pool construction Archives - Creekstone Outdoors

01 Nov

When is the Best Time to Build a Pool? It Depends

It’s finally time to upgrade your backyard with a new swimming pool! Once you know the design and type you’d prefer, the next question is when to build this pool. Eager homeowners may be tempted to get their pool installed as soon as possible so they can start enjoying it sooner. However, there may be very good reasons to delay construction.

When’s the best time to build a pool? There’s no definite answer to this question. Some contractors offer different prices at different times of the year, meaning that waiting for an off-season may save you some money. On the other hand, you may have other work in progress that could hinder swimming pool construction. Consider these variables before you schedule dig day.

Ready to install that new pool? When? Here’s what you need to consider before you make your decision! Click To Tweet

Seasonal Pricing

Especially in Houston, summer is considered the peak month for swimming pool shopping and usage. However, the weather may have other consequences. With an increase in demand, you can expect pool prices to increase during the busy season. Additionally, waiting till summer to schedule your pool installation could mean you’re competing against hundreds of other homeowners who also wanted a summer pool. Not only does this mean you’ll end up waiting longer, but you also run the risk of busy contractors being distracted and not spending as much time on your pool as you’d prefer. Talk to your pool builder about off-season construction for a less hectic option.

Additional Renovations

What’s next on your backyard plan after a swimming pool? If you’re planning to add multiple other large features, like an outdoor kitchen or pergola, you’ll need to consult your pool contractor about the order of events. All the underground pipes and wires needed for an outdoor kitchen could clash with your pool’s drainage system, for instance. To keep your project simpler and less likely to cause problems, you may want to opt to install your additional features first and wait on the pool.

Pro Tip: Your contractor can probably have an outdoor kitchen and swimming pool project running simultaneously in your backyard. See if they can help you speed up the process a little more.

Wait Time

As mentioned earlier, summer is generally considered a peak swimming pool season. Consequently, pool contractors will be busy with hundreds of clients and you may find yourself waiting a long time for construction to finish. Worse, you may not be able to get your project scheduled in the summer at all. Why not start earlier? If you hire a contractor in the off-season of fall or even winter, when Houston temperatures are milder, you can rest assured your pool will be in proper working order long before summer comes.

Planning Your New Pool

Building a swimming pool is a major project for any homeowner. Since this is ultimately an addition to your house that you and your family will use for the foreseeable future, make sure the installation timing and plan work for you. Get your dream pool during the best time of year for construction!

Join the conversation and stay up-to-date with the latest pool tips, tricks, and trends.

24 May

The Stages of New Pool Construction

If you’re interested in a new swimming pool but don’t know where to start, you might want to first get an overview of the entire project. Although it would be convenient, your pool won’t be done in one day. Let’s look at what you can expect from each stage of the construction work.

Planning a new swimming pool? Feeling a little lost? Here’s what to expect from your pool construction project. Click To Tweet

The Construction Process

Each step in the construction process can last anywhere from one day to a few weeks, depending on multiple factors not always in your control. But each stage is crucial to giving you a long-lasting, stylish new pool. The project will generally consist of these basic stages:

Design
Excavation
Plumbing and reinforcements
Concrete and tile
Electricity and tests
Finishing surface
Final touches

1) Design

Construction can’t begin without a pool design! You’ll start by going over your ideas and any questions with a pool design professional to discuss any special features or other preferences you may have. Once your design is complete, you’ll have a good idea of how the finished product will look!

Pro Tip: Once you have your pool design complete, try not to make changes at the last second or during construction. This will only extend your anticipated pool completion date.

2) Excavation

Time to start digging! At this point, the pool builders will bring heavy machinery into your backyard and excavate the space for your future pool. Generally, you can expect this process to take at least a full day. If the weather causes problems, the crew hits bedrock, or your pool is simply bigger than usual, excavation could take longer depending on how quickly the problem is resolved.

