To better understand the process of remodeling your pool once you’ve chosen our contractor and have a appropriate written agreement in place, here is the sequence of events that you would expect in order. you can also visit our Process page to view step by step images from actual projects.
Drainage. The pool water should go into sewer trap on your property. Your sewer trap is identified by a 4″ black pipe on the side of your house, or sometimes it’s in the garage. The pool water can go to natural drainage as long as no chemical residual is present in the water. Avoid putting chemicals in the pool water several weeks before draining. If the water is sent to an outdoor environment erosion can be a concern.
I suggest a walk through with your contractor prior to draining the pool to observe the equipment while it’s running, to make sure the pumps, pool lights and such are operational before any significant work is started.
During the pool remodel if the filter is not being replaced, I suggest having your pool serviceman breakdown your filter and clean it for a good fresh start
Demolition. This is where we remove all the plaster, tile, coping or decks that are being replaced. These processes usually take one or two days. Expect a lot of noise. Although we do clean up after ourselves, expect some dust. It would be advisable to move outdoor furniture, potted plants or other valuables to protect from the dust.
Important note, the removal of your decks usually produces a surprise or two.
Pool pluming and electrical lines run under the concrete and are sometimes compromised. Count on having your pool plumbing automatically be pressure tested after deck removal to check for leaks. Skimmer assemblies may need replaced.
If the decks are being removed updating your plumbing can be considered. Old copper plumbing should be replaced with PVC, designated pool sweep lines, auto-fill systems can also be installed.
Structural alterations. Baja shelves, shallow the depths, spa additions and step configurations, are next.
Coping installation. This is the edging of your pool. Coping comes in different forms. If the decks are not being removed the challenge will be to use a new coping the fits right back in the footprint of the old coping – same width and thickness – so that the new coping goes in flush with the existing decks.
Our popular offerings are Architectural Precast Concrete, Travertine or Quartz Stone Bullnose coping , or Random Natural Quartz Stone and Paver and Bullnosed Brick. See coping samples in our gallery.
Along with the Coping the waterline and decorative tile can be installed. Step and Bench tile trim delineating the steps is always an attractive option.
Decking. Once the coping and underground plumbing are in place the decks can be installed. Traditionally concrete have always been used. Today it’s the paver systems that are more popular. Pavers are individual thick stones interlocked together. This system eliminates the concerns of cracking, major shifting and settling that you can experience with concrete.
Mastic is the caulking that goes in between the coping and the decks. This seals away moisture and allows for movement between the two
Equipment. Next come the equipment upgrades, new filters, pumps, heaters, controller systems and lights.
Pool interiors. Traditional plaster, quartz and Pebble surfaces in wide variety of colors are available. Visit our gallery of pool interiors or review specific finishes on the Gemstone Pools site
Filling your pool. This typically takes 24 hours and should not be turned off until its full to avoid a “bath tub ring”. This is typically done by the homeowner.
Start-up of the equipment and initial water treatments. This process is of utmost importance for the best look and performance of your new finish. We include it as part of our deal because this step is best executed by a trained expert.
Kirk Chapman, President
Poolscape Unlimited Inc.
