Building a custom swimming pool is an exciting investment in your home and lifestyle—but if you’ve never gone through the process before, it’s normal to have questions. What happens first? Why does it get messy? When does it finally start to look like a pool?
At Eraland’s Custom Pools, we believe the best projects start with clear expectations. This guide walks you through the custom pool construction process step-by-step, so you know exactly what’s happening at every phase—and why it matters.
Financing and Pool Design: What Happens After Approval?
Once your pool financing is approved and your custom pool design is finalized, your project officially moves from planning to construction.
At this stage, we:
- Finalize permits and inspections
- Coordinate construction schedules
- Prepare your property for the build
This is the point where ideas on paper start becoming reality. If you haven’t already explored our custom pool design process, this phase builds directly on those earlier decisions.
Pool Excavation: The Start of Construction
Pool excavation is the first visible stage of construction—and it’s often the most dramatic.
Heavy equipment is used to dig the pool shape according to your approved design. During this phase:
- Your yard becomes a temporary construction site
- Soil is removed and relocated
- Access is typically limited to one side of the property
Yes, it will be messy. Excavation is a necessary step, and while it may look chaotic, it’s controlled and intentional. We work carefully to minimize disruption and protect surrounding areas whenever possible.
Think of excavation as progress you can see—even if it doesn’t look pretty just yet.
Pool Shell Construction: Steel, Plumbing, and Electrical
Once excavation is complete, the pool shell construction begins.
This phase includes:
- Installing steel rebar for structural reinforcement
- Running plumbing lines for circulation and drainage
- Installing electrical components for lighting and equipment
At this stage, many homeowners feel unsure about what they’re seeing. The pool may look like a giant steel skeleton—and that’s exactly what it is.
Rest assured: this framework is engineered for strength, durability, and longevity. The shape and dimensions follow your approved design precisely, even if it doesn’t fully resemble a finished pool yet.
Shotcrete Pool Construction: Building the Pool Shell
Shotcrete is a type of concrete applied using high-pressure pumps and a specialized nozzle. This process allows the concrete to bond tightly to the steel rebar, forming the solid shell of your pool.
Important things to know about shotcrete pool construction:
- It’s loud
- It’s messy
- It’s one of the most critical structural steps
On shotcrete day, concrete trucks and pumps will be on-site, and vehicles must be moved from the driveway to avoid being blocked in. While this phase is intense, it’s short-lived—and once complete, your pool finally has its permanent shape.
Afterward, we thoroughly clean the surrounding area and allow the shell time to cure properly.
Pool Tile and Deck Installation: Bringing Color and Style to Life
Now comes one of the most satisfying stages: tile and pool deck installation.
This is when your personal design choices really start to shine. During this phase:
- Waterline tile is installed with precision
- The concrete deck surround is poured
- The selected deck finish is applied
Your pool begins to visually connect with the rest of your backyard, transforming it into a cohesive outdoor living space. If you’ve selected additional features like a spa, tanning ledge, or custom deck textures, they become more apparent during this stage.
You can explore related upgrades on our custom pool features page.
Pool Plaster: The Final Interior Finish
Plaster day is often the most exciting day of the entire construction process.
Once the plaster is installed, we begin filling the pool with water within hours. Depending on pool size and water pressure, filling typically takes a couple of days.
It’s common to hear excited questions like:
“Can we swim now?”
Not quite yet. The pool needs time to properly cure and balance before it’s ready for use—but you’re very close.
Pool Equipment Installation and Pool School
Once the pool is filled and operational, it’s time for pool equipment installation and orientation—often called pool school.
We’ll walk you through:
- How to operate your pool equipment
- What settings to use (and avoid)
- Basic water chemistry and maintenance
- How to keep your pool clean and clear
Whether you show up in a suit and tie or pajamas doesn’t matter. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident, informed, and comfortable managing your pool.
If you’re interested in ongoing care, you can also review our pool maintenance guidance.
A Proven Custom Pool Construction Process You Can Trust
From excavation to pool school, every step of our custom pool construction process is designed with quality, communication, and craftsmanship in mind.
We don’t just build pools—we guide homeowners through the entire experience so there are no surprises, only progress.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re ready when you are.
Call for an estimate:
📞 (915) 333-2161
📞 (915) 242-7483 (Español)