From your first design meeting to your first cannonball, here’s what to expect as we bring your dream pool to life.
Step 1: Design & Proposal
Every great pool begins with a great vision. You’ll start with one of our designers to explore layouts, features, and finishes that fit your property and lifestyle.
We’ll take precise measurements, evaluate your yard’s elevations and access, and tailor a design that’s both beautiful and buildable. Within a few days, you’ll receive a detailed 3D design and proposal that lays out exactly what’s included. No surprises, just clarity.
Step 2: Engineering & Permitting
Once you approve the design, our in-house team handles all the behind-the-scenes work including structural engineering, permit applications, and utility locates.
We coordinate directly with your city or county to ensure your project is fully compliant and ready for a smooth start. You’ll see a permit box appear in your yard soon after, signaling your project is officially in motion.
Step 3: Layout & Excavation
This is where your design starts to take shape, literally. Our team marks out your pool’s footprint, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your approved plan.
Then comes excavation as we carefully dig your pool to the engineered depth and contour. By the end of this stage, your backyard will look completely transformed.
Step 4: Structural Steel
Next, we install the steel reinforcement that gives your pool its strength and structure. This grid of rebar forms the skeleton of your pool and is built exactly to engineered specifications, ensuring it’s as durable as it is beautiful.
Step 5: Plumbing & Equipment Prep
We install all plumbing lines and fittings for circulation, filtration, and features like spas or water bowls. Every line is pressure-tested for leaks and oversized to maximize flow and efficiency.
We’ll also rough in the pad area for your Jandy equipment set, the heart of your new pool.
Step 6: Gunite Shell
Now the magic happens. Gunite, a high-strength concrete mixture, is pneumatically applied over the steel framework to create your pool’s solid shell.
Once cured, it’s virtually indestructible and built to last a lifetime.
Step 7: Tile & Coping
The finishing details begin with your chosen tile and coping. Whether you prefer a classic porcelain waterline tile or hand-cut glass mosaics, this is where personality shines through.
Your coping, the stone or paver edge surrounding the pool, ties the structure to your future deck for a seamless, polished look.
Step 8: Electric
Our licensed electricians connect and wire all necessary components, including automation, lighting, and equipment power.
At this stage, your pool is officially connected and the systems are ready to run once water and startup begin.
Step 9: Decking
Your decking ties the entire space together. It’s the stage for lounging, grilling, and entertaining. Whether you’ve selected travertine, marble, shellstone, or pavers, this step completes the look of your outdoor living area.
Step 10: Clean-Up & Prep for Finish
We’ll clean the site thoroughly and remove all construction materials so your property is neat and ready for its final transformation.
Think of it as a deep breath before the final splash.
Step 11: Interior Finish & Fill
The interior finish, whether standard marcite or a premium Diamond Brite or PebbleTec, gives your pool its final color and texture.
Once applied, we fill the pool immediately to protect the surface and begin the startup process. In just a day or two, your waterline will rise and your pool will come to life.
Step 12: Start-Up & Orientation
Our technicians balance your water chemistry, fire up the equipment, and ensure everything is performing perfectly. We’ll also provide a full walkthrough of your system, showing you how to operate features, lighting, and automation with ease.
Step 13: Enjoy Your New Pool
With your project complete and your water shimmering, it’s officially swim time.
Whether you’re hosting friends, floating under the stars, or simply enjoying the peace of your backyard retreat, you’ve made it. Welcome to the Southern Pool Designs family.