When families call me asking what actually happens during pool construction, I can tell they’re trying to picture the process and understand what their backyard will look like from week to week. It’s exciting but also a little overwhelming to imagine your peaceful backyard transformed into a construction zone. After managing hundreds of pool builds, I love walking families through each phase so they know exactly what to expect and can appreciate the skilled work that creates their dream pool.
From excavation to equipment installation—here’s exactly what happens each week of your Sacramento pool construction, transforming your backyard from ordinary space into extraordinary outdoor oasis through systematic construction progression and professional craftsmanship.
I remember working with a family in Elk Grove who were nervous about the construction process because they’d never been through anything like it. By explaining each phase and showing them photos from previous projects, they went from anxious to excited about watching their pool take shape. They ended up documenting the whole process and said it was amazing to see the transformation happen step by step.
Understanding the detailed construction process helps Sacramento homeowners track progress, anticipate upcoming phases, and appreciate the skilled work required to create quality pools that provide decades of enjoyment. Each construction phase builds upon previous work while progressing toward your family’s swimming and entertainment goals. As one satisfied customer shared: "Pool Time workers got in there to replace a skimmer & a small section of the deck on our 35+ year old pool. Demo and replacement of the skimmer was done in one day by a great crew of professionals." – Jēkabs Zalte (Google)
Weeks 1-2: Foundation and Excavation
Site Marking and Layout
Site marking and layout precision begins your pool construction through professional surveying that establishes exact pool positioning using sophisticated measurement equipment. We verify property boundaries, confirm setback compliance, and mark precise pool dimensions that guide all subsequent construction activities.
This critical phase involves transferring architectural plans to actual ground positions while accounting for slope variations, existing features, and optimal placement for functionality and aesthetics.
I always tell families that this is where dreams start becoming reality. Seeing the actual pool outline marked in your yard makes the whole project feel real and exciting.
Joe’s Pro Tip: Professional accuracy during layout prevents costly corrections while ensuring your pool integrates perfectly with your property and meets all regulatory requirements.
Excavation Process
Excavation process and soil management transforms your backyard through systematic digging that follows exact specifications for depth, shape, and slope requirements. Sacramento’s varied soil conditions—from clay to sand to occasional rock formations—require experienced operators who adapt techniques while maintaining dimensional accuracy.
Professional excavation involves more than just removing dirt. Operators create precise depth transitions, establish proper slopes for drainage and circulation, and maintain clean edges that facilitate subsequent construction phases.
I’ve excavated pools in every type of Sacramento soil condition, and each requires different approaches. The key is having experienced operators who understand how to work with local conditions while maintaining precision.
Safety and Site Management
Safety barrier installation protects your family and neighbors through comprehensive fencing and access control around the construction area. Professional safety measures include secure perimeter barriers, warning signage, and controlled access points that prevent accidents while maintaining reasonable property access.
Construction site safety extends beyond basic barriers to include daily site cleanup, hazard identification, and secure storage of equipment and materials.
Sacramento soil considerations significantly influence excavation methods and foundation preparation. Local clay soils may require special handling during wet conditions, while sandy areas might need stabilization for equipment access.
Our excavation expertise shows in customer satisfaction, with systematic approaches that minimize disruption while maintaining quality and safety standards throughout the foundation phase.
For comprehensive information about our construction approach, visit our pool and spa construction page to explore our complete process.
Weeks 3-6: Structural Building
Steel Reinforcement Framework
Steel reinforcement installation creates your pool’s structural backbone through precise rebar placement that follows engineering specifications while providing the strength foundation for concrete shell construction.
Professional steel workers connect reinforcement according to structural drawings while maintaining proper spacing and coverage requirements that ensure long-term structural integrity.
Rebar installation requires systematic coordination between structural requirements and utility accommodations. Plumbing and electrical systems must integrate with steel framework while maintaining structural integrity and accessibility.
Plumbing and Electrical Systems
Plumbing and electrical rough-in integrates circulation lines, equipment connections, and lighting systems into the steel framework while maintaining structural integrity and optimal performance characteristics.
Main circulation system installation includes return lines, skimmer connections, and drain placements that optimize water movement and safety compliance.
Equipment connection routing establishes pathways for pump, filter, heater, and automation connections while maintaining proper slopes for efficient operation and drainage.
For information about the equipment being installed, visit our energy efficient pumps and control systems pages.
Electrical Integration
Electrical conduit installation places wiring pathways for lighting, equipment, and automation systems while protecting electrical connections and ensuring code compliance throughout the electrical system.
Professional electrical work includes GFCI protection, proper grounding, and safety systems that meet Sacramento electrical codes and provide safe operation.
Lighting and equipment wiring preparation establishes proper routing and connection points for pool lighting, spa systems, and automation controls that enable full functionality after construction completion.
Learn more about our lighting & water effects options.
System Testing and Verification
Pressure testing procedures verify plumbing system integrity before concrete installation, identifying any leaks or connection issues that require correction before proceeding to the next construction phase.
Professional testing includes air pressure and water pressure evaluation that ensures system reliability and prevents costly repairs after concrete installation.
Testing procedures also verify proper flow rates, pressure distribution, and equipment connections that optimize circulation efficiency while meeting design specifications.
Gunite Application
Gunite application and quality control transforms the steel framework into your pool’s permanent structure through professional shotcrete application that creates uniform thickness, proper density, and smooth surface finish throughout the pool shell.
Professional concrete application requires specialized equipment and experienced crews who achieve consistent coverage while maintaining structural specifications.
