The Construction Process of a Vinyl Swimming Pool

Parrot Bay Pools discusses the swimming pool construction process in a simplified version below for swimming pool construction. Many pool builders use different techniques depending on their geographic area. Your backyard will go through many steps from messy to gorgeous in order to be converted into your oasis.

1. Pool Layout

With help from a dig sheet and laser level the installer will mark the placement of the pool in your yard. At this point you will need to decide any deck, patio or landscape plans.

2. Excavation

When excavating for a vinyl liner pool, the hole is dug approximately three feet larger than the finished pool around the entire perimeter. This extra space is for the vertical braces that support each individual wall panel.

3. Wall Panel Assembly

At Parrot Bay Pools and Spas our vinyl pool wall panels are made from a polymer material that does not corrode, which is great news for those wanting a salt water pool! You should never use  metal walls with a salt system due to rust over time. At this point the walls are inserted, bolted together and the steps are installed.

4. Concrete Footing

Once the wall panels are in place, a deep concrete footing will be poured around the outside perimeter of the pool. This concrete footing will lock the wall panels in place and prevent them from shifting over time.

5. Plumbing

Once the footing has been approved, the skimmer and returns can be mounted and the plumbing can be run. During excavation trenches are dug in order for the pool pipes to run underground from the pool to the equipment pad.

6. Pool Floor

At Parrot Bay Pools and Spas we use a vermiculite mix to cover the floor of the pool. Obtaining a smooth finish on the base of a vinyl liner is critical because any imperfections will be seen through the liner.

7. Backfilling

Once the floor is smooth, dirt is backfilled up to the pool’s wall structure. To ensure the integrity of the pool wall structure, the backfill dirt is not heavily compacted. Therefore, time must be allowed for the dirt to naturally settle, helped by rainfall and watering, in order to provide a solid foundation for the pool decking. (Usually during this wait time the electrical work is completed by a licensed subcontractor).

8. Liner Installation

The liners we install are either 28/20 MIL or 28/28 MIL. MIL is the measurement of vinyl’s thickness. 1 MIL is a thousandth of an inch, comparable to the thickness of 1 strand of human hair. At the top of the liner is a “bead” that inserts into a track that is mounted to the top of the wall panels. The liner is then “snapped” into place. Using a vacuum to remove excess air, the liner is fitted to the shape of the pool, then water is slowly added. Once there is enough water to hold the liner in place, the holes for the skimmers, lights, return jets and steps are cut out and faceplates are installed.

9. Coping and Decking

After an adequate amount of settling time has passed, the coping and decking process begins. During this time additional grading may be done with the installation of rebar to reinforce concrete, especially where a diving board or ladder are present. The majority of our vinyl customers choose the natural gray concrete color with a brush-textured finish. However, decks can be done in many different colors and textures that involve a longer installation time. Please view “Our Favorite Pool Decking Material Options” blog for other ideas!