As spring draws closer, it is natural to begin thinking about warm-weather activities. Some families focus their attention on a summer vacation trip, but a better use of your time could be planning a vacation right in your landscape that will last all summer long. Adding a swimming pool to your Long Island, NY, backyard can be just the thing to bring your family and friends outside more often on those sunny weekends and weeks of vacation time. If you are considering adding a swimming pool for summer enjoyment, here are some tips from a gunite pool builder for what to expect during construction.
What Is a Gunite Pool?
A traditional pool is made of poured concrete with a liner to cover the base while a gunite pool is formed from a rebar grid that is sprayed with a mixture of gunite (cement and sand). A gunite pool is built to last.
Part 1: Pool Design
The gunite pool builder will look carefully at your yard before moving forward with a design and will be particularly concerned with how it slopes and drains. Another critical component is how much space is available for a pool. If you are unsure of what shape you want, find some pictures of pools that you love. Your contractor can also share pictures of pool designs that would fit in your landscape, plus you can see other pools that the company built.
Related: THE TOP POOL TRENDS FOR 2019 FROM A GUNITE POOL BUILDER
Part 2: Excavation
As the pool builder digs out the area for your pool, you may have to part with some trees and adjust any fencing that surrounds your property. Establishing the general shape of the pool may take up only a day or so, depending on the weather and the amount of dirt to be removed.
Part 3: Rebar, Plumbing, and Electrical
Your excavated hole will be reinforced with rebar to set the shape and structural support of the pool. After that, plumbers will come in to run the plumbing and electricians will run the wiring for the pool lighting and the mechanical components.
Related: LET A GUNITE POOL BUILDER TURN YOUR BACKYARD INTO A TROPICAL PARADISE IN WESTHAMPTON, NY
Part 4: Gunite Application
This exciting phase when the gunite is applied is when your hole begins to look like a pool. The gunite material is sprayed from a special gun and finished with trowels to smooth and sculpt the surface. It takes several weeks for the gunite to cure, after which the plaster finish will be applied.
Part 5: Pool Tile, Coping, and Decking
When the pool tile that you have chosen is installed with the coping to finish the edges of the pool, that’s when you will begin to feel the excitement that having a backyard pool will bring every day. The pool decking is usually poured during this phase, providing you with space for chairs, tables, and umbrellas when you’re not swimming.
Part 6: Plastering
The electricians will return to finish the wiring and connection of the pump, electrical box, and all other electrical components. Then, the plasterers come in and apply the plaster, which is the final smooth covering of the gunite pool shell. Then it’ll finally be time to fill your brand-new pool with water!
The important things to remember about the installation of your gunite pool are: Be clear on what you want your pool to look like, understand that it takes anywhere from 6-10 weeks to complete, and know that when you pair up with a quality gunite pool builder, you will be able to rely on your new pool to last.