Here’s How We Turn your Backyard Into Something Extraordinary…

Over the last 26 years, Aloha Pools has come up with a very specific 25-Step Quality Control Construction process, to make sure that from start to finish, every project turns out exactly the way the homeowner wants it.

By no means do you need to worry about the details and steps we go through to create your new backyard dream.  But if you're interested, feel free to peruse our 25 step process, explained here in "plain English" for your enjoyment. If you have any questions, or want more details, just give us a call, at 704-597-7140.

1. Fact finding meeting with homeowner; Site analysis – Our initial site analysis and fact finding meeting becomes the backbone of the entire project.  By meeting to discuss and envision the property’s potential we learn your expectations, desires, concerns and hopes for your future Aloha pool.
   
   
   
2. Draft a detailed plan, prepare detailed cost estimate, and present to homeowner - The foundation to any good design is a detailed plan that shows the footprint of the house with finished floor elevations, easements, set-backs, or other site contingencies.  Once the survey and/or plot plan has been obtained from your records, architect or builder, our designers will draft a preliminary sketch considering the architecture of the home, your functional requirements, sun exposure, privacy and view opportunities.
   
3. Cost Estimates - Based on the site analysis and your design requirements, our designers will help in assessing and detailing what your project will cost.
4. Contract, construction plans and obtain permits – When project approval is agreed upon, construction plans will be finalized and Aloha Pools will be engaged for the project. Permits will then be obtained. (Depending on the complexity of your project and the municipality in which you reside the timeframe varies)
5. Site prep and layout - Once the building permit has been obtained, construction will begin. The property determines the amount of site prep that is needed.  Demolition, grading, and retaining walls are just a few steps that might occur prior to laying out the shape of the swimming pool itself.
6. Checkpoint #1 - Once the pool area is painted or staked and defined with string line, this is the perfect time to meet with the construction manager and designer to verify the actual size, configuration, placement, depth and height of all the design features that were discussed in prior meetings. This is where the vision of your project begins to take shape.
7. Forming and excavation - The forming and excavation begins with loud, heavy machinery tearing into your site. The goal is to create a peaceful finished environment for you to relax and enjoy, but unfortunately the process of construction can feel a bit invasive and disconcerting leaving your yard in temporary disarray. Rest assured our Aloha team will communicate with you to help minimize the disruption and insure your overall satisfaction. Patience and flexibility on your part will expedite the process.
   
   
   
8. Structural steel /rebar installation - Steel bars are placed on the walls, floor, and beam of the pool and are used to reinforce the structure of the swimming pool and maintain structural integrity. The beam is tied using a 4 bar box beam which consists of 4-#4 bars – (½”) placed around the perimeter of the pool. The beam will also have deck dowels added to reinforce the steel installed at the deck phase. Normal steel schedule for the walls and floor use #3 bars – 3/8” placed on 10”
   
   
   
9. Electrical bonding with county inspection
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Plumbing and equipment set - Plumbing is installed behind the steel framework. Proper plumbing and the appropriate use of valves is essential for maintaining ample flow of water to and from the pool, spa and water features. Normal plumbing lines consist of schedule 40 PVC in combinations of 1 ½”, 2” and 2 ½” diameters. Plumbing lines are classified as either return lines or suction lines. Return lines bring filtered water into the pool and suction lines include skimmers and main drains which draw water from the pool to the pump. Aloha Pools uses only the highest rated anti-entrapment safety drain standard on all of its pools.
    
    
    
11. Checkpoint #2 - At this stage we like to double check things such as light, bench and step placement. This is done by the construction manager and yourself prior to the installation of Gunite .
12. Gunite sprayed – Our team of contractors will spray the gunite over your pool with what looks like a fire hose. Your pool quickly takes shape right before your eyes. This is a pretty impressive operation and one you should watch if time allows.
    
    
    
13. Tile and coping installation – The Tile and Coping phase help create the overall aesthetics of the pool using the materials that you have selected. The top of the gunite shell will be leveled, smoothed, and sealed in preparation for applying a 6” waterline row of tile. Coping usually consists of stone, brick, or precast material and is placed on the beam of the pool. Special detail is emphasized by using quality stone that is approximately 2” thick and by manually cutting each stone to create larger pieces and minimizing grout joints.
    
    
    
14. Electrical installed and inspected – Licensed electricians will install the wiring that runs the pool’s lights, pumps, heaters, timeclocks, and remote controls. The electrician will require access to your electrical panel, usually located in your garage.
15. Gas line run and inspected (if applicable) - If you purchased a heater, a licensed gas plumber will dig a trench from your existing gas meter to the pool heater.
16. Clean-up, trench burying and grading for decks - This is the phase where all of the open trenches, exposed piping, conduit, and piles of dirt will be leveled.  Then suddenly you have a clear view of your pool.
    
    
    
17. Checkpoint #3 – Deck layout – walk through with construction manager - At this time the construction manager and the home owner will get together to mark out where the patios will go. Does the original design meet your expectations? Now is the time to double check, ask questions if you are doubtful, as we make suggestions.
18. Deck installation - Decking is a critical phase of construction because of the expansive soil conditions that exist in the Charlotte areas. The deck process begins with the installation of a drainage system that uses 4” PVC pipe that will carry water from the gutters and deck away from the pool and into the lower lying areas of your yard. A layer of sand will be spread on the ground to create a base and the deck will be formed according to the design plans. Reinforced steel is installed using #3-(3/8”) bars. If required, the city will inspect the deck form and the plumbing lines will be tested to ensure they hold adequate pressure. The deck will then be poured and expansion joints placed throughout to allow for ground movement and minimize cracking.
    
19. Prep for interior finish and final site cleaning - Debris will be removed from the yard and swimming pool and your yard will be graded using any remaining dirt and sand left on the job site. The sections of the fence that were removed must be replaced and all gates and latches must pass city codes. Most cities require gates to be self-closing and self-latching. Your city may also require door alarms and child anti-climb rails if 2x4 stringers are on the outside of the fence.
    
20. Interior finish - This is an exciting phase because your new pool is going through the final interior finish. No more raw gunite, soon you will be swimming.
    
    
    
21. Fill pool and start-up - The most difficult phase of all, you finally see water in your pool but you have to wait just a few more days for the work to be done. It takes just a few more days and a little more patience while we turn the systems on, troubleshoot, perfect any inconsistencies, and get the pool water's chemistry stabilized for you.
    
    
    
22. Orientation meeting - At this time we'll set up an actual appointment to meet with you. The time has come to show you everything about properly operating your swimming pool.
23. Final inspection – The county inspector will need to look over all the work that has been done and give a stamp of approval.
24. Apply acrylic kool deck topping (if applicable) – We like to apply acrylic kool deck after filling the pool and landscaping if possible. This assures that no unnecessary debris has to be cleaned from your new deck surface.
25. Landscape and fence installation (by others)

Now it’s time to enjoy your new pool!