Preparing For Your New Fiberglass Swimming Pool: Steps To Take

If you're in the market for a new swimming pool, a fiberglass pool is definitely the way to go. Long lasting, easy to maintain, and essentially preassembled as a self-contained installable unit, a new fiberglass swimming pool with its many options in size and shape can be the ideal solution to your dreams of swimming pool ownership. But before you take a dip, there are some things you’ll need to do to prepare for your new pool. In the post below we will outline the steps you need to take to get everything ready for the acquisition of your new fiberglass swimming pool.

Preliminary Steps

Location

The first step in the process will be to determine the future location of your new pool. There are many considerations involved: the size of your yard or property, the sun exposure, and any existing physical obstacles that might interfere with pool installation and future use. Consider how many people you expect to use your pool as well as the specific activities in which they will be participating. All of this should be taken into consideration when determining the size and shape of your future pool, and whether you want to install a deck or patio alongside the pool itself.

Preparing Your Yard

Once you have determined the preferred location of your new pool, you can start preparing your pool site. You will need to address any obstacles that might interfere with the installation process in order to clear the necessary space for the new pool. You should contact your local utility companies to make sure that there are no underground cables or pipes in the area where they will be digging. Once you have a general idea of where you want your pool to be and have taken steps to ensure the area is clear, you will need to contact a professional pool installation company or service to help you with the next steps.

Finding a Professional

The next step is to contract a professional to help you with the installation of your new pool. This is an important step, as you want to make sure that your pool is installed correctly. There are many companies that offer swimming pool installation services, so be sure to do your research before making a decision. Barrier Reef supplies our high-quality fiberglass pools to a large network of dealers nationwide, and those independent dealers are usually ideally placed to help you with installation.

Preparing for Installation

Once you have completed the aforementioned pre-preparation steps, you’ll be ready to move toward actually breaking ground on your installation. This is where your professional pool company will typically step in and manage the process going forward, doing all of the actual work.

Soil Tests

A vital step in the process will be to have your soil tested. This is an important step because it will determine the type of foundation your new pool will need. A professional can help you with this step and will be able to advise you on the best type of foundation for your new pool.

Permits

The next step is to apply for all the necessary permits. This can be a tricky process, so it's important to have all your ducks in a row before you start. Your professional pool company should have all the necessary information on the legal requirements for your locality and should be able to help you with this step.

Utilities

First obtain required building HOA permits, then ensure any necessary swimming pool utilities are in place. Depending on the requirements of the specific pool being installed, this will include services such as electricity, gas, and water. You will need to have these things prepared to be turned on before your pool can be installed.

Excavation

Once you have found the perfect spot for your new pool, the next step is excavating the area. Your professional pool installation company will provide this service for you as part of the installation process.

Leveling and Support

After the area has been excavated, it's then leveled off so that your new pool will be level when installed. You will also need to add any support that is required so that your new pool doesn't settle over time. This step is crucial, as it will ensure that your new pool is stable and safe. A subbase is a layer of material that helps support the weight of your new pool and keeps it level. The most common type of subbase for fiberglass pools is gravel (typically 3/8” clean crushed rock).

Installation

Finally, after all the preparation, it's time to install your new pool. With a fiberglass pool, installation can be as simple as lowering the pool shell into the excavated hole. During the installation of an in-ground pool, the installers will use stakes, string lines, and laser levels to ensure proper placement and level as the unit is lowered into place.

Plumbing and Electrics

The next step will be to install the plumbing for your new pool. This will include features like the wall drains, the skimmer, and various return lines as required by your chosen pool model. This service may be provided by your professional pool installers. This step will be followed by a similar process to install the electrical service required for your new pool. This service will power items such as lights, pumps, and filters. As with your pool’s plumbing, an electrical contractor may be required to perform this step. Your pool installers will guide you through this process.

Fill with Water and Backfill

Once the pool unit is installed, you will need to fill your new pool with water! This is usually done with a hose from your home, or being delivered by a professional water service truck. Backfill is added simultaneously with the addition of water to the pool in order to ensure that fiberglass swimming pool is well-supported and retains its shape while filling. Continually checking how the pool unit is leveling is essential during this process. This ensure that as the pool is filled it settles and remains as level as possible.

Once your new pool is full of water, you can add any appropriate chemicals or accessories that you want. Always seek the advice of a pool service professional when determining the specific needs of your chosen swimming pool unit. Once the pool water is safely prepared and ready for use, all that's left to do is enjoy and maintain your new swimming pool.

If you have any questions about pool installation or preparation, please don't hesitate to contact us. At Barrier Reef Pools, we specialize in fiberglass pool manufacturing. We invite and encourage you to browse our impressive selection of fiberglass swimming pools. We always strive to provide our customers with the perfect fiberglass pool to fit their homes and needs. Visit our website to learn more about our fiberglass pools.