Pressure test the plumbing
When the water is just below the return fitting, stop the backfill process and install the plumbing lines. Run the lines along the excavation cavity and route them to the equipment pad. To prevent accidental draining of the pool, place the equipment at, or slightly above, the elevation of the pool, and plumb the lines so the water leaves the pool via the skimmer and not the main drain.
Then, pressure test as necessary. If a pressure test is not required, fill the remainder of the pool and finish the backfill process, being careful not to cover any plumbing joints that have been glued together to allow visual inspections for leaks. At this point, the pool can be backfilled to grade and prepped for concrete.
Pouring concrete
Cantilever decking is recommended for fibreglass pools; however, before pouring concrete, forms need to be setup around the pool perimeter first. Once the form is in place, pour concrete under and over the coping (0.3m [1 ft] beam around the pool). Keep in mind; however, these requirements will change when installing concrete in expansive soil, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Project clean up and homeowner training
After the deck is in place and the concrete has cured, cleanup the pool and the job site as soon as possible. The pool is now safely and properly installed; however, the project is not finished. Now, time must be taken to educate the client about the critical aspects of owning a fibreglass swimming pool.
First, a fibreglass pool is designed to be kept full at all times. The pool shell can become damaged if the water level is allowed to drop below the skimmer. The pool should not be allowed to overflow either. If heavy water drainage is allowed to overrun the deck, the shell can become damaged or even separate from the concrete. For proper maintenance, the water level should be kept in the middle of the skimmer at all times.
Most importantly, with all pools, is safety. The first rule is that children should never be allowed in or near the pool without adult supervision. Every pool should be surrounded by a locked-and-gated fence as per local building and safety codes and in conjunction with Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC) and Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) guidelines.
Remember, the goal is a happy and satisfied client who not only enjoys their pool, but also provides referrals to their friends and family.
Bill Reynolds is the director of operations for Latham Pool Product’s fibreglass pools division. In 1998, he joined Viking Fibreglass Pools, which was acquired by Latham in 2005, and served as the manager of its Midland, Texas, manufacturing and pool construction operation for 12 years. In this role, Reynolds supervised more than 500 fibreglass swimming pool installations. He can be reached via billreynolds@lathampools.com.
