Altra Pools

Phase One: Excavation

The pool site will be cleared of trees, shrubs, existing decking, and any other above ground obstacles. Excavation is one of the messiest stages of the construction project. Many times this stage panics inexperienced customers. The antidote is patience. This stage is only temporary and the site will clean up shortly after the excavation process.

Phase Two: Layout

The crew will layout the form of the pool according to the pre-approved design concept. If any changes are desired, you should inform your project manager immediately! When the forms are setting, it's vital they be left alone. Any pets or children should remain at a distance, as the construction area is dangerous.

Phase Three: Plumbing Placement

This phase is where the plumbing is installed for your pool. You will notice large numbers of PVC piping around. In addition, if your pool requires an infloor system, you will see pipes sticking out from the bottom of the pool.

Phase Four: Steel Placement

During this phase, steel is installed according to the engineered structural outlines. Depending on the size of the pool, this process can take anywhere from one to three days.

Phase Five: Inspections

After the plumbing and steel has been installed, inspectors will visit and assess the work site. A card will be placed somewhere around the pool equipment and is not to be removed under any circumstances.

Phase Six: Gunite

After the inspectors have given their final approval, gunite can be scheduled. A crew will come in with a gunite machine and spray concrete into the pool. Windows and doors should remain closed during this process because of the amount of dust created. The concrete is left to set for a minimum of one week. If the weather conditions are hot and dry, customers should lightly spray the curing concrete. Any water collected in the pool will be removed by the crew in preparation for the next stage.

Phase Seven: Coping

To eliminate "splash back", water that splashes out of the pool, a wood form will be created that hangs over your pool. Concrete is then poured into the wood form, the deck is poured, and the form is then removed. This process usually takes around two days. The slightest disturbance to the form can produce undesirable results; therefore, the form should remain untouched.

Phase Eight: Electrical

Conduits will be placed for wiring to lights in your pool and any filter equipment. It is at this time an electrical inspection is conducted. Pool lights are designed to be used when submerged in water. Turning on the lights before the pool is filled can cause the lights to overheat and burn out within a few minutes. Please abstain from switching on the pool lights.

Phase Nine: Decking

During this phase, the deck of the pool begins to take shape. The perimeter is backfilled with granular fill, rebarred, and concrete is poured according to the desired deck finishes. This work generally takes three days.

Phase Ten: Tile

The Customer is now supplied with a full selection of tiles. Once a selection has been made, our tile setters can begin installation. Tile installation takes approximately two days.

Phase Eleven: Gas Line

At this time, a line is run from meter to equipment area. The gas line is left under pressure to be inspected by the gas inspector. If the gas line is to be positioned underneath the decking, the gas line inspection needs to be made prior to pouring the deck.

Phase Twelve: Landscaping, Fencing, ect.

This sort of work may not have necessarily been arranged with us; however, there is some common knowledge that should be observed by the landscaper. Fences are required to be a minimum of 42" high with self closing gates and latches which are out of reach from children. In most areas, this is a law. Any work that can create dust and dirt needs to be completed before plastering of the pool can begin.

Phase Thirteen: Plaster

The plastering process takes approximately one to three days to complete. Once it is finished, it's crucial that the customer refrains from sweeping or any yard work until after the pool is full of water. The plaster needs to remain clean through the period of time it takes to cure. The dazzling clarity of the pool depends upon the plaster remaining clean during the curing phase. Once plastering of the pool is complete, the crew will begin filling it. Until the pool water has risen to at least the middle of the tile row, you cannot turn off the water. If the water is turned off, a ring will form causing undesirable results. The ring, similar to a bathtub ring, is exceptionally difficult to remove.

Phase Fourteen: Start-Up

An Altra Pools service technician will start up the pool and treat the water for the first time once the pool is filled with water. If the water is not circulated and sits for a long period of time, it can form stains on the plaster. For the first month, the pool must be brushed once a day. If preferred, a pool maintenance contract can be formed.

Phase Fifteen: Cleanup

Any construction debris will be removed from your yard.