The Heritage Pools Fiberglass Pool Construction Process

Building Your Dream Pool in the Lowcountry – Faster

At Heritage Pools, we’ve spent over 21 years perfecting our fiberglass pool installation process specifically for Charleston’s unique environmental challenges. Our factory-trained team delivers beautiful, durable pools with a significantly faster timeline than traditional construction.

Your Complete Pool Installation 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)
Pool shape selection from our extensive catalog
Color preferences (standard and upgraded finishes)
Special features (waterfalls, spas, outdoor kitchens)
Budget considerations and financing options

Designer Site Evaluation

We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your property to assess:

Access points for crane and heavy equipment
Existing utilities
Easements and property setbacks (an as-built survey will be required)
Elevation, drainage, and soil conditions
Municipal code compliance requirements

Critical Access Consideration: Fiberglass pools arrive as a single shell and require crane placement. We need adequate access for a large delivery truck and crane operation.

Pool Shape & Feature Selection

Unlike custom concrete pools, fiberglass pools come in pre-manufactured shapes and sizes. We’ll help you select:

The perfect pool shape for your space and usage
Tanning ledge options (Gemini, Genesis, Hermosa, and more)
Spa configurations (attached or spillover)
Interior color finish
Entry step configurations

We’ll create scaled drawings showing:

Pool placement and orientation
Decking layouts and materials
Equipment placement
Integration with existing landscape

We’ll revise the layout until you’re 100% satisfied. While the pool shell itself is pre-manufactured, your installation is completely customized for your property.

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

Pool Shell Order & Manufacturing

Once you’re satisfied with the design, we place your pool order with the manufacturer. Your pool shell is built to order at the factory with:

Precision-molded gelcoat surface
Multiple layers of fiberglass reinforcement
Built-in steps, benches, and features
Factory quality control inspections

Manufacturing Time: Typically 4-6 weeks from order to delivery

Underground Utility Marking

PUPS (Palmetto Utility Protection Service) marks all underground utility lines to ensure safe excavation. Note: This service does not locate water lines or owner-placed lines.

Pre-Construction Meeting

We schedule a comprehensive meeting with your superintendent to review:

Final pool layout
Construction expectations, timeline and phases
Material selections confirmation
Crane delivery logistics
Your responsibilities as the homeowner
Communication channels

Phase 3: Excavation & Preparation

Equipment Access & Excavation

Using heavy excavation equipment, we’ll carefully dig your pool hole according to precise specifications. The excavation must be:

Slightly larger than the pool shell dimensions
Perfectly level and properly graded
Free of rocks, roots, and debris
Excavated to exact depth specifications

Important Note: Pool construction involves heavy machinery and will create ruts in your yard. We perform a rough grade with machines, but final landscaping restoration will be required and is your or your landscaper’s responsibility. Landscapers can be referred upon request.

Base Preparation

We create a stable foundation for your pool:

Install a gravel base for drainage
Add a sand bed for cushioning
Laser-level the base for perfect pool placement
Ensure proper compaction and stability

This foundation is critical for long-term pool performance and stability in our Lowcountry soils.

Phase 4: Pool Delivery & Set

Crane Day – The Exciting Part!

Your pool shell arrives on a special delivery truck and is set using a crane. This is typically the most exciting day of your project!

What to Expect:

Large crane and delivery truck on-site
Professional crane operator and installation team
Precise placement into excavation
Temporary bracing installation

Time on Site: Crane operations typically take 2-4 hours

Pro Tip: This is a great day to take photos and videos! The crane set is dramatic and makes for amazing memories.

Immediate Backfilling & Bracing

Once the pool is set, we immediately begin critical stabilization work:

Install temporary bracing to maintain shell integrity
Begin filling the pool with water
Carefully backfill around the pool in stages
Compact backfill material as we go

Critical Process: We must backfill and fill the pool simultaneously in controlled stages. This maintains proper pressure on the shell and prevents any shifting or damage.

