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!
