Buyers Guide

Welcome to the Pool Buyer’s Guide. Adding a pool can turn your backyard into a space for relaxation and fun, but with so many options, it’s hard to know where to begin.

This guide will walk you through key decisions—from choosing the right pool type and materials to budgeting and maintenance essentials. Whether you’re considering an inground, semi-inground, or custom design, we’ll help you find what fits best for your needs and budget.

Let’s get started.

  • Before you begin planning your dream pool, keep in mind that residential swimming pools may be regulated by the state, county, and city. So, depending on your location, there may be restrictions or laws put in place that you need to comply with.

    Talk to your local Agency or homeowner’s association (HOA) about any potential zoning requirements, building regulations, easements, fees, and official inspections before selecting a pool site.

    You must have a survey of your plot with the required setbacks. If you have a septic tank and repair area it must be shown on the survey.

  • The first major step to planning your pool site is to make sure you have enough space to build a pool, check your plot survey for bounders and impervious limits. If you’re in the clear you can start thinking about how you can use that area. While there are different types, shapes, and sizes of swimming pools to consider, it’s important that the size of your yard meets the requirements for your pool first and foremost.

    Carefully look over your property for the most ideal pool location. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind while deciding on your pool site:

    Work with the land, using retaining walls you can layer your living area.

    Place the pool where it’s easy to access and see from your house.

    Consider extra space for decks, patios, slides, and spas you may want to add.

    We recommend utilizing the sunniest location.

    Avoid having tree branches overhead if possible.

    Consider access to electric hook-up.

    Place the pool so the yard will drain away from the pool.

    If possible, place filter and skimmer at the downwind side of the pool. This will provide the most effective skimming action.

    Allow enough room to work, to bring in necessary equipment and material, and to keep disruption to the yard at a minimum. A 10’ opening into your yard is needed to accommodate the equipment and materials necessary for the installation.

    NEVER install a pool on fill dirt.

    NEVER build a pool under overhead power lines.

    NEVER locate pool over underground lines, septic tanks, leach lines, or drainage fields. Always check with proper authorities.

  • The Size of your pool will depend on the amount of space you are willing to allocate and how many people you anticipate will use your pool at any given time. The space you can build on and where it would fit best in your yard.

    Think about what you want to use your pool for, this will help you decide what it should look like.

  • When selecting materials for your pool should consider safety, durability, comfort, and appearance. You will need to choose materials for the pool deck, the coping, the interior of the pool, and the waterline. Keep in mind that the materials will be in contact with water that contains chlorine, acid, and salt.

  • How your pool functions will be decided by the equipment you choose with the help of our pool professionals. There are many features that can be incorporated into your design, and depending on the features your choices for an equipment change.

    For example, if you had water features that need water flowing through them, then you will also need a second smaller pump so that your filtration pump has enough pressure to move all your water.

Pool Construction Process

  • Design & Proposal

    Collaborate closely with our pool professionals to create a layout tailored to your backyard. We’ll consider every detail, including pool size, shape, and features, to suit your needs. Our team ensures the design adheres to all local codes, HOA regulations, and setback requirements for utilities. You’ll receive a comprehensive, personalized design proposal, including a 3D rendering if requested, so you can visualize your future oasis.

    3D rendering of a backyard design featuring a lagoon-shaped pool, surrounded by a patio with lounge chairs, a covered outdoor kitchen, seating area with a fire pit, and landscaping with trees and plants.

  • Permitting

    Once you approve the final design and budget, we’ll handle all necessary permits and submit detailed drawings and documents to local authorities. This process varies based on your location but generally includes submitting plans to verify compliance with safety and environmental standards.
    Tip: Permitting can take time. While waiting, use this period to explore options for landscaping, lighting, and any last changes you want to make to the pool design

    Survey map showing Lot No. 111 in River Village II, Sussex County, Delaware, with boundary details and notable features like a pool and building structures. It includes dimensions, compass directions, and surveyor information from Simpler Surveying & Associates, Inc.

  • Marking Your Pool

    After receiving permits, we’ll mark the pool layout on your property. This stage includes spray-painting the pool’s exact outline and placing stakes to ensure precision during excavation. We aim to build your pool efficiently, though unexpected delays from weather, inspections, or site changes are possible.

    Construction site ground with orange spray paint outlines

  • Excavation & Forms

    With the layout complete, we begin excavation, using heavy machinery to dig the pool area. We’ll establish a safe route for machinery to protect your landscaping. Our team will ensure that soil conditions are suitable for a concrete pool and will resolve any surprises, such as unexpected rock or debris.

    Foundation construction with pipes and gravel

  • Rebar & Stub-out

    We shape the pool with plywood forms, followed by placing rebar to reinforce the structure. Plumbing and electrical “stub-outs” are then set, ensuring key infrastructure is embedded and ready for final installations.

    Swimming pool construction with PVC plumbing pipes and dirt excavation

  • Shotcrete

    With the rebar and stub-out complete, it’s time to apply the gunite, which creates the concrete shell. This high-strength material is sprayed and needs 24 hours to set and about two weeks to cure fully. During the curing process, it’s essential to keep the gunite moist by watering it three times daily to enhance durability and prevent cracking.
    Tip: Make watering the gunite part of your daily routine during curing. Set reminders to ensure you stay consistent, as this helps create a resilient, long-lasting pool shell.

    Concrete pool construction with steps

  • Plumbing, Electrical & Equipment

    After the shell is cured, we install all plumbing and electrical systems, grounding and bonding the pool for safety. The salt chlorine generator and pool equipment are set up in their designated areas, and all underground work is finalized.

    Pool filter system with sand filter and pump on concrete slab outdoors

  • Tile & Coping

    Now your pool starts taking shape! Our skilled tile installers carefully place each tile and stone, selecting materials that complement your design and are resistant to salt corrosion. Coping is added around the pool’s edge, enhancing the aesthetic and providing a functional, slip-resistant surface.

    Close-up view of a stone wall with textured, irregular surfaces and natural colors.

  • Decking

    Now it’s time to bring your pool area to life with a custom deck! Decking creates a comfortable, attractive space around your pool, adding both style and functionality. We’ll install your chosen material—whether it’s concrete, pavers, or natural stone—each with its own process. For instance, natural stone decks require a sturdy concrete foundation, with stones carefully set into stabilized sand to prevent shifting. We aim for seamless transitions, ensuring durability and a visually appealing design that enhances your outdoor space.

    Patterned stone tile flooring with beige and gray tones.

  • Plaster

    The plaster is applied to the pool’s interior, providing a smooth finish. This may initially appear lighter or darker, but it will adjust as it dries and sets. After drying, we’ll power wash the plaster to ensure a spotless finish.

    Section of a swimming pool with a mosaic-tiled floor

  • Start Up

    It’s time to fill your pool and turn on the equipment! Our team will conduct a start-up process, ensuring everything runs smoothly. We’ll guide you through your new saltwater pool system, teaching you how to adjust salt levels, manage pH balance, and perform regular maintenance.
    Tip: Saltwater pools are gentler on skin and eyes, but they still need regular testing for pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Invest in a good-quality pool testing kit and plan to test water at least weekly.

    Stone wall with waterfall feature between two pools, surrounded by trees.

  • 30 Day Follow Up

    For the first 30 days, the pump should run continuously, and daily brushing of the pool walls is required to remove plaster dust. At the end of this period, we’ll return for a final inspection, provide additional maintenance training, and ensure everything is working optimally. Get familiar with regular maintenance schedules to keep your pool in top shape.