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Design and Planning
A sales consultant will aid you in designing the pool of your
dreams while carefully paying attention to specific details
regarding soil conditions, obstacles, elevation, location, and
city requirements. Your unique, custom plan will also include any
desired options that can make your pool more cost-efficient and
easier to maintain. Once the design is complete the plans will be
sent out for permitting which can take approximately 2 – 4 weeks.
Excavation
The day of excavation begins with the removal of fence panels to
allow access for the trackhoe or bobcat to enter and exit the
backyard. The yard will be graded and any trees, shrubs, or
concrete in the designated construction area will be removed and
then the pool will be staked-out and elevations set according to
the design plans. The dirt will be removed and the hole will be
made ready for steel installation.
Steel
Steel bars are placed on the walls, floor, and beam of the pool
and are used to reinforce the structure of the swimming pool and
maintain structural integrity. The beam is tied using a 4 bar box
beam which consists of 4-#4 bars – (½”) placed around the
perimeter of the pool. The beam will also have deck dowels added
to reinforce the steel installed at the deck phase. Normal
steel schedule for the walls and floor use #3 bars – 3/8” placed
on 10” centers. Additional steel support may be added to high
stress areas creating 5” centers. The bars are lifted
approximately 3” to ensure a strong bond with the gunite.
Plumbing
Plumbing is installed behind the steel framework. Proper plumbing
and the appropriate use of valves is essential for maintaining
ample flow of water to and from the pool, spa and water
features. Normal plumbing lines consist of schedule 40 PVC in
combinations of 1 ½”, 2” and 2 ½” diameters. Plumbing lines are
classified as either return lines or suction lines. Return lines
bring filtered water into the pool and suction lines include
skimmers and main drains which draw water from the pool to the
pump. Hobert Pools uses only the highest rated anti-entrapment
safety drain standard on all of its pools.
Gunite
Gunite is pneumatically applied concrete where cement and sand are
mixed and applied through a hose under pressure while at the same
time mixing with water. With gunite, only enough water is added to
start the chemical reaction referred to as hydration which allows
for walls to be vertically stacked without falling. After gunite
is applied it is extremely important to keep the shell damp to aid
in the curing process. It is recommended that the shell be watered
twice a day for seven days. Several holes will be made in the
gunite to relieve the pressure from beneath the shell. These holes
need to remain free of debris to allow water to surface when
necessary.
Tile and Coping
The Tile and Coping phase help create the overall aesthetics of
the pool using the materials that you have selected. The top of
the gunite shell will be leveled, smoothed, and sealed in
preparation for applying a 6” waterline row of tile. Coping
usually consists of stone, brick, or precast material and is
placed on the beam of the pool. Special detail is emphasized by
using quality stone that is approximately 2” thick and by manually
cutting each stone to create larger pieces and minimizing grout
joints.
 Electrical
Our licensed electricians will install the wiring that runs the
pool’s lights, pumps, heaters, timeclocks, and remote
controls. The electrician will require access to your electrical
panel, usually located in your garage.
Code Plumbing
If you purchased a heater, our licensed gas plumber will dig a
trench from your existing gas meter to the pool heater. If you
purchased a D.E. filter some cities require that a p-trap and
backwash line be installed. To install these lines a trench will
have to be dug to the clean-outs, usually located in the front
yard.
Gunite Clean/Sand
During our first overall site clean-up, pipes, boards, rock,
trash, and any remaining debris will be removed from the
construction area and sand will be delivered in preparation for
the deck to be formed.
Decks
Decking is a critical phase of construction because of the
expansive soil conditions that exist in the Dallas/Fort Worth
areas. The deck process begins with the installation of a drainage
system that uses 4” PVC pipe that will carry water from the
gutters and deck away from the pool and into the lower lying areas
of your yard. A layer of sand will be spread on the ground to
create a base and the deck will be formed according to the design
plans. Reinforced steel is installed using #3-(3/8”) bars. If
required, the city will inspect the deck form and the plumbing
lines will be tested to ensure they hold adequate pressure. The
deck will then be poured and expansion joints placed throughout to
allow for ground movement and minimize cracking.
Final Clean/Fence
Debris will be removed from the yard and swimming pool and your
yard will be graded using any remaining dirt and sand left on the
job site. The sections of the fence that were removed must be
replaced and all gates and latches must pass city codes. Most
cities require gates to be self-closing and self-latching. Your
city may also require door alarms and child anti-climb rails if
2x4 stringers are on the outside of the fence.
Plaster
The most common plaster is white marble which is applied through a
hose and hand-trawled to achieve a smooth interior finish. You may
choose to upgrade to one of the many quartz or pebble finishes
available in many colors. After installation the plaster crew will
begin filling the pool with water. Regardless of the type of
plaster installed, it is extremely important to brush the pool
twice a day for two weeks to keep the plaster dust from settling
and scaling which may also result in a rougher finish.
Start-up
When your pool is full, our crews will start up the pool
equipment and ensure that everything is operational. They will
also instruct you on the proper use of the equipment and how to
maintain your new swimming pool.
Now you're ready to jump in and
enjoy your new Hobert Pool!
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