Thinking about building a pool in beautiful Columbia, South Carolina? Then you’re going to want the right gunite pool builder for the job.
Unfortunately, not all Columbia, SC gunite and concrete pool builders are built equally. Some builders take longer than others, some builders work only to remodel gunite pools, and others are in the business of pool construction and installation.
Fortunately, our team does both pool construction and pool remodeling.
If you’re looking to build a long-lasting, luxury gunite pool in record time, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll show you what a 60-day gunite pool build looks like here in Columbia, South Carolina.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
The fast answer: How a 60-day gunite pool build works in Columbia
A brief overview of gunite: Gunite uses pressurized air to push dry concrete through a hose, allowing gunite pool installers to spray concrete onto a desired surface.
Due to the high speed and pressure of the hose, gunite pools can be built in record time. Here’s a step-by-step, in-depth look at a 60-day gunite pool build:
| 1. Step 1: Design and layout turnaround (About 7-14 days) 2. Step 2: Begin excavation and setting elevations for the layout (About 7-14 days) 3. Step 3: Install steel, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure (About 7-21 days) 4. Step 4: Gunite day and initial cure (About 1-2 days for gunite application; About 28 days for curing) 5. Step 5: Tile, coping, decking, and outdoor finishes (About 14-28 days) 6. Step 6: Testing equipment, finishing features, and final finishes (About 7-14 days) 7. Step 7: Fill the pool, start it up, and dive in (About 18-36 hours) |
Most timelines vary, for example when adding features like water fountains, fire and copper bowls, fountain jets, and scuppers, but at Legacy Pools, we can guarantee your next gunite concrete pool in 60 days. Let’s take a look at what’s involved with each step in the following sections.
Step 1: Design decisions that set the timeline
In step one, we discuss the shape, dimensions, and colors of your new pool. Whether you’re looking for a rectangular, circular, or oblong-shaped gunite pool, no idea is off limits.
Your gunite pool builder will walk you through freeform designs, straight-edge designs, and more. We design your pool selection within the usable space of your yard, with the base size starting at 10 feet by 20 feet.
What’s more, you’ll also pick the color of your decks. We stock a variety of color pavers, so you won’t have to wait for manufacturing production that could delay your project.
Next, you’ll pick your plaster, everything from quartz to pebble finishes. We work with local suppliers, allowing us to source supplies in a timely and efficient manner.
Finally, whether you’re looking for pool furniture, raised columns, or therapeutic spas, you’ll have options for your new pool build.
- Raised water feature pool walls
- Glass tiles
- Color LED bubblers
- Fire bowls
- Outdoor lounge chairs
- Pergolas
- Patio features
- And much more
Step one is all about getting the creative juices flowing. Your gunite pool builder will guide you through every step of the process to craft the perfect pool for your backyard and lifestyle.
Step 2: Excavation and layout (before the concrete)
Once you’ve chosen your desired pool shape, and after you’ve honed and discussed your vision with your pool builder, we’ll set the elevation of the pool. Before removing any dirt, we’ll determine the leveling of the pool, grading or retaining wall work, and basic preparation.
Then, we dig. We dig out the hole where your new gunite shell will live.
During this process, we strip the topsoil and stockpile the dirt to be returned at the end of the build. We hand-shape the sides of the entire pool to ensure uniform consistency of gunite concrete through the perimeter of the pool.
Finally, we add stone to the bottom of every pool with hydrostatic plugs. The plugs go into the drains and go through the bottom of the pool.
These plugs help you drain your pool, should you ever need to.
Step 3: Steel, plumbing, and electrical (what makes your pool run)
After the pool is dug, the plumbing is installed.
We charge the plumbing system with air from a compressor to ensure no leaks occur. We also do the plumbing and electrical conduits in the same trench with the plumbing, so that all infrastructure is together and the chance of damage is minimized.
Step three is crucial for maintaining the integrity and long-term reliability of your pool, because this trio helps ensure a sturdy, long-lasting build. Without the proper drains, returns, skimmers, water circulation, or steel rebar, leaks can occur, and the gunite pool installation and construction process can falter or even fail.
