Our Process
With every new customer, we begin with a free on-site consultation. During this visit, we walk the property with you, assessing key factors that will impact your pool build. These include entry access and available space, backyard size, marked setbacks on your survey, and any potential obstacles—such as existing concrete patios, trees, or other hardscapes—that may need to be removed.
Once we’ve reviewed these details and discussed your vision for your dream pool, we take approximately 2–3 days (depending on the complexity of the design) to create a complimentary 3D rendering of your prospective pool. If requested, we can also provide multiple quote options for you to explore.
Next, we schedule a follow-up visit to review the design, pricing, and cost breakdown with complete transparency. This process is all about you—there’s no rush. Investing in a pool is a significant decision, and it’s completely normal to explore design revisions or financial adjustments to fit your budget. Our goal is to ensure you feel 100% confident before moving forward with your project.
Before we can begin building your beautiful pool, we first need approval from the local building department. The timeline for approval varies by municipality and typically takes 4–6 weeks, though more complex projects may take longer. This phase is often the most challenging part of the pool-building process because much of the work happens behind the scenes, making it feel like progress has stalled—but rest assured, we’re actively moving things forward.
Once the contract is signed, it goes to our expert design and engineering team, who meticulously review all customer-approved drawings and specifications to ensure accuracy and permit readiness. Your finalized drawings are then stamped for approval by our engineering department before being submitted to our private provider for pre-permitting approval. Once cleared, the plans are sent to the municipality for final permit approval, bringing us one step closer to bringing your dream pool to life.
Pool Excavation & Structural Preparation
Before excavation begins, the pool layout must be precisely marked according to the approved plan specifications. Wooden forms will be installed to serve as guides for the concrete application, carefully set at a specific elevation to ensure proper drainage.
Depending on your location and the underground water table, we may also install well points to keep the ground dry. These well points consist of approximately 6–8 PVC pipes strategically placed around the pool area, leading deep into the ground. They are interconnected and directed toward a dewatering pump, which efficiently removes excess groundwater from the worksite, ensuring optimal conditions for construction.
Once excavation begins, any excess dirt will be hauled off-site unless needed for leveling or grading. As soon as the pool dig is complete, our crews will move quickly to install internal rebar and pre-plumbing in preparation for inspection.
Steel Reinforcement & Concrete Application
Our steel team will carefully lay a network of heavy-duty reinforcing rods throughout the entire pool structure, with the exception of steps and benches, which are typically made of solid concrete. This steel framework provides exceptional strength and durability for your pool shell.
Next, high-pressure concrete is sprayed onto the steel cage, forming a seamless, ultra-strong monolithic structure. To ensure maximum durability, the concrete must cure properly. Because it dries from the inside out, keeping the surface moist is essential for a strong and lasting finish.
For at least 24 hours, it’s crucial that no one walks on the fresh concrete. If water accumulates at the bottom of the pool during this phase, there’s no need to worry—it does not affect the concrete structure, and it will be pumped out before plastering.
Coping & Tile
With the concrete now set, we move on to the next stage: tile and coping installation. Our tile and coping specialists will first prepare your pool and spa to ensure a level and seamless application.
Coping will be installed along the outer perimeter of your pool in the material of your choice, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. If your pool design includes custom masonry or rockwork—such as waterfalls or other exterior water features—this work is typically completed during or around this phase.
At this time, ceramic or glass tiles will also be installed along the waterline of your pool and spa, as well as on any additional features requiring tile work.
Plumbing & Circulation System Installation
The plumbing crew plays a crucial role in building your pool’s circulation system, ensuring efficient water flow and filtration. They will create a two-way "travel route" that connects the main drains at the bottom of your pool and the skimmer to the equipment pad.
Depending on your pool’s design and features, additional plumbing lines will be installed for elements such as spas, waterfalls, and specialized cleaning or circulation systems. Once the plumbing network is in place, the crew will install essential equipment, including filtration systems, water purification units, and heaters (if applicable).
To ensure everything is watertight and functioning properly, the system is then subjected to a rigorous pressure test, verifying there are no leaks before moving forward with the next phase of construction.
Electrical Installation
Every pool requires power to operate essential equipment, including pumps, lighting, heaters, and control systems. Our electricians may need access to an outdoor electrical outlet or, in some cases, an indoor power source to complete the installation.
If your pool includes a heat pump, the electrical system will be configured to support its operation.
If your pool is equipped with a gas heater, once the unit is set and plumbed, the homeowner is responsible for arranging the gas line installation. This must be done through your gas provider and connected to the heater by a licensed gas contractor.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: DO NOT TURN ON ANY INSTALLED EQUIPMENT⚠️
Wait for the start-up specialist to activate and properly calibrate your system.
Important Notice for Homeowners with Gas Heaters
Before running your gas heater, contact your local gas company to have your existing gas meter checked. A gas company official will determine whether your meter is sufficient or needs to be upgraded. This service is typically provided at no charge.
Decking Installation & Important Considerations
On the day your deck installation begins, we kindly ask that you avoid walking on the deck until it is fully completed. Once finished, our subcontractors will remove the form boards and neatly stack any remaining debris for removal during the final grading process. Please note that paver decks typically take about three months to fully settle.
Understanding Concrete Cracking & Settling
If you choose concrete for decking, please be aware that we cannot guarantee against cracking, chipping, settling, or discoloration. Hairline cracks (less than the width of a quarter) are normal and commonly appear within the first year. Attempting to fill them often makes them more noticeable, so they are best left alone.
