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Step 1: Do a site visit to
measure the yard. |
Whether your house is already built, or you are constructing a new home, the
foundation to any good swimming pool design is a detailed lot plan that shows
the footprint of the house with finished elevations, easements, and set-backs.
If your house is already built, this plan should be with your legal documents
obtained during your home purchase.
If you don't have a lot plan, no problem. Our designers can measure your yard
to be sure of the dimensions. Once the lot plan has been obtained along with some photos of your yard, our
designers can draft a preliminary design that considers the architecture of the
home, your functional requirements, sun path, privacy and view opportunities.
For hillside properties or sites with changes in elevation, it is often
necessary to design a retaining wall into the finished project. Perimeter and
retaining walls are best designed in conjunction with the pool, not
independently. If you have a hillside lot, contact Rideau Pools as soon as
possible so that we might work to create the most integrated design possible. |
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Step 2: Develop a
preliminary budget and
provide quote. |
Based on the site visit and
and your design
requirements, Rideau Pools'
designers will help in
assessing what your pool
project may cost and deliver
a detailed itemized price
quote. |
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Step 3: Design a detailed
3-D plan. |
Once a conceptual budget has been determined, our designers will then design a
3-D plan with our state of the art software. We will present these preliminary
designs to the client for their input and make any changes necessary. |
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Step 4: Draft construction
agreement |
At this time, once you are happy with the design, we will place your project
into our construction schedule. Please plan ahead because the summer season is
hectic and available construction dates sell out quickly. We will take a small
deposit at this time to book the installation slot. |
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Step 5: Generate
construction plans and
permit documents |
Depending on the complexity of your project and the municipality in which you
reside, this phase could take days (for most projects) or up to several weeks
(for jobs that require custom engineering and multiple reviews). Rideau Pools
will provide all of the construction design documents and permit applications
and deliver them your municipality. You will reimburse us for the permit fee
that your municipality charges - usually $50 - $200 depending on the area you
live in. |
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Step 6: Site prep and layout |
Once the building permit has been obtained, construction can begin. Some
projects require a good deal of prep-work before the actual pool construction
can start. Demolition, grading, and retaining walls are just a few steps that
might occur prior to laying out the shape of the pool itself. |
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Step 7: Pool locating in
yard |
Once the pool is either painted on the ground or staked and delineated with
string line, this is a great time to meet with the installer to verify the
actual size, configuration, placement, depth and height of all the features that
were heretofore discussed with your designer in the 3-D designs. This is where
the vision of your project begins to manifest in reality. Utility locates will
be done by us at this time as well. |
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Step 8: Excavation commences |
If you haven't experienced it already, the action and excitement begins with
loud, heavy machinery coming into your site. This day will be a good day to take
off work so you can see the transformation first hand. Remember, our goal is to
create a tranquil finished environment for you to relax and enjoy, but the
process of construction can feel invasive and disconcerting while your yard is
in such disarray. Patience and flexibility on your part will make the process
flow right along smoothly. It is also important to give your neighbours some
advance notice that you are starting the pool project. |
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Step 9: Wall construction |
This is where your pool starts to take shape. Our installation crew will erect
and level your pool walls and add the staircase, skimmer and other options such
as jets and lights. |
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Step 10: Plumbing and
equipment placement |
Equipment placement is important as pumps and heaters must be located according
to local and national building codes. You also want your equipment in an area
which compliments the pool and backyard design. Pool equipment can also be
placed in an appropriate shed or pool house. |
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Step 11: Concrete pour to
set pool walls |
This is the step where we anchor the base of your pool walls. Tons of ready mix
concrete is poured around the perimeter of the pool to lock the walls in place. |
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Step 12: Electrical and gas
runs and hookup |
The electrician will complete the bonding and grounding of the pool and any
required trenching to run power and gas to the equipment area. The gasfitter
will run their underground lines as well. |
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Step 13: Drainage tile
install |
This step is very important to maximize the life expectancy of your new pool.
Drainage tile (french drain) will move ground water away from behind the pool
wall. This helps to combat any ground pressures that have the capability to move
or warp your pool wall over the years. |
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Step 14: Pool base
construction |
A portland concrete mix is formed over the entire floor of the pool. This mix
will harden as it establishes the grade of the shallow end and the deep end. The
liner is placed on top of this concrete layer. |
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Step 15: City inspection and
enclosure (fence) sign off |
If the permanent fence and gate is not yet installed, a temporary fence can be
arranged with your pool construction manager. This fencing will be necessary to
allow us to add water to your pool. The city will approve the temporary fence
for water fill. |
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Step 16: Liner installation
and water fill |
Your pool base will be cleaned and prepared for the liner install. Our
installer will arrange for the water trucks to fill your pool. You will be
required to pay for the water at that time. Payment can be made directly to the
water delivery company by cheque. Expect around $500 - $1,000 depending on the
size of your pool. |
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Step 17: Clean up, trench
burying and general grading
for decks |
This is the best phase of all, because up until now, your yard has been a war
zone of open trenches, exposed piping, exposed conduit, exposed re-bar stakes,
piles of dirt here and there waiting to be leveled, and a big hole in the ground
that was hard to navigate. Suddenly, you have a pool to look at and the yard
gets put back to some semblance of normality. |
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Step 18: Deck (subdeck)
forming |
At this time, the concrete installer/ landscape manager and the home owner
should get together to mark out the final placement of patios and decks. Does
the design as depicted by the original plan meet your expectations of where you
want furniture, landscape, and walkways? Now is the time to double check, ask
questions, and make suggestions. Once you see the pool filled with water, you
can get a feel for the space and very often subtle changes in landscaping can be
made here. |
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Step 19: Deck pouring/
interlock paver installation |
Now the concrete will be poured for your pool deck. If you would like colouring
added to your concrete or a special finish like stamped concrete please bring
this up ahead of time with your construction manager. If you are having
interlocking paving bricks installed, the installation will commence shortly
after the concrete subdeck cures. |
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Step 20: Equipment startup
and show of operations |
Another exciting day has arrived: the startup of your new pool. Our pool experts
will help out and give you a �show of operations� to learn how to work your new
toy. Don't worry, its not hard...... |
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Step 21: JUMP IN! |
Once the water is balanced - feel free to hop in and start enjoying your new
Rideau Pool. |
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Step 22: Landscaping and
yard restoration |
Feel free to access the expertise of our experienced landscape managers to help
arrange grass repair, sod planting or other landscaping desires. The time is now
to make your new pool area perfect. |