A custom swimming pool is a multi-phase construction project that needs planning, engineering and coordination from the first design meeting to the final startup. At Nolascapes Pool & Outdoors LLC every new pool follows a set order, built for durability, dependable performance and efficient circulation, and for a finished yard that fits the way the property will really be used. This page follows a gunite pool, the type we build most often. Fiberglass and vinyl pools skip the steel and gunite phase, and Pool Installation explains how those differ.

Planning, Design and Permits

Every project starts with planning. In the design phase we work with you on how the pool fits the backyard and connects to the patio, spa, outdoor kitchen and landscaping, and the layout decisions themselves are covered in Pool Planning and Custom Pool Design. These early decisions affect the stability of the structure and the way water is managed for the life of the pool, and they prevent standing water, uneven deck movement and conflicts between trades in later phases.

Before excavation begins, we coordinate the permit with the city or parish, notify the utilities and hold a pre-construction meeting with you to confirm the pool position, the elevations and where equipment and materials will go. Temporary fencing and safety measures protect the property and the job site while the work is under way.

Excavation and Site Preparation

Excavation is one of the most important structural phases. Once the layout is final, the crew shapes the pool to the engineered design, and supervisors watch the elevations closely so that water flow, decking and drainage all work with the finished structure.

The interior is trimmed by hand to the exact dimensions, depths and smooth transitions. Careful excavation gives the structural phase a properly prepared foundation.

Steel and Gunite

After excavation, the structural frame is built with reinforcing steel and gunite, a method chosen for strength, rigidity and durability. Steel is tied through the walls, floor, bond beams and structural transitions to engineering standards and specifications, to support the shell and reduce the risk of movement or cracking.

Gunite is then applied pneumatically over the steel to form the shell. The application determines the strength, density and life of the structure, so experienced crews shape, trim and finish it carefully. Inspections, supervisor oversight and quality checks continue before the project moves on to plumbing, electrical and finish work, because this phase is the foundation for the whole pool. The material is described further on our gunite pools page.

Plumbing, Hydraulics and Electrical

The efficiency of a pool depends heavily on its plumbing and electrical systems. At this stage we install the hydraulic system that controls circulation, filtration, water features, cleaning systems and spas. Rigid Schedule 40 PVC carries the water, with pipe sizes calculated for proper flow. Good hydraulic design improves water clarity, energy efficiency and equipment life, and reduces strain on the pumps.

Suction lines, drains, returns and circulation are installed to current safety standards and code, including APSP guidelines and federal VGB requirements, and the system is pressure tested before finish work to find any problems. Licensed electricians install the electrical systems to NEC guidelines and local code, and the lighting, automation, pumps, heaters and controls are integrated for safe operation and long-term reliability. Automated wireless controls can be added so the pool and spa are run from one place.

Decking, Coping and Finish Selections

Once the structure and the mechanical systems are complete, the surrounding yard starts to take shape. Decking needs careful grading, reinforcement, expansion joint planning and concrete preparation to prevent shifting or uneven movement. We offer a wide range of decking and coping materials, so the pool can match the house, and they are compared on Pool Features and Upgrades.

Waterline tile, stone coping, decorative concrete, pavers, travertine and specialty finishes are all part of one design and are not treated as separate features, and we pay particular attention to the transitions between the pool, the deck, the patio, the landscaping and the entertaining areas so the yard feels connected and balanced.

Equipment Installation and Integration

Pool equipment is installed with a focus on long-term performance, efficiency and ease of service. Pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, valves, automation and spa equipment are installed and configured to give efficient operation and reliable circulation. We help you choose equipment that fits the size, the use and the features of your pool.

Sizing is essential: a system that is too large or too small hurts circulation and filtration and raises maintenance needs.

Plaster, Startup and Walkthrough

Before the pool is handed over, it goes through startup and testing. Once the interior has been plastered, the water chemistry is tested and balanced to give the new finish proper starting conditions. We calibrate the equipment, verify circulation, and clean and fine-tune the pool for use.

We then walk through the pool with you and explain how the equipment, the automation controls and the cleaning system work, what maintenance to expect and how to care for the pool. We follow up after the pool has been in regular use to confirm that everything is running properly. Plan to be home for the walkthrough, because the controls and the cleaning routine are easiest to learn with the equipment in front of you.

Throughout every phase we focus on communication, scheduling, code-compliant construction, structural quality and long-term performance, so the pool is built for dependable everyday use, efficient operation and lasting value for the property. Pools built this way are in our swimming pool gallery. To discuss a pool you want to build, contact us today on 504-330-8479 or via our online form, and we will explain how each of these phases would apply to your property.