Some decks may develop more cracks than others due to factors such as:
Soil conditions
Weather at the time of pouring
Proximity to existing structures (house, patio, etc.)
Variations in deck length (e.g., 3 feet in one section, 12 feet in another)
Since concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes, we install expansion joints to help manage movement. However, cracking can still occur despite these measures.
Water Drainage & Homeowner Responsibilities
While we strive to create a deck surface free of standing water, this is a hand-applied product. If water remains on the deck for three hours or less, it is considered within acceptable tolerance. To prevent drainage issues:
Keep all deck drains open at the end of your deck.
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure proper drainage beyond the pool deck area.
Creating a reservoir at the end of a deco drain is highly recommended to prevent water from backing up into the deck area.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Safety & Inspection Requirements
🚨 If safety features (such as fences and gates) are not included in your contract, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure all safety requirements are met.
Specific safety regulations vary by municipality, so it is crucial to contact your city’s Building and Safety Department to confirm local requirements. Many municipalities require alarms on all doors and windows leading directly to the pool area.
📌 This inspection occurs after decking is completed. Failing to meet municipality safety requirements may delay the plastering of your pool. To avoid delays, please inform the scheduler as soon as you are ready for your inspection.
Equipment Set
To ensure your equipment remains secure and stable, we pour a solid, steel-reinforced pad, preventing washout and uneven settling that can occur with standard foam equipment pads. Once the pad is set, we will begin connecting the previously installed plumbing to the equipment selected for your project.
Screen Enclosure
If you’ve chosen to install a screen enclosure, construction will begin after decking. Our Screen Experts will carefully assemble the structure according to your custom design, ensuring a seamless fit that enhances both functionality and aesthetics.
Part 1: Pre-Plaster
Our Scheduler will contact you to arrange a meeting with the Construction Superintendent to review the final phase of your pool’s construction. During this visit, we will: ✔️ Confirm your chosen plaster color ✔️ Ensure all necessary construction tasks are completed ✔️ Have our prep crew clean and properly prepare your pool for plaster application
Part 2: Plastering
This marks the final stage of construction. Our plastering team will meticulously coat every curve, contour, and corner of your pool with a smooth, durable finish, creating a waterproof and uniform surface.
🔹 IMPORTANT: WATER HOSE REQUIRED! 🔹
A water hose must be left out for the plaster crew. After the plaster is applied, they will immediately begin filling the pool.
DO NOT TURN OFF THE WATER until it reaches the middle of the tile line or the specified arrows on the skimmer.
Turning the water off too soon can cause staining that may be permanent and will void the plaster warranty.
If you're concerned about overflow, you may reduce the water flow but must not stop it completely.
Understanding Pool Plaster
Pool plaster is a hand-applied material, and as such, minor imperfections are normal. You may notice: ✔️ Subtle undulations and variations in material density ✔️ Slight texture differences and tone variations ✔️ Spider surface cracks or cosmetic irregularities
At night, pool lighting may accentuate these variations, making them more noticeable. However, these are not defects and will gradually blend over time with proper brushing and water chemistry maintenance.
Plaster Curing Process:
Plaster takes approximately 28 days to fully cure.
Twice-weekly chemical testing and water balancing are required during this period to maintain a stable and long-lasting finish.
Start-Up Process for Your Pool
The start-up process begins when an Innovative Pools and Spa Start-up specialist arrives to activate your pool system. This includes:
Starting the pump
Checking pipes, the filter, and the lighting system
Inspecting any spa and/or heating equipment
Ensuring purification systems and all other equipment are functioning properly
Important: The pool start-up cannot take place until the water level has reached the middle of the tile line or is above the return inlets. Additionally, no automatic pool cleaner will be placed in the pool for several days to allow the plaster to cure properly.
🚨 DO NOT ENTER OR BRUSH THE POOL UNTIL IT IS FULL AND OPERATING. 🚨
Brushing the Plaster
As the plaster cures, bonding material rises to the surface and must be brushed away twice a day to prevent it from hardening. If left unbrushed, it can obscure your chosen finish and lead to staining.
✔️ Brush the plaster up to two times per day to keep dust from settling. ✔️ Our team will provide a pole and brush for you to use. ✔️ Use the brush just like sweeping a floor, ensuring all walls and the pool floor are cleaned regularly.
By following these steps, you’ll help maintain the beauty and durability of your new pool’s finish!
Pool School Orientation
In the days following Start Up, our office will contact you to schedule a Basic Pool School session. This is an orientation designed to teach you the fundamentals of operating and maintaining your pool.
During this session, you will receive:
A basic start-up kit included with your pool
Your automatic pool cleaner (if purchased)
To ensure a smooth learning experience, we strongly recommend that all family members responsible for pool care attend. The orientation typically lasts about an hour but may take longer depending on the number of features in your pool.
Please Note: Once Pool School is complete and the Instruction and Punch-List Form has been signed, maintaining water chemistry and overall pool maintenance becomes the owner’s responsibility.
Water Chemistry & Maintenance Responsibilities
Innovative Pools and Spa is a construction company and does not specialize in ongoing pool maintenance.
We will provide you with a basic set of chemicals to get started, but balancing water chemistry is the owner’s responsibility.
You will receive informational maintenance sheets with your warranty package, which outline proper water chemistry guidelines.
Warranty claims caused by improper water chemistry will incur service fees.
For any questions or concerns, call us at 📞(727) 423-8129.
