Construction
Pool Construction Process in Rio Grande, McAllen, Harlingen, South Padre Island & Surrounding Areas
You can rest easy knowing that your pool is in good hands. We know the construction process can seem daunting, so we work with you every step of the way to make sure the process goes smoothly. Once you choose the pool design that is right for you, we will meet with you to finalize all of the details, explain the construction process, and answer any questions you have before we break ground.
Please take a look at our pool construction process below to see the pool building process, step by step.
Start: Design
We want you to love your pool and have fun enjoying it for years to come.
We’ve been building pools our customers love in the Rio Grande Valley since 1952, so you can rely on our expertise and be confident that we’ll give you a great pool, and a great experience. During the design phase, we focus on the details to create a customized design that will be perfect for you. Want lighting to enjoy your pool and deck safely in the evening? How about a diving board, or a waterfall? We’ll create with you the space of your dreams, and personalize it with the perfect tile, finishes, and features. We design in 3D so that you can experience every feature and detail with a fully-interactive tour of your chosen design, and see for yourself how your new pool will look before we begin construction. We’ve put together a timeline of the construction process so that you can get familiar with what to expect. Click step 2 above to learn about the next step after you choose your pool design: staking your pool perimeter.
Step 1: Stake
Once you have approved your pool plan, Hamlin Pools will stake out the
water perimeter of the pool and/or spa. This allows you to visualize the real size and position of the structure.
Step 2: Pre-Construction
Before we begin construction, your designer and superintendent will meet
with you. This is when you’ll sign off on the final design layout and when we’ll discuss all other issues and details of the pool construction process. During the pre-construction phase, we will pull construction permits with your city, do CAD working drawings, check for public utilities, and get everything ordered and staged for construction to begin. This is a good time to cap off your irrigation and move any plants or other items that you’d like to save.
Step 3: Dig
After the pool has been staked and has your approval, Hamlin Pools begins the
excavation process using a backhoe and dump truck. The process takes a day and the dirt is either hauled off or left on the job site if needed.
Step 4: Form
The forming process takes place a few times during construction, depending
on the complexity of your job. Forming is done to provide the framework or “stencil” for raised spa walls, waterfall pads, and even your pool beam!
Step 5: Plumb
The pool is piped with scheduled 40 PVC pipes and each individual line is air
tested and monitored throughout the entire construction process.
Step 6: Steel
After the pool has been dug and the inside plumbing has been completed, a
specially designed matt of Grade 4 steel reinforcement will be installed.
Step 7: Gunite
Once the plumbing and steel inspections are made, Hamlin Pools’
custom concrete formula is delivered to the job site and then shot with an air compressor and shotcrete machine.
Step 8: Cleanup
Remove dirt and trash, in and around the pool, level dirt around the pool and
then begin the curing process.
Step 9: 3-Day Cure
Curing is required for your concrete shell to set properly and provide you
with the stability that Hamlin Pools puts its name on.
Step 10: Tile
When your selection of a frost-proof ceramic tile has been made, it is then
installed around the perimeter of the pool. A bullnose tile is placed on the steps that complement the selected tile.
Step 11: Deck
During this phase, your deck is prepared with a compactor and the
“sky bars” coming out of the beam of your pool are then bent down and tied into the steel grid of your deck.
Step 12: Equipment
Your pump, filter, chlorinator, and heater (if required) are installed on an
equipment slab. We prefer that you have your fence up before we install your pool equipment to reduce the risk of theft.
Step 14: Plaster
During this stage, the finish of your choice is hand-troweled onto
the gunite shell. Multiple passes are made to leave a smooth, water-proof finish. We offer a variety of interior finishes for your swimming pool surface: white plaster, quartz, pebble, island stone, flagstone, 1″x1″ ceramic tile, and 1″x1″ glass tile finish. Special finishes such as these are installed during this phase.
Step 15: Startup
At this phase of construction, your technician will start all equipment and
adjust your pool water. Depending on the type of pool you chose, you may have about another week’s worth of “fine-tuning” to create the best appearance of your plaster and pool water.
Step 16: City Inspection
Throughout construction, detailed inspections are performed by your
pool project manager or superintendent. At this phase of your pool construction, local building authorities are required to make an inspection. Hamlin Pools will contact local authorities to schedule inspections. Your superintendent will check the status after the inspector has left, but letting your superintendent know the results will help keep things rolling without delays.
Step 17: Final Inspection
The final inspection is a complete review of every aspect of your new
pool. We won’t settle for anything less than perfection.
Step 18: Pool School
Once your pool is complete, we will teach you the ins and outs of your
pool. We’ll teach you how to run all of your features, clean your baskets, and balance your water. Have a notepad ready! We’ve also put together a special section that you can refer to and learn more about maintaining your pool. When you would like us to continue maintaining your pool with you, we also offer special service packages. Click here to learn more! Now you’re ready to start enjoying your pool!