Colley's Pools and Spas - serving Buffalo, WNY and North-Western Pennsylvania

Fiberglass Conrtruction Process!

Fiberglass Construction Process

CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES

Congratulations on your investment in an inground pool and thank you for your confidence in Colley's Pools & Spas. We would like to explain the construction steps, answer some of the commonly asked questions, and let you know what to expect along the way. Soon, you too will be able to "Escape to Your Backyard"!

Most installations follow the same procedures and time frames, but changes or delays may occur due to factors such as weather and ground conditions. Typically, you should be able to swim within five days.

Prior to your scheduled date, several formalities have to be taken care of. We will need a copy of your property survey for the building permit and/or for our crew foreman. Should our vehicles need to enter your yard by going on your neighbor's property, you will have to get written permission from them. We will request an underground utility check from Dig Safely New York to make sure your yard is free of utility company underground pipes or wires. Utility company representatives may be stopping by your house, and they may be putting flags in your yard or painting areas to notify us of underground lines. If you have installed any lines, for example, a gas line to a grill or generator, or an electric line to a garage, or if you have a septic system, please inform us as these will not show up in the underground report. If you have an underground sprinkler system or invisible dog fence, please make arrangements with your installer to have those lines moved or capped. Please note, the size of your gas meter may not be large enough to accommodate the addition of your pool heater. Should this be the case, you will have to make arrangements with the gas company to upgrade your service.

Pursuant to building codes, we file an application with Commonwealth Electrical Inspection Service or your town’s electrical inspector for a bonding inspection. If we are doing the electrical work, we also file for a final electrical inspection. If your electrician is doing the work, then that company must file for the final electrical inspection. When the pool is installed, we will call for the bonding inspection. A Common wealth or town inspector will stop by your house to check the bonding of the pool. After all of the electrical work is completed, the inspector will have to return for a final electrical inspection. Since he will have to enter your house to inspect the panel box, this appointment will have to be made by you, the homeowner. The inspector's name and his telephone number are included in this manual so that you can make the appointment. This step is very important and must be completed to close out your building permit. Yard preparation is an important step prior to our crew’s first visit. Please keep your grass mowed low as this will help dry your yard. Do not use sprinkler systems for at least one week prior to the pool installation. If there are any trees, plants, or flowers located in the entry or work areas, please move them if you want them saved. We also ask that these areas are free of toys, swing sets, doghouses, or other items that would impede the crew’s progress.

We schedule pool installations according to contract dates, and follow in order unless delayed by ground conditions or if special order items are not in stock. Certified checks will be required for the payments, and we do not accept credit card payments.

The pool and equipment will be delivered to your house the morning of your installation. Our installation crew will arrive with several trucks, a backhoe, and an excavator. We must have all vehicles removed from the street prior to the arrival your pool shell. The crew foreman will confirm the pool location and layout with you before they begin to dig. The elevation of the pool is set to allow proper drainage of water around the pool. In some instances, it may be necessary to install drainage systems or retaining walls. These items are not covered in your initial pool contract and will need to be priced separately. The crew foreman or your Design Consultant can make recommendations.

Once the hole is dug, the pool is set in place. As the pool fills with water, the area around the pool is backfilled.

If Colley's is doing the electrical hook ups and gas line for your equipment, the work will generally done at this time. In the event that it is ever needed, we also will install a sump crock that will help collect excess ground water from around your pool. If the crock fills with water, you will need to drain it with a portable sump pump. If your yard conditions warrant a more regular draining of the crock, we can give you an estimate for a sump pump and electric hook ups. Your fiberglass pool should never be drained without pumping out the crock first, and Colley’s recommends that homeowners never drain their pool.

Before the installation crew leaves, they will install a temporary fence around your pool. With the new New York State fence code in effect, it is imperative that it remain in place and secured until either your yard or pool is permanently fenced. If you do not have fencing on your contract, we will collect a check for $200.00 for the use of our temporary fence. When the fence is returned, we will refund your deposit. Most towns insist that your permanent fence be installed as soon as your concrete work has been completed, and within the time frame set forth in your permit.

Our concrete contractor will schedule the installation of your deck. If you would like to make any changes or additions in the amount of concrete you are getting, you can discuss these changes with the contractor at that time. Please remember, their scheduling is also affected by weather conditions. When the concrete is poured, we recommend lightly misting it later that day. This will help the curing process and reduce hairline fractures and shrinkage cracks. If you have stamped concrete, do not mist the deck.

Once the concrete has been poured, you may then make arrangements for the final grade around the pool, your landscaping, and permanent fencing.

Along the way, if you have any questions or concerns, you may contact our Field Operations Supervisor or Field Operations Coordinator at 649-7640. We will work with you to ensure a smooth progression. We will also make an appointment with you for Pool School. During this session, a Customer Care representative will instruct you on the equipment and chemical usage, go over your Customer Care Manual, and answer any questions you may have.

Most towns require a final inspection of the pool once the project has been completed. This visit from your town’s building inspector will finalize your permit. After you have arranged for the final electrical inspection, please request a final pool inspection from your town’s building inspector. Since your permit is valid for only a limited amount of time, this inspection must be completed as soon as possible. Failure to comply can result in additional fees and legal action pursuant to your town’s laws and provisions.

Please call 716-649-7640 for a free no obligation in home estimate.
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