What to Expect When You Are Going to Remodel Your Pool
Getting Started:
Once the proposal has been signed, materials will need to be selected for your project. A material selection sheet will be used to for listing the tile, coping, stone and plaster selection. It is important to have all materials selected before the project begins in order to verify each supplier has the requested material in stock. This is particularly true with tile and it is important to have a second selection available in case the first choice is unavailable or out of stock.
Please check with all necessary entities that might have any bearing on your project. HOA’s and some water department require the homeowner to receive approval before any project. This is a matter to be handled by the homeowner and I will be able to handle any additional questions or needs the entity requires. London House Pools will handle and pull any permits, if required, through the respected city. This process and take as little a three business days but in some cases during the busy season, it may take up to three weeks. If permits are needed, more than likely all underground lines and utilities will need to be marked and need access to the property. London House Pools will call in those location services. Inspectors from the city will be reviewing certain phases and will need access to the property.
Some jobs may need access to the breaker panel during the project. A time will be arranged if electricians need to have access to home and breaker panel. The same is true if a gas line is being installed. The code gas plumber will need to schedule a time to have access to the home to relight any pilots. Either of these scenarios would be scheduled in advance with the homeowner and sub-contractor.
Please keep in mind that your backyard is going to become a construction site. You will want to keep all children and pets away from the backyard during this process. Empty pools, construction materials and uneven surfaces can make it very dangerous for little ones so please make all arrangements needed to protect your children and pets during the renovation process.
Every project and backyard is different and therefore has different requirements. We will go over what is special about your project but listed below are some basic tips on getting ready to start your project.
Getting Started Checklist:
· Have all material choices selected?
· All approval from HOA or city water department (if needed)
· Open access to the backyard
· Turn off sprinkler around the pool and job site
· Locate the sewer clean-out for draining the pool
· Relocate furniture and potted plants away from the job site
· Notify your neighbors of your upcoming project
· Have location for work vehicles to park
· Have at least water hose that will reach the bottom of the pool, preferably two or more
· Suspend pool service before the project begins
Draining the pool:
The first day of the project will require draining the pool. We will use an electric submersible pump or the pool equipment to drain all of the pool water to the sewer line. It will be important to have the sewer cleanout caps located on the property. They are two black, round, rubber caps that cover 4-inch pipes that are located approximately three feet from the foundation. If the property is on a septic system, other arrangement will have to be made on where to drain the water. All pool equipment will be turned off and in the winter months, the equipment will also be drained.
Once the pool is empty, the hydrostatic plug will be removed in the bottom of the pool. This will equalize water pressure below the pool. In some cases of an abundant amount of ground water, additional weep holes maybe drilled through the shell of the pool.
It is very important to not turn the pool or spa light again until the project is complete and filled with water. Without water to cool the housing, pool lights may break or even catch fire if left on for long periods of time.
Demolition:
This phase will be typically the nosiest and most noticeable. This is the first step in removing the old materials to get ready for all the new, updated choices. Before demolition begins, you may want to notify any neighbors as this process can be loud, especially for deck removal. Each phase will be listed below.
Tile Only:
The tile will be saw cut below the existing tile at the seam where the tile and plaster meet. The tile will then be removed from the area. The old thin set will be ground down back to the beam to allow new material to hold the tile in place. If any damage to the beam is located once the old tile is removed, some coping may have to be reset depending on the severity of the damage. This will be discussed in person at the job site and may cost additional to the contract.
Tile and Coping:
The tile and coping will be removed to expose the beam of the pool. All mortar will be removed for the new material to sit level on the pool. If any damage to the beam is located after demo, it usually can be easily fixed since the area is exposed.
Decking:
Concrete removal is a slow and laborious task that is typically very noisy as it requires pneumatic jack hammers to break up the concrete. Most decks can be removed in one day but sometimes it may take longer if the decking is thick, large amounts of turn-down beam are present or for large deck areas. It is usually recommended that arrangements be made for any house pets during this time as the noise can stress some pets.
Tile:
Tile is a way adding your personal touch to the pool by deciding how you want your tile to look in relations to the other materials. Do you want it to blend in or be noticeable? You can have it blend into the coping or the plaster. You can have it be an eye catching feature of your project. The choice is yours on how you want your tile look on the pool.
Once the old tile is removed, the beam of the pool will now be exposed. This beam will be prepped and maybe floated back out to an even, level finish for the new tiles to be installed. At this time, any cracks to the beam will be repaired before the new tile is installed. The tile will be filled in with either white or gray grout depending on the color of the plaster and the look desired for the tile line. White grout will work only with white plasters and will make each individual tile stand out acting like a boarder. Gray grout will typically be used on all color finishes and will make the tile blend more line a ribbon instead of each individual tile.
