Common Pool Building Mistakes — And How To Avoid Them

Thinking about building a pool in your backyard? Great news! A pool is one of the most exciting investments a homeowner can make. Right now, you have visions of a personal retreat – your very own oasis that will provide relaxation, entertainment and a lifetime of memories.

Here are tips to avoid common mistakes in the pool building process and to make that vision come to life:

1. Poor Planning

The Mistake:
The pool builder rushes into construction without fully understanding your vision, your lifestyle, or how the pool will function within the space.

How to Avoid:
Every pool project should begin with a site visit and an in-depth design consultation. Make sure that the pool builder asks you questions about:

• How you plan to use your pool
• Your aesthetic preferences
• Your property’s constraints
• Long-term goals for entertaining, relaxation, or resale value

These inquiries show that the pool builder is focused on creating an outdoor area that will enhance your lifestyle and property.

After the initial consultation you should be provided with a detailed 3D rendering so you can visualize your pool before construction begins. This step will eliminate guesswork and surprises. The pool builder should have a design consultation with you after delivering the 3D rendering which will give you the opportunity to dial in the design to match your vision.

PRO TIP: Make sure the 3D rendering is included in your contract as an exhibit.

2. Ignoring Elevation, Drainage, and Site Conditions

The Mistake:
Your pool builder fails to properly evaluate and plan for elevation changes, soil conditions, and drainage needs. Failing to account for these elements can result in water pooling, structural stress, or long-term damage.

How to Avoid:
Have conversations with your pool builder about these topics prior to making a choice. Make sure you come away from those conversations feeling confident in the expertise of your pool builder.

• Existing grades, slopes and / or elevations may require exposed walls, retaining walls or elevation of the pool. If you know that your property is not level, then make sure your pool builder mentions these elements in your conversations and discusses how they will be addressed.
• Significant elevations and severe sloping will often require footers and sometimes (depending on soil type) doweling into the bedrock for proper structural support. Ask your pool builder if your pool needs engineer plans to ensure that your pool is properly supported.

PRO TIP:

1. Ask your pool builder to provide photos of pools they built that show slopes, elevation and drainage control integrated into the design.
2. Look at the details of the ‘scope’ section of your contract to determine if these elements have been addressed.

3. Cutting Corners on Structural Integrity

The Mistake:
Some builders reduce costs by using less steel, improper spacing, or inferior construction methods.

How to Avoid:
The details within your bid and as incorporated into the contract should specify

• At least ½ inch rebar at a maximum of 9 inches on center (‘on center’ is an builder term and simply means ____. Look for ‘on center’ or ‘O.C.’ in the description). This rebar will be the cage that will maintain the structural integrity of your concrete.
• Gunite should be at least 12 inches thick and should be consistent with APSP standards at a minimum of 4500 PSI at 30 days.
• Determine who will ‘shoot’ the Gunite and ask about their experience. Getting the Gunite right is an essential element to a long-lasting pool.
• Make sure that the pool builder will allow the Gunite to cure for 28 days. The 28 days is necessary to allow for proper strengthening and helps ensure a longer life of your pool.

PRO TIP:

1. For exposed walls (pool walls that are higher than the elevation) or for pool elevations the pool builder should specify double steel for assured structural integrity.
2. Confirm that your pool builder will provide at least a 10 year warranty on the pool shell (Gunite).

4. Improperly Sized or Inefficient Equipment

The Mistake:
Installing the wrong equipment. Equipment design is an essential element of the planning process. Undersized or mismatched pumps, filters, and heaters lead to poor performance, higher energy costs, and unnecessary repairs.

How to Avoid:
Your pool builder should be your advisor and ensure that your pool has a properly sized pump, using the latest, energy-efficient (money saving) equipment with filters rated for the appropriate gallons per minute and accounting for the needs of water features, spas and cleaning systems.      Your pool builder must design each equipment system to match your pool’s size, features, and usage. Here are key considerations:

• Variable Speed Pumps: Today, VSPs are the standard in pool pumps. These pumps automatically run at different speeds throughout the day – saving you money on your electric bill.
• Properly sized filtration systems: your filter must be properly sized to handle the gallons per minute water flow of your pool pump. With filters, bigger is better as larger filters can be cleaned less often. As your pool builder if you are getting the largest pool filter that will fit your equipment pad.
• Equipment that supports longevity and performance: make sure your pool builder is installing a recognized brand of pool equipment and ask about the warranty!

PRO TIP: If you want to learn how to properly size your pool pump and requirements for water features, there are many resources available on the internet. Here is a quick cheat sheet:

1. Calculate your gallons per minute (GPM) need:
   1. Determine your pool volume:
      1. Rectangular Pool Volume: Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5. you need to learn how to calculate your pool’s volume
      1. Round Pool:
   1. Determine your GPM: Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 6.7
   1. Determine your desired turnover rate (the number of hours it takes to completely turnover all pool water). Usually, this number will be between 6 and 10 hours (use 8 for pools under 25,000 gallons).
   1. Determine GPM: (Pool Volume / Turnover Rate) / 60.
   1. Check the specifications for the pump being installed to determine if it meets your GPM needs.
   1. Look at the specifications for your pool filter to make sure it is compatible with the GPM for your pool.

5. Poor Communication During Construction

The Mistake:
Many homeowners feel left in the dark once construction begins, unsure of timelines or next steps.

How to Avoid:
Communication should be a cornerstone of the build process. Your pool builder should keep you informed of schedules, issues and be available for you in a reasonable amount of time when you have questions or concerns Here are some tips to help ensure good communication:

• Clear expectations from the start – make sure that you and the pool builder set expectations as to when and how you will get updates.
• Obtain the cell phone number of the pool company owner or a company principle so that you are well positioned to reach someone even when others may not answer.

PRO TIP: Let the company know (if applicable) that you are willing to post outstanding reviews if the process and product great – but only if that process includes communication.

6. Lack of Proper Start Up and Education After Completion

The Mistake:
You just spent a lot of money on your pool – but improper startup or maintenance has now left you with etched, streaky or uneven/deteriorating plaster. Some builders may cut corners on pool start up or walk away once the pool is finished, leaving homeowners unsure how to operate or maintain it. If the pool builder does not properly balance chemicals the water may ‘attack’ the pool plaster or cause streaking/etching. If the pool builder does not help you understand how to maintain your chemicals then the pool plaster can still be damaged by the water even after startup

How to Avoid:
What is Make sure your contract with your pool builder specifies the following:

1. Proper Startup: The pool builder should follow proper startup procedures that will avoid severe etching and damage. Chemicals must be balanced and maintained to avoid low PH. Also the pool should be brushed daily for 28 days to remove the plaster dust.
2. Pool School: The pool builder should provide you a complete walk through of the pool equipment operation and maintenance requirements and offer a point of contact for ongoing support.

Questions?

We would love to talk with you! Call us at Galaxy Custom Pools: 210-485-7946 and we would be happy to give you our opinion – for free! Our President, Scott, generally answers the phone and he is always excited to talk with pool owners and prospective owners.

Our commitment to thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and long-term reliability is what sets us apart. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, we’re focused on delivering an exceptional experience and a pool you’ll enjoy for years to come.Avoid Serious Damage to Your Pool Equipment

It’s important to know what to do when the weather turns cold. Pumps, filters, heaters, and plumbing lines are especially vulnerable when water freezes and expands. If temperatures are expected to approach or drop below 32°F, it’s time to take action.