Construction Process
A Step By Step Guide

You have already taken step one in the American Pool Design process. While searching for local pool builders in your area, you have come across a unique pool company;  a company with your needs and desires in mind.  The following steps will help you understand our process every step of the way.

Design Procedure

Unlike other pool builders, APD  has a two stage pool design process.  This is to ensure a quality design in which all of your needs are addressed.   Our goal is to create a pool design the reflects your personal tastes, your needs,  your dreams, and integrates the layout of your backyard.  With American Pool Design you are not restricted to "cookie cutter" pools, and you will truly receive a "customized" design.

Step #1

Our first meeting will take place in your home and we will discuss items such as your daily schedule, your family make up, and your expectations from your pool builder.  We want to find out what YOU want.  Since you are not a pool builder, it is likely that you have many questions for us.  We will do our very best to answer all of the questions and concerns you may have about building a swimming pool.  We hope that you will make an informed decision about your pool location, design, quality, filtration, outward beauty, and water features.  It is important at this time to establish a budget for your pool project.  Also, during this first meeting, we will spend time in your backyard doing measurements and addressing any concerns that either you the homeowner or our APD professional may see.

At the end of the first meeting, your pool designer will set up a second appointment that is convenient for you.  Between appointments, your APD pool designer will spend as much time as necessary designing your pool and addressing all of the items discussed at the first appointment.

Step #2

American Pool Design will unveil a fully customized pool design which matches your wishes, needs, and your financial situation.  The design will be presented to you using a computer software package that allows you to see your pool in 3D.  We will take a walking tour of your backyard and view your pool from the rooftops. This step is a very enjoyable time because you will start to realize some of the dreams  you had for your loved ones.

This two step process is designed to maximize our customer service.  The process allows us to ensure your backyard is everything you want it to be.  We know most pool builders do not use this process, but they are trying to sell you a product and we are trying to fulfill your dreams.

 

Permitting

Using the technology of our computer program, we are able to easily convert your pool design into the necessary drawings needed for the permit process.  These drawings will be completed in a few short days.  Once these drawings are finished we will hand deliver them to the necessary county and/or city buildings.  Once submitted we will keep you informed on there status.  Some jurisdictions take only a day or two while others take a couple weeks.  During this time, we will also provide you with the necessary documents for your HOA approval where needed.

Pre site

Once the permit is secured, your pre site will be scheduled.  We hope to do this within a week of getting a permit.  We encourage you to be present for this step so that we can answer any lingering questions. APD will paint your pool on the ground in your backyard.  You will finally get to "see" your new pool.  American Pool Design would like to warn you that at this time the pool will look "small".  Without the depth of the actual pool many customers feel there pool is smaller than first thought.  This will soon pass during the next step.

Excavation.

This is an extremely exciting day for everyone.  All of the time, energy, and anticipation will now begin to show some results.  This is usually a one day job but can run over from time to time.  While we hope all jobs go smoothly soil conditions can cause problems on occasion.  These items will be discussed during the design process and on the day of excavation.

STEEL

With pools ranging from 10,000 gallons to 50,000 gallons the water itself can weigh 250 tons.  That is the exact reason American Pool Design uses a steel design that exceeds many local codes.  This is to ensure the structural integrity of the pool shell.

Plumbing

Using Sch 40 PVC, APD will run all plumbing lines from the pool equipment to the swimming pool.  Our plumbers will run lines to the skimmer basket(s), returns, main drains, water features and any other items that are needed.  This is usually a one to two day process.

Gunite

Shotcrete (Wet-Process Gunite) is a process in which concrete is shot at a high velocity to form the pool walls.  In both hot and cold climates, it  is widely regarded as the superior process of applying concrete to swimming pools.  When this process is finished, you and your family will be able to see the pool's true form.

Electrical

Using a licensed electrician, American Pool Design will wire your entire pool adhering to federal codes (NEC 68O).  During this process, our electrician will need access to your sub-panel which means a homeowner must be home.  We will do our best to schedule this with you without causing any inconvenience.

Tile & Coping

This step will add beauty to your pool.  By adding a row of tile around the waterline of the pool and by adding brick or stone to the top of the gunite shell, you will finally get a pop of color.  You can almost feel the water in the pool at this point but calm down we have a few steps left.

Decking

Whether you chose broom finished concrete, pavers, or Kool Deck, American Pool Design will make sure we place your pool deck in the areas you desire.  Most of this will be taken care of during the design stage but if you want to make any changes we will do our best to accommodate your needs.  Decking around a pool can vary in both size and cost.  Your APD professional will help you decide which best fits your need.

 

Interior Pool Finish

Once your fence is installed we are clear for your interior finish to be applied.  This is the day everyone has been looking for because the water trucks are on the way.  Today the pool will be filled with water, which can be arranged through American Pool Design.  While there are numerous interior pool finished, all need some TLC after the application.  For about two weeks, the interior of the pool needs to be brushed down by you the homeowner.

Start Up Instructions

Since you and your pool are just getting to know each other we will arrange for either an APD professional or a local pool service to come out and give you basic instructions on your equipment.  You are free to ask as many questions as you would like and we will do our best to make you feel comfortable maintaining your pool.

 

 
Phone (843)236-1584