Great Falls Pools
Pool Construction Guide
Thinking about a new pool? You are in the right place. This hub explains Pool Construction in clear steps so you can plan with confidence. We cover design, permits, costs, timelines, and the build sequence. You will also find answers to common questions and next steps.
Quality Materials
Expert Builders
Local Business
What to expect
Pool Construction works best when the plan is clear. We start with goals and a site walk. Then we design around how you live. You will see options, costs, and a simple schedule. Our team keeps you informed at each step.
If you want a quick overview of options, check our page on New Pool Construction. When you are ready to talk, use our Contact page.
Why build a pool
A pool creates a daily escape at home. It brings family and friends together. A pool supports fitness and stress relief. It can also boost curb appeal when design, materials, and lighting work in harmony.
The Pool Construction process
Here is the typical path from first idea to first swim.
1. Site visit and goals
We review access, grading, drainage, and utilities. We talk shape, depth, spa, and features.
2. Design and engineering
You get a plan that fits your yard and lifestyle. We size pumps, filters, and plumbing for performance and efficiency.
3. Permits and reviews
We prepare drawings and handle submittals. If an HOA review is needed, we help there too.
4. Excavation and steel
Crews dig the shape and place steel reinforcement. The shell gets its strength here.
5. Plumbing, conduit, and equipment
We pressure test lines and set the equipment pad. Clean runs and clear labels make service easy later.
6. Concrete shell
Shotcrete or gunite forms the structure. Proper curing protects long term durability.
7. Tile, coping, and decking
Style comes to life. We coordinate hardscape, lighting, drainage, and cover attachments.
8. Interior finish and fill
Choose plaster, pebble, or a polished surface. We fill, then begin water balancing.
9. Start up and pool school
You learn care basics and simple routines. We share manuals, warranties, and contacts.
Costs and Budgeting
Pool budgets vary by size, access, soil, and features. Complex shapes, spas, and long utility runs add cost. Rock excavation and haul off can also affect totals.
Ask for a line item estimate with clear inclusions and allowances. Plan a small contingency for hidden conditions. We help you prioritize must haves and phase nice to haves when needed.
Materials and Features
Concrete
Best for custom shapes, benches, and sun shelves. Ideal for complex sites.
Features to consider
Spas, tanning ledges, bubblers, sheers, and deck jets. Automation, lighting scenes, and heater choices. Tile styles, coping profiles, and decking textures. Plan the backyard as one system for a calm, connected feel.
Safety and efficiency
Safety starts in design. Plan for fencing, alarms, and cover options. Add layered lighting for steps and entries. Choose a variable speed pump to save energy. Automation helps you manage schedules and chemistry from your phone.
Ready to take the next step
If you want ideas tailored to your yard, we can help. Visit New Pool Construction for design paths and options. Or go straight to our Contact page to schedule a consultation.
frequently asked questions
FAQ
The biggest drivers are size, access, soil, utilities, and features. A larger pool needs more steel, concrete, tile, and labor. Tight access can require smaller machines and more time. Rock, groundwater, or expansive clay can add excavation steps. Long runs for gas or electric raise trenching and material costs. Features also matter. Spas, sun shelves, automation, lighting scenes, and premium finishes add budget. Ask for a line item estimate with clear allowances. Set a small contingency for surprises like rock or utility upgrades. This keeps choices clear and prevents budget creep.
Most concrete pool builds take several months from permit to first swim. The schedule moves through design, approvals, excavation, steel, plumbing, shell, hardscape, and interior finish. Weather and inspection calendars can shift dates. Cure times matter too, since concrete needs time to gain strength. Your project plan should show each phase with a target window. Weekly updates help you track progress and make selections on time. When decisions and inspections stay on schedule, the whole job runs smoother.
After fill, we begin startup. We balance the water, test the pump, filter, and heater, and verify valves and controllers. You will attend pool school to learn cleaning, testing, and basic care. We cover vacuuming, skimming, filter rinses, and how to use automation. You receive manuals, warranty documents, and a simple maintenance calendar. We also share service contacts and recommended water test ranges. For the first month, plan a few extra check ins while finishes cure and chemistry stabilizes. This sets you up for a clean, clear first season.
Pick a local expert with a real track record. Start with reputation. Ask neighbors who they used and if they would hire them again. Search pool construction near me and pool builder near me, then look for recent projects in your city. Local matters. A team that knows Northern Virginia codes, soils, and inspectors moves faster and avoids surprises.
Visit a one finished pool in your area, or an active build site if one is available. Clean sites and respectful crews say a lot. Call three local references. Ask about communication, schedule, and how the builder handled small bumps.
Great Falls Pools is a family owned company rooted here for generations. We live here, we build here, and we support you long after startup. Our inground pool construction work is all over McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, and Arlington. When you want a partner who knows the area and stands behind the work, we are your local choice.
Match the material to your goals, site, and budget. Concrete pool construction offers the most design freedom. It fits sun shelves, benches, and custom shapes. Concrete also handles slopes and tight access well. Fiberglass can speed installs on simple sites. Vinyl can fit select budgets with fewer curves. Consider soil, access, desired features, and long term care. If you want a custom spa, water features, and unique lighting, concrete pool construction is often best. For many backyards in Northern Virginia and DC, concrete supports durable inground pool construction with great finish options. We will review your yard and recommend the right path.
Service Area
Great Falls Pools proudly serves Northern Virginia, Northwest DC, and Potomac, Maryland. Our core service area includes McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax Station, Reston, Herndon, Arlington, Falls Church, and Alexandria. We also work in select neighborhoods across Northwest DC, including Chevy Chase, AU Park, Spring Valley, Palisades, and Kent, plus nearby Potomac, Maryland.
Construction guides
- Inground Pool Construction, Site Planning for Fairfax County and DC
- Concrete Pool Construction, How Steel and Shotcrete Create Strength
- Swimming Pool Construction, Timelines and What Affects Them
- Construction of Pool, Durability, Safety, and Energy Efficiency
- Pool Construction, The Complete Homeowner Hub
“`