Putting in a pool takes a lot of patience. You certainly cannot get in a hurry with this process. There’s a lot of waiting. This is the first time either of us have gone through this experience and it’s quite interesting to see the process and how long it takes. It may be longer now, due to the fact that so many people seem to still be installing pools in their backyards. We’ve been told by some of the guys doing deliveries that they’ve never seen so many pools going in.
The last update I did, we had just had the hole dug and rebar was installed in the pool, so it formed the base of how the pool would be shaped. All of these steps have been so fascinating to watch. Next came the Shotcrete, the concrete shell that makes the pool stable and durable.
We were awakened bright and early 2 weeks ago by the sound of pinging and tapping outside. It took both of us a bit to realize that yes indeed they had arrived to start the concrete shell. It wasn’t even daylight yet, maybe 6:15. By 6:30, I got up and peeked out the blinds to see several guys in the bottom of the pool with lights on working on the rebar, getting ready for daylight as the concrete truck arrived. I guess we were the first stop of the day for them.
They also erected plastic barriers on each side of the pool, I’m sure for overspray of the concrete to protect everything. I was glad to see that go up too.
There was lots of shouting and gesturing with the long hose coming out of the concrete truck snaking back to the backyard and once the right consistency of concrete was coming out the hose, it was ready to start.
They took turns shooting the concrete all over the rebar base, covering it completely as the concrete shell began to take shape.
It was so fascinating to watch this process and I went out on the deck to take pics. It’s thick and by the time they were finished, you couldn’t see any rebar at all.
Such a messy job, but those guys were pros and had it all done in no time.
Then the shaping started immediately. They had those long blade things and shaped and sculpted the concrete until it was smooth and shaped.
I saw them use levels as they were doing that part too.
It was an amazing process to watch. There were a couple of guys with brooms brushing the concrete smooth as it was shaped. They were finished in 4 hours, around 10:30 that morning.
And after they left, this is what was left. All smooth and pretty!
It was so fun to see how the pool is going to look now, with all the concrete installed.
We are doubly excited watching it all come together. Our finish date is still the end of July, but we sure hope it can speed up a bit. There’s still a lot to to to finish.
But this stage is pretty exciting to see. We can really envision how it’s all going to look now.
Of course, the patio is all going to have to be cleaned off well after the pool is finished. I have all my planters full of hydrangeas and azaleas that I’m trying to save until we can plant them again.Still not sure where they all will go, but I want to save them.
The next day, another crew of two, the electrical and gas line guys showed up. This small digging machine made us a little nervous, but he assured us it wouldn’t hurt the newly poured concrete. That part was nerve wracking to watch.
He dug a trench by the pool to run electrical to the pool and he also got our gas line installed on the end of the house where the pool equipment will be.
You can see the yellow gas line going directly to the gas meter. We are having a heater in the pool, so the gas has to have a special line to come in and we also have to get a bigger gas meter installed from the gas company.
So this is where the pool is now. Next step will be starting the hardscaping around the pool, the pool decking.
With a retaining wall going in to divert water coming down our sloped backyard, we knew that we’d need to address the slope. We had always sort of planned to do some sort of decorative retaining wall back here since the backyard slopes down so much. With the retaining wall necessary anyway to help divert water away from the pool, I talked to the pool company about continuing the retaining wall to the right side of the yard along with adding nice stone steps. We’re using silver travertine for the wall and will continue that look with the steps and additional wall. Of course, that will add a few more thousand dollars to the project, but we want to do this right the first time and it’s definitely going to be needed.
Here’s the rendering she did so it will look something like this. I’m excited for this change.
We also want to install artificial turf down around the pool decking on the ground that is left, so that will probably come last. We’re still not sure yet if our fence will pass inspection for height, it’s really close so we will see if we have to add more fencing around the pool. We sure hope it passes. There are a couple of unknown costs yet to figure out and as we keep moving along, those will have to be considered too.
It is definitely not an inexpensive project to take on, but it’s something we both are very excited to have and enjoy. We think we will use it at least 6 or 7 months out of the year since we have a heater. It’s truly a dream come true that I never expected to be able to do. As I’ve said, it’s now or never. We aren’t getting any younger so I fully expect we will enjoy this pool to the max in our senior years. We have plenty of family and friends who will enjoy it too.
The next thing that showed up was pallets of sand and crushed gravel to start the hardscaping along with cinderblock for the retaining wall.
And right behind that is the shipment of travertine for our pool coping and decking. It’s so exciting to watch this process happen in real time. I’ll definitely keep you posted on next steps.
We are eagerly awaiting the next thing that happens and can’t wait to see more of our backyard dreams come to life. If it turns out as nice as this rendering, we’ll be thrilled! I hope this process is interesting for you to watch too! it sure is for us.
Cindy D says
I hope you are both prepared to do alot of work. With all the trees so close to your pool, there will be leaves filling it up 24/7.
Rhoda says
We know it’s work and are prepared to do what it takes.
Penny says
The rendering is beautiful Rhoda! The pool process is interesting, and it looks like the messiest part is complete. I’m sure it will take all of your patience, but July will be here before we know it! Thank you for sharing as you create a backyard oasis for years of entertaining and enjoyment.
