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Lies Beyond

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Our Building Process

How we do it

Big or small
we build them all

2. Substrate Preparation:

We compact and level the perimeter to ensure a stable foundation for the concrete forms.
Proper compaction prevents sinking or uneven walls over time.

2. Layout & Marking:

We re-run string lines and chalk marks to ensure the pool is square and built to plan.
The interior dimensions represent the actual water size (e.g., a 20' x 40' pool has water dimensions of 20' x 40').
The exterior dimensions account for 10" thick walls, making the full footprint 21'-8" x 41'-8".

3. Forming the Pool:

We assemble 4' concrete forms to shape the walls.
The walls will be 42" high and 10" thick from top to bottom.

4. Blocking for Skimmers:

We block out designated spaces for skimmers to avoid unnecessary concrete cutting later.

5. Rebar Reinforcement:

We reinforce walls with five rows of #4-grade (1/2") steel rebar for strength.
Each piece is 20' long with a 24" lap at corners.
Grounding rods are installed in all four corners for electrical bonding.

6. Bracing the Forms:

We brace the forms using 2" x 4" wood and wooden stakes to prevent blowouts and keep walls straight.
Additional stakes are added on the exterior for extra stability.

7. Final Check Before Concrete Pour:

We verify interior dimensions, elevations, and pool alignment.
We mark a consistent 42" wall height inside the forms and set pin nails to maintain accuracy.

8. Pool Equipment Pad:

We prepare a 2' x 8' concrete pad for your pool equipment, placed up to 15' from the pool.
Since a concrete truck will be on-site, we pour this pad simultaneously for efficiency.

This phase ensures your pool walls are strong, level, and built to last. Next, we move on to the concrete pour!

Pool Process

Part 5 – Concrete Pour of Pool Walls

With all preparations complete, it’s time to pour the concrete and bring the pool structure to life.

Concrete Pouring: We apply form oil before pouring 4,500 PSI concrete to ensure a strong and smooth finish.
Even Distribution: A ready-mix truck maneuvers around the pool, pouring evenly while we shovel and push the concrete as needed.
Finishing Touches: We use trowels and finishing tools to smooth the top walls and a concrete vibrator to eliminate air pockets for a solid structure.
Lifetime Structural Warranty: The pool structure receives a non-transferable lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.

Pool Equipment Pad

After pouring the pool walls, we pour the 2' x 8' concrete pad for your pool equipment, placed up to 15' from the pool for easy access.

Part 6 – Form Stripping, Cleaning & Drilling

With the concrete set, it’s time to remove the forms and prepare for the next steps.

Form Stripping: The next day, we remove the forms, exposing the pool walls and skimmer block-outs.
Surface Cleanup: We break form pins, clean interior walls, and smooth the top beam for a level finish.
Drilling: Openings are drilled for pool returns, lights, and autofill as needed.
Curing: The concrete walls cure for 14 days before backfilling.

Part 7 – Forming Steps & Bench

Before we install the liner, we build your pool’s steps and deep-end bench.
Steps

Geometric square corner entry with four steps.
Formed using 2"x8" wood and #3-grade (3/8") steel, pinned 6" into the pool wall.
Step Dimensions:
- First step: 20" x 20" platform, 9" from the top of the unfinished pool wall.
- Second & third steps: 7¾" riser height, 12" tread.
- Fourth step: 9¾" riser height, 12" tread.
Steps are built on a compacted recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) subbase for stability.

Bench

6' long, 1.5' wide, 2' tall linear bench.
Formed with 4' concrete forms and reinforced with #3-grade (3/8") steel, pinned 6" into the pool wall.
The top of the bench is 18" from the top of the unfinished wall, making it a comfortable seating area for 2-3 people.
Like the steps, the bench is built on a compacted RCA subbase for support.

Part 8 – Concrete Pour of Steps & Bench

Once the forms are ready, we pour concrete for your pool’s steps and bench.

Concrete Pouring: We mix and pour concrete into the forms, ensuring a solid and durable structure.
Finishing: Trowels and smoothing tools refine the steps and bench tops.
Vibration: A concrete vibrator eliminates air pockets and ensures a seamless finish.

Part 9 – Stripping & Cleaning Steps and Bench

Once the concrete has dried and set, we remove the forms and clean everything up.

Stripping: Wood forms are removed, exposing the finished steps and bench.
Surface Smoothing: An angle grinder ensures the steps and bench are level smooth.

