Built in a Defined Sequence
Each trade prepares the project for the next. Skipping or rearranging critical stages can affect quality, inspections and the final result.
PLAPCO RESOURCE CENTER
Your New Pool Construction Journey
A complete homeowner guide to what happens from the first layout marks through excavation, structural construction, finishes, filling and the first weeks of caring for your new pool.
Building a pool involves multiple trades, required inspections and a carefully sequenced construction process. This guide explains what you may see at each stage, which schedule variables are normal, and the two homeowner responsibilities that matter most: watering the gunite shell and brushing the new interior finish.
1985Established
FamilyOwned
OwnerOperated
California License #987689
B, C-53 & C-27
B, C-53 & C-27
Built with pride. Backed by the Pacheco name.
HOW A NEW POOL COMES TOGETHER
A Coordinated, Inspection-Driven Build
PLAPCO constructs the project from approved plans and coordinates its work with the homeowner's selected design and engineering professionals when project-specific questions arise. The visible work happens in stages, and required inspections can create normal pauses between those stages.
Inspections Are Part of the Schedule
Required inspection points vary by jurisdiction and approved plans. A quiet jobsite does not necessarily mean the project has stalled.
Homeowner Care Is Critical
Gunite watering and new-finish brushing are not cosmetic chores. They directly support curing and the finished appearance.
BEFORE CONSTRUCTION
Prepare the Property for an Active Jobsite
Pool construction requires equipment access, material staging, utility coordination and repeated inspections. Early preparation helps protect the property and reduces avoidable delays.
Plans and scope control the work.
This guide explains the general process. Your signed agreement, approved
plans, engineering, permits, written change orders and project-specific
instructions take priority.
Keep Access Clear
Remove furniture, decorations and fragile items from the access route and staging area. Keep children and pets away from active construction.
Finalize Selections Early
Tile, coping, interior finish, equipment and hardscape selections should be completed early enough to account for ordering and lead times.
Expect Noise, Dust and Deliveries
Excavation, steel, gunite and hardscape stages can be loud and disruptive. Trucks and crews may arrive early during major construction days.
Allow for Weather and Inspections
Rain, extreme heat, material availability, inspection scheduling and required corrections can affect the sequence even when work is progressing normally.
01Step One
Pool Layout and Marking
Construction begins by transferring the approved pool shape and dimensions onto the property. Stakes, string lines and white marking paint are used to establish the waterline, pool footprint, steps, benches and major features shown on the approved plans.
What to Expect
You will see the actual footprint of the pool take shape in the yard. We verify the placement and key dimensions before excavation begins.
Typical Timing
Typically completed immediately before excavation.
Before we proceed: Review the layout carefully. Small field adjustments may be possible, but changes must remain compatible with the approved plans, setbacks, engineering and site conditions.
02Step Two
Site Grading and Excavation
Once the layout is confirmed, excavation equipment grades the work area and removes soil to create the pool basin. The crew follows the approved depth, slope, step, bench and feature dimensions while accounting for the thickness of the future structural shell and interior finish.
What to Expect
Excavators, skid steers, trucks and crew members will be active on-site. Expect significant noise, vibration, dust and soil movement. Excavated material is hauled away or redistributed only as previously agreed.
Typical Timing
Approximately two to four days for a typical accessible site; difficult access, rock, groundwater or complex grading can extend the phase.
Site-condition reminder: Subsurface conditions cannot be fully known before excavation. Rock, unsuitable soil, buried construction, groundwater or unmarked private utilities may require additional review or work.
03Step Three
Wood Forms and Plumbing Installation
Wood forms establish the pool perimeter and help define the final elevations and structural shape. At the same time, plumbing is installed for main drains, skimmers, returns, cleaner lines, spa functions and water features included in the approved scope.
What to Expect
You will see perimeter forms, trenches and an organized network of PVC piping around and through the pool basin. Plumbing lines are placed under pressure and tested before they are concealed.
Typical Timing
Approximately three to five days, depending on pool complexity and the number of plumbing features.
Quality-control checkpoint: The pressure test should remain intact through the following construction stages. Do not disturb test gauges, capped lines, forms or plumbing around the excavation.
04Step Four
Structural Steel and Rebar Installation
A structural cage of reinforcing steel is assembled throughout the pool in accordance with the approved structural details. The rebar supports the shell, helps distribute loads and gives the pool the strength needed to perform in local soil conditions.