Pool Fill & Initial Backfill (24-48 Hours)

The pool is filled with water while we carefully backfill around the perimeter. This process must be done in coordination:

Fill pool in 12-inch increments
Backfill exterior in matching increments
Compact backfill material thoroughly
Monitor shell for any movement
Install proper drainage systems

Phase 5: Infrastructure & Systems Installation

Long Plumbing & Electrical

We trench and install all remaining plumbing and electrical lines:

Lines from pool to equipment pad
Specialty feature lines
Electrical conduits
Automation wiring

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.

Equipment Start-Up & Testing

Our service technician performs comprehensive equipment testing:

Verify proper pump operation
Check filter system function
Test heater (if installed)
Program automation system
Verify all returns and features
Check for any leaks
Maintenance will provide chemical only visits until the coping and decking are complete.

Coping Installation

Your selected coping material is professionally installed, creating the transition between pool interior and deck surface. Fiberglass pools offer several coping options:

Cantilever concrete coping (most common)
Pavers with bullnose edge
Natural stone
Precast coping

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. Once the decking is complete, the maintenance team will clean the pool to get it 100%. This will take multiple visits. Your final visit of the ‘deck-clean’ will be your first free maintenance visit.

Important: We rough grade the area, but final landscaping is the homeowner’s or landscaper’s responsibility.

Phase 6: Safety Features & Final Details

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 responsibility 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

Final Cleaning & Water Chemistry

We thoroughly clean your pool and establish proper water chemistry:

Remove any construction debris
Vacuum the pool surface
Balance initial water chemistry
Install filter media
Test all equipment systems

Important Difference from Concrete: Fiberglass pools do NOT require a lengthy start-up process like concrete pools. The gelcoat surface is factory-cured and ready for immediate use.

Phase 7: Pool School, Free Maintenance & Final Inspection

Complimentary Pool School

Our start-up technician provides comprehensive training on:

Routine maintenance procedures
Equipment operation and troubleshooting
Water chemistry basics for fiberglass pools
Filter cleaning and maintenance
Heater and automation system use
Understanding the gelcoat surface
When to call for service
Will advise how many free maintenance visits you have left

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.

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
Pool barrier compliance

Handover & Enjoy!

You receive all equipment manuals, warranty information, pool care guidelines, and access to our support team. Our office personnel are always available for questions and technical support.

Best Part: Unlike concrete pools, you can start swimming immediately the project manager signs off on the pool’s completion!

Timeline Expectations

Total Installation Time: Typically 6-10 weeks from excavation to swimming

Timeline Breakdown:

Pool manufacturing: 4-6 weeks (occurs before site work)
Site preparation & excavation: 1-3 days
Pool delivery & set: 1 day
Backfill & initial fill: 1-2 days
Plumbing & equipment: 3-5 days
Decking installation: 5-10 days (varies by material and size)
Final details & inspection: 2-3 days

This timeline can be affected by:

Weather conditions (rain causes delays)
Pool manufacturing schedule
Municipal inspection scheduling
Material availability
Change orders or design modifications
Unforeseen site conditions
Crane scheduling and access

Weather Impact: Rain is our biggest challenge. Each day of rain can cause 2+ days of delay depending on soil conditions and drying time.

Major Advantage: Fiberglass pools are typically installed in 40-60% less time than concrete pools due to the pre-manufactured shell.

What's Included in Your Contract

Standard Inclusions:

Pool shape selection and layout design
All standard building permits
Pool shell (manufacturer warranty included)
Excavation and proper base preparation
Crane delivery and pool set
Proper backfilling and compaction
All pool plumbing and equipment
Coping (as selected)
Decking (type and amount per contract)
Equipment installation
Professional start-up service
Pool school training
$1,000 electrical allowance

Not Included (But Available):

Door alarms (required by code)
Pool fill water above 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

The Fiberglass Advantage

Faster Installation

Pre-manufactured shells mean significantly shorter construction timelines compared to concrete pools – often installed in half the time.