Part 10 – Liner Measurement

Many people don’t realize that vinyl liners are custom-made to fit each pool, much like a tailored suit. This ensures a perfect fit for your unique pool shape and dimensions.
Liner Measurement Process

A distributor's representative will visit to take precise measurements of your pool.
Step & Bench Texture: A non-slip texture is mandatory on steps and benches for safety.

Once measurements are finalized, the liner goes into production—a process that takes a few weeks. The wait is tough, but the result is well worth it!
Pool Depth Considerations

Full excavation is not required before taking measurements.

Part 11 – Installation of Plumbing Fixtures

Now that your liner has been measured, we can focus on installing the plumbing fixtures that will keep your pool running efficiently.
Skimmers

We will install heavy-duty wide-mouth skimmers in the pre-blocked locations.
Wide-mouth skimmers are twice the size of standard pool skimmers, allowing for better surface cleaning.
The goal is to skim the first 6 inches of water within 2 hours, reducing debris buildup and minimizing the need for manual vacuuming.

Returns (Jets)

Often called "jets," returns will be installed in the cored holes directly across from the skimmers.
These help circulate water, pushing debris toward the skimmers for removal.

Lights

While not plumbing-related, pool lights use the same fittings as returns.
Lights will be installed in the cored holes directly under the skimmers, ensuring proper placement for optimal lighting.

Automatic Pool Fill / Leveler (Optional)

We recommend an autofill system to maintain water levels due to evaporation and normal use.
If selected, the autofill will be plumbed to a hose bib for easy refilling.
The fitting is the same as the returns and lights, so it will be installed at this stage if chosen.

With the plumbing fixtures in place, your pool is one step closer to being operational!

Part 12 – Excavation #2

Now it’s time to dig deeper and shape your pool into its final form!
Excavation

We will dig according to the finalized dimensions of the shallow end, slope, walls, and deep end, based on the liner measurement.
The entire pool will be over-excavated by approximately 1.5 inches to allow for a soft-sand bottom floor.
Once excavation reaches the final depth, our team will hard-pack and trowel the pool floor to give it its final shape.

Trenching

We will dig plumbing trenches from the pool to the equipment pad location.
These trenches will house pipes for skimmers, returns, drains, and other plumbing connections.

With the excavation and trenching complete, the pool will truly start taking shape!

Part 13: Main Drain Fixture
There is one more interior plumbing fixture that was left out of the action in part 11. During part 13, you can expect the following:

Dual Main Drain
- The deep end will include a dual anti-vortex main drain for:
  - Suction entrapment avoidance
  - Proper water circulation

Part 14: Exterior Pool Plumbing

The second rush after getting your liner measured, is getting everything in the ground so we can close up these trenches! During part 14, you can expect the following:

Plumbing
- All Pool plumbing will be 2.0"
  - All turns will be made using sweeps or 45-degree elbows
- The heavy-duty surface skimmers will each have dedicated individually run lines to a suction side manifold
  - All individual lines will include Jandy never-lube valves (lifetime warranty)
- The Dual Main Drain will have a dedicated individually run line to the same suction side manifold as the skimmers
  - All suction lines run directly to your Variable Speed Pump
  - The Dual Main-Drain is the one plumbing fixture that will have a T between both drains
    - This is to prevent suction entrapment and is required by code
    - This increases safety and does not create plumbing inefficiencies or sub standard plumbing results
- The return jets will each have dedicated individually run lines to a pressure side manifold
  - All individual lines will include Jandy never-lube valves (lifetime warranty)
- All water lines will be pressure tested prior to the pool being finished

Part 15: Electrical Conduit*

One last thing before we close up your trenches and start moving dirt to it's final resting place. During part 15, you can expect the following:

Light Conduit*
- 1" x 10.0' Electrical Conduit to be run from each light fitting to either deck box location of pool equipment pad
- This is normally done by your electrician and part of their quote, but we will also include a line item for this cost
- The benefit of having us do this is that we can do it at the same time as plumbing and ensure we close your trenches up ASAP without the delay of waiting for another vendor
Conduit from Main House Panel to Pool Sub Panel*
- 3/4" x 10.0' Electrical Conduit to be run from Main Panel in House to Pool Sub Panel
- Depending on pool equipment location, your electrician may run this line on the ceiling of an unfinished basement and then outside to your pool equipment or immediately pipe outside into trench to pool equipment location
- We will also include a line item for the cost of all piping to be done outside, we'll leave the inside work to your electrician

Part 16: Removal of Fill*, Backfilling, and Rough Grading & More

Now that everything is installed unground, we can fill the trenches and start making it look like your backyard again. During part 16, you can expect the following:

