(In some circumstances such as unfenced new construction areas, the equipment may be installed at a later date to safeguard against damage, vandalism or theft. We’ll discuss this in advance if it applies to you.)
Demolition
The first of the trades on site will be our excavation crew. This group of skilled professionals is headed up by Lead Operator, Jose. Jose has 30+ years experience operating equipment and has been digging pools for Sundancer for more than 20 years. This crew handles everything from demolition and initial grading through final dig.
Constructing a pool in your backyard can be inconvenient. There is noise (quite a bit at times), construction equipment damaging the landscaping in the access, workers coming and going, and a hole in the fence. We understand these problems and we will strive to make your construction as stress free as possible.
Fencing
All local jurisdictions have regulations regarding fencing and gates around swimming pools and spas. There is a minimum height requirement of 5 ft. (measured on the outside) of the fence surrounding pools and spas. Gates leading into the pool area must be a minimum of 5 ft. tall, open outward, be self-closing and self-latching. This simply means that they will close firmly and latch by themselves. Adding a spring from a local hardware store will usually suffice.
Gate Replacement/Installation
Now it is time to replace or build fences. Generally, local Safety Codes require fences between five and six feet in height, of a non-climbable material with self-closing, self-latching gates. We will discuss fencing requirements, which pertain to you well in advance. Since fences and gates must be inspected and approved before Plaster can be scheduled, please don’t delay in arranging for them.
Excavation
All pertinent specifications should appear on your plan. You will receive a copy of this Final Construction Plan before Excavation is scheduled. Please inspect it thoroughly. It is usually easy to make changes in the plan before work begins. But it becomes very difficult—and costly—to introduce changes after the work has been done.
Walkways
If you have ordered any masonry or rockwork, it will be done now. If you are planning to add any walls or walkways, they should be installed at this time—before decking is installed—so that the decking can be poured right up to the other face.
It is impossible to excavate a pool, dig trenches for plumbing, electrical, and gas lines without moving and storing a lot of dirt. The large equipment required to dig a pool is a good example. The tractor must access your yard (usually through the side yard), excavate the pool, turn around, and then transport the soil in its bucket out to the waiting truck. After dumping its load into the truck, the tractor then repeats this process approximately 100 times, or more, per pool. Needless to say, a lot of noise and some dust, is created. When you add steel, plumbing, gunite, electrical, masonry and plaster crews to the mix, it can be hectic.