical

The plumbing lines and electrical equipment will be installed and tested by licensed professionals that specialize in pool construction. All plumbing is schedule 40 PVC and the main pool lines each have individual valves. After installation, all lines are pressure tested to assure that there is no leakage. The electrician wires the lights, motors, electronic controllers, and heaters. Conduit is used to protect underground wiring. Freeze guard is set up on every pool system to protect plumbing and equipment against freezes. The electrician will tap into the existing breaker panel in the house.

Decking

The pool deck is poured on a layer of cushion sand with 3/8” reinforced steel set on 12” centers. Expansion joints are placed about every 8 to 10 feet to allow flexibility of ground shifting. There are different choices for the appearance of your pool deck. Concrete decks can have finishes like: stain, patterned, textured, and stamped. A more natural look would be to top the concrete sub-deck with beautiful flagstone or slate.

Plaster

Plaster covers the gunite structure, waterproofs the shell and aesthetically transforms the construction site into a beautiful pool. Since pool plaster is composed of natural materials, which have certain inherent characteristics, a certain amount of shading or color variation is a natural occurrence that should not be construed as a defect. This shading only enhances the natural beauty of your pool.

Different finishes include white plaster, colored plaster, or pebble surfaces.

Tile is also another beautiful and unique choice for pool surfaces. Mosaic tile now comes in a wide array of colors and custom blended glass tile colors create a dramatic effect.

Completion

Now that the pool construction is completed, here are a few more ideas to complete your beautiful resort-style retreat…

Landscaping

Add a splash of color to your poolscape. Your pool can appear to be an extension of your home with a seamless transition from house to pool. Tropical foliage and lush greenery will add depth and color to your backyard and create a botanical paradise. Use hedges, fencing, and retaining walls for privacy and safety. Enjoy the view around your pool as much as the time you spend in it!

Lighting

Dramatic lighting changes the look and mood. Add or modify pool lighting to extend your poolside entertaining well into the evening. Low profile lights or landscaping lights provide subtle illumination around the pool’s perimeter. Low-profile lights accent paths and walkways and provide muted lighting for accent. Spotlights direct light to specific pool, landscape, or patio features. Floodlights are used for general lighting for common areas. You also can use motion floodlights for safety.

Accessories

Accessories are a perfect finishing touch. A backyard pool provides the perfect setting for outdoor living. Set the scene with a wide range of accessories, from patio furniture and lounges to fire pits and poolside grills. Backyard poolscapes are versatile entertainment zones, serving as your peaceful retreat or your favorite party spot. Add an element of fun with pool toys and games or select accessories that are well-suited for hosting family gatherings.

Flickering firelight casts a warm glow and transforms the entire feel of your pool area. Whether you’re planning a gathering of great friends or a romantic evening for two, a fire pit or chimenea brings the feel of the great outdoors into your backyard. Gas and wood-burning fire places or fire pits add extra warmth, allowing you to enjoy even a chilly evening by the pool.

Choices will be abundant for preparing summer meals on a free-standing or permanently installed poolside grill. From a single grill to a full-scale outdoor kitchen, these days you’re limited only by your imagination.

Click here for a photo gallery of pools>>>

Natural Stone Pools - swimming pools, renovations, and complete outdoor environments with artistic passion.

Swimming Pool Remodel and New Construction

Serving Central Dallas, North Dallas, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Parker, Lucas, Fairview, Celina, Prosper, Melissa, Richardson, and Collin County areas.