Removal of Fill*
- Proposal does not include removal of fill from pool excavation
- We will line item the cost of fill removal in the estimate
  - There are potential cost savings to keeping the fill on site, we always give you the option of having us remove the fill or using it on site
  - Fill can be used to level out property, create berms for privacy, etc.
Backfilling
- We will backfill all trenches using fill from trenches and excavation
Rough Grading
- We will rough grade up to 10' around the pool excavation area and any other areas where we have disturbed soil
Compaction of Ground for Patio*
- Backfilling and rough grading is not suitable to lay a patio on top of
- It is up to your mason, or us if we are building your patio, to properly set elevations, compact dirt, compact sub-base, and ensure area will not sink after patio installation
Finish Grading for Sod or Seeding*
- Backfilling and rough grading is not suitable to lay sod on or seed
- Finish grading is precise and seeding and sod requires addition of new topsoil
- It is up to your landscaper, or us if we are installing sod, to properly prepare the ground, add top-soil, and complete final finished grade

Part 17: Extrusions:

We are almost installing your liner, but before we can do that, we need to install what actually holds your liner in place. During part 17, you can expect the following:

Extrusion Installation
- We will install T-3 or T-4 Top Mount Aluminum Extrusions to hold your liner in place
- Extrusions to be held in place by masonry screws secured into the beam of your pool walls
  - Alternative extrusions are side mounted and generally made out of a plastic material
  - We do not recommend this material and caution against it as it can pop out and fall into the pool over time

Part 18: Coping:

Coping
- We will line item the coping as there are many different types of coping treads at varying price points. We will present a Natural Bluestone Coping option, but feel free to ask us about other types of pool copings
Coping Installation
- We will install the coping level on top of the wall on a concrete bed
  - Full Nose Coping will be installed straight end-to-end through corners
    - Please let us know if you prefer mitered 45 degree cuts to adjust estimate
  - Bullnose Coping will be installed using mitered 45 degree cuts in corners
- We will grout the joint lines between coping units with Tec Power Grout
- We will evenly fill the space between the top of the concrete wall and bottom of coping with cement leaving one solid visible line

Part 19: Pool Equipment Installation:

Now that the plumbing is complete, it's time to install the pool equipment that will keep your water clean and circulating. During this step, you can expect the following:

Equipment Placement – The pool equipment will be installed on the designated concrete pad, typically within 20 feet of the pool.
Pump & Filter Setup – The pool pump, filter, and any additional sanitation systems will be plumbed and secured.
Valve & Plumbing Connections – We will install all necessary valves to control water flow efficiently.
Heater & Automation (If Included) – If you opted for a heater or automation system, these components will also be installed and prepped for wiring.
Final Equipment Check – We will ensure everything is properly connected and ready for your electrician to complete the wiring.

Part 20: Pool Electric:

Once the equipment is in place, an electrician will wire everything up to power your pool. Here's what happens in this step:

Sub-Panel Installation – A dedicated pool sub-panel will be installed to power the pump, lights, and other equipment.
Bonding & Grounding – The electrician will bond all metal components to prevent electrical hazards.
Light Wiring – All pool lights will be connected and tested.
GFI Outlets – Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFI) outlets will be installed for the pump, heater, and additional utilities.
Final Safety Checks – Everything will be tested to ensure proper operation before moving to the next phase.

P21: Pre-Liner Install Preparation

The time has arrived - we are going to install your new liner! You can except the following during part 21, while we prepare to install your new liner:

Pool Floor
- The pool floor surface will be a soft sand bottom
  - Approximately 1.5" of clean sand
    - Remember, we over excavated the entire pool floor to accommodate the new layer of sand
    - We use stakes and string lines in combination with the liner measurement to prepare your pools floor
    - Troweling and hard packing of the interior surface
    - Gasket Installation
    - We will install the gaskets for skimmers, returns, autofill*, and main-drains prior to installing your liner
    - Foam Installation
    - Final scrape and clean walls as needed
    - Install 1/8"x42" Wall Foam with Spray Adhesive for Wall Padding on all interior pool walls
    - We will also install 1/8" Thick Foam with Spray Adhesive for padding on all step treads, risers, and bench throughout

Part 22: Liner Installation:

This is one of the most exciting steps—your pool is finally starting to look like a finished product! Here’s what happens during the liner install:
Laying Out the Liner

The new liner will be carefully unpacked and stretched across the pool from the shallow to the deep end.
We’ll ensure it’s properly positioned before securing it in place.