3) Plumbing and Reinforcements

Your pool will, of course, need pipes to pump the water and a structural steel skeleton to support the structure. Once the excavation is complete, plumbers will install the necessary machinery in preparation for the next step.

4) Concrete and Tile

Your pool shell–the “bowl” of the pool that contains the water and withstands pressure from surrounding earth–will be made of concrete, gunite, or a similar material. The construction crew will pour the concrete over the metal skeleton, and then line the shell with capstones and lining to aid with future draining. Your pool will start to look finished at this point, but don’t get too excited yet! You’re just halfway done.

5) Electricity and Tests

Now that your pool has a definite shape and structure, it’s time to put in the electrical components. At this point, you’ll see the pump motors and other key pieces installed. The construction crew will also test everything repeatedly and likely bring in a city inspector to complete the work.

6) Finishing Surface

Your pool may have a shell and all its equipment, but it’s not waterproof until the construction crew has coated the shell in plaster. This is the fastest stage, averaging three to five hours. Make sure to listen to any instructions the crew has about basic plaster maintenance.

7) Filling the Pool

Your pool is finally waterproof and ready to fill! The plaster will dry quickly and allow the builders to start filling your pool almost immediately after they’re done. Once the pool is filled to a safe level, it’s done–you’re ready to start swimming!

Be Ready for Things to Change

Even if you have a good idea of what the construction process will be like, unpredictable problems such as bad weather or delayed building materials can stall the project temporarily. Don’t worry, the crew wants to finish quickly too! You’ll still get a great pool even if you have to wait a few more days.

Ready to start the process for yourself? Connect with us to talk with a pool designer and see what we can build for you!

17 May

New Pool Construction: What to Ask Your Houston Pool Builder

Once you have an idea of what kind of pool you want, it’s time to look for a pool building company to make your dream a reality. But don’t just hire the first company that shows up on Google. As the future owner of a swimming pool, you owe it to yourself to know exactly what you’re getting into.

Make an informed decision about your swimming pool construction project. Here’s a few good questions to ask your pool builder before work starts. Click To Tweet

Swimming Pool Questions and Answers

Remember that the pool builder is working for you, and the final swimming pool will be a part of your home for the foreseeable future. Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you’re fully satisfied. Here are a few important questions to start with:

Can they accommodate all your requests?
Do they have a good reputation and good reviews?
What plumbing, electrical, etc. needs will the finished pool have?
What will the complete project cost?
What warranties or insurance are available?
What building materials will be used?
What maintenance will the completed pool require?

1) Can They Accommodate All Your Requests?

You probably have an idea of the shape, size, custom features, etc. you want for your swimming pool. See how much your pool builder can create for you. Be prepared for the unexpected when it comes to new pool construction. You may have to scale your project down slightly if your original ideas are too expensive or complex, but don’t give up on your dream pool. Keep looking until you find a pool builder that can make your dream come true.

2) Do They Have a Good Reputation and Good Reviews?

Customer testimonials, while not necessarily a dealbreaker, can give you an idea of a pool builder’s community standing. Do they do quality work and offer good customer service? How often do their pools need repairs done? Ask around and look online to see what kind of company you’re hiring.

3) What Plumbing, Electrical, Etc. Needs Will the Finished Pool Have?

This partially depends on how many custom features you want to be included in or near your swimming pool. Make sure you know what kind of mechanics will be in the finished product. This will give you an idea of how frequently maintenance will be required and how much repairs can potentially cost you.

4) What Will the Complete Project Cost?

Don’t let yourself be surprised by the price. Before you sign the contract, make sure you know down to the penny how much your swimming pool project will cost. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often people rush into a project without considering the total cost. Make sure you know how much you’ll be spending.

Pro Tip: Don’t default to the pool builder with the lowest price. You may be getting a good deal on paper, but the lower cost may indicate the builder will cut corners elsewhere and leave you with a defective pool.

5) What Warranties or Insurance Are Available?

