The Heritage Pools Concrete Pool Construction Process
Building Your Dream Pool in the Lowcountry
At Heritage Pools, we’ve spent over 21 years perfecting our concrete pool construction process specifically for Charleston’s unique environmental challenges.
Your Complete Pool Construction Journey
Phase 1: Planning & Design
Initial Consultation & Site Evaluation
Our process begins with understanding your vision. During your consultation, we’ll discuss:
- How you plan to use your pool (family recreation, lap swimming, entertainment)
- Design preferences (geometric, freeform, vanishing edge, spa integration)
- Special features (waterfalls, tanning ledges, outdoor kitchens)
- Budget considerations and financing options
Designer Site Evaluation
We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your property to assess:
- Access points for heavy equipment
- Existing utilities and easements
- Easements and property setbacks (an as-built survey will be required)
- Elevation, drainage, and soil conditions
- Municipal code compliance requirements
Custom Design Development
Every concrete pool is custom-designed specifically for your property. We create scaled drawings showing:
- Pool and spa dimensions and depths
- Decking layouts and materials
- Equipment placement
- Special features and water effects
- Integration with existing landscape
We’ll revise the design until you’re 100% satisfied. This is your pool, and we want it perfect
Permitting & HOA Approval
We handle all standard building permit applications and provide information needed for HOA approval.
Phase 2: Pre-Construction Preparation
Financing Finalization
We partner with specialized pool financing companies offering:
- 5 to 30-year loan terms
- Quick approval (typically within 24 hours)
- Potentially tax-deductible interest
- No prepayment penalties
Underground Utility Marking
PUPS (Palmetto Utility Protection Service) marks all underground utility lines to ensure safe excavation. Note: This service
does not locate owner-placed lines.
Pre-Construction Meeting
We schedule a comprehensive meeting with your superintendent and designer to review:
- Final pool layout
- Construction expectations, timeline and phases
- Material selections confirmation
- Your responsibilities as the homeowner
- Communication channels
Phase 3: Excavation & Structural Work
Equipment Access & Excavation
Using heavy excavation equipment, we’ll carefully dig your pool according to precise specifications. Our team considers:
- The size of equipment that can access your yard
- Protection of existing structures and landscaping
- Proper disposal of excavated material
- Weather conditions and soil moisture
Important Note: Pool construction involves heavy machinery and will create ruts in your yard. We perform rough machine grading, but final landscaping restoration will be required and is your or your landscaper’s responsibility. Landscapers can be referred upon request.
Framing Installation
Wooden forms are installed to define the outer edge and elevation of your pool. This critical step ensures accurate dimensions and proper water level.
Steel Reinforcement (Rebar)
We install steel rebar throughout the pool structure, creating a framework that will be encased in concrete. This reinforcement is key to long-term structural integrity.
Plumbing Installation (Short Plumb)
All pipes, drains, returns, light niches, and special features that penetrate the pool walls are stubbed out in preparation for concrete application.
Pool Bonding Inspection
We bond all exposed metallic items per electrical code requirements. A municipal inspector verifies this critical safety feature before we proceed.
Phase 4: Concrete Application & Curing
Shotcrete Application
We apply structural concrete (shotcrete) to form the shell of your pool. This process creates a monolithic, watertight structure.
Curing Process
Concrete requires up to 30 days to cure properly. During this period:
- We hydrate the concrete with sprinklers for several days to weeks. The concrete gains strength gradually
This waiting period is essential for long-term durability. Rushing this phase can compromise your pool’s structural integrity
Form Removal & Backfilling
Once curing is sufficient, we remove wooden forms and carefully backfill around the pool with proper compaction. We rough grade the area in preparation for decking.
Phase 5: Finishing & Systems Installation
Long Plumbing & Electrical
We trench and install all plumbing and specialty lines from the pool to the equipment pad and other designated locations.
Equipment Installation & Plumbing
Our certified service technicians install and plumb all filtration equipment:
- Variable-speed pumps
- High-efficiency filters
- Heaters (gas or heat pump)
- Automation systems
- Sanitization systems
- Cleaning systems
Pre-Deck Bonding Inspection
All metal components within the decking area are bonded per code requirements and inspected before decking installation.
Tile & Coping Installation
Your selected waterline tile and coping material are professionally installed, creating the transition between pool interior and deck surface. If your pool has an automatic cover, your channels and brackets are also installed at this time.
Decking Installation
We install your chosen decking material (pavers, travertine, stamped concrete, etc.) to create your pool surround. Our team
ensures proper slope for drainage and a beautiful finish.
Phase 6: Safety, Finishing & Start-Up
Fencing & Safety Features
Per South Carolina code, outdoor pools must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high unless the pool is equipped with an auto cover. Barrier requirements are the responsiblity of the homeowner and include but are not limited to:
- Self-latching gates
- UL2017 listed door alarms where required
- Compliance with all local safety codes
Pool Prep & Interior Finish
We prepare the concrete shell and install your selected interior finish:
- Traditional plaster
- Quartz aggregate
- Pebble finishes
- Specialty surfaces
Pool Fill & Start-Up Process (28 Days)
Once the interior finish is installed, we begin filling your pool. This is a critical period:
Days 1-28:
- Brush the pool twice daily in different directions. We will brush once M-F, it is the homeowners responsibility for the other brushing during the week and twice on weekends and holidays.
