POOL CONSTRUCTION
Premium Pool Construction
Canadian Waters offers a comprehensive pool construction experience, guiding clients from groundbreaking to the first splash with an efficient, organized process and premium materials, ensuring lasting enjoyment for years to come.
Pool Planning and Budgeting
The planning and design phase of pool construction is crucial for ensuring a successful project that meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Key considerations include:
Pool size and shape, which significantly impact costs – our pools start at $150,000 and up.
Location on the property, factoring in local building codes, utility lines, and soil conditions
Material selection – concrete pools offer more customization.
Additional features like lighting, heating systems, or water features that can increase costs but enhance enjoyment
Consulting with a professional pool designer / contractor is recommended to create detailed plans and obtain necessary permits, which typically adds several thousand dollars to the project cost. This upfront investment in planning can help avoid costly changes during construction and ensure the final pool meets all safety and regulatory requirements.
Pool Site Preparation
The construction process for a swimming pool begins with thorough site preparation and excavation. Before digging starts, a comprehensive soil test is conducted to assess the ground’s suitability and identify potential issues like loose soil or high clay content. This crucial step helps prevent future structural problems and ensures proper drainage.
Once the site is cleared and marked, excavation begins using heavy machinery to dig the pool area according to the design specifications. The process typically involves:
Removing topsoil and debris
Digging to the required depth, which varies for shallow and deep ends
Creating slopes and contours as per the pool design
Installing plumbing trenches for filtration and circulation systems
Excavation costs vary, depending on factors such as soil type, pool size, and site accessibility. Throughout the excavation, contractors monitor soil conditions and make necessary adjustments to ensure a stable foundation for the pool structure.
Step-by-Step Pool Excavation
The pool excavation process begins with careful planning and site preparation. First, the pool area is marked out according to the approved design, considering factors like soil conditions and drainage. Heavy machinery is then used to remove topsoil and dig to the required depth, following the pool’s shape and dimensions precisely. This process typically involves:
Soil testing to ensure suitability for pool construction
Digging a uniform depth for the shallow end, usually around 44½ inches below the reference point
Excavating the deep end, which can reach depths of up to 8 feet
Creating slopes and contours as per the pool design
Installing plumbing trenches for filtration and circulation systems
Throughout the excavation, contractors monitor soil conditions and make necessary adjustments, such as shoring up sides to prevent collapses or managing groundwater seepage. The excavated area is typically dug larger than the pool’s final dimensions to allow for working space and infrastructure installation.
Pool Finishing and Inspection
The final stages of pool construction involve meticulous interior finishing and crucial safety checks. Tile and coping installation is a critical step, with pool coping tiles needing to be at least 10mm thick for durability and typically overhanging by about 50mm1. The choice of coping material can significantly impact the pool’s aesthetics and functionality, with options like travertine, limestone, sandstone, and granite each offering unique benefits.
After interior finishes are applied, the pool undergoes a series of inspections and preparations before use:
A final municipal inspection checks for compliance with safety codes and building regulations.
The pool is filled with water, which can take 24-48 hours depending on size.
Water chemistry is balanced, a process that typically takes over a week and involves adjusting alkalinity, pH levels, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels.
A final safety inspection ensures all required features like alarms and fencing are in place.
Only after these steps are completed and an operating permit is issued can the pool be officially opened for use
Pool Material and Labor
The choice of pool material significantly impacts the overall cost of construction. Concrete pools offer unparalleled design flexibility and customization.
Labor costs constitute a significant portion of the total pool construction budget. These costs vary based on factors such as:
Pool type and complexity of design
Site preparation requirements
Local labor rates and cost of living
Additional features like landscaping
Plumbing and electrical work.
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Canadian Waters Construction is a premier design-build firm specializing in custom pool design and construction, transforming Loudoun County backyards into luxurious outdoor living spaces.
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