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The Pool Building Process
The perfect plan of action is one that fits wholly within and
compliments the existing landscape and the owner's individual
style. We work closely with the homeowner to plan every
detail---technical and aesthetic. It is this ability to maintain a
close working relationship with our clients that sets up apart from
and above our competitors.
Because we do establish such closing ties with the client, we limit
the number of jobs we accept during a season so that we have all the
time we need to personally attend to each client.
Design Work
We use the entire scope of our talents and skills to determine how
best to deal with the terrain, slope, retaining walls, steps, and
drainage issues of the site being proposed for the pool. However,
Arista spends as much time on the aesthetic qualities of your
project as we do on the regulatory codes and building issues. A good
design can also correct Mother Nature's flaws and improve the value
of your home.
We also believe that your pool should be more than a big whole in
the ground that is filled with water. Your pool should be the focal
point of the “picture post card” of your backyard. To create that
visual focal point, Arista considers issues such as:
- Do you want the pool screened from view or do you want it to be highly visible?
(This is an important issue for pool owners who have children.)
- How will the pool look in the Fall and Winter seasons?
- Do you want privacy? Will the neighbors be able to see into the pool area?
- How do we create “the look” that you envision for your pool?
Construction
of the Pool Shell
Excavation of the site begins the process
and drainage is the first, primary issue. Therefore, site conditions
are addressed immediately. We understand that this concern may be
more involved than initially determined, and take as much time as
necessary to insure that the excavation is done properly, for the
existing "lay of the land." This is just one of the excavation stage
processes that sets Arista apart from other pool contractors.
The first structural piece of the
swimming pool that is fabricated is the steel reinforcement cage.
Arista's ironworkers bend and tie steel rebar to form a grid-like
pattern that is used to strengthen the pool's gunite shell. We use
much heavier half-inch steel rebar and our steel grids are tighter
than any other pool contractor uses, which ensures that Arista pools
will withstand harsh Pennsylvania winters.
Once the steel reinforcement cage is in
place, we begin the interior plumbing stage. Each fitting is
designed to penetrate into the pool's interior and thus each are
carefully located and attached to the steel reinforcement cage.
Additional reinforcement is used to support external fittings, such
as skimmers, inlets, drains, returns, and lights.
The importance of a well-planned,
hydraulically balanced plumbing system is often overlooked by
homeowners. Just this one oversight can consume any perceived
savings over time (the cost of an Arista pool versus the cost of a
competitor's pool).
After the interior plumbing stage is
finished, the steel shell and electrical connections are carefully
inspected. When the inspection is completed to our satisfaction, the
pool is prepared for the gunite application. This application
process requires a highly specialized crew---and Arista's crew is
the best in the industry.
Interior Finish
After the gunite application is complete
and the concrete has cured, the final steps to complete the interior
of the pool begin.
Tile is placed at the pool's water line.
Thin ceramic or slate tile provides a durable and easily maintained
surface.
Pool coping is the brick, stone, or
concrete material used to cap the pool shell wall. Our experienced
craftsman carefully install the coping you’ve chosen, with extra
care taken to maintain consistency in the coping thickness.
Finally, marcite is troweled on the pool
interior to provide a natural finish that is long lasting and
beautiful. Other finishes are available and the combinations of
tile, coping, and pool interior are as limitless as your
imagination.
Click here to view our large
selection of freeze-resistant tile selections.
Click here for photo samples of
the types of coping that are available.
Click here for information and
photo samples of pool interior finishes (marcite).
Click here for information about the poolscape elements that are important to a pool's atmosphere.
Exterior Finish
Deck areas surrounding a pool can be constructed from a variety of materials:
- poured in place, broom finish concrete decks
- wood decks
- brick decks
- natural stone masonry decks
Different materials possess different construction aspects:
- Flagstone (bluestone) is a beautiful, traditional look.
- Brick decks can come in many different colors and patterns.
A combination of brick pavers, bluestone coping, and border bands is
quite attractive.
- High-grade or mahogany wood decks offer a sleek, soft
nautical look.
- Arista specializes in natural stone travertine pavers. Enjoy the cool & beautiful benefits of travertine pavers.
Arista uses the finest materials and latest technology during the
construction phase. Our pools are built to your specifications and
are built to last a lifetime.
To request more information about a customized "total swimming
environment," please let us hear from you. Click here for
contact information.
Check out our plumbing! We hand- and machine-carve out entrenchments to
allow for
freeze protection. This also provides access to the plumbing
features in the unlikely event that a
pipe needs service.
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Construction Site Photos
Arista uses a substantial amount of stone under a pool.
This allows the pool to drain and relieves it of underground
hydrostatic pressure. Many of Arista's competitors use no stone at all.
Pictured is the steel reinforcement grid. Our steel is a substantially heavier rebar than competitors use and provides extra tensile strength to our concrete/gunite pool.
Threat of rain! This photo shows us covering the dug-out pool with
a plastic canvas to prevent a mucky work site. Who but Arista would take such
care?
Flash gunite is structurally engineered to be used in building
bridges. There is nothing stronger and Arista uses nothing less.
The curing period inside a gunite shell prior to the final finish being applied.
Pool interior finishes are available in many luxurious looks.
This final construction photo shows coping, tile, and walkway. Just add water---and
your family!
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