Penny
Rhoda says
Thank you, Penny, we are so excited to get it all finished and then we can really enjoy the summer.
Barbara Moore says
you both are gonna love it. so happy for you!
Tracy says
So lovely and so happy for you! It will be beautiful and so relaxing!!!!❤️
Terry says
How exciting, Rhoda! The retaining wall area is the finishing touch. Can’t wait to see the finished backyard. Y’all have put so much effort in making a relaxing and beautiful oasis. End of July will be here before you know it!
brendalynne1 says
you did an amazing job with the photos and explanations. They should hire you!!
thanks
MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says
This is so exciting for you and Mark! How neat to be able to watch all this pool construction! Thanks for sharing this with us! Always enjoy seeing everything. Your pool is in such a beautiful setting with all those lovely trees and the shrubs and flowers that you plan to plant! You are going to enjoy this so much! So happy for you!
Linda Hickey says
It’s going to look phenomenal when it’s complete. I know y’all will enjoy it a lot. I have a salt water I ground pool. It’s a lot of work especially when I have it to do by myself. I know you and your families will make wonderful memories with your new pool.
Lynne says
It is going to be wonderful! You already had a beautiful backyard and now this will just top it off. I hope you and Mark get to enjoy many relaxing days by your pool.
Vicki says
I am so happy for you and Mark! We had a pool on the farm and I miss it every, single day in late spring, summer, and even fall. I know how much you love gardening and it will be so nice to take a dip in the pool to cool off. The grandkids will love it! When our grands were little and came to visit for a week, we had no trouble getting them to bed at night after a fun day in the pool. So, many good memories will be made. The plans are amazing and I can’t wait to see the finished project. I love all of the choices you made in finishes. Do you think your mom and dad would benefit from time in the pool too?
Rhoda says
Thank you, Vicki, we are super excited and I know the grands will be too. Mom and dad are beyond the point of wanting to get in a pool. THey were never pool people anyway, so I know they wouldn’t be now. Mom would enjoy sitting by the pool and watching the great grands play.
Rhoda says
Thank you, Vicki, I can see us using it every day that we have sunny hot weather and having a heater will come in handy too.
Jane says
It’s amazing how quickly the crew did that pour/finish! Hopefully the rest will go so quickly. It’s going to be wonderful, like living the resort life!
Rhoda says
Jane, it was amazing for us to see too. In and out in 4 hours! We definitely feel like it’s going to be a resort back there.
BeverlyO says
Wow! That looks like a dream come true. I love what you have so far and the image of the anticipated finished product! (I must admit I’m a bit envious and would love to have something exactly like it.) What will be the dimensions of the finished pool?
Rhoda says
Hi, Beverly, it’s going to be about 8′ wide by 23′ long including the tanning ledge and steps. Believe me, this is a dream come true for us! Never thought we would get a pool, but life is short and we are so excited about having it. It sure will help our hot summers to be more bearable.
Jane H says
The Southern Hospitality Resort is taking place before our very eyes. Love seeing all the steps it takes to achieve the vision. Wishing you good weather and no supply delays!!
Rhoda says
Thank you, it’s really exciting to watch it come to life.
Sue says
Hi Rhoda, the pool is slowly but surely coming along. Thanks for the updates as I find it fascinating to follow. Can’t wait for it to be finished. Of course that wall will be expensive, but so needed.
Rhoda says
Thank you, it is an interesting process for us to watch too, since we’ve never done this before. The wall adds a bit of cost, but it will be well worth it.
Patty says
Thank you for sharing your photos! We put in a pool a few years ago, and have not regretted it at all. My husband does all the maintenance, and it doesn’t take much of his time. Your pool promises to be a beautiful oasis. I know you will enjoy it.
Alison says
With the workers getting such an early start in the morning, you might need to consider taking some muffins to your neighbors, or invite them over for a pool party once the project is complete. 🙂
Linda says
It’s so exciting watching all the steps of any pool/landscaping project take shape! You are going to have many years of enjoyment out of your beautiful pool and lovely patio/porch area. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Angela says
You will really enjoy cooling off in your pool and relaxing in your backyard! We put in a pool and I wish someone would have gave us some tips. One is we learned that wood chips around the pool area was awful, the wind blew them in the pool. So, we dug them up after the third summer and replaced with rock which we love. Are you going to have some sort of cover? We went with an electric cover that we just push the button and it unrolls over a track and covers it up. Then the last tip we got was to purchase one of the electric pool vacuums that run around the pool for you. Best investment ever! Hope this helps you too. Love that you are sharing your plans it is fascinating to see how they did the cement. Thank you for sharing!
Rhoda says
Thank you, Angela, we are getting a pool vac, the Polaris. Definitely don’t want any mulch or dirt around the pool and that’s why we want artificial turf. We heard an electric cover is about $5K, so that’s not really in the budget right now, but we do plan to cover it with a mesh cover to at least keep leaves out when we aren’t using it. I’m sure it will be trial and error as we get in there.
Jane H. says
Looks like the hard part is done. The rest should go faster. Can’t wait to see the finished yard!
Joanie says
When you are really stressed, get in the pool. You will be surprised how quickly you feel better. Night swimming is the best.