What to Expect
Ironworkers tie a dense grid of steel along the floor, walls, steps, benches, bond beam and raised features. The finished cage may make the pool look smaller temporarily because it sits inside the excavated shape.
Typical Timing
Approximately one to three days, depending on pool size, structural requirements and complexity.
Inspection checkpoint: Required inspections commonly occur before the shell is placed. Visible work may pause while the project waits for inspection or correction approval.
05Step Five
Gunite Application and Structural Curing
Gunite is pneumatically applied over the reinforcing steel to create the permanent structural shell. Skilled nozzlemen place, compact and shape the material to form the pool walls, floor, steps, benches and raised features.
What to Expect
A specialized crew and large equipment typically arrive early. The work is fast-paced, noisy and visually dramatic. Within a day, the project changes from an open steel cage into a recognizable concrete pool shell.
Typical Timing
One day for application, followed by a minimum seven-day homeowner watering period and additional curing time before later finishes.
Do not remove standing water: Some water may collect in the bottom of the shell during curing. This is normal and will be handled before the next applicable phase.
CRITICAL HOMEOWNER RESPONSIBILITY
Watering the Gunite Shell
Proper hydration slows rapid surface drying and supports the curing process. Follow the project-specific instructions provided by PLAPCO. At minimum, the entire shell should be thoroughly soaked morning and evening for at least seven days. During hot, sunny or windy weather, an additional mid-day soaking may be required.
Water should darken and saturate the surface. Pay extra attention to the top bond beam, raised bond beams, spas and water features because exposed and elevated areas dry faster.
1
Morning Soak
Thoroughly saturate the walls, floor, steps, benches and raised features.
2
Mid-Day When Needed
Add another soaking when heat, direct sun or wind causes the shell to dry quickly.
3
Evening Soak
Perform a final thorough soaking before sunset.
06Step Six
Pool Masonry Installation
After the structural shell has cured sufficiently, the decorative masonry included in the project is installed. This may include waterline tile, coping, veneer stone, raised-wall finishes, step trim and other approved details.
What to Expect
Masons carefully establish elevations, align tile, cut coping and create clean transitions. This is detailed finish work, and the pace may appear slower because precision matters.
Typical Timing
Approximately two to seven days, depending on material selections, layout complexity and curing requirements.
Material reminder: Natural stone, handmade tile and other specialty materials can include normal variation in color, texture, thickness and pattern.
07Step Seven
Equipment, Electrical and Utility Connections
Pool equipment and related utility connections are completed as required by the approved scope. This may include pumps, filters, heaters, sanitizing systems, automation, lights, control panels, gas piping and electrical connections.
What to Expect
Equipment pads, conduit, wiring, gas piping and control components may be visible at different stages. Qualified trades complete their portions, and required utility or jurisdictional inspections may occur before startup.
Typical Timing
Often completed in stages over several days and coordinated with masonry, hardscape, inspections and utility availability.
Scope reminder: The exact equipment and utility work depends on the signed agreement and approved plans. Existing household electrical, gas or utility capacity may affect what can be connected without additional upgrades.
08Step Eight
Hardscape, Grading and Drainage
The area surrounding the pool is prepared and finished according to the contracted scope. Work may include trench backfill, compaction, grading, drainage, concrete, pavers, natural stone, walkways and other approved outdoor-living features.
What to Expect
Concrete trucks, material deliveries and finishing crews will be active around the pool. The backyard begins to look cohesive as deck elevations, transitions and drainage paths are completed.
Typical Timing
Approximately five to ten days for a typical hardscape scope; larger areas, specialty finishes, weather and curing can extend the schedule.
Drainage matters: Hardscape should be built to direct surface water appropriately and avoid trapping water against the pool, structures or neighboring properties. Site-specific conditions control the final approach.
09Step Nine
Interior Plaster or Pebble Finish
The selected plaster or pebble interior is applied by a specialized finishing crew. This hand-troweled surface becomes the waterproof interior finish that you will see and feel whenever the pool is used.
What to Expect
Application is normally completed in one coordinated day. Plaster pools begin filling immediately. Pebble finishes are generally acid-washed the following morning before filling begins.
Typical Timing
One day for application, followed by acid washing when applicable and continuous filling.
Do not judge the dry finish: On the first day, a pebble finish may look hazy, uneven or imperfect and may show small pinholes or areas with less visible aggregate. The next-morning acid wash exposes the pebble, removes residue and allows the crew to address minor holes. Most small visual concerns become far less noticeable after cleaning and filling.
