Our Pool Construction Process

Our pool construction process is unique, and different to most other pool builders. We manage your expectations and only build what we can handle.

Downunda have over 25 years of experience designing and building unique inground swimming pools, hot tubs / spas, outdoor kitchens and living spaces in the Greater Houston area. Our design team take the time to listen to your thoughts, needs, preferences, and budget from the start.

We take into consideration the construction style of your home and the surrounding community to ensure the design is an aesthetically pleasing fit and extension of its surroundings. Each Downunda luxury pool is completely unique, designed according to your specific requirements for size and shape. Our design process takes into consideration your homes architecture, construction materials, property setbacks, location to sun and aspect.

We guide you through a comprehensive checklist of additional features, ranging from water features, lighting, and fire elements to outdoor living options, including kitchens, covered patios, and landscaping. Downunda collaborate and work with architects, home builders and clients who are including swimming pools in new home construction. After this consultation, Downunda proceeds to create an interactive 3D graphic rendering of the design, as demonstrated in this video, thereby providing you with a precise visualization of how your new swimming pool will appear.

Design / Preparation

Design is an integral part of creating a successful pool. With the help of an experienced Downunda Pools Designer, you can turn your ideas into reality. They will create 3-D design videos and drawings of your project to help bring your vision to life.

Layout

Before excavating your new pool, we will stake it out and paint it on the ground. Once the layout has been approved, we will dig the pool.

Excavation

It usually only takes one day to excvate your new pool. Our Excavation team will use a skid steer for excavation and will remove and dispose of the waste dirt.

Form and Steel

Steel re-bar is installed in this phase. Standard rebar used is #3 and are set at what is referred to as an 8” on center. Stee rebar is what provides tensile strength for the gunite. Code dictates there must be at least 3” of gunite/concrete on both sides of the steel.

Stubout

Pool stubout, is setting the pool returns, main drain pipes, lights, and all the pool penetrations prior to gunite being shot into the pool.

Gunite

Gunite is shot into the excavation over the steel to eventually form the pool shell. Gunite (a mixture of aggregate, portland, and silica sand) is pumped in dry, at 3000 psi and water is added at the nozzle. The high pressure is required to bind the gunite tightly around the steel. This results in its ultimate strength. The material that does not stick is called re-bound and is shoveled out of the pool.

Plumbing

A full plumb and set all the pool equipment, run all the primary plumbing, gas line, pool fill line and overflow is the next step. This process is usually very messy with a lot of trenching and if it rains MUD.

Electrical

A licensed electrician run the primary electrical line from the electrical meter to the equipment pad and install the control center. They will connect all the pumps and wireless remotes and pool and spa lights.

Tile & Coping

Tile and coping is the next phase and this process to be done properly and professionally may take a little time depending on the complexity of the pool. Time must be taken to ensure everything is straight and level.

Deck / Patio

At this phase the pool deck and patio area will be laid out and formed. Once all the dirt work has been completed and compacted steel reinforcing will be installed getting ready for concrete. Depending on the deck size this process can take up to 2 or 3 days. NOTE: We must allow concrete at least 7 days to cure prior to any topping can be applied.

Interior Finish

One of the final steps to pool construction is applying the interior finish. Plaster is traditionally hand troweled and can take 3 days to complete.
Day 1: Prep Day2: Apply Day 3: Acid wash Install the fittings and begin to fill it up.

Start Up

Filling usually takes about 24 to 48 hours to fill a pool dependent on size. It is very important not to shut the water off overnight, it will leave a ring around the pool. Once the pool is full, it’s time to add the chemicals and begin the pool water sanitizing process. You must NOT swim in the pool until you have been cleared to do so by your pool builder. This process can take up to 2 to 3 days. Please be patient.

Pool Orientation

Once the pool is cleared to swim it is time for a Downunda Pools representative to visit and go through pool orientation and how to operate your pool.

Enjoy

Now you are ready to party, enjoy the summer and a lifetime of fun family and friends.

Additional Pool Construction Information

SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION

Downunda Pools take pride in their dedication to premium quality inground swimming pool construction.

City Permits

Construction complies with all city and HOA (Homeowners Association) codes. When building a swimming pool, it's important to follow all the relevant building codes and regulations to ensure safety and compliance with local laws. These codes can vary from one city to another, so it's important to work with a pool contractor who is familiar with the codes in your area and can ensure that your pool is built to meet those requirements.

Project Management

Downunda is an award-winning leader in custom pool design and construction in Houston because of our construction process and optimized project management. All Downunda pools are constructed with the finest materials available, structurally engineered to the highest standards, and overseen by seasoned senior project managers. Our hydraulics are calculated and designed to reduce costly energy consumption and increase efficiency while remaining responsible for helping to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Working With Contactors

Contractors are an integral part of the construction process and will be a constant presence on your project throughout construction. Our contractors are screened and selected based on verifiable experience, quality of work and proof of insurance. We are willing to pay a premium for our contractors to ensure we provide our customers with workmanship that Downunda Pools demands.

Scope

City and HOA requirements and codes will vary by location and, in some cases, will impact design, construction and cost. Downunda take the time prior to construction to discuss the impact on each phase to help provide clarity of scope, expectations, cost, and deliverables to all involved in our custom pool construction process.

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