Building a custom pool is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home. It transforms your backyard into a space for relaxation, entertaining, and making memories with family and friends. While the finished pool often looks effortless, the process behind it involves careful planning, skilled craftsmanship, and several important construction stages.
At Ancient City Pools & Design, the pool-build process is designed to be transparent and well-organized so homeowners understand what’s happening at each step. From the first permit approval to your first swim, every phase is carefully coordinated to ensure quality, safety, and a beautiful final result.
Below is a closer look at what homeowners can expect during the pool construction journey.
Phase 1: Permitting and Architectural Review
Before construction can begin, your pool design must meet local building codes and any applicable community guidelines. This stage is essential for ensuring the pool is built safely and in compliance with city and county regulations.
During the permitting phase, our team reviews the architectural requirements for your property and prepares all the necessary documentation for approval. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, design plans may also be submitted for HOA approval. While this part of the pool build process happens mostly behind the scenes, it lays the groundwork for everything that follows.
Once permits are approved and all requirements are satisfied, construction can officially begin.
Phase 2: Layout and Excavation
The first visible stage of construction is the layout and excavation of the pool area. The construction team will carefully mark the pool’s exact location and dimensions in your yard. This outline gives you the first real sense of how the pool will fit within your outdoor space.
Excavation equipment is then used to remove soil and shape the cavity that will become the pool. The ground is graded to achieve the proper elevations and depth, and form boards are installed around the perimeter. These boards help define the pool’s shape and allow room for the structural shell that will be added in the next stage.
Although it can look dramatic as large amounts of earth are removed, this step is an exciting milestone—your pool has officially begun to take shape.
Phase 3: Plumbing and Structural Reinforcement
Once the excavation is complete, the focus shifts to the internal systems that make your pool function properly. Plumbing lines are installed to handle water circulation, filtration, and drainage. These pipes will later connect to the pool’s pump, filter, and other equipment that keep the water clean and moving.
At the same time, steel reinforcement—commonly referred to as rebar—is installed throughout the excavated area. This steel framework provides structural strength that allows the pool shell to withstand water pressure and soil movement over time.
Before construction continues, the steel structure is inspected by the local building department to confirm it meets all code requirements.
Phase 4: Concrete Shell Construction
With the plumbing and steel reinforcement in place, the next step is forming the pool’s concrete shell. This stage is where the permanent structure of the pool is created.
Concrete is applied to the steel framework, forming a durable shell that defines the pool’s final shape. Once the shell is complete, the temporary form boards are removed and the surrounding soil is carefully backfilled around the exterior. This stabilizes the structure and prepares the area for the remaining installation work.
At this point in the process, homeowners can clearly see the pool’s shape and depth, making it easier to envision the finished result.
Phase 5: Tile, Equipment, and Electrical Work
After the shell has been completed, attention turns to the mechanical systems and visual details that bring the swimming pool together.
Electrical grounding and bonding are installed to ensure the pool meets all safety requirements, and pool equipment—including the pump, filtration system, and other components—is connected to the plumbing lines.
During this stage of the pool build process, decorative waterline tile is also installed along the edge of the pool. This tile not only enhances the appearance of the pool but also protects the structure by helping manage water exposure at the surface line.
In many projects, work on the pool deck or surrounding hardscape also begins around this time, further transforming the backyard into a complete outdoor living space.
Phase 6: Inspections and Interior Finishing
Before the pool can receive its interior finish, several inspections must take place to ensure that the structure, plumbing, and safety features meet all local building requirements.
Once the project passes inspection, the interior surface of the pool is prepared and finished. This surface—often plaster or another specialty finish—creates the smooth, watertight layer that gives the pool its final color and texture.
This step marks one of the most exciting transitions in the process, as the pool begins to look truly complete.
Phase 7: Filling the Pool and Pool School
The final stage is when the pool is filled with water and the systems are started for the first time. Once filled, the filtration system is activated and the water chemistry is carefully balanced to ensure it is safe and ready for use.
After the final inspection is completed, the builder will walk homeowners through what’s often called “Pool School.” During this orientation, you’ll learn how to operate the equipment, monitor water chemistry, and maintain your new pool. This hands-on introduction helps ensure you feel confident caring for your pool and keeping it in top condition.
Turning Your Vision Into Reality
In summary, building a pool is a multi-step process, but with an experienced builder guiding the project, it becomes an exciting journey rather than a stressful one. From the earliest design approvals to the final water fill, each stage brings your backyard closer to becoming a personal retreat.
At Ancient City Pools & Design, our goal is to make the entire experience as smooth and rewarding as the finished product itself. By combining thoughtful design, skilled construction, and clear communication, we help homeowners turn their backyard vision into a beautiful and lasting reality.
If you’re interested in adding a pool to your home, we’re happy to meet with you, talk through design options, inspect the potential build site and put together an estimate and timeline for the build.
Call or text us today at 904.856.POOL (7665).
create your backyard retreat with ancient city pools and design
At Ancient City Pools and Design, we specialize in custom pool and spa solutions that reflect your lifestyle and vision. Whether you’re building a new pool or upgrading an existing one, adding a spa can elevate your outdoor space into a complete backyard sanctuary.
From design consultation to construction, our team ensures your spa blends seamlessly with your pool for beauty, comfort, and long-term value.
Contact us today to turn your dream pool into a reality! Call 904-856-7665!
