Time and time again, we hear a similar frustration from our new swimming pool customers. They have made their pool purchase and are anxiously awaiting their brand-new backyard. We begin digging their pool after they have left for work, and they return home to see what appears to be a bomb strike behind their home. We receive a message or a call asking why the mess is necessary and how long they can anticipate their backyard to look like a scene from the movie Holes.
No matter how many times we warn customers of the mess that pool construction causes, we have found that it never truly prepares them for what their backyard will look like mid-job. However, Aloha Pools and Spas prioritizes leaving your backyard in pristine condition after the build so you can enjoy your pool at completion.
In this article, we will explain to you exactly what to expect after a pool purchase and why the mess must be made for magic to happen.
What happens after I buy my pool?
After you buy your pool, your sales representative aligns with the construction team on your project. Here are the steps taken after you have bought your pool:
Your sales representative calls 811 about your underground lines.
Now that you have taken the plunge of purchasing a pool, the first step on your sales representative’s checklist is to call 811. This call center reaches out to all utility companies responsible for any underground lines at your house- gas, cable, internet, and electric. This is a crucial step, as it determines what should be done to avoid damage and to lay out your pool most effectively.
A small note about this: not all towns have marked sewer lines. This sometimes causes construction to hit these lines, and depending on the severity, either our team or a plumber repairs it before proceeding.
The sales representative creates an access video for the pool construction team.
One of the first steps to ensuring alignment with sales and construction is the access video. In this video, the rep walks through the yard, pointing out the team’s access point, the full layout of the pool and filter system, and any other “must-knows” about the property.
This is where the sales representatives will note if anything needs to be done to prepare property entry, such as temporarily removing a portion of the fence.
Soon after, the construction team begins digging and, in some cases, hauling dirt.
The amount of dirt the team uses for your pool relies heavily on the size and slope of your backyard. The construction team uses tandem axle dump trucks to transport dirt- these trucks are very large, so we like to prepare customers for this part of the journey.
- Flat backyards typically do not require extra dirt for shaping. In fact, construction often hauls up to 8-12 loads from the backyard after digging.
- In moderately sloped backyards, the existing dirt can usually be used to shape the pool without hauling any away.
- Very uneven backyards may require more dirt to be hauled in, depending on the slope. The construction team will bring dirt onto the property and will level an area for your pool.
The dig/haul takes an average of 2-3 days. No matter what kind of backyard you have, this is messy and requires the homeowner’s patience.
The sales representative then finalizes the liner and scale drawings.
This shows the size and depth of the liner, along with any benches, shelves, or other modifications the liner will cover. They also provide a scaled site drawing relative to the house. This further helps the team identify the location of the pool filter system as well as any slides, steps, handrails, and ladders the crew will install.
From here, the sales representative ensures all materials are in stock and orders any missing parts, and the team begins installing your pool. Delays on this are rare, as Aloha keeps a warehouse of materials.
The team contacts your electrician.
Before the pool is completed, we contact your electrician (or provide one if you do not have one!) to connect your pump, heater, lights, and other electrical components to your pool. This is a crucial step in ensuring your first round of pool water is clear, as the pump is responsible for filtering and circulating the water.
The team places your yard sign, and your pool is completed!
The sales representative places your yard sign. This helps the crew find your property, and it lets your neighbors know you have made the exciting decision to buy a pool from Aloha!
“So, how long will all of this take?”, you may be asking yourself.
We found that on average, it takes 82 days for the team to finish your pool after contract signing, depending on the project size and the time of year. In just under three months, your backyard will transform into your dream summer destination.
Aloha knows that this process is somewhat tedious, sometimes frustrating, and always messy. We are here to guide you through any questions or concerns you have about your pool construction. If you’re a new pool owner reading this article with questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our sales representatives.
Check out the pool construction video below for a visual on how this works:
Happy swimming!
