- Before the pool can be built, the land upon which the pool is to be built must be surveyed. Based on that survey, the land will need to be cleared of all vegetation down to the soil and then smoothed flat. This is often done with a bulldozer. The dimensions of the pool are staked out and the earth within the dimensions is removed with a backhoe. Workmen then smooth the walls out and ensure the soil of the pool bottom is packed level. The walls of the pool are reinforced with rebar driven into the surrounding soil for a distance of up to three feet.
- The plumbing of the pool is installed, including the pipes leading to and from the pool pump and water filter. Pipes which connect the pool skimmer and drain as well as the return jets are also placed and then covered over with plastic wrap to ensure they aren't dirtied or damaged in the coming steps. The walls and bottom of the pool are coated with a thick layer of gunite, which is a type of concrete mix shot from a pressurized gun that will stick on contact with the earthen walls. Once this has hardened, decorative tiles are placed in the bottom and rim of the pool walls. The plumbing fixtures are attached to the open pipes of the pool's plumbing, and a final glazing layer is applied over the hardened gunite. This layer seals the pool, prevents cracks, and gives the walls their distinct color.
- With the pool itself complete, the workmen set to building the surrounding deck. They build forms using wood and pour concrete into slabs. Once the slabs are hardened, the wooden forms are removed and a layer of waterproof stucco is used to seal the concrete. The stucco may be colored, or another layer of paint may be applied to the deck afterward. With this done, the pool is filled and the pumps turned on.