Smooth, Non-Porous Surface

The gelcoat finish is factory-applied and requires no on-site curing. This smooth surface:

Resists algae growth naturally
Feels soft on bare feet
Is easier to clean

Lower Maintenance

Fiberglass pools are famous for low maintenance requirements:

Less brushing needed
No acid washing required
No replastering every 10-15 years
Lower long-term costs

Excellent for Saltwater Systems

The gelcoat surface is highly compatible with saltwater chlorine generators, making fiberglass an ideal choice for those wanting a saltwater pool.

Manufacturer Warranty

Your fiberglass shell comes with a comprehensive manufacturer warranty covering:

Structural integrity
Surface blistering
Osmosis
Manufacturing defects

Warranty terms vary by manufacturer but typically include lifetime structural coverage.

Transparent Pricing

We provide detailed written proposals outlining all included features and materials. Any changes during installation 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 pool shells
Inadequate base preparation
Intent to add charges later through change orders

Quality fiberglass pool installation requires proper equipment, experienced crews, and attention to critical details like base preparation and backfilling procedures.

The Heritage Pools Advantage

21+ Years of Lowcountry Experience

We’ve installed hundreds of fiberglass pools in Charleston’s challenging conditions and understand the unique requirements of coastal installation, including proper base preparation for our soils and drainage considerations.

Factory-Trained Installation Team

Our crews are factory-trained and certified in proper fiberglass pool installation techniques, ensuring your pool is set and backfilled according to manufacturer specifications.

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 manufacturer warranties on the pool shell and equipment, plus our own workmanship warranty on installation.

Full-Service Capabilities

From initial design through installation, we have the capabilities to maintain and service your fiberglass pool.

Licensed & Insured

We maintain all required South Carolina licenses and comprehensive insurance coverage for your protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does fiberglass pool installation take?

Typically 6-10 weeks from excavation to swimming. This is significantly faster than concrete pools (10-16 weeks) because the shell is pre-manufactured.

Can I customize a fiberglass pool?

While the shell shape is pre-manufactured, you can customize many features including interior color, coping style, decking, added features (waterfalls, deck jets), tanning ledges, and attached spas.

Will the pool fade over time?

Quality fiberglass pools use UV-resistant gelcoat that maintains its color for decades. Some slight fading may occur over 15-20+ years, but it’s typically minimal and dependent on your pool’s chemistry.

What if my yard has difficult access?

We assess access during the site evaluation. The crane needs adequate space to operate safely. In tight access situations, we may use smaller equipment or alternative delivery methods.

Can I swim immediately after installation?

Yes! Unlike concrete pools that require a 28-day start-up, fiberglass pools are ready to swim as soon as the water chemistry is balanced and the project manager has signed off on its use.

Do fiberglass pools crack?

When properly installed with correct base preparation and backfilling procedures, fiberglass pools are extremely durable and resistant to cracking. Proper installation is critical.

How do I maintain a fiberglass pool?

Fiberglass pools require less maintenance than concrete. Basic care includes regular skimming, filter cleaning, and water chemistry monitoring. The smooth surface resists algae and requires less brushing.

Do you install fiberglass pools year-round?

Yes, though being in the south, we experience weather-related delays in any season. 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. Note that changing the pool shell selection and other items after ordering may result in significant delays and costs.

Will you damage my driveway or landscaping?

Heavy equipment and crane access are necessary and can cause damage. We minimize impact but cannot guarantee no damage from equipment movement.

Who handles final landscaping?

Your landscaper will complete final grading, topsoil, grass installation, and landscape restoration after pool installation.

What's included in my electrical allowance?

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

Contact Heritage Pools today to begin planning your fiberglass pool installation:

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 showing access
Ideas or inspiration images
Preferred pool shapes from our catalog
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 factory-trained installation, quality fiberglass shells, and the customer service that has made us Charleston’s premier pool builder for over 21 years.