Tips to Survive the Pool Construction Process

NOTE: THIS IS THE 7th IN A SERIES OF Seven ARTICLES FOR THOSE WHO ARE CONSIDERING A SWIMMING POOL.

1. The Pros & Cons of Pool Ownership
2. How Much Does it Cost to Build a Swimming Pool?
3. How Long Does it Take to Build a Swimming Pool?
4. How Do I Begin the Planning Process for a Swimming Pool?
5. 5 Tips on How to Select a Pool Builder
6. 10 Reasons to Select Gohlke Pools as Your Pool Builder
7. Tips to Survive the Pool Construction Process

Construction of any kind can really test your patience. Regardless of the type of construction project or who the builder is, it can be grueling, especially when there is so much excitement surrounding completion of a project.

Pool construction no different. Pools are not built in a factory or on an assembly line, meaning that it is not a linear process of going from point A to point B—there are many challenges along the way that have to be dealt with. We feel like we have seen most every kind of challenge imaginable—following are a few of the most common challenges that might come up on a pool construction project:

• WEATHER DELAYS
  • This one is self-explanatory and happens on almost every project.
• LABOR SHORTAGES
  • This is simply a numbers situation. Frankly, there is a shortage of skilled craftsmen in the DFW area due to various reasons, but primarily due to the growth that has taken place. This oftentimes leads to delays—and we do not want to use lesser skilled craftsmen in order to speed up the project.
• EXCAVATION CHALLENGES
  • Hitting rock or water during the pool excavation can impact both the project timeline and budget. Although we know what is underground in most areas of north Texas, it is not unheard of to find rock or water where we have not experienced it before.
• FUNDING DELAYS
  • Sometimes there are funding issues that can cause delays. It is not very common, but we do see it happen occasionally.
• DESIGN CHANGES
  • It is not uncommon to see that a change needs to be made (concrete deck added, etc.) during the construction of a pool. This can result in a delay.
• ENGINEERING DELAYS
  • Occasionally during construction of a project, something comes up that we feel more comfortable getting an engineer to give us his professional opinion on. Sometimes the recommendations that they make require an unexpected step that we were not counting on—such as soil injection, piers, or additional soil analysis.
• MATERIAL SELECTION CHANGES/SHORTAGES
  • This was more common during the pandemic, but we still see it occasionally, primarily with tile, coping, or travertine.
• INSPECTION DELAYS
  • Oftentimes, it can take several days for a required inspection to take place. In addition, we have even seen code changes take place during a project which can lead to delays.
• HOA ISSUES
  • Delays due to HOA issues are fairly rare once the HOA has approved the pool, but it does come up from time to time.
• UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
  • It is not that uncommon for underground utilities to get damaged, which can delay a project. Oftentimes, it is simply unavoidable.

Having built our own personal pools as well, we realize that it can be a difficult process. Following are some tips that helped us get thru it:

• FOCUS ON THE ENTIRE PROJECT TIMELINE
  • We encourage our clients to focus on the entire project timeline that you were given—unless there were major challenges, we should be close or at completion of your project by that time.
• “TAKE A VACATION”
  • We have often said, partly joking, that it might be best to take a long vacation during the construction of your pool. Another method of not focusing on the project is by closing the blinds on the back side of the house. 🙂
• REALIZE THAT ALL PROJECTS GO THRU IT TO SOME EXTENT
  • Each project is different and has its own set of challenges, but projects that have additional backyard elements (arbors/gazebos/shade structures, outdoor cooking areas, fireplaces, firepits, sprinkler systems, landscaping, etc.) often take longer to complete.
  • Realize that delays are just part of it and they occur on most construction projects. Remember that in the end, the pool will look like the plan and it is something that you will enjoy for many years to come.

We oftentimes see pool builders start making decisions based on speed or lower cost—that is when bad things start to happen. We commit to you that we will use skilled craftsmen and high-quality materials on your project in order to provide you with a high-quality project.

In closing, remember that there will be problems and delays during the project. Pools are never perfect and the construction process is never a linear process. There are oftentimes challenges along the way and we have found that a partnership between us and our clients is imperative to achieve the desired results. Rest assured that when problems arise, we will do our best to resolve the problem promptly and professionally and we will always strive to give you a high-quality pool that will provide you many years of enjoyment.

Matt Gohlke

President

Matt has been around the pool business since he was born. When he graduated college in 1984, he joined the family business working for Gohlke Pool Supply. The following year Matt and his father formed a partnership, Gohlke Custom Pools, and started offering pool construction.