Securing the Liner

Since your pool has concrete steps and a bench, step rods will be installed inside designated liner pockets to prevent shifting.
The liner will be locked in using a bead system, and step clips will be screwed into place to hold the step rods securely.

Vacuum Sealing the Liner

Once the liner is positioned, we’ll place two vacuums around the pool to remove air pockets, ensuring a smooth, wrinkle-free finish.
These vacuums must stay running until the water level reaches the shallow end.

Main Drain Cover Installation

Before filling the pool, we will install and secure the main drain covers—the only liner cuts made at this stage.

Filling the Pool

The pool will be filled using an on-site water source (hose bib).
The water must reach over the pool skimmer throats before we proceed with final adjustments.

Final Adjustments & Fixture Cutouts

Once the water level is high enough, we’ll remove the vacuums and make the final cuts for the skimmers, returns, lights, and autofill (if applicable).
Faceplates will be installed over these fixtures to create a watertight seal.

The liner installation is one of the final major steps before your pool is fully operational!

About

Explore What Lies Beyond

Our Building Process

How we do it

Big or small we build them all

2. Substrate Preparation:

We compact and level the perimeter to ensure a stable foundation for the concrete forms.

Proper compaction prevents sinking or uneven walls over time.

2. Layout & Marking:

We re-run string lines and chalk marks to ensure the pool is square and built to plan.

The interior dimensions represent the actual water size (e.g., a 20' x 40' pool has water dimensions of 20' x 40').

The exterior dimensions account for 10" thick walls, making the full footprint 21'-8" x 41'-8".

3. Forming the Pool:

We assemble 4' concrete forms to shape the walls.

The walls will be 42" high and 10" thick from top to bottom.

4. Blocking for Skimmers:

We block out designated spaces for skimmers to avoid unnecessary concrete cutting later.

5. Rebar Reinforcement:

We reinforce walls with five rows of #4-grade (1/2") steel rebar for strength.

Each piece is 20' long with a 24" lap at corners.

Grounding rods are installed in all four corners for electrical bonding.

6. Bracing the Forms:

We brace the forms using 2" x 4" wood and wooden stakes to prevent blowouts and keep walls straight.

Additional stakes are added on the exterior for extra stability.

7. Final Check Before Concrete Pour:

We verify interior dimensions, elevations, and pool alignment.

We mark a consistent 42" wall height inside the forms and set pin nails to maintain accuracy.

8. Pool Equipment Pad:

We prepare a 2' x 8' concrete pad for your pool equipment, placed up to 15' from the pool.

Since a concrete truck will be on-site, we pour this pad simultaneously for efficiency.

This phase ensures your pool walls are strong, level, and built to last. Next, we move on to the concrete pour!

Pool Process

Part 5 – Concrete Pour of Pool Walls With all preparations complete, it’s time to pour the concrete and bring the pool structure to life.

Concrete Pouring: We apply form oil before pouring 4,500 PSI concrete to ensure a strong and smooth finish.

Even Distribution: A ready-mix truck maneuvers around the pool, pouring evenly while we shovel and push the concrete as needed.

Finishing Touches: We use trowels and finishing tools to smooth the top walls and a concrete vibrator to eliminate air pockets for a solid structure.

Lifetime Structural Warranty: The pool structure receives a non-transferable lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.

Pool Equipment Pad

After pouring the pool walls, we pour the 2' x 8' concrete pad for your pool equipment, placed up to 15' from the pool for easy access.

Part 6 – Form Stripping, Cleaning & Drilling With the concrete set, it’s time to remove the forms and prepare for the next steps.

Form Stripping: The next day, we remove the forms, exposing the pool walls and skimmer block-outs.

Surface Cleanup: We break form pins, clean interior walls, and smooth the top beam for a level finish.

Drilling: Openings are drilled for pool returns, lights, and autofill as needed.

Curing: The concrete walls cure for 14 days before backfilling.

Part 7 – Forming Steps & Bench Before we install the liner, we build your pool’s steps and deep-end bench. Steps

Geometric square corner entry with four steps.

Formed using 2"x8" wood and #3-grade (3/8") steel, pinned 6" into the pool wall.

Step Dimensions:

First step: 20" x 20" platform, 9" from the top of the unfinished pool wall.

Second & third steps: 7¾" riser height, 12" tread.

Fourth step: 9¾" riser height, 12" tread.

Steps are built on a compacted recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) subbase for stability.

