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Have you ever wondered how a fiberglass swimming pool is delivered and installed? We’ve broken our fiberglass pool construction process down into 8 steps so you know exactly what’s going on. Our pool installation process can even take as little as 30 days on certain in-stock fiberglass pools. So get ready to dive in!
1. Laying Out the Inground Pool
With help from a dig sheet (a model of the pool with dig specifications), our fiberglass pool contractors will mark the placement of the inground swimming pool in your yard. At this point, you will need to decide on any deck, patio, or landscape plans.
2. Fiberglass Pool Delivery
A fiberglass pool is delivered on a low-loader tilt truck that is specifically designed to transport swimming pool shells. At Parrot Bay Pools, our pools come from Kentucky and Indiana! Your pool filtration system, tools, equipment, and fittings are provided by Parrot Bay Pools. Usually, your pool will arrive on the second day, although it varies from job to job.
3. Excavation
Our Parrot Bay Pools and Spas delivery truck will arrive towing a skid steer and a large truck towing our excavator. The skid steer will be used to move dirt and gravel. While the excavator will dig the hole, then lift and set the fiberglass pool.
Using the dig sheet and a laser level, our crew will mark points (or hash marks) on the ground with paint to lay out the pool shell. Your pool will have the most accurate excavation possible. Once the pool’s size and depth are determined, the excavator will start to dig. As one crew member digs the hole, the others will begin to set up the pump and filter system. The entire excavation process usually takes one day, but may vary from job to job depending on unforeseeable weather, underground rock or obstacles, and pool size.
Common Excavation Obstacles
- Overdigging – Sometimes the person excavating will dig too deep. The easiest natural fix, of placing soil back into the hole to raise the depth, is NOT a smart option. If soil is placed back into the hole it will most likely settle over time causing the pool to shift, which could cause many other problems to occur. The only safe fix is to use gravel to raise the depth back up to the proper height. At Parrot Bay Pools, you don’t have to be concerned about overdigging.
- Unstable Soil or Organic Materials – Many times during digging our crew members will notice that the soil is not stable, or that there is organic material buried in the pool’s planned location. To prevent settlement, the soil or organic material must be removed regardless of the extra excavation required.
- Digging too Tight – An excavation hole should be approximately 1 foot larger than the outside of the pool shell and approximately 2 inches deeper than the pool depth. This will leave enough room to place sand or gravel along the sides and under the steps, seats and/or ledges of the pool.
4. Setting the Floor and Leveling the Pool
After the excavation is complete, a layer of gravel will be placed inside the hole, this is where the pool floor will rest. A laser level determines exactly how much gravel should be used to obtain the correct height of the pool.
Lifting the Pool – During the majority of our pool builds we will use our excavator (the same machine used to dig) to lift your pool and place it into the hole. Occasionally we will have to use a crane, such as when we need to lift a pool over a house, wall or other structure.
5. Plumbing the Pool and Filter System
The filter is composed of two major components: the pool pump and the filter. The pump circulates the water, while the filter removes the debris and small particles from the water. Filter systems are typically located within thirty to fifty feet from the pool. Most pool owners prefer their filter system near their house somewhere inconspicuous.
6. Backfilling the Pool Shell
Once the pool is placed in the hole and leveled, it is time to start filling the pool with water and backfilling around the outside with gravel. The water on the inside and the gravel on the outside must be brought up together to equalize the pressure.
7. Coping and Decking
With the pool backfilled and electrical inspections approved the pool is now ready for coping to be installed around the top of the pool shell. For fiberglass pools standard concrete coping is common. However, other materials such as; pavers, travertine, stones and brick may be used depending on the homeowner’s preference.
8. Pool Fence
Within 30 days of pool installation, a 4ft tall fence is required around the pool. In North Carolina, your fence is also required to have a self-closing gate that swings out away from the pool and self-latches. Once the fence is installed the homeowner must contact their county for a final inspection before the permit expires.
