Process

How we work

Shoreline builds all of its customized pools using its own dedicated labor force and equipment. It has its own excavators, forming crews, masons, plumbers and shotcrete trucks and crews. Because we use our own labor force and equipment, we can control the quality and timing of every project. Our dedicated tradesmen and artisans work on only those areas that are specific to their field.

We only work with the finest materials and "full rated" equipment which are specked out in advance, selected and delivered from top-rated sources. We also have our own time-tested standards and methods— which exceed normal guidelines—such as our own controlled formulaic concrete mixture, pneumatic pressure standards for shotcrete application, optimal floor and wall thickness, and steel bar reinforcement and placement.

Choice materials, equipment, and systems are the keystones of Shoreline quality, ensuring you a lifetime of pride and enjoyment. Shoreline has dedicated project managers and crew chiefs that are on-site to oversee every phase of every job.

What to expect

We have provided the following overview of the pool construction process so you can fully understand what goes into building the pool of your dreams.

You should also be aware that before, during and after this process, there will be various municipal requirements that need to be observed. These ordinances are all designed to make sure that your pool is built safely and within various state and town guidelines. The most common form is the various inspections that occur at key steps during the construction process. We routinely schedule these inspections with the appropriate local authorities with little or no inconvenience to the homeowner. However, since we do not control the schedule of these town officials, construction timing is dependent on their availability.

While most of these regulations are within Shorelines' normal control and operating sphere, there are some that are not and that need the cooperation and involvement of the homeowner. They are:

Barrier Requirements
Most towns require code compliant pool safety barriers to deter children from entering the pool. These should all be installed prior to pre-plaster inspection. These barriers are also required when the pool is not completed within one season and must be partially filled with water for its winter protection. Temporary construction fencing is not acceptable. All fencing must be building code compliant.
Our sales managers will inform you of this at time of contract. Your project manager should remind you of these requirements as that portion of the construction process nears.

Certificates of Occupancy
It is the Owner's responsibility to close out the building permit and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.). Failure to do so within the expiration date of the permit may result in the owner having to file for an extension and pay additional fees.
Each town varies as well as each state for the requirements for obtaining a C.O. Some requirements are fencing, landscaping, drainage, door alarms, as built surveys, and electrical final. Please note, in some towns it may be unlawful to use your pool prior to issuance of a C.O.
Since most of these requirements are not under Shoreline's control, we cannot guarantee the timeliness of your C.O. Due to the fact that obtaining a C.O. may be time consuming, laborious and frustrating, Shoreline has dedicated personnel to assist our customers with this task for a nominal fee. Please ask your sales manager about this very important service.

1. Layout & Form
   We layout & form after you have approved the final design of the pool—a detailed set of working drawings is also created from which the pool will be constructed. The pool is laid out and formed at the correct elevation. Access roads and tree removal will also occur at this time. We also notify "Call before you Dig" to mark utility lines in the pool area (you can expect different utility companies to walk through your yard and place flags where existing utility lines exist). Remember that, like any other major construction process, you will also have heavy equipment making numerous trips onto your property. You should make sure to clear any planters, decorative rocks, sprinkler heads, etc. that may get in the way.
2. Excavation
   An excavation crew carefully digs, forms and hand-trims the pool in accordance with every detail of the swimming pool's design specifications. The excavation process usually only takes one day, however, it may take longer depending on the soil's condition, ground water conditions or unexpected weather delays.
3. Interior Plumbing
   Internal plumbing fittings are installed. Each fitting is designed to penetrate from the shell exterior to the pool's interior. High-grade "Schedule 40" PVC pipe designed to prevent leaks or deterioration is used. All pipe connections are solidly bonded and the entire plumbing system is hydrostatically pressure tested.
4. Steel
   A Steel Crew forms a rigid contoured grid or cage of reinforcing steel to create the backbone of the swimming pool. Steel bars cross one another for the utmost in reinforcement with tie wires at every other intersection. Block spacers are placed under the steel. This helps to hold the steel above the soil, so the steel will end up being approximately in the middle of the shotcrete.
5. Shotcrete
   The next process of the pool construction is the application of the shotcrete. Shotcrete is a mixture of sand, rock, cement and water which is applied by experienced technicians. This mixture is pumped into a hose and when the compressed air is introduced at the nozzle, the technicians will skillfully shoot the shotcrete around your pool's steel reinforcement grid. After the shotcrete has been completed, it usually takes several days for the curing process.
6. Tile
   Depending upon the interior surface, the next step in the construction process is the installation of the waterline tile. The pool will get a high-glazed, frost-proof waterline tile (usually sized at 6"x 6") that will be hand laid and carefully grouted around the waterline tile. The tiling of the waterline should take one to two days to finish. Once the tile has set securely, the pool will have a durable, non-porous surface that will last for years.
7. Coping
   Coping is the term used to identify the stone material used to cap the pool shell wall. A common form of material used for this function is bluestone flagging, but many other options are available including pre-cast cement material. Natural stone coping offers the warmth, texture, and sturdiness of stone. Materials ranging from quarried granite, limestone and bluestone to natural fieldstone offer beautiful and long lasting coping solutions.
8. Decking
   Decks are areas surrounding the pool and the material used can run the gamut from brick to bluestone to simple concrete. Once the plumbing from the pool shell to the equipment area is complete, layout and forming of the pool deck begins.
9. Setting the Equipment
   At the same time the deck is being poured, the equipment pad is poured. Pool equipment is set based on what items have been selected. It is essential to have mechanical components that are tried and true.
10. Electrical
    Using approved conduit, wire and bonding, a licensed professional electrical contractor carefully makes all of the electrical connections for the pool. The lights are installed, the pumps are wired, and electrical breakers installed.
11. Interior Surface
    The swimming pool will be coated with plaster which is a mixture of white cement and ground marble aggregate. This is a very rich mixture and if it is allowed to dry out it will crack. Water must be applied immediately. Water will cure the plaster. Because the plaster is cured under water, it will have a compressive strength of about 6,000 p.s.i. and is a very dense concrete surface. Shoreline will notify the pool water company immediately to fill up your pool.
12. Clean-up
    This is the time that the mess will be cleaned up and that everything disrupted during the construction process is put back in its proper place. At this point the landscaper will finish the landscaping work that you have chosen to accentuate your new pool.
13. Start-Up and Instruct
    It's important to have the pool operating as quickly as possible. A trained mechanic will come out and make sure it passes a final inspection by the town. While the mechanic is there, it is also advisable to have everyone who will be operating the new pool present during orientation in order to learn all about how the new pool operates. A pool is a big investment and operating it properly will ensure its protection. You will also receive an orientation manual which will include pool information, equipment brochures and warranty forms, as well as your pool cleaning equipment.