Pool Layout 101: The First Step in Bringing a New Pool Design to Life

Before a pool can be excavated, formed, or shaped, there’s an important phase that sets the entire project up for success: the layout. For anyone researching pool construction or preparing for their own backyard transformation, understanding this early step—and the phases that follow—helps make the entire process feel predictable and manageable.

The layout marks the first time the future pool is physically outlined in the yard. While the early stages of planning happen on paper or in 3D design software, layout is where the design becomes a real-world footprint.

What Happens During Pool Layout?

During layout, the builder’s team visits the site to:

• Paint the outline of the pool directly on the ground

• Verify the pool’s placement and orientation

• Confirm the location of the equipment pad

• Ensure proper spacing from structures and property lines

• Finalize access points and work zones

• Walk the homeowner through the upcoming construction phases

It’s a simple step—but a crucial one. Layout ensures that the pool is positioned correctly, meets all requirements, and feels right in the space before excavation begins.

Understanding the Full Pool Construction Timeline

While every builder has their own workflow, most gunite/shotcrete pool projects follow a similar sequence. Here’s an educational breakdown of each major phase, what happens during it, and why it matters.

1. Excavation / Forms / Steel / Plumbing

Typical timeframe: 1–2 days

Excavation is one of the most dramatic stages of building a pool. Heavy equipment removes soil, forms are set, steel rebar is shaped, and plumbing lines are installed in rapid succession.

A few important considerations:

• Groundwater: If groundwater is discovered during excavation, dewatering may be required. There is no reliable way to know whether groundwater is present until the digging begins.

• Shuttle Hauling: If access is tight or soil cannot be stored on-site, dirt may need to be shuttled offsite. Builders often cannot predict this with absolute certainty until excavation starts.

These two items—dewatering and shuttle hauling—are common variable costs during pool construction.

2. Inspection

Before concrete can be applied, the municipality must inspect the:

• Steel reinforcement

• Plumbing layout

• Bonding and grounding

• Structural elements

Inspectors generally arrive promptly, but occasionally request minor adjustments—this is normal and ensures compliance with local building codes.

If it rains before inspection is complete, builders may need to demuck the site to maintain proper spacing between soil and steel.

3. Gunite

Typical timeframe: ~½ day

Gunite is one of the most exciting phases. Concrete is pneumatically sprayed at high velocity onto the steel frame to create the pool shell. This produces a rigid, long-lasting structure that defines the pool’s final shape.

4. Backfill

After the shell cures, the area around the exterior is backfilled with dirt to cover plumbing lines and stabilize the ground.

Important notes:

• This is not the final grade.

• Excess dirt is spread across the yard or hauled away as needed.

• The yard starts looking like a yard again—just temporarily muddy.

5. Tile & Coping

Tile & Coping is typically the first “decorative” phase of construction. Waterline tile is installed around the interior perimeter, and coping (stone, brick, travertine, etc.) is placed along the top edge of the pool.

This stage dramatically elevates the pool’s appearance and sets the tone for the design.

6. Decking

The patio and walkways come together during this phase. The team:

• Performs the final grade

• Lays and compacts gravel

• Installs pavers or pours concrete

Decking usually takes several days and gives the outdoor space its functional layout.

7. Equipment Set

The pump, filter, heater, automation, and other systems are installed. This step may occur earlier or later in the project depending on scheduling and build flow.

8. Plaster (Interior Finish)

Timeframe:

• Standard plaster: 1 day

• Pebble finish: 2 days

Once the interior finish is applied, the pool is filled immediately. Many builders also apply MicroGlass, which strengthens the interior surface, protects against discoloration, and allows swimming sooner than traditional curing timelines.

9. Start-Up

The builder adds salt or chlorine, balances the water chemistry, and begins the system’s initial run cycle. This prepares the pool for proper operation and safe swimming.

10. Pool School

Most reputable builders provide a “Pool School” session, where homeowners learn:

• How to operate their equipment

• How to maintain water chemistry

• How to use automation systems

• How to care for their pool long-term

This final step ensures new pool owners feel confident and prepared.

Why Understanding the Layout Stage Matters

The layout stage might seem simple, but it marks the moment when:

• The digital design becomes a real-world plan

• The first physical work begins

• The construction path becomes clear and predictable

For anyone exploring or preparing for a pool installation, understanding these early steps provides clarity and helps set realistic expectations for the rest of the journey.