Inground Pool Installation - 4 Things to Consider
Getting an inground pool installed can be a daunting task. The process can involve a long timeline and a lot of electrical work. Before you can get started, you need to know what to expect. Here are a few things to consider.
Pre-pour portion
Whether you are planning a new pool, or adding an existing pool to your backyard, the pre-pour portion of the inground pool installation process is important. This is when you start to see how the concrete shell is constructed, and how the walls are constructed with plumbing lines.
The coping around the pool edge is also installed. This phase can take as little as one day or as long as several weeks. It is important to make sure the coping is level, so you can install the tile.
The coping is usually made of concrete or stone. There are hundreds of tiles to choose from. The one you choose should match your pool's style and your backyard's landscape.
The waterline tile is also hand-laid around the pool's waterline. The tiles are generally 5 cm thick, and should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. The waterline tile is then polished with acid, removing any leftover residue.
Before concrete is placed, the steel structure is completed. This is crucial for the structural integrity of your pool. The steel structure can be made from galvanized steel, aluminum panels, or stainless steel. It can also be covered with a PVC sheet. It is a good idea to make sure it is waterproof before finishing it.
When the steel structure is ready, the concrete shell is placed over it. This process takes around two weeks. In this phase, you will need to be sure that the plumbing lines are ready to support the weight of the steel structure. You will need to be sure that the plumbing lines are properly capped and pressure tested. The plumbing should also be inspected to ensure that there are no leaks.
You will need to be sure that the plumbing is properly capped and pressure tested before the pool equipment is connected. You will need to install the pool's pump, filter, and other essential equipment. The plumbing will be connected to the equipment pad, which is placed near the pool.
The pump, filter, and electrical controls will be installed on the equipment pad. You will also need to install the swimming pool's alarm system.
Liner vacs
Using liner vacs during inground pool installation is an effective way of getting your liner in the right position. It helps with stretching your liner and smoothing out the wrinkles. This is also the best way to ensure that your liner is properly positioned.
To begin the process, you will need a vacuum hose. You can purchase one at a home improvement store. Place it 6-12 inches behind the liner. It should be pointed downward at a 45 degree angle. You should also tape it.
You will need two vacs if your pool is large. You should turn the vacuum off when you get to the shallow end. This is because air leaks can occur. You should also use duct tape to seal any air gaps.
You should also install a skimmer gasket. This will help you avoid the loud sucking sound that can occur when you try to fill the pool. You can also seal the gap between the hose and the wall using tape.
To avoid damaging the liner, you should make sure to remove all of the sand and gravel from the bottom of the pool. You should also make sure to clean the pool walls and edges so that they are free of debris.
You can then attach the liner to the coping strips. Be careful to position the coping strips so that the liner is even and spreads out evenly around the pool. You will need to make sure that the coping strips are positioned in four points around the pool. You will also want to make sure that the corners are positioned correctly.
After a few days, you should install a new pool liner. This should be done on a warm day. If the weather is too cold, the liner may crack or stretch. You may also need to reposition the liner to get the right fit.
Once the liner is positioned properly, you can fill the pool. You should wait until the liner is about halfway full before you start to fill the pool. You should also install step gaskets and install a skimmer gasket.
Electrical aspects
Whether you're planning to have a pool installed in your home or you're interested in purchasing one, it's important that you understand the electrical aspects of inground pool installation. Without a professional electrician, the installation process could be a dangerous one. Electrical safety in pools is governed by the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is updated every three years.
To ensure electrical safety, the NEC states that all metallic parts of the pool structure must be bonded together. This is done in order to prevent stray electrical current from flowing through metal rails. Pool equipment such as motors and pumps must be protected by GFCIs, which are circuit breakers that protect against overloads. If you're planning to install an inground pool, you should also make sure to have a maintenance disconnect, which will allow you to turn off all the electrical components at once.
The NEC also states that all electrical equipment in a pool must be located within certain distances of the pool. This includes a dedicated sub-panel, which is a small breaker box that provides power to the pool's equipment. A sub-panel typically has a breaker capacity of about 100 amps. It is typically located near the primary breaker box, but can also be branched off of it.
All electrical equipment must be attached to a power supply enclosure. This enclosure can include an electrical panel, a metal enclosure, or a metal receptacle. If the equipment is GFCI protected, the outlet receptacles for other uses must be at least six feet away from the pool.
In addition to the main breaker box, the sub-panel serves as the primary power source for the pool equipment. You can choose to place the sub-panel as close as five feet to the pool, but it's generally best to have it installed at least 20 feet away.
Bonding involves joining metal parts of the pool structure together to form a grid, which contains electrical voltage. The pool's perimeter surface must extend three feet horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool. The perimeter surface includes unpaved surfaces such as concrete, poured concrete, sprayed concrete, or other types of paving.
Timeline
Depending on the type of pool, the timeline for inground pool installation can take from a week to a month. While there are many factors that can alter the timeline, there are certain steps that need to be completed in order to have the pool ready for use.
First, you will need to meet with your pool contractor to discuss your plans. This will include determining the amount of work that will need to be done. Then, he or she will create a proposed cost. When all of the necessary permits have been obtained, the contractor will begin the excavation process.
After the excavation is complete, the contractor will begin the plumbing and electrical work. This will include installing the water pumps, the pool equipment, and breaker boxes. The plumbing will allow the water to flow throughout the pool. It may take a few days for the plumbing to be completed. It is also important to make sure the plumbing is properly installed to avoid having to pay for expensive repairs.
Depending on the pool's design, it can take several weeks for the contractor to complete the installation. Adding amenities such as a deck or landscaping can also extend the timeline. The installation process may also be affected by weather. If you are building a pool in an area where the soil is soft, it may be difficult for the excavation crew to reach the construction site. This can be especially true when the site is wet.
In addition, if you are building a gunite pool, you will need to allow time for the pool to cure. If the soil is soft, the walls of the pool may cave in. This can be a big concern. If you are installing a fiberglass pool, you will likely have a faster installation process.
Depending on your location, it can take several weeks to obtain all of the necessary permits. This can vary by county. If you live in a rural area, it may not be necessary to obtain a permit. However, if you live in a city or town, it is important to ensure that all of the permits are obtained before the construction begins.
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