Whether due to damage or wear and tear from age, your swimming pool will need repairs from time to time. A reputable pool builder will offer insurance and limited repairs for your pool, though exact services will vary. Ask about future repairs and how much you can expect to pay for them.

6) What Building Materials Will Be Used?

The more durable the building materials in your pool, the fewer repairs it will need and the longer it will last. Ask for details on construction materials and additional costs for upgrading to more durable ones if necessary.

7) What Maintenance Will the Completed Pool Require?

Finally, make sure you know how to care for your pool when it’s finished. Will you have to regularly call in professional help for maintenance, or will the biggest chore be pulling bugs and loose leaves out of the water with a net? See how much time and money will go into keeping the pool functioning.

Creating Your Dream Pool for Houston Summers

Your swimming pool will add value to your home and provide hours of entertainment for years to come. You deserve the best. Before any construction begins, make sure to get swimming pool questions and answers from your pool builder.

Want to learn more about designing your dream pool? Join the conversation to speak with our professional pool designers!

03 May

New Pool Construction: Dig Day Expectations

You finally put down the money on that new pool you’ve been dreaming of! Once you’ve finished designing it and adding all the design features you’ve always wanted, it’s time to start construction. Day one of your pool construction project will consist entirely of excavating your new pool’s construction site.

Excavation seems simple enough, but there’s plenty of factors to consider as the day nears. Make sure your backyard is prepared for the pool building traffic and potential problems that may arise during the project.

Get ready to build your custom designed swimming pool! Here’s what to expect during excavation. Click To Tweet

Identify Potential Hazards in Your Backyard

Make sure your pool builders locate and clearly mark anything that you know will get in the way of digging, such as water pipes or buried electrical cables. A reputable pool designer will understand the importance of this. However, be prepared to address other problems that aren’t so easily identified at first. For example, if the construction crew hits bedrock, a large boulder, or a shallow water table, construction may be slowed as the problem is dealt with or your pool’s location changes. You may have to accommodate delays or additional expenses resulting from inevitable problems like these.

Protect Your Backyard

A major construction project like a pool means a lot of people and machines will be in and out of your yard all day. To prevent damage to your backyard, make sure to move small decorations like bird baths to a safe location like your garage. Ask if you should remove part of your fence so construction vehicles can get in easily. Most importantly, consider how to protect unmovable features like an outdoor kitchen. Trustworthy pool contractors should already have a plan to protect your kitchen, but never forget to ask if there’s anything you can do as well. You don’t want to ruin one backyard landmark for the sake of a new one.

Pro Tip: Your grass will inevitably get trampled during a pool construction project. Make sure to buy some new sod when the work is done.

Decide What to Do with the Dirt

Regardless of how big your pool is, you’ll end up with a lot of excavated soil. Most swimming pool builders will let you choose to either pay a little extra to have the dirt hauled away or keep it for yourself at no extra charge. Keeping the dirt allows you to add a hill in your backyard and provide an elevated space for a cool feature like a firepit to overlook your new pool. On the other hand, paying a little more to get rid of the dirt forever cleans up your backyard that much faster. Whatever you ultimately decide, make sure your pool contractor can accommodate you.

Get Ready for the Next Step!

A typical pool excavation normally takes a full day and may expand to two or three with work complications. Once the digging is finished, it’s time to start on reinforcement and plumbing! The best way to prepare for this is to keep the new gaping hole in your backyard clean and easily accessible. Don’t rebuild your fence or install anything else until the construction is fully finished. Most importantly, don’t go into the hole yourself–without the structural reinforcement from further construction, the dirt could still collapse.

Preparing for Dig Day

You’re most likely excited about your new custom pool and increased outdoor time! Although the design and construction phase will not be as fun, your new pool will be worth it. The best way you can help is to make the contractor’s job as easy as possible. The faster they can work, the faster you get your new pool!

Interested in reading more about the pool construction process? Connect with us and see how to get started.

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