A Step-by-Step Guide to Swimming Pool Construction in Sacramento

If you’re considering adding a swimming pool to your Sacramento backyard, you’re probably imagining sunny afternoons by the water, weekend BBQs, and a place where your family can relax, play, and connect. But before the fun begins, there’s one big question homeowners always ask:

“What exactly happens during swimming pool construction?”

Whether you’re just getting started or doing research before your free consultation with Family Time Pools, this guide walks you through each step of the swimming pool construction Sacramento homeowners count on—so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

1. The Initial Consultation: Turning Ideas Into a Plan

Every great pool begins with a conversation.

This is when you meet with the Family Time Pools design team to discuss your space, your goals, and your lifestyle. Do you picture a relaxing backyard oasis? A family-friendly pool with space for games and splashing? A modern luxury design with water features and custom lighting?

During this phase, you’ll discuss:

• Your preferred pool shape and style

• Landscaping and decking options

• Budget and financing

• Timeline expectations

• Custom features such as spas, lighting, tanning ledges, and waterfalls

Your design experts will also assess your yard—checking slope, access, soil conditions, and sun exposure—to determine the best possible placement.

This first step is all about dreaming big while planning smart.

2. Creating the Custom Pool Design

Once your ideas are on the table, it’s time to bring them to life through professional 2D or 3D design renderings.

This phase helps you:

• Visualize the final product

• Review your layout, shape, and features

• Make adjustments before construction begins

• Understand how your pool integrates with your home and outdoor living area

This is your chance to be hands-on without lifting a shovel. Want the spa a little closer to the patio? Want to add a Baja shelf or switch the tile color? Easy—you can make all changes now before anything is finalized.

Design is where your backyard vision becomes real.

3. Engineering and Permits: The Behind-the-Scenes Essentials

Before any physical work begins, the project must go through engineering and permitting—a crucial step in swimming pool construction Sacramento homeowners should never skip.

Family Time Pools handles:

• Structural engineering

• Safety compliance

• Local municipality permits

• Utility checks

This ensures your pool is built safely and meets all California regulations. While permits may take a few weeks to process, they protect your investment and allow the construction process to move forward smoothly.

4. Excavation: The Big Dig Begins

Once permits are approved, it’s time for the exciting part: excavation.

Heavy machinery arrives to dig the hole based on the approved design. Your backyard will go through a dramatic transformation over just a couple of days.

During excavation:

• The shape and depth of your pool become visible

• Soil is removed and hauled away

• The team makes precise cuts to ensure your design is accurate

It’s messy, loud, and incredibly fun to watch. This is where the “dream” pool starts to look like a real pool.

5. Steel Framework: Reinforcing the Pool Structure

After excavation comes the steel phase, where contractors install a strong rebar framework across the interior of the pool. This acts as the skeleton and gives your pool structural integrity.

This stage includes:

• Grid installation

• Reinforcement for steps and benches

• Extra steel for high-stress areas

It may look like a cage or mesh at first—but trust the process. This framework is what helps your pool withstand years of use, extreme temperatures, and natural ground movement.

6. Plumbing and Electrical: Bringing the Pool to Life

Pools don’t just hold water—they circulate, filter, sanitize, and light it. That requires a network of plumbing and electrical systems that must be professionally installed.

This phase includes:

• Running water lines

• Installing skimmers and drains

• Setting up pipes for spas, features, or jets

• Adding wiring for lights, pumps, automation, and equipment

Family Time Pools uses high-efficiency systems designed to reduce energy costs and maximize water clarity—great for Sacramento homeowners who value long-term savings and easy maintenance.

7. Shotcrete or Gunite Application: Forming the Pool Shell

Once the steel and plumbing are complete, it’s time to shoot the concrete shell.

Gunite or shotcrete is sprayed onto the steel frame and shaped by hand to form the:

• Walls

• Floor

• Steps

• Ledges

• Benches

This is one of the most transformative stages. After curing for several days (or longer depending on weather), your pool officially has its permanent structure.

8. Tile and Coping: The First Finishing Touches

With the pool shell cured, contractors begin installing:

• Waterline tile

• Decorative tile and accents

• Coping around the pool edge

These details elevate the look and feel of your pool and help define your backyard’s design style—modern, traditional, tropical, or resort-inspired.

Tile and coping are where Sacramento homeowners often get creative and incorporate color, texture, and personality into their project.

9. Pool Deck Installation: Creating an Outdoor Living Space

A pool isn’t complete without a beautiful deck.

Family Time Pools offers options such as:

• Stamped concrete

• Pavers

• Natural stone

• Travertine

• Decorative concrete finishes

Your deck ties the whole outdoor space together. Whether you want a small entertainment area or a full backyard retreat, this phase sets the stage for furniture, BBQs, and gathering

spaces.

10. Equipment Setup and Interior Finish

Next, the team installs all pool equipment:

• Pump

• Filter

• Heater

• Automation system

• Salt system (if applicable)

• Lights and smart controls

Once systems are in place, contractors apply the interior pool finish, such as plaster, pebble, or quartz. This finish determines:

• Water color

• Texture

• Durability

After the finish is applied, your pool is filled with water—and the end is in sight!

11. Final Walkthrough and Pool School

Before you dive in, you’ll receive a complete orientation on:

• How to operate your equipment

• How to maintain water chemistry

• Automation settings

• Safety tips

• Warranty information

Family Time Pools makes sure every homeowner feels confident, informed, and excited before they take that first splash.

Ready to Start Your Own Swimming Pool Construction in Sacramento?

Building a pool is more than just a project—it’s an investment in your home, your family, and your lifestyle. With the right team, the process is smooth, enjoyable, and tailored to your backyard vision.

If you're thinking about beginning your own swimming pool construction Sacramento journey, Family Time Pools is here to help every step of the way—from design to the final dive.

Ready to turn your backyard dreams into reality?

Schedule your free consultation today!