pools and spasConstruction
Relying on an expert can take the complexity out of
building a new swimming pool. Click through the links below to learn what you
can expect when building your new swimming pool.
Wow, this looks like a lot of steps to keep track of,
who can I call when I have question?
You will be assigned your own personal construction coordinator. They will let
you know exactly what is happening in your backyard. Plus, you'll also be
assigned to an experienced field supervisor who can meet you on-site to answer
any questions or concerns you may have.
- Right now, my swimming pool design looks pretty small. Should I be concerned?
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No. Because you're not seeing your swimming pool three dimensionally, it seems
much smaller than it will actually be when completed. In fact, we draw the
swimming pool on the ground 6" larger all the way around to accommodate for the
steel and shotcrete. The swimming pool layout is the painted shape of your
swimming pool drawn precisely on the ground. Our excavators use this outline as
their template for digging your swimming pool. No work will be performed until
we get your approval to proceed. We'll double check distances to fence lines,
mark your equipment location, set the elevation of your swimming pool and mark
the section of fence we'll need to come through in order to start construction.
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- One of my best friends runs around in the backyard all day long. How can I
assure he will be safe?
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We know how important your four-legged friends are to you because they are
important to everyone at Shasta Pools & Spas, too. We will give you
advanced notice before the fence comes down, so please make sure your pets are
in a place that will ensure their safety throughout the construction process.
It is important that you protect your pets from the tractors, trucks and
construction that will be going on in your backyard swimming pool area!
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- I've taken great care to nurture my plants and shrubs before I decided to add a
swimming pool. What should I do to protect them before the construction starts?
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Any plants or landscape that you want saved should be moved before tractors and
dump trucks making their way into your backyard. Remember that this is heavy
construction. Anything from the street to your swimming pool will likely be
destroyed underneath the tires of the heavy equipment. There is never an easy
way to remove 10 to 40 truckloads of dirt on a typical swimming pool. Most of
our construction craftsmen start early, so don't be surprised to hear and see
them first thing in the morning!
This is one of the most exciting phases of construction. After the noise dims,
dust settle and trucks stop, you will see the first phase completed and your
dream will appear one step closer to reality.
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- I'm living near one of the prettiest mountains in Arizona. Should I be
concerned about hitting rock as they dig my swimming pool?
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If you suspect you're living in an area containing abnormal soil, you may want
to get estimates and make it a part of your original agreement with Shasta
Pools & Spas. You can include this additional cost in your financing
package or your 1st mortgage. This can save a lot of time in the process. Many
parts of Arizona include what we call "abnormal digging conditions." They are
not always isolated near the mountains. In fact, many areas of the Valley have
conditions known as caliches. It is nature's form of concrete.
Our excavation crew will do their best to dig your swimming pool. They may find
out very quickly that their equipment is incapable of doing the job. They will
expose a hole and leave it open. Our project manager will then confirm the
abnormal soil conditions in your yard. He will then secure 2-3 estimates and
get your approval for the extra costs before proceeding. The banging, clanking,
and grinding are hard on this type of equipment. The extra dollars go for not
only the upkeep on the continual wear and tear on the machinery, but also the
possible need for additional equipment and time.
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- I know the circulation and cleaning systems are important. What can you tell me
about the installation that gives me some peace of mind?
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You're right! It is one of the most important steps in building your swimming
pool. Depending on the cleaning system you have chosen, you can have over 200
feet of plumbing underneath the floor of your swimming pool. We pressure test
our plumbing lines much the same way house plumbing is tested underneath your
house foundation. We check pressure readings numerous times to ensure that all
aspects of your hydraulic system are safeguarded. Our plumbers follow
engineered plumbing schematics down to the last detail to ensure your peace of
mind.
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- That's a lot of steel. What holds it all together?
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Hundreds of small wire ties hold the network as one cohesive piece. Be careful
around your swimming pool during this phase, as these small wire ties are very
sharp. During the summer months it is also very hot... ouch! Keep small
children and pets from getting too close. We cap or bend over many of the rebar
ends for your safety. You'll also notice the steel is raised up 2-3" off the
excavated floors and walls. The steel network greatly increases the durability
and strength when concrete is shot in and around each piece of steel!
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- There are a lot of sprinkler lines in between the swimming pool equipment
location and my electric panel. Will the electrician protect them when they
trench to put in the conduit?
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In most cases, our electrical crew will bring in a trencher that will dig a 6"
to 12" trench from your electric panel to the swimming pool equipment. It is
important that you mark and/or expose any sprinkler or drip lines that must be
protected. If there are other plants or obstructions that need safeguarding,
it's important to do so before the excavation phase. If you need help from
Shasta Pools & Spas, just let us know. We are here to serve! For your
protection, we'll also ground metal windows, fences, motors and steel within 5"
of the swimming pool with a copper ground wire.
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- What is the green sticker on my electric panel?
