Proper installation of a fiberglass pool involves several steps, each requiring careful planning and execution to achieve results that both look great and withstand the test of time. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to installing a fiberglass pool, along with important considerations for each stage.
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When homeowners in Windsor and Essex County choose Poolscapes, we offer a turnkey service. We take care of everything on the list below and more so that homeowners have nothing more to do than sit back and enjoy their new luxury pool.
A step-by-step guide
STEP 1
POOL SELECTION
Choose the pool you want and ensure it is compliant.
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Size and Shape: Choose a pool that fits your space and meets your needs. From tanning ledges to built-in spas, fiberglass pools come in various shapes and sizes, so it's important to select one that works within the available area and fits your lifestyle as perfectly as possible.
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Permit Requirements: Check with your local government or HOA for any necessary permits or zoning regulations. Windsor and all adjacent towns and counties require detailed plans within the required zoning criteria to execute construction. While this might be confusing, top pool companies have the expertise required to take care of the entire permitting process.
STEP 2
SITE ASSESSMENT
Consider the nature of your site and ensure it is prepared for the project.
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Access: Ensure that your property can accommodate the delivery of the pool shell, which is typically delivered by crane. Make sure there is adequate access for the heavy machinery and equipment required to excavate the site.
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Soil Test: Depending on the soil type (clay, rock, sandy, etc.), a soil test might be necessary to determine the foundation that is required for your fiberglass pool.
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Locates: Site surveyors must ensure the location of the numerous potential underground hazards (natural gas, electricity, or other high-pressure pipes and lines) that could cause serious injuries prior to digging.
STEP 3
POOL FEATURES
Consider the desired features of your pool and the surrounding landscaping.
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Pool Features: Start to consider features such as pool lights, pool jets, heaters, pool coping, water features, and decking options.
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Landscaping Considerations: Plan for how the pool will fit into your overall landscaping design. You may want to add landscaping features like plants, retaining walls, or a pool deck around the pool. The pool is the picture, while the landscaping is like your frame.
STEP 4
EXCAVATION
Digging the hole for the pool may sound simple, but there are many key considerations.
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Marking the Pool Area: Mark the location of the pool using stakes and string, ensuring it’s centered and in the desired area. Verify that the pool's location doesn't interfere with utilities, trees, or other structures.
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Excavating the Hole: A backhoe or excavator is used to dig the hole for the pool. The size of the hole should allow for enough space to place the fiberglass pool shell and accommodate plumbing and backfill. Excavation needs to be accurate in terms of depth and width to ensure the pool shell fits correctly.
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Water Table Considerations: If you're in a high water table area, additional precautions may need to be taken to prevent the pool from floating due to groundwater pressure. Ample planning is required to ensure that water is diverted away from the pool both above and under the ground.
STEP 5
PREPARE FOR THE DROP
Before we crane the pool in, there are a few important things to do.
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Leveling the Hole: The bottom of the hole needs to be level to ensure the fiberglass pool shell sits evenly. Installation a tamped gravel base at the bottom of the hole to create a stable foundation for the pool shell. Concrete may be used for additional foundation stability.
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Plumbing and Electrical Preparation: Once the pool shell arrives, install the necessary plumbing lines for the pool’s filtration system, skimmers, returns, and main drain. A licensed electrician will need to install the electrical connections for pool lighting, pumps, heaters, and other electrical components.
STEP 6
THE CRANE DROP
Up and over! Placing the fiberglass pool is an experience you have to see to believe.
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Delivery and Placement: A crane is used to lift the fiberglass pool shell into the excavation site. The shell must be positioned carefully to ensure it is centered and aligned properly. Once in place, the pool is checked for levelness and adjusted as needed.
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Plan Backfilling: Once the pool shell is in place, we will start our plan to backfill the area around it with gravel. The backfill needs to be done carefully, with the goal of supporting the pool shell and preventing it from shifting. This can be achieved by using small amounts of material and compacting it in layers to avoid creating air pockets. Careful attention is paid to entry points, benches, tanning ledges, and built-in spa features to ensure they are properly supported.
STEP 7
GAS, HYDRO, PLUMBING
Enter the crew of licensed electrical, plumbing and gas technicians.
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Plumbing Connections: Attach the pool's plumbing lines to the filtration system, including the pump, filter, heater (if applicable), and any other features like water fountains or jets. Install the skimmer, return jets, and main drain, ensuring proper sealing and alignment.
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Electrical Wiring: The electrical connections for pool equipment (such as lights, pumps, and heaters) are made by a licensed electrician, who will ensure proper connections, including at the breaker panel, and proper grounding.
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Natural Gas: Ensure natural gas lines are trenched to the eventual site of the pool equipment and that all work meets all code regulation and safety standards. This work is completed by a licensed gas technician.
STEP 8
FILLING & BACKFILLING
A simultaneous filling of the pool and backfilling of the hole to ensure lasting stability.
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Initial Fill + Continued Backfilling: Begin filling the pool with water once the plumbing and electrical systems are connected. This is done gradually to ensure the pool shell remains in place during the fill. Careful backfilling proceeds, with constant monitoring of the pool’s alignment as it fills, making slight adjustments if necessary.
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Testing the Equipment: After the pool is filled, test the pump, filtration system, and electrical systems to ensure everything operates as expected.
STEP 9
FINISHING TOUCHES
A simultaneous filling of the pool and backfilling of the hole to ensure lasting stability.
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Decking and Coping: Install coping around the edges of the pool. This is typically made of stone, concrete, or tile and provides a finished look. Install decking around the pool (whether it’s concrete, pavers, or another material) to create a walkway and lounging area.
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Landscaping: Add landscaping elements around the pool, such as shrubs, plants, trees, and hardscaping features like retaining walls, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens.
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Permit Compliance: It is often necessary to install or upgrade existing entries and fencing to ensure your new pool is fully compliant with your permit. Install or upgrade existing fencing, self-closing systems on doors, and other considerations around the pool area for safety, particularly if you have young children.
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Grading and Lawn Refresh: A final grade of land disturbed during the pool installation process, along with hydroseed or sod to ensure your all of your yard is back to normal as quickly as possible.
STEP 10
FINAL INSPECTION
Apply for permit finalization and meet with the contractor to ensure full satisfaction.
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Permit Inspections: Your local authority may require inspections of the pool’s electrical and plumbing systems before final approval. Most permits also require a final inspection to ensure the project was completed as drawn up in the original permit. It is important to ensure that the entire completed project complies with safety codes and that your pool meets local regulations.
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Contractor Follow-up: The end of your project provides a great opportunity for a detailed follow-up with your contractor to ensure the job was completed to the homeowner's full satisfaction.