Bench

6' long, 1.5' wide, 2' tall linear bench.

Formed with 4' concrete forms and reinforced with #3-grade (3/8") steel, pinned 6" into the pool wall.

The top of the bench is 18" from the top of the unfinished wall, making it a comfortable seating area for 2-3 people.

Like the steps, the bench is built on a compacted RCA subbase for support.

Part 8 – Concrete Pour of Steps & Bench Once the forms are ready, we pour concrete for your pool’s steps and bench.

Concrete Pouring: We mix and pour concrete into the forms, ensuring a solid and durable structure.

Finishing: Trowels and smoothing tools refine the steps and bench tops.

Vibration: A concrete vibrator eliminates air pockets and ensures a seamless finish.

Part 9 – Stripping & Cleaning Steps and Bench Once the concrete has dried and set, we remove the forms and clean everything up.

Stripping: Wood forms are removed, exposing the finished steps and bench.

Surface Smoothing: An angle grinder ensures the steps and bench are level smooth.

Part 10 – Liner Measurement Many people don’t realize that vinyl liners are custom-made to fit each pool, much like a tailored suit. This ensures a perfect fit for your unique pool shape and dimensions. Liner Measurement Process

A distributor's representative will visit to take precise measurements of your pool.

Step & Bench Texture: A non-slip texture is mandatory on steps and benches for safety.

Once measurements are finalized, the liner goes into production—a process that takes a few weeks. The wait is tough, but the result is well worth it! Pool Depth Considerations

Full excavation is not required before taking measurements.

Part 11 – Installation of Plumbing Fixtures Now that your liner has been measured, we can focus on installing the plumbing fixtures that will keep your pool running efficiently. Skimmers

We will install heavy-duty wide-mouth skimmers in the pre-blocked locations.

Wide-mouth skimmers are twice the size of standard pool skimmers, allowing for better surface cleaning.

The goal is to skim the first 6 inches of water within 2 hours, reducing debris buildup and minimizing the need for manual vacuuming.

Returns (Jets)

Often called "jets," returns will be installed in the cored holes directly across from the skimmers.

These help circulate water, pushing debris toward the skimmers for removal.

Lights

While not plumbing-related, pool lights use the same fittings as returns.

Lights will be installed in the cored holes directly under the skimmers, ensuring proper placement for optimal lighting.

Automatic Pool Fill / Leveler (Optional)

We recommend an autofill system to maintain water levels due to evaporation and normal use.

Explore What
Lies Beyond

Big or small
we build them all

Part 5 – Concrete Pour of Pool Walls

With all preparations complete, it’s time to pour the concrete and bring the pool structure to life.

Part 6 – Form Stripping, Cleaning & Drilling

With the concrete set, it’s time to remove the forms and prepare for the next steps.

Part 7 – Forming Steps & Bench

Before we install the liner, we build your pool’s steps and deep-end bench.
Steps

Part 8 – Concrete Pour of Steps & Bench

Once the forms are ready, we pour concrete for your pool’s steps and bench.

Part 9 – Stripping & Cleaning Steps and Bench

Once the concrete has dried and set, we remove the forms and clean everything up.

Part 10 – Liner Measurement

Many people don’t realize that vinyl liners are custom-made to fit each pool, much like a tailored suit. This ensures a perfect fit for your unique pool shape and dimensions.
Liner Measurement Process

Once measurements are finalized, the liner goes into production—a process that takes a few weeks. The wait is tough, but the result is well worth it!
Pool Depth Considerations

Part 11 – Installation of Plumbing Fixtures

Now that your liner has been measured, we can focus on installing the plumbing fixtures that will keep your pool running efficiently.
Skimmers

Part 12 – Excavation #2

Now it’s time to dig deeper and shape your pool into its final form!
Excavation

Part 13: Main Drain Fixture
There is one more interior plumbing fixture that was left out of the action in part 11. During part 13, you can expect the following:

Part 14: Exterior Pool Plumbing

The second rush after getting your liner measured, is getting everything in the ground so we can close up these trenches! During part 14, you can expect the following:

Part 15: Electrical Conduit*

One last thing before we close up your trenches and start moving dirt to it's final resting place. During part 15, you can expect the following:

Part 16: Removal of Fill*, Backfilling, and Rough Grading & More

Now that everything is installed unground, we can fill the trenches and start making it look like your backyard again. During part 16, you can expect the following:

Part 17: Extrusions:

We are almost installing your liner, but before we can do that, we need to install what actually holds your liner in place. During part 17, you can expect the following: