The Nine Stages of Construction

California Pools averages just under six to eight weeks of actual construction time for our pools. Communication is important throughout each of the nine stages of construction. Here’s a step-by-step overview of our process.

  1. Layout. We paint an outline of your pool on the ground before any work begins. This gives you an opportunity to approve the shape and position before we excavate. Excavators use the layout as a guide when they dig.
  2. Excavation. Our excavation specifications include vertically excavated walls and flat floors, which create a safer, more enjoyable and spacious swimming pool than the industry norm.
  3. Plumbing and Equipment. Our plumbers follow a detailed plan for the location of every feature, pool return and drain. You will notice that pipes are protruding out from the pool dig. These will be cut off near the end of construction and will finish flush to the final pool wall.
  4. Steel Rebar. Steel rebar is installed in a grid pattern to reinforce the strength of the concrete shell. The vast majority of Arizona pool companies use standardized steel specifications driven with the belief that the least expensive is the best. But our steel specifications are developed and engineered for your pool, in your particular soil, with the unique load and stress of your pool design.
  5. Electrical. Standard features include LED color pool lights with remote-control abilities. A timer and control panel will be placed with the equipment for daily pool system control. Optional lighting and spa control systems are also available.
  6. Shotcrete (premixed concrete). In this phase, steps and benches are formed, spas take shape, and the pool begins to look like a pool. To add compaction strength to the concrete shell, our special mix of shotcrete tests to 4,000 psi, while industry standards are as low as 3,000 psi. The shell is a minimum thickness of six inches thick, and in coves and all stress areas, it’s a minimum of eight inches thick. Our lifetime pool shell warranty includes replacing chemicals, restarting equipment and completing repair of any interior or incidental damage should the shell ever develop a crack that leaks water.
  7. Masonry and Rock. Step back and watch our rock installers and masons add beauty to your pool. You’ll see they are really closer to artists than construction workers. During this phase, we install boulders, waterfalls and anything that must be done prior to the deck. It’s also a good time to complete any masonry such as barbecues, fire pits, pillars and equipment walls.
  8. Decking. Kool decks, stone decks, acrylic decks, colored concrete and pavers — we do it all. A deck must be built for durability, heat resistance and chip resistance. And both construction issues and artistry are taken into consideration to create a beautiful surface around your pool.
  9. Interior Surfaces. Tile surfaces, pebble surfaces, stone surfaces, plaster and an array of colors and textures allow a pool to be customized. Our project manager will discuss the features, benefits and costs of each. Whatever your choice, we promise quality workmanship.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more details about the building process.