Tile only:
The new, selected tile will be installed on the waterline of the pool. It will be adhered to the beam of the pool and then grouted. It is worth noting that newer tiles today are slightly thicker than older tiles. Without plastering the pool, the bottom of the tiles may stick out an eighth of an inch further out than the previous tiles. Visually you will not be able to see this but you may feel a slight ridge at the seam.
Coping and Veneer:
Changing the coping and veneer around the pool is another way to update the look and style of the pool. There are many different options available to use depending on what style or characteristics you want for your pool. A major factor in installing new coping around a pool depends on if the existing deck is staying or being replaced. If the deck is being removed and a new one installed, almost any coping and veneer can go back on the pool since the new deck will be poured up the back of the new coping and veneer. This will create a nice, even seam for the mastic joint where the coping and deck meet. However, if the deck is not being replaced, this may limit some options for coping. It is very difficult to use a man-made coping, like precast, when a natural stone is being replaced. The natural stone will not be a perfect 12 inches from front to back and will vary some. This will cause the precast coping and deck to not line up perfect resulting in a mastic joint that varies in thickness. The same is true when replacing stone veneer that has decking poured next to it.
Another item to go over is that this phase of the project will be one of the longer phases because all of the stone has to be cut by hand and perfectly placed. This phase usually last two to four days depending on the amount of stonework installed. Also cutting the stone will cause a lot of dust, so it is best to keep the windows and garage door closed during this phase. We will clean all the dust in the area once the project is completed. It should also be noted that the color of the stone, especially Oklahoma flagstone, may appear to be dull or not that colorful once it is first installed. There is a light coating of dust on the coping that will be cleaned off once the mortar is cured. This will expose the beautiful colors of the stone.
Decking:
Adding new decking around the pool can offer many benefits such as correcting poor drainage layouts, replacing hot, aggregate decking, increasing decking area or making a better layout for your backyard needs. It is very important to note that during the time of the pool area not having decking, there will be rebar and other hazards around the pool site. Please keep pets, children and yourself safe by not being in or near the construction site. In addition, please discuss any drainage issues before the decking process starts as it may be able to be corrected by connecting downspouts or installing area drains in planters.
The general layout of deck will be outlined in spray paint and approved by the customer. If there are any changes to the square footage of the decking, this would be time to make it. Once the outline is completed, the decking crew will install drainage pipes, place forms, lay cushion sand or flex base and finally the steel rebar. Once the pool plumbing is pressure tested and bond wire installed, the area is ready for cement. On the day of the pour, please keep an open access for the crew to bring in the concrete. Also, please keep pets and children away from the area for 24 hours. Any special instructions will be given in person depending on the decking that is installed.
If paver decking is installed, the process will be a little different. The decking area will be laid out and outlined in spray paint. Then some of the current soil and sand will be removed in order for decomposed granite to apply as a base. Paver decks may take a few days to install, especially if there are numerous radius cuts that need to be made. The pavers will feel loose and may move while they are installing the decking. Once the deck is finished, the crew will apply a poly-sand to the pavers that will help lock it into place.
Mastic:
Mastic is the sealant that is applied between the pool and decking and acts as a water proof barrier to prevent water from going under the decking. Tan mastic is typically the standard color but gray is used when white or gray materials are used on the project. Other custom colors are available upon request. The mastic is then finished with a light layer of colorful sand that helps the mastic blend in better with the stone and decking.
It is important to note that it takes mastic 24 hours to dry and all children and pets should be kept out the backyard during this time frame. Signs will be placed around the area during this time as a reminder. Should a leaf or a piece of debris fall into the mastic during the curing process, leave it there and it will be removed the next day. Trying to remove the debris during the curing process my make the finish worse.
Plaster Prep:
Plaster prep is the next to last phase until your backyard project is complete. This is to ensure the new plaster finish will properly adhere to the pool structure and remove any areas that are delaminated. The process begins with removing any hollow areas that have separated from the shell. Some delamination is to be expected but excessive amounts, especially on older pools, may require an additional charge. Next, the returns and main drains are removed. The plaster will be removed around the lights, main drains and returns to ensure a nice even finish with the new plaster. The pool interior will be washed down and cleaned. Finally, a finished called a bond coat will be applied to the entire pool interior. It is a very thick finish that is rolled on and when it dries, it will be very coarse and textured. This will ensure the new plaster finish will anchor onto the pool shell.
Plaster:
This is the final phase of the project but also one of the most important. The plaster crew will need to have access with a large plaster rig and another smaller pick-up truck. Please have space in the driveway available the morning of plaster for the crews to work. It is important to have at least one hose available for the crew to use and preferably two would be better. It is extremely important NOT to stop the water filling in the pool until it is halfway up the tile line. Stopping the hoses may cause a permanent line on the plaster of the pool. Only fill the pool using the hoses. Do not use fill lines or sprinkler lines.
