The removal of the pool starts with the excavator pulling the existing panels into the pool. Then, the concrete was broken up and removed. Pool Craft’s team prefers to first break a hole in the bottom of the hopper for drainage before starting the removal process.
While the orientation of the new pool was the same as the original, the shape and size changed. In this case, the installation team used 51-mm (2-in.) stone to create a new shelf, bring up the hopper, and reshape the walls. Determining the pool’s height was relatively straightforward due to the pre-existing pool. However, a drain located in the back corner meant additional considerations for landscaping, elevation, and drainage.
To maximize the space, the new pool was moved back as far as possible, and structural supports were required next to the easement. The company’s landscape and pool teams came together to construct a retaining wall within the pool over-dig, just outside the easement, with freeze protection for the foundation in mind. Although this sounds like a simple task, these nuances required careful planning and execution.
Next, the new pool and spa walls were installed with specialty box-style supports. The structural foundation was poured and packed with stone, then plumbing pool and spa lighting, and the recirculation system were all added. This project had an added layer of complexity with plumbing, as the team need to consider the hydraulic requirements of the pool, spa, and water features.
Since the original power supply was not strong enough to accommodate all the backyard’s new features, gas and electrical had to be trenched in. All equipment in this case was upgraded, including two variable-speed pumps (VSPs), a cartridge filter, a new heater, and a pool automation control system.
Finally, the concrete was poured. While the pool was ready for the liner at this stage, Pool Craft’s best practice is to hold off until the project is closer to completion. The chance of liner damage due to construction is high and this was a risk the installation team prefers not to take.
The Stone Craft landscape team then took over. This project features the 305-mm (12-in.) Melville coping and an 84-m2 (900-sf) patio in Mega-Melville, all in amber beige. Stone steps leading to the walk-out basement were laid, and the water feature wall was also finished to match.
