As adults, we're still interested in how things are made, aren't we? Take in-ground pools, for example. How is an in-ground pool made? What's the process? We want to know the "how" before we jump in. To help out, here's...
HOW YOUR POOL IS MADE IN 7 STEPS.
1) PICK YOUR SPOT
You probably already have a spot in mind. If not, you can talk with your pool installer to figure out the best place for a pool. Then they'll mark out the area and get it ready for digging. And dig they will! It'll be a big mess – for a little while. You may want to take photos of the process so you can remember how your yard went from lovely to ugly to stunning in just days.
2) BUILD THE WALLS
Steel-walled pools are the most common type of in-ground pool. They're made up of flexible panels that fit together to create a smooth, continuous side. Poolblue offers 14-gauge galvanized steel panels that are powder-coated for complete corrosion resistance. Better than steel, stronger than polymer.
By the end of this phase, all the walls will be the same height. Your installers will make sure everything is level, using blocks and braces to make all the panels are plumb and flush with each other. Each panel is braced. Once placed, concrete is poured around the brace to set it in place.
Next, concrete is poured all around the panels at the bottom for stability.
3) ADD THE OPTIONS
It's time to add the fun stuff. Plumbing, offset in-ground steps and features like skimmers and optional jets or underwater lighting. Once that's all in place, you're ready for the next step.
4) FLOAT THE FLOOR
The pool floor needs sand added to smooth out the bottom and make it more comfortable. Once the sand it added, it's floated, or smoothed out with trowels. This, for many, is an exciting step. It's your first glimpse of the full shape of your pool. Once the floor is floated, it's smooth and symmetrical.
5) PLACE THE LINER
With a smoothly floated floor, your pool is ready for the liner. The skill of your installer will really show in this step. If the crew really knows their stuff, the liner will fit just right. After smoothing out wrinkles and adjusting the liner's position, it's time to move on.
6) FILL WITH WATER
Get ready! It's time to fill the pool. You can ask your neighbors to stretch their hoses over and speed up the process. Or, just use your own hose and have some lemonade while you're waiting.
Remember those concrete-set braces? They're especially needed during this step. As the pool fills, dirt is filled in around the pool walls up to the level of the water. This process is called backfilling. It's crucial to prevent the walls from bulging outward under pressure.
After the pool is full and completely backfilled, fittings for ladders and rails can be cemented in place.
7) FINISH THE DECK
For a few weeks, the dirt around your pool needs to settle. After it has, your cement deck can be poured. If you've chosen tile or stone options, they'll be put in place at this time. When the deck is complete, with ladders and rails (maybe even a slide!) set in, it's time to enjoy your new in-ground pool!
When you choose your in-ground pool installer, make sure you choose one with an excellent reputation. You can always buy a kit and do it yourself. Or, you can hire someone to install your kit. But your best bet is to have the dealer install it. They'll have lots of experience performing that particular type of in-ground installation.
Any questions? Feel free to ask us! Come on in to The Great Backyard Place and we'll walk through the pool installation process with you.