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LAYOUT and FORMING
– The basic shape is outlined on the ground. Then wooden
forms are erected which define the outside of the pool walls.
EXCAVATION – A large machine digs the pool hole.
A base of crushed stone is installed.
PLUMBING – Steel tex paper, which serves as a
water barrier and back drop for the sprayed concrete, is hung
from the forms. The circulation piping attaches to it.
STEEL - Reinforcing rods are tied together forming
a fully connected steel web. This enhances the structural strength
of the concrete.
CONCRETE - Concrete is pneumatically applied
in a continuous operation resulting in a monolithic structure
known as the pool shell. (The difference between gunite and shotcrete
is the point at which water is added to the mix. With gunite,
the water is added to the cement mix at the applicator nozzle
as it is being sprayed into place. With shotcrete, the water is
added to the mix before it arrives on site. In both cases the
concrete is being driven through the application hose by compressed
air and is sprayed or “shot” into place.)
COPING and TILE – Coping is cemented in place
on the top of the pool wall. Typically, a 6” x 6” band of tile
is applied to the pool wall below the coping. Coping and tile
come in various kinds, colors, and styles.
EQUIPMENT and UTILITIES – The pump, filter, heater,
chemical feeder, etc., are set in place on the equipment pad.
They are plumbed, wired and hooked up for propane or gas as specified.
FINISH COAT – After the gunite has some time
to set (at least 10 to 14 days), the shell is thoroughly cleaned,
and a finish coat is applied. The finish coat can be plaster or
an aggregate material such as made by 3M or Pebbletec. A variety
of colors are available. (In some cases, when a deck is planned,
the finish coat may wait until the deck is completed.)
FILLING - Immediately following the finish application,
the pool is filled with an uninterrupted flow of water. When the
pool is full, the equipment is started. The water is treated to
support the curing of the finish.
FINAL - 5-7 days after start-up, the water is
balanced for swimming. It is time for pool enjoyment! All that
remains is fencing and landscaping
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