- Keep water running continuously unless instructed otherwise
- DO NOT: Use robotic cleaners, turn on heater, add salt, cover the pool, or swim
Day 28: After full completion of the start-up process, you may use all features: heater, robotic cleaner, pool cover, and in-floor cleaning systems. You may also begin using your pool.
Our NPC (National Plaster Council) certified technician manages all chemical additions, testing, and brushing assistance during this period.
Phase 7: Final Inspections & Pool School
Municipal Final Inspection
Your city inspector performs a final inspection to verify:
- Proper fence, gate, and alarm installation
- Code compliance for all safety features
- Electrical system safety
Complimentary Pool School
Our start-up technician provides comprehensive training on:
- Routine maintenance procedures
- Equipment operation and troubleshooting
- Water chemistry basics
- Filter cleaning and maintenance
- Heater and automation system use
- When to call for service
Pro Tip: Record this training session on video and take detailed notes. We cover a lot of information, and having a reference will be invaluable.
Handover
You receive all equipment manuals, warranty information, and access to our support team. Our office personnel are always available for questions and technical support.
Timeline Expectations
Total Construction Time: Typically 10-16 weeks from excavation to swimming
This timeline can be affected by:
- Weather conditions (rain causes the most delays)
- Municipal inspection scheduling
- Material availability
- Change orders or design modifications
- Unforeseen site conditions
Weather Impact: Rain is our biggest challenge. Each day of rain can cause 2+ days of delay depending on soil conditions and drying time.
What's Included in Your Contract
Standard Inclusions:
- Custom pool design
- All standard building permits
- Excavation and proper compaction
- Structural steel reinforcement
- Shotcrete application
- All pool plumbing and equipment
- Interior finish (as selected)
- Waterline tile and coping (as selected)
- Decking (type and amount per contract)
- Equipment installation
- 28-day start-up service
- Pool school training
- $1,000 electrical allowance
Not Included (But Available):
- Door alarms (required by code)
- Pool fill water and electrical allowance
- Fencing, railings, and gates
- Gas line installation
- Structural engineering plans (when required)
- Landscaping and irrigation
- Final yard grading and grass
- Drainage systems beyond pool
- Water lines for auto-fill system
Transparent Pricing
We provide detailed written proposals outlining all included features and materials. Any changes during construction are handled through written change orders – never verbal agreements.
Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Pricing: If a bid seems remarkably low, it may indicate
- Missing scope items
- Lower quality materials
- Lack of proper engineering
- Intent to add charges later through change orders
The Heritage Pools Advantage
21+ Years of Lowcountry Experience
We’ve built hundreds of pools in Charleston’s challenging conditions and understand the unique requirements of coastal construction.
Award-Winning
- Team Member Awards
- Service Team and Construction Team Awards
- Project Photography Awards
- Ethic Awards
- Only Master Certified Pool Builder & Designer in South Carolina
Comprehensive Warranties
We offer the highest available warranties in the industry, backed by our commitment to quality construction and customer service.
Full-Service Capabilities
From initial design through build, we have the capabilities to maintain, service, and renovate.
Licensed & Insured
We maintain all required South Carolina licenses and comprehensive insurance coverage for your protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pool construction take?
Typically 10-16 weeks from excavation to swimming, but weather and site
conditions can affect this timeline.
Can I swim during the 28-day start-up?
It is important to wait the full 28 days before swimming as to not harm the pools fresh plaster.
What if it rains during construction?
Rain is our biggest challenge. Each rain day can cause 2+ days of delay while the site dries.
Do you build pools year-round?
Yes, though being in the south, we experience weather related delays in any season, however we include these buffer periods in our timelines to ensure the project continues to move forward.
Can I make changes after signing the contract?
Yes, through written change orders. We never make verbal change
agreements.
Will you damage my driveway or landscaping?
Rock excavation requires specialized equipment and may result in
additional costs. We discuss this possibility before starting.
Who handles final landscaping?
Heavy equipment access is necessary and can cause damage. We
minimize impact but cannot guarantee no damage from equipment movement.
What's included in my electrical allowance?
Your landscaper will complete final grading, topsoil, grass installation, and landscape
restoration after pool construction.
Do you offer maintenance services?
It is difficult to include an allowance that covers most jobs. We offer a $1,000 allowance to go toward your electrical install.
Ready to Start Your Pool Journey?
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Heritage Pools, LLC 4210 Piggly Wiggly Drive North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: (843) 762-3417
Website: swimhere.com
Email: info@swimhere.com
What to Prepare for Your Consultation
- Property survey or plat (if available)
- Photos of your backyard
- Ideas or inspiration images
- Budget range
- Questions or concerns
Serving the Charleston Lowcountry
We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Lowcountry.
The tans will fade, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Let Heritage Pools create your backyard paradise with the engineering, craftsmanship, and customer service that have made us Charleston’s premier pool builder for over 21 years.