In the Cayman Islands, like most municipalities, there are several hurdles to overcome prior to the first dig. Below you will find an overview of the local pool building process.
Design / Layout
The first step is to sit with your Pool Patrol Pool Designer. He will take the time to put your pool/landscape thoughts to paper. This step can take several weeks as there are many decisions that need to be made, such as, pool size, surface colour, tile colour, fountain, overflow spas etc. After all this you will need to meet with your architect to have him draw up the plans, there are several required. Pool Patrol will require the plans to perform the hydraulic calculations and ensure everything is ready for DEH and Planning approval. Government approvals for construction can take up to 3 months after drawing submission, so please be patient. Approx cost of this stage can be $1500 to $3000.
Pre-excavation
Once building approval has been granted, Pool Patrol will visit the site and layout the pool. This is done so we can ensure the pool is located properly in relation to the house and property lines. Last minute adjustments can be made at this point. Once all is confirmed the excavation can begin.
Excavation
This is the day that you have been waiting for. Pool excavation requires heavy machinery including an excavator and dump trucks. The backyard that you have worked hard on becomes a dirty mucky bog in a matter of minutes, although we try our best to keep the mess to a minimum. The pool digging starts and the form boards for the pool shape are put in place and when the excavation is finished, the excavated hole resembles the same shape of the finished product.
Reinforcing Steel Installation
Reinforcing steel is installed to shape and strengthen the pool shell. This steel reinforcing also gives the shotcrete/gunite something to cling to as the pool structure takes shape.
Plumbing
PVC pipe is stubbed out of the shell and run between the pool and the filtration system. Pipe trenching will occur at this stage to allow the plumbing to be laid below ground level. The plumbing is pressure tested and inspected for leaks prior to backfilling the ditches.
Shotcrete/Gunite Application
Shooting (Shotcreting or Guniting) a pool is one of the most impressive parts of the pool construction process due to the equipment involved and the skilled craftsmen that shape the pool. The shotcrete is applied over the steel to form a single concrete shell and the craftsmen will trim out the final shape of the pool. When the pool shoot is complete, the pools structure is in place and it becomes evident what the pool shape actually is.
Tile & Coping Installation
The tile and coping you have chosen is now installed. This begins to dress up the pool structure, giving your pool an attractive and safe pool perimeter. Now you can start to see your design & colour choices coming to reality.
Equipment Installation
Your quality reliable pool equipment is now installed on the equipment pad and connected to the pool plumbing.
Electrical
Reinforcing steel is installed to shape and strengthen the pool shell. This steel reinforcing also gives the shotcrete/gunite something to cling to as the pool structure takes shape.
Preparation of Surface and Installing the Plaster
The pool structure surface is now cleaned and prepared for application of the plaster surface. Pool Patrol exclusively uses SGM Diamond Brite ® for pool surfaces. Prior to the installation of the plaster the surface may require a waterproof barrier or bonding layer, SGM BondKote® or Flexcrete can be applied. Depending on the pool design these materials aid in your pools longevity. The skilled craftsmen will trowel the surface until it is smooth. The surface is now given a light Acid wash and filling is started.
Filtration Equipment Start-Up
When the pool is full, we start the filtration equipment and begin analyzing the water and adding chemicals. At this time Pool Patrol starts what we call "Diamond Brite Start Up" this process includes a daily brush of the pool surface and adjustment of the chemicals. This procedure aids in the plaster curing process and takes 7 days to 10 days to complete . Pool vacuuming and swimming is not allowed at this time.
Clean Up
After the equipment is started, we remove construction debris from the site and rake around the pool area. It is at this time that your landscaper can begin beautifying your backyard back to the oasis you have always dreamed.