DO NOT PANIC
The Finish May Not Look Finished on Day One
Immediately After Application
A dry pebble finish may look cloudy, chalky, uneven or rough. You may notice trowel marks, small pinholes, minor surface variations or areas where fewer pebbles appear exposed. This is not the proper time to judge the final appearance.
The Following Morning
The finishing crew returns to acid-wash and clean the surface, expose the aggregate and address small holes or minor imperfections where needed. Most minor visual concerns improve substantially and become much less noticeable after the pool is filled.
Once filling begins, do not stop the water.
Continue filling without interruption until the water reaches approximately
the middle of the waterline tile. Stopping early can leave a visible fill
ring or permanent discoloration on the new finish.
10Step Ten
Pool Filling, Start-Up and Care
After the interior finish is ready, the pool is filled and a qualified CPO-certified pool service company should perform the startup. Early water chemistry and brushing are critical while the new finish cures.
What to Expect
The startup professional begins balancing the water, follows the applicable finish-startup procedure, reviews equipment operation and explains the early care schedule. PLAPCO can provide a referral when needed.
Typical Timing
Startup begins when the pool is full and continues through the initial curing and water-balancing period.
Homeowner responsibility: Unless the written agreement states otherwise, the homeowner is responsible for brushing the entire interior surface twice daily for the first 14 days. Areas with fewer visible pebbles should receive additional passes and firmer pressure to help expose the aggregate.
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
Essential Care During and After Construction
Your involvement is especially important during two windows: the first seven days after gunite and the first month after the interior finish.
PHASE ONE
Gunite Curing
Keep the shell hydrated so the exposed surface does not dry too rapidly.
Thoroughly soak the shell morning and evening for at least seven days, following PLAPCO's project-specific instructions. Add a mid-day soaking during hot, sunny or windy conditions. Focus on the bond beam, raised features, spas, steps and other areas that dry quickly.
Water puddling in the bottom of the pool during this period is normal. Do not enter the shell or attempt to drain it unless instructed.
PHASE TWO
New-Finish Startup
Once filling begins, do not stop the water until it reaches the middle of the waterline tile.
Brush the entire pool twice daily for the first 14 days. Brushing is the homeowner's responsibility unless the written agreement states otherwise.
Brush walls, floors, steps, benches and corners. Give additional passes and firmer pressure to areas where fewer pebbles are visible so more aggregate can be exposed.
FIRST 28-30 DAYS
New-Finish Care Checklist
Continuous Fill
Do not interrupt the water until it reaches the middle of the waterline tile.
Brush Twice Daily
Brush every interior surface twice daily for the first 14 days, with extra attention where less aggregate is visible.
No Heater
Do not operate the pool heater during the first 28 days unless specifically directed otherwise.
No Salt
Do not add salt for at least 30 days. PLAPCO recommends waiting approximately 90 days.
Professional Startup
Use a qualified CPO-certified service company to establish and monitor startup chemistry.
Long-Term Maintenance
Maintain balanced water chemistry and clean filters based on use, debris load and manufacturer guidance.
Call immediately if something looks unusual.
Contact PLAPCO if the fill stops, the water develops an unusual color, the
pump or equipment shuts down, or you have questions about a project-specific
instruction. Office: 925-276-2106.
COMMON HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS
New Pool Construction FAQs
Pool construction includes curing periods, inspections, material coordination and trade scheduling. A quiet site can be a normal part of the sequence and does not necessarily mean the project has been abandoned or delayed.
The excavation must allow space for reinforcing steel, the structural gunite shell and the interior finish. The completed water dimensions are established by the approved plans and finished construction layers.
Watering keeps the exposed surface from drying too rapidly during early curing. Follow PLAPCO's project-specific schedule, thoroughly saturating the shell morning and evening and adding a mid-day soak when conditions cause rapid drying.
A freshly applied dry pebble surface can look cloudy, uneven or imperfect. The crew returns to acid-wash the surface, expose the aggregate and address minor holes. The appearance changes substantially after washing and filling.
Unless the written agreement states otherwise, brushing is the homeowner's responsibility. Brush the entire pool twice daily for the first 14 days, with additional attention where fewer pebbles are visible.
Yes. Weather, inspections, corrections, site access, hidden conditions, material lead times, utility coordination and curing requirements can affect timing. The phase ranges on this page are general guidance rather than a guaranteed completion schedule.
PLANNING A NEW POOL?
Start With a Conversation
PLAPCO begins with a phone conversation to learn about the property, approved plans or planning status, project goals and the construction scope you are considering.