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It's the city's way of saying everything is great and ready to go to the next
phase! Prior to placing the shotcrete in the swimming pool, a city inspector
will check to make sure the swimming pool location is out of all setbacks and
easements. They will also examine the electrical connections and make sure the
swimming pool is properly bonded. Lastly, they will review the steelwork and
structural engineering. We have come to know the inspectors so well; they are
just a part of our process!
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- There is almost nothing in the area where my steps will be located. Will my
steps look like my plan?
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Yes, indeed! The steps will be hand crafted much like clay on a potter's wheel.
Shasta Pools & Spas employs its own shotcrete craftsmen, so you can rest
assured you're getting the best quality work in the swimming pool industry! You
and your family will probably want to schedule some time to watch their
handywork.
After they're done, you will need to start the water curing process, unless you
have made arrangements for Shasta Pools & Spas to take care of this phase.
It amounts to taking your garden hose and spraying down the swimming pool 4
times or more a day in the summer. In the winter, it will take only 2 or 3
times a day. Your swimming pool shell will need between 4 and 7 days to
properly cure, and spraying the water over the entire swimming pool is an
important part of the curing process. Just spray the swimming pool shell down
until sheets of water roll down the sides and accumulate at the bottom of your
swimming pool. If you see some small cracks in the swimming pool, don't worry.
They are only due to concrete shrinkage and do not alter the structural
integrity of the swimming pool.
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- In Oregon, my husband and I would cuddle around our fire pit as the sun went
down! When will this part of our project be built?
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Barbecues, fire pits, rock waterfalls, boulder work, masonry benches or walls
are what we call "Hardscape." These features need to be installed prior to the
deck being poured. Gas lines, landscape irrigation lines, landscape lighting
lines should be installed prior to Shasta Pools & Spas forming the deck.
Many times our customers have already picked out some wonderful furniture for
their new backyard paradise. If you would like to add some additional deck for
any reason, please contact your project manager prior to the deck-forming
phase.
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- My existing patio looks really worn out! How can I make it look as new as the
deck you will soon be pouring?
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Shasta Pools & Spas own chemically engineered deck coating system will
allow you to match your existing patio with the brand new swimming pool deck.
Whether it is ShastaDeck, Flagstone, Marbella stone or Kool Deck, seeing the
new walkway formed around your swimming pool is exciting. The forms provide the
entire framework for the concrete that is soon to be poured. After we pour the
concrete, it's time to stop water curing the swimming pool. Thanks for your
help! Don't put anything on the deck for at least 3 days. The time of year will
determine how fast or slow the concrete cures. After your project manager
inspects the cured deck, Shasta Pools & Spas will put the finishing coat on
the entire deck! If you have chosen a stone or tile deck, all types will be
installed at this time.
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- With all of the work being completed in my backyard, there is a lot of dirt and
debris that has blown into my swimming pool. When does it all get removed?
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We remove all the trash and debris right after the deck phase. You'll see the
trenches filled in dirt raked out around the swimming pool. Although building a
swimming pool or spa is considered major construction, we encourage our crews
to be as clean as possible. Inside the swimming pool, we will make sure all the
rubble is removed so our plaster / pebble crew can put the finishing touches on
your brand new swimming pool. We think you will be ecstatic seeing how clean we
leave this newest room of your house.
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- Everything has rolled along well! When can we plaster and start filling it up?
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First, we need a final inspection from the city. They will be checking to make
sure all of the barriers are to code. They usually give us a day they will be
there, but not a specific time. We're going to ask you to "hang out" until the
city inspector arrives. They need access to your home to complete a portion of
the inspection. It's a small aggravation, but it's necessary to make sure
you're swimming soon. Again, some cities have different barrier requirements,
so start considering which options are right for you at the time you are
designing your new backyard. We can start plastering your swimming pool right
after we get the "OK" from the city inspector.
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- I know installing the Plaster or a Pebble surface takes a lot of care and
skill. How do you ensure the quality of the installation?
-
Shasta Pools & Spas is the only company to do 95% of this important phase
with its own crews. The other 5% are some of Shasta Pools & Spas best hand
picked subcontractors. It's too important to leave to just anyone to complete.
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Whatever interior surface you choose, make sure you follow the directions for
filling up your swimming pool and spa given to you by your Shasta Pools &
Spas project manager. Keep filling your swimming pool until the water is
halfway up the skimmer opening. Your swimming pool is almost complete... We
can't wait either... It's so exciting!
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- I've never seen so many valves, gauges and knobs! There seems like there is a
lot to learn. I don't want to blow it... How do I know that I am doing
everything right?
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Like any new product we buy nowadays, it takes a little learning to become
completely familiar with all of the instructions. We encourage the use of note
pads, tape recorders and video cameras. The palest ink is better than the most
redemptive memory. Our staff will start the swimming pool up, show you how to
use all of your equipment and give you a bunch of tips that make using your
swimming pool a breeze. We will also label most of the valves and equipment,
making it a lot easier than you think. If something slips by you the first
time, just contact us and we'll come out again and cover it one more time at no
charge! We want you as comfortable with running your swimming pool as you are
with the beauty it transcends.
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a free design consultation?