Ask Sharp Pools
Dear Sharp Pools,
We just bought a home in Viera and want to build a pool next year. Every builder we talk to describes the process a little differently, and we’re not sure what actually happens or in what order. Can you walk us through how a gunite pool is built, start to finish?
— Linda from Viera
Reader questions are based on the ones we hear most often from Brevard homeowners.
Dear Linda,
A custom gunite pool is built in your backyard, piece by piece, by several trades working in a set order. Knowing that order helps you plan your schedule, understand what you’re seeing on site, and know which decisions need to be made early. Here is how the process works for most pools we build across Brevard County.
How Long the Whole Process Takes
Permitting in many locations takes about 3 to 8 weeks. Properties that need a state permit, such as some lots in coastal construction zones along Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, and Indialantic, can take longer. After permits are approved, our pools are typically built in 3 to 6 months from dig to finish. Weather, inspections, and the features you choose all affect where your project lands in that range.
The Steps, in Order
- Consultation and design. You meet with a designer to talk about how your family will use the pool, your budget, and your yard. We use 3D design software along with your photos, drone footage, and current GIS imagery to place the pool in your actual backyard. You’ll see the shape, deck, and features before anything is built.
- Engineering, permits, and HOA approval. Once the contract is signed, the design becomes an engineering print and a permit package. We handle the forms for the city or county and any paperwork your homeowners association requires. Construction can’t begin until approvals are in hand.
- Layout and excavation. The pool’s outline is painted on the ground and checked against the approved site plan and setbacks. Then the excavator digs and shapes the pool, including steps, benches, sun shelves, and the deep end.
- Steel (rebar). A grid of steel reinforcing bar is tied in place along the floor and walls, following the engineering plan. The steel gives the concrete shell its strength.
- Plumbing and electrical. Plumbing lines for the main drains, skimmers, and return jets are set in place, and pipes are run to the equipment pad. Electrical work includes power to the equipment, lighting, and bonding, which connects metal components so the pool area is electrically safe. Each stage is inspected before work continues.
- Gunite shell and curing. Gunite is a dry concrete mix blended with water at the nozzle and sprayed under high pressure onto the steel. This is called “shooting the shell.” The crew shapes and trims the walls, steps, and features by hand. The shell then cures, and keeping it moist in the first days helps the concrete gain strength.
- Tile and coping. Waterline tile is installed around the top of the pool, along with any specialty tile on steps or features. Coping, the cap along the pool edge, is set next.
- Decking. Footers are poured if your deck or screen enclosure needs them, and then the deck goes in. Common choices include pavers, travertine, and concrete. If you’re adding a screen enclosure, it is typically installed after the deck.
- Equipment. The pump, filter, heater, sanitizer system, and automation are set on the equipment pad and connected. We work with multiple manufacturers, so you can choose the brands and features you prefer.
- Interior finish. The interior finish, such as plaster, quartz, or pebble, is applied over the shell. This is the waterproof, smooth surface you’ll see and feel. Safety features required for your pool are completed before the pool is filled.
- Fill and chemical startup. The pool is filled right after the finish is applied. The first few weeks matter a great deal, because a new finish keeps curing in the water. Startup typically includes daily brushing and careful, frequent chemistry adjustments. Our FAQ page includes a pool startup form, and you should always follow the startup instructions provided for your specific finish.
- Owner orientation. We walk you through your pump, filter, sanitizer, heater, lights, and automation so you know how everything works. Manufacturer manuals for common equipment are also available on our FAQ page.
Inspections Along the Way
Your pool is inspected at several points, usually including steel, plumbing, electrical and bonding, and a final inspection. Inspections protect you. They confirm the pool was built to code, and a properly permitted pool avoids problems when you sell your home.
Decisions to Make Early
Some choices are easy to change later, and some are not. Make these during design:
- Shape, size, and depth, including whether you want a uniform depth for games or a deeper area.
- Built-in features such as a sun shelf, benches, a swim-out, or an attached spa. These are formed with the shell and are difficult to add later.
- Plumbing for future equipment. Even if you aren’t buying a heater or water features now, planning the plumbing and electrical for them saves cost later.
- Deck size and material, and whether you want a screen enclosure, since enclosures can require footers.
Key Takeaways
- Permitting typically takes 3 to 8 weeks, and longer if a state permit is needed for coastal construction zones.
- After permits, building usually takes 3 to 6 months from dig to finish.
- The main stages are design, permits, layout and excavation, steel, plumbing and electrical, gunite, tile and coping, deck, equipment, interior finish, and startup.
- Built-in features and future equipment should be planned during design.
- Careful startup in the first weeks protects your new interior finish.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Call (321) 343-2606 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and estimate with Sharp Pools.