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Natural Stone Pools ~ Jerry Borders (469) 742-0366 ~ New Pool Construction~
The following is a step-by-step outline about the process and what to expect during the construction of a new swimming pool. The Design Process The initial meeting with the homeowner involves getting familiar with goals, style, budget, and discussing the various options and design ideas so that our design of their back yards reflect their own taste and unique personality, as well as complementing their home and lifestyle. After carefully listening, we transfer the elements into a design for your review and make sure that you are getting exactly what you have in mind for your backyard oasis. We also offer to provide the homeowner with 3-D imaging so that the design idea can be better visualized. Once the design is perfect, the construction process begins. Excavation Excavation of your pool begins with pre-grading the area of which the pool is to be located including the proposed deck area. Lines and the layout of the pool are marked according to the design plan and elevation. Forms are set and excavation of the pool begins. Excess dirt is hauled away in dump trucks unless utilized on site. Steel The reinforcing steel is placed throughout the shape of the pool. The steel is tied to form a grid pattern. In most applications, the steel is 3/8” tied on 8” squares with 8” x 4” rectangle in the floor. However, in unique circumstances, we will use ½” steel tied on 10” squares with 10” x 5” rectangle in the floor. The plumbing inlets/returns, main drains, skimmers, and light niche are also set at this phase. Gunite The gunite material is applied with high pressure nozzles that create the shell structure of the pool. The 12” bond beam, steps, walls, tanning decks, and love seats are formed as specified and attention is given to the details of its finish. Tile & Coping Experienced craftsmen place the tile and coping selected by the customer on the beam. The tile band is placed in the interior and around the perimeter of the pool at the top edge; this is also known as the waterline tile. There is a wide range of waterline tile to choose from: most common is 6” ceramic tile that blends with the coping; but many are discovering the beautiful effects of mosaic and glass tile. The coping material is placed on the top of the beam around the perimeter of the pool. Various coping material includes natural flagstone, bullnose brick, cast stone or travertine. Attention is given to the joints and cuts as they are mortared in. Other pool features such as waterfalls, fountain walls, custom mosaic tile patterns, and specialty items are constructed and installed during this phase as well. Plumbing and Electrical The plumbing lines and electrical equipment will be installed and tested by licensed professionals that specialize in pool construction. All plumbing is schedule 40 PVC and the main pool lines each have individual valves. After installation, all lines are pressure tested to assure that there is no leakage. The electrician wires the lights, motors, electronic controllers, and heaters. Conduit is used to protect underground wiring. Freeze guard is set up on every pool system to protect plumbing and equipment against freezes. The electrician will tap into the existing breaker panel in the house. Decking The pool deck is poured on a layer of cushion sand with 3/8” reinforced steel set on 12” centers. Expansion joints are placed about every 8 to 10 feet to allow flexibility of ground shifting. There are different choices for the appearance of your pool deck. Concrete decks can have finishes like: stain, patterned, textured, and stamped. A more natural look would be to top the concrete sub-deck with beautiful flagstone or slate. Plaster Plaster covers the gunite structure, waterproofs the shell and aesthetically transforms the construction site into a beautiful pool. Since pool plaster is composed of natural materials, which have certain inherent characteristics, a certain amount of shading or color variation is a natural occurrence that should not be construed as a defect. This shading only enhances the natural beauty of your pool. Different finishes include white plaster, colored plaster, or pebble surfaces. Tile is also another beautiful and unique choice for pool surfaces. Mosaic tile now comes in a wide array of colors and custom blended glass tile colors create a dramatic effect. Completion Now that the pool construction is completed, here are a few more ideas to complete your beautiful resort-style retreat… Landscaping Add a splash of color to your poolscape. Your pool can appear to be an extension of your home with a seamless transition from house to pool. Tropical foliage and lush greenery will add depth and color to your backyard and create a botanical paradise. Use hedges, fencing, and retaining walls for privacy and safety. Enjoy the view around your pool as much as the time you spend in it! Lighting Dramatic lighting changes the look and mood. Add or modify pool lighting to extend your poolside entertaining well into the evening. Low profile lights or landscaping lights provide subtle illumination around the pool’s perimeter. Low-profile lights accent paths and walkways and provide muted lighting for accent. Spotlights direct light to specific pool, landscape, or patio features. Floodlights are used for general lighting for common areas. You also can use motion floodlights for safety. Accessories Accessories are a perfect finishing touch. A backyard pool provides the perfect setting for outdoor living. Set the scene with a wide range of accessories, from patio furniture and lounges to fire pits and poolside grills. Backyard poolscapes are versatile entertainment zones, serving as your peaceful retreat or your favorite party spot. Add an element of fun with pool toys and games or select accessories that are well-suited for hosting family gatherings. Flickering firelight casts a warm glow and transforms the entire feel of your pool area. Whether you’re planning a gathering of great friends or a romantic evening for two, a fire pit or chimenea brings the feel of the great outdoors into your backyard. Gas and wood-burning fire places or fire pits add extra warmth, allowing you to enjoy even a chilly evening by the pool. Choices will be abundant for preparing summer meals on a free-standing or permanently installed poolside grill. From a single grill to a full-scale outdoor kitchen, these days you’re limited only by your imagination. Click here for a photo gallery of pools>>> Natural Stone Pools - swimming pools, renovations, and complete outdoor environments with artistic passion. Swimming Pool Remodel and New Construction Serving Central Dallas, North Dallas, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Parker, Lucas, Fairview, Celina, Prosper, Melissa, Richardson, and Collin County areas.

~ New Pool Construction~