An Educational Guide for Future Pool Owners
Building a pool is an exciting investment in your home and lifestyle – but if it’s your first time, the process can feel overwhelming. At Republic Pools & Spas, we pride ourselves on guiding homeowners through every step, ensuring a smooth experience and a pool that is built right the first time.
Here’s what you can expect during the pool construction process.
1. Initial Consultation and Design
Every successful pool project starts with a conversation. During your initial consultation, our team will discuss your vision, investment goals, and site conditions. Do you want a relaxing oasis, a lap pool, or a space designed for entertaining?
We’ll evaluate your backyard layout, sun exposure, as well as any existing structures and utilities, to design a pool that fits both your lifestyle and your property.
Once the design concept is agreed upon, we provide a detailed estimate and breakdown. This is the stage where you can fine-tune every individual feature, from the pool layout and lighting, to decking and additional elements, as well as equipment options and upgrades. Clear communication here ensures there are no surprises later.
2. Permitting and Site Preparation
After the design is finalized and a contract has been executed, we handle the permitting process. Pool construction requires approvals to ensure safety, code compliance, and proper utility placement. With extensive experience across Victoria, Texas, and surrounding areas, our team navigates this process efficiently on your behalf.
Once permits are secured, site preparation begins. This includes clearing the area, marking boundaries, and preparing proper drainage. Excavation is planned carefully to protect your home, landscaping, and surrounding structures.
3. Excavation and Structural Installation
Now your pool truly begins to take shape. Prior to digging, our crews will create forms to mark the boundaries and elevation of what is called the “dig” line, then, using heavy machinery and precision equipment, they carve out the body of the pool.
Within a few days, rebar is brought in and woven in a “basket” formation to create the pool’s skeleton. Everything from the walls and floors to steps and benches, even raised water features and spillways, is created from this interwoven network.
4. Plumbing, Electrical, and Equipment Installation
Once the structure is in place, trenches are excavated, routing from the equipment site and utility locations to the pool itself. Plumbing and conduit are mindfully placed around and in the pool, allowing for the individual transfer of water and electricity needed to run your equipment later on.
During this time, your equipment set is also installed. This is essential, as it allows the pressurization of the plumbing lines, ensuring there are no leaks or weak joints before burying the lines and applying gunite.
- Gunite Application
Your pool shell is perhaps one of the more important aspects of the construction process, with gunite being widely regarded as the most durable type of inground pool. Created from a mixture of concrete, sand, and water, a slurry is pneumatically applied through a high-pressure hose onto the rebar framework, where crews then skillfully smooth and hand-carve every detail of the pool.
Once applied, the gunite shell must cure properly to reach its full strength. This process typically includes keeping the surface moist for several days, which helps prevent cracking and ensures long-term durability.
6. Tile, Coping, and Custom Features
This stage brings personality and visual detail to your pool. Our team has curated a selection of hundreds of high-quality, unique materials that are sure to suit your taste. Working closely with your designer, you’ll choose everything from stone coping and stacked ledgers, waterline and toe tiles, surface finishes, and more.
Additional features – such as fire pits, columns, planters, fountains, or natural rock features – are often completed during this phase, creating a cohesive and polished backyard environment that’s truly unique.
6. Decking Options and Installation
Similar to the beginning of construction, forms and rebar are laid prior to pouring concrete, followed by installation of drainage to ensure water run-off is diverted away from the pool and any surrounding structures.
Once the concrete has been poured, your chosen finish is applied. Spray deck coating is our standard application – offering a clean finish, slip resistance, and durability in South Texas conditions. Homeowners may also choose upgrades such as stone overlays or incorporate turf elements for a more customized look.
Decking plays a major role in accessibility, safety, and overall design, so we help guide material and layout decisions to ensure everything works together seamlessly.
7. Plaster Application and Water Color Considerations
Plaster is one of the final construction steps and has a major impact on both the appearance and longevity of your pool.
The plaster color you choose directly affects water color, depth perception, and visibility. Lighter plasters tend to create a brighter, classic look, while deeper tones can enhance water color and reduce glare, for a more organic appearance.
Republic Pools installs Stonescapes Pebble Plaster, known for its durability, color variety, and long-term performance when properly maintained.
8. Filling, Balancing, and Safety Inspections
Immediately after plaster is complete, the pool is filled with water and chemically balanced, followed by the set-up and programming of the equipment. This allows for immediate circulation and control of your pool’s components, ensuring proper curing and full functionality. Safety inspections may also be conducted to confirm compliance with local regulations and codes.
You’ll receive a walkthrough covering equipment operation, basic water chemistry, and important dos and don’ts during the initial startup phase.
9. Ongoing Support and Professional Pool Care
Our job doesn’t end when construction is complete. Proper care – especially during the first 30 days after plaster – is critical to protecting your investment.
That’s why Pool Service Pros, our sister company, handles professional pool service during the initial curing period. Their team ensures water chemistry is properly maintained while the plaster cures, which is essential for meeting warranty requirements and the overall longevity of the finish.
After the initial service period, Pool Service Pros can continue ongoing maintenance if desired, providing consistent care from a team that already knows your pool inside and out.
Final Thoughts
Building a pool is a journey, and understanding each phase helps make the process smoother and more enjoyable. From design and construction to startup and long-term care, Republic Pools & Spas is committed to craftsmanship, transparency, and doing it right the first time.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward your backyard goals, contact our team today. We’re here to guide you through every stage of the pool construction process.