Critical curing process management begins immediately after concrete application and continues for 7-10 days, requiring specific temperature, moisture, and protection conditions for optimal strength development.
Sacramento’s dry climate makes curing management particularly important for optimal concrete performance. We monitor weather conditions while adjusting curing procedures to ensure maximum strength development.
As one customer noted about our construction quality: "We had our almost 40 year old spa repaired today quickly and professionally. What knowledgeable experts these guys are." – Ann Nystrom (Google)
Weeks 7-11: Finishing Work
Coping and Decking Installation
Coping and decking installation create the finished edges and surrounding surfaces that define your pool area while providing safety, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.
Coping installation around the pool perimeter provides the crucial transition between pool and deck while ensuring proper drainage and slip resistance.
Material selection for coping affects both appearance and functionality, with options including natural stone, decorative concrete, brick, or composite materials chosen for durability and coordination with overall design themes.
Decking Construction
Decking construction establishes functional outdoor living space through concrete, pavers, or natural stone installation that creates attractive, durable surfaces around your pool area.
Professional decking installation includes proper base preparation, drainage coordination, and finish application that provides years of reliable service.
Concrete decking options include stamped patterns, color integration, and texture applications that create distinctive appearance while providing slip resistance and durability.
I always discuss decking options carefully with families because this is what they’ll walk on every day – it needs to be both beautiful and comfortable for bare feet during Sacramento’s hot summers.
Movement and Drainage
Expansion joint placement accommodates temperature movement and ground settling while preventing cracks and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
Professional joint placement considers seasonal temperature variations, material expansion characteristics, and aesthetic integration that maintains appearance while providing necessary flexibility.
Proper drainage integration establishes water flow patterns that protect foundations and prevent erosion while maintaining safe, functional surfaces year-round.
Tile Work and Interior Finishing
Tile work and waterline finishing add beauty and functionality through careful material selection, placement, and finishing that enhances both aesthetics and maintenance ease.
Waterline tile creates the decorative border at water level while providing easy cleaning surfaces and chemical resistance.
Tile selection impacts both appearance and maintenance requirements, with options ranging from classic ceramic to glass mosaic to natural stone materials.
For comprehensive surface options, explore our finish and tile selections.
Interior Surface Application
Interior surface application determines your pool’s final appearance and performance characteristics through plaster, pebble, quartz, or other selected materials applied by factory-certified installers using proven techniques.
Surface preparation involves cleaning and conditioning the concrete shell while ensuring proper adhesion and optimal appearance of final surface treatments.
Professional preparation removes residue and addresses surface irregularities that could affect final appearance or performance. This phase determines how your pool will look for years to come.
For information about water features that integrate during finishing, explore our water features page to see luxury possibilities.
Week 12: Final Systems and Completion
Equipment Installation
Equipment installation and testing complete your pool’s mechanical systems through professional mounting, connection, and calibration of pumps, filters, heaters, and automation equipment.
Proper equipment sizing and placement optimize efficiency while ensuring reliable operation and convenient maintenance access.
System integration testing verifies all equipment operates correctly and efficiently while identifying any adjustments needed for optimal performance and customer satisfaction.
Electrical Completion
Electrical completion and safety verification include final wiring connections, control panel installation, and safety system activation that enables full pool operation while meeting all electrical codes.
Professional electrical finishing ensures reliable operation and code compliance throughout the electrical system, exceeding minimum requirements while ensuring long-term reliability.
Final electrical inspection verifies safety compliance while approving electrical systems for permanent operation and customer use.
Automation and Integration
System integration and automation setup establish convenient control of filtration, heating, lighting, and water features through smart technology that simplifies pool operation while optimizing energy efficiency.
Modern automation systems enable smartphone control while providing programmable schedules and energy management that make pool ownership convenient and efficient.
Professional programming ensures all systems work together efficiently while providing user-friendly operation that maximizes convenience and enjoyment.
For information about ongoing care after completion, visit our weekly pool service page to see professional maintenance solutions.
Understanding the Construction Journey
Sacramento pool construction progresses systematically through skilled craftsmanship and professional oversight that transforms your backyard while building toward years of family enjoyment and property value enhancement.
Construction phase highlights include: precise excavation and foundation work establishing structural integrity, steel reinforcement and utility integration creating functional infrastructure, gunite application and curing developing permanent pool structure, finishing work including coping, decking, and tile installation, and final systems integration enabling complete pool operation.
The key to successful construction is understanding that each phase builds upon previous work, requiring quality craftsmanship and proper sequencing to achieve optimal results.
What I’ve learned after managing hundreds of pool construction projects is that families who understand the process are more patient during challenging phases and more appreciative of the skilled work that creates their dream pools.
Each week brings visible progress that builds excitement and anticipation for the final result – your beautiful new pool that will provide decades of family enjoyment and memories.
Want professional oversight and quality workmanship throughout every construction phase of your Sacramento pool build? Our experienced crews ensure systematic progression, attention to detail, and timeline adherence that delivers exceptional results from excavation through final startup.
If you’re considering pool construction and want to understand exactly what happens during each phase, give me a call at 916-638-7665. I’d love to walk you through our construction process and show you how systematic craftsmanship creates exceptional results.
Visit our pool and spa construction page to explore our construction expertise and systematic approach that ensures quality results through professional craftsmanship and experienced project management throughout the greater Sacramento area, or explore our equipment page to see systems that enhance the construction process.
Pool Time Pool & Spa has been delivering systematic, quality pool construction in Sacramento for over 35 years, ensuring professional craftsmanship and customer satisfaction through every phase of the building process.