Plaster is installed approximately ½” to ¾” thick on the walls and floors. It will first be shot into the shell of pool and then the crew will begin to trowel and work the material. As the plaster begins to harden, the crew will start to work themselves out of the pool troweling the finish to a nice, smooth texture. They will have plugs in all the pool and spa returns to prevent water from leaking out and running down the plaster. They will leave the hoses on in the bottom of the pool and leave the water on. It typically takes about 24 hours for a pool to fill but varies depending on the size of the pool and water pressure. During the filling process, use one of the hoses and install a sprayer to wet down the plaster as it is filling. Hydrate everything above the waterline by spraying lightly to create a mist. This will to help prevent the plaster from drying out and developing shrinkage cracks and should be performed every 2 to 3 hours until the pool is full. Hotter weather may require every 1 to 2 hours. It is normal to see streaks or color variations in the dry plaster as it is filling.
Each different type of plaster will have a different process involved in the application and curing. Listed below are the three different types of finishes with each process and aftercare needed. It is very important to follow the steps listed below for the best possible outcome for the plaster.
White Plaster:
White plaster is the most common and widely known type of finish for swimming pools. It offers a classic look with a nice, inviting aqua blue finish that everyone recognizes in a pool. It is easy to maintain and has a very smooth finish once it’s finished.
The plaster crew will arrive and prep the pool area by taping off the tile line and covering the coping. At this time, they will install any toe or spotter tiles in the steps, bench and spa. Once they are ready, the crew will pump the plaster from the plaster truck into the pool. They will apply it to the walls and floors and start smoothing it out. When the plaster begins to set and is now workable, the crew will work the plaster finish until it is smooth and evenly applied to the pool interior. The crew will finish out the pool and then start filling with the hoses when they leave. If the pool has a spa, the spa will be filled first and then the pool. It is typical for the water to have a slight greenish tint as the water is not treated. Chemicals at start-up will turn the water to the bright aqua blue color.
Sunstone Quartz:
Sunstone Quartz is a more durable plaster finish than traditional plaster and is offered in many colors. It is initially applied just like white plaster but there is an extra step involved. When the quartz finish is being applied, the color of the finish may not look the correct color as you selected. Once the crew is finished troweling, they leave the pool empty to dry. A shorty time later, a separate crew arrives to acid wash and pressure wash the pool in order to expose the quartz. During the acid washing process, it is advised to keep your home windows closed and stay inside. The fumes from the acid wash can be strong and over whelming. At this time your pool should look like the color you selected. Before the crew leaves, they will put the hoses in the pool and start the filling process.
Crystal Stone Pebble:
Crystal Stone Pebble is the most durable finish available and comes in the more color shades than any other finish. The initial application is the same as the first two finishes with one minor difference. There will be a network of ropes suspended above the pool, usually tied to the fence posts or any solid object. This is to hang all the specialized tools and hoses for the pebble finish and prevent them from dragging across the fresh surface. Once the crew is finished troweling the finish, they wait until the finish starts to set up and harden. At this time, they will use a special, pressurized wand that will mist the finish to start to expose the pebble. This will only remove the first layer and look very uneven. The plaster crew will pack everything up and leave the pool empty until the next day. Another crew will come in the following day to acid wash and pressure wash the finish, exposing the pebbles even more. During the acid washing process, it is advised to keep your home windows closed and stay inside. The fumes from the acid wash can be strong and over whelming. Before the crew leaves, they will put the hoses in the pool and start the filling process. It will be normal to see a large amount of loose pebble on the bottom of the pool.
Aftercare:
Once the pool is full, contact London House Pools so we may start up the pool. We will remove the plugs and install returns, start up the equipment and instruct you on how to care for your pool. Your equipment will need to be running for 24 hours a day for the brushing period. You will need to brush the pool twice a day, every day for 7 to 10 days. You should notice some plaster dust in the pool and attempt to brush it towards the main drains. This is a very important process that will affect the smoothness and appearance for the life of the plaster. During this brushing process, have your water professionally tested every 48 hours to make any adjustments needed to balance your pool chemistry. This is extremely important and will affect the final finish of the plaster for life of the material. You will need to have a few gallons of acid ready to neutralize the pH because it will be very high due to the plaster curing. If the water’s pH remains too high for too long, the plaster dust may stick and harden on the new plaster. Once the pool has no more plaster dust, a filter clean is recommend to remove all the plaster debris out of the filter. With the filter cleaned and all plaster dust is removed, you can set your pool timers back to the original time for your pumps to run. Please note that automated pool cleaners cannot go back into the pool until 3 weeks from being plastered. Also, you must wait at least 30 days to add salt to your pool for salt water systems. During that month, you will need to operate your pool as a traditional chlorine pool.
If you do not want to brush it down, or adjust the chemicals, please let us know so we may get you in contact with a service company that provides brush down packages. You may start using the pool once the pool water is balanced and the water is clear.
Thank you for letting London House Pools perform your pool renovation. Every renovation is different but this guideline gives you an idea and understanding of how most renovations are performed. If you have any questions on anything you have read, please let us know.