Nevertheless, once steel, plumbing, and electricity are complete, your pool is ready for tile and coping.
Step 4: Gunite day and initial cure
Gunite is essentially a dry concrete mix, distributed and sprayed by a hose through a nozzle at high velocity to create the structural shape of your pool. Not to be confused with shotcrete, which uses concrete mixed with water, gunite is durable, as it’s sprayed onto a reinforced concrete pool structure.
Imagine spraying concrete onto an already-existing, rock-solid infrastructure. The durability and strength of the cement mixture multiply when the cement is sprayed onto a steel infrastructure.
After an initial day of gunite being sprayed to your pool’s shell, your crew will leave your pool alone. The concrete is then set to bond to the shell, giving your new backyard oasis time to cure.
Step 5: Tile, coping, decking, and outdoor finishes
After your swimming pool cures, the pool construction process continues, and we install tiles. We, then, install colored pavers like salt void concrete, concrete pavers, and travertine pavers to give your new pool a beautiful, textured finish.
Since we choose tiling, coping, decking, and outdoor finishes earlier in the design and layout step, we’re able to expedite the installation of your pool. We always build with the highest-quality materials on the market to help enhance your backyard and provide you with unmatched durability and long-lasting value.
Step 6: Equipment set, features, and final details
We’ve finished pouring your dry mix concrete, smoothed out floors and walls, and finished the tiling, coping, decking, and landscape at the center and edges of the pool. Typically, at this point in the installation process, we’re ready to install your luxury-grade pool features.
Using the latest surface finishing technologies and automation systems, our team puts the finishing touches on your pool and teaches you how to care for your luxury backyard pool. If at any point you need our help, we offer world-class, personalized pool maintenance programs to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
Step 7: Fill, start-up, and the first swim
In the final stage of your pool, we fill your pool. You can breathe a sigh of relief, because swim day is almost here.
After your pool is filled and started up, the final step is to ensure the water chemistry is balanced and the pool water is clean.
Once your pool’s pH levels are balanced and your pool’s water chemistry is balanced, you’re free to enjoy your beautiful new backyard pool.
What can slow a pool build in Columbia (and how to avoid it)
Pool builds don’t always take 60 days to build. Sometimes, they take longer. The following aspects can slow a gunite or concrete pool build:
- Permit delays
- Inclement weather
- Frequent design changes
- Limited access to property
- Changes in material selections throughout the process.
The best way to avoid delays is to come with a clean, clear plan and ask your pool contractors to help guide you through the pool application process. Doing so will help you avoid costly mistakes that can extend the timeline.
Our Columbia, SC-native Legacy Pools pool builders handle all planning to help you kickstart the pool installation process from day one. We know the Columbia area in and out, allowing us to source materials and expedite the process with subcontractors in record time.
What’s included in all of our Columbia-based pool builds
With our team of pool contractors, you’ll get excellent customer service, top-notch builds, and unparalleled value. When you build a pool with Legacy Pools in Columbia, we’ll provide everything including, but not limited to:
- Managing everything from excavation to plumbing and electrical work
- Finishing and sourcing all features, including accessories, outdoor lounging, and more
- Offering pool maintenance programs to ensure long-lasting enjoyment of your pool
- Spearheading one-of-a-kind custom pool designs and construction
- All-in-one pool installation
Ready to get started? Request a complimentary pool construction quote today.
If you’re looking for a custom luxury pool that’s hand-crafted by experts in the Columbia, South Carolina region, look no further. We’ve been serving the Palmetto State for more than 8 years for all its pool-related needs.
Having built more than 1,500 custom pools and served over 1,000 residents in the greater Charleston area, we’re all about helping you make the most of your backyard paradise. If you’re looking for an average pool builder, look elsewhere.
But, if you’re looking to build your pool with a community-minded team that holds itself to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism, request your complimentary pool construction quote today. We look forward to bringing your dream pool to life.
Legacy Pools: Building Pools and Bringing Family Together One Day at a Time