We are going through the process of picking a pool builder to build a concrete pool in our yard. A few obstacles have crept up that we are sorting out but alas the summer is ticking away. A few pool builders have suggested that we could begin construction on the pool in late summer and do everything except the plaster. Then we would plaster in the spring. My question is are there any concerns with doing this? We are near Washington DC so are winters are not brutal but they do get very cold. Thanks for your hep!
Pool construction timing
- Thread starter mouty
- Start date
We have had several that did just that. No probems and you get plastered right before swim season starts!
Kim
Kim
we were going to do it that way, but I was talked out of it. my cousin did it though. no issues. the main things i was told was:
1. fill gunite shell half way throughout winter s you don't float the shell.
2. wait on coping and tile till spring also. not like it takes anytime at all to do internal if a crew comes in to do it. heck my guy was a one man show and he did it all over a 1.5 wk time with stops and starts and half days.
that is exactly what i would have done if me and exactly what my cousins did cause his pool builder wanted it that way. another very large builder down south from me said the same thing.
jim
1. fill gunite shell half way throughout winter s you don't float the shell.
2. wait on coping and tile till spring also. not like it takes anytime at all to do internal if a crew comes in to do it. heck my guy was a one man show and he did it all over a 1.5 wk time with stops and starts and half days.
that is exactly what i would have done if me and exactly what my cousins did cause his pool builder wanted it that way. another very large builder down south from me said the same thing.
jim
Thanks for the info. Jimin can I ask what were the reasons that you decided not to do it. (BTW I love your Disney Mickey markers!!)
- Jun 7, 2017
- 10,021
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
You have time to get the pool completed this year. Why are they suggesting wait so long to start? Is it just a lack of crew? My concern for us was to get the mess done this year, sod the yard and plant some trees so next year we are enjoying the pool.
Nectarologist
Well-known member
- Apr 3, 2015
- 642
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
A bonus is that you can have the yard start to get back to normal (seeding etc.). Unless you're going to sod then it's not a big deal. But I'd do whatever you can now (before winter) because next spring you never know what the weather will be and you could have delay after delay etc and next thing you know spring passes and you still have work to do. I'd even do coping and tile now unless there is some strong reason for not doing it. It will live through many winters so get it done.
Esloser
0
Ours was dug 7/27 of last Summer and finished the week after Labor Day. We didn't / don't have any major issues. I'm in Southern New Jersey. We did get a heater so we were able to swim into October of last year. One gentleman did recommend exactly what you are talking about - wait to do plaster until Spring so that it has time to cure through a full swim season.
Mcow
0
- Jul 5, 2017
- 319
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Plaster
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I am in Texas so winter does not really stop construction here (I actually wish I would have started in Winter) but one thing that would drive me crazy is having your yard torn up for that length of time. You may have better access than me but the one thing I grossly underestimated was the destruction to our yard. Because of pool equipment, electrical and p-trap placement my front, both sides and of course back yard are mud pits. Maybe you folks in the north just stay out of your backyard all winter and this is not a big deal 
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The issue that the pool needs to be open for a few months before it is winterized in order to allow the plaster to finish curing. Fresh plaster needs a lot of care during the first month like brushing and chemical management. Fresh plaster can stain easily and during the winter inevitably debris like leaves and dirt can make its way under the cover and stain the brand new plaster.
jimim has a strategy that sounds like a balance between starting work now vs waiting for spring. It wouldn't hurt to wait until spring, but you would want some guarantees on when construction would be finished. You want enough time to allow for the pool to be finished + the plaster break in period where no swimming is allowed so that you can swim by the time it gets hot.