Investing in a custom in-ground swimming pool in Montgomery County, MD — and the surrounding DMV region — is a substantial financial commitment and a very specialized construction endeavor that requires expertise and careful planning.
We’ve outlined some of the key elements of designing, engineering, permitting, and constructing a custom swimming pool in our region, as well as preliminary costs for our pool packages. We hope this information will assist you in making an informed decision about building your swimming pool.
As the top name in luxury pool design, construction and maintenance, Aloha Pool Service & Design has delivered exceptionally well crafted pools, meticulous project management and safe swimming environments for clients in Maryland, Virginia & Washington, DC since 1994.
Design and Engineering
Creating your dream pool begins with thoughtful design and expert engineering. It’s essential to work with a builder who can craft a custom pool tailored to your unique vision. Even the smallest details can significantly impact the overall design, ensuring that your pool blends seamlessly with its surroundings for a harmonious outdoor space.
Pool engineering is a specialized field and is critical to your pool’s construction. Your builder should collaborate closely with the engineering team, combining their construction expertise with specialized engineering knowledge to deliver a safe, functional, and well-built pool.
Permitting and Inspections
Building a pool requires multiple permits and inspections that begin before construction starts. It’s crucial to choose a builder with expertise in navigating the complex permitting process and the ability to quickly address any issues that arise.
In Montgomery County, MD, permits are needed for site work, electrical, plumbing, building, and dry-wells. Inspections cover silt fencing, plumbing, bond wire, concrete, electrical systems, dry wells, and drainage. There are other required permits depending on the location of the project that range from historic considerations to national forestry and other agencies. The permitting and inspections vary slightly in the surrounding DMV area.
A knowledgeable builder should include permit costs or allowances in their proposal, giving you a clearer picture of the financial commitment involved. The typical timeline for permitting a backyard pool in Montgomery County is 6 weeks, though various factors may extend this period, which your builder should communicate with you through the permitting process.
Site Work
Site preparation involves careful planning and each project presents unique set of things to be considered. Your builder should include the site work costs in your proposal and they will need to efficiently manage this process so that the project stays on schedule. The following outlines some of the site work considerations in Montgomery County:
Site Assessment: Evaluating the property for zoning compliance.
Geotechnical Surveys: Assessing soil integrity and stability.
Soil Tests: To determine drainage and load-bearing capacity.
Land Clearing: Removing vegetation, rocks, debris and existing structures from the construction area.
Grading and Leveling: Ensuring the site is properly graded to facilitate drainage and prevent flooding.
Retaining Walls: Designing and constructing retaining walls if the site has significant elevation changes.
Drainage Solutions: Implementing drainage plans to manage water runoff and prevent pooling. On new construction this typically involves installing dry wells in accordance with engineering and country regulations.
Silt Fencing: Installing silt fencing to control erosion and protect the site from sediment run-off.
Utility Marking and Relocation: Identifying and marking existing utilities (water, gas, electric) to prevent damage during excavation. Some projects require the relocation of utilities if they interfere with the pool’s construction.
Access Preparation: Preparing access to the site for construction vehicles and equipment.
Temporary Fencing: Installing temporary fencing around the work area for safety and security.
Excavation
Once the site preparation has been completed and the appropriate inspections have been completed, your yard is ready for excavation. This will set the foundation of your pool and ensure its long-term stability and functionality. Some of the steps involved in the excavation process include:
Pool Layout: Marking the pool layout and boundaries using stakes and string.
Soil Removal: Using heavy machinery (excavators) to dig and remove soil to the required depth and shape for the pool.
Dirt Hauling: Transporting and disposing of the excavated soil and debris from the site. Coordinating hauling trucks through your neighborhood can be logistically challenging, so it’s essential to choose a builder who is well-equipped to handle this process efficiently while keeping you informed.
Shaping the Pool: Carving out the pool’s contours, including any steps, benches, or ledges.
Compaction: Compacting the bottom and sides of the excavation to ensure a stable base for the pool structure.
Inspection: Once the excavation is complete, inspections are conducted to ensure the excavation meets design specifications and local regulations before proceeding to the next construction phase.
Overview of the Pool Construction Phase
Following is a basic overview of the pool construction process, highlighting key steps, materials used and some of the trades involved. Understanding these basics will help you navigate the journey of your pool project with confidence.
Rebar Steel: Once the site is excavated, a steel frame is constructed within it the space. Ensure your builder uses a sufficient amount of rebar for enhanced structural integrity. This is a specialized field and is subject to county inspection, along with most of the construction phase, so it’s crucial to get it right.
Plumbing and Electrical: After the steel is constructed, pool plumbing and electrical systems are installed for functionality, safety, and ambiance. The plumbing includes skimmers, main drains, returns and any water features you may have selected, including swim jets. The trades all work in conjunction with the steel installation, so effective coordination is key to keeping your project on track.
Shotcrete: During the shotcrete phase, the unique features of your pool—such as steps, benches, and other custom details—are formed using this specialized concrete application. This process is akin to laying the foundation of a house and constitutes a significant portion of your pool’s budget. It is crucial for your pool builder to be present on-site during the application to coordinate logistics and ensure a seamless execution.
Finishes: The next major step is applying plaster, coping, and tile to enhance the pool’s aesthetic. Weather conditions are critical for plaster application; it requires no rain and temperatures above 40 degrees for optimal results. Your contractor should include allowances for plaster and tile finishes in their proposal and provide guidance on selection.
Automatic Covers: In Maryland and the DMV region it’s wise to include an automatic pool cover on your pool. These covers keep debris out when the pool is not in use and enhance safety and energy efficiency. Ensure your builder pays close attention to the design of the pool’s cover box, as this often-overlooked detail contributes to the overall finished look of your pool.
How long will it take to build my pool?
In Montgomery County, MD, weather permitting, we can usually have a shell in the ground within 4-6 weeks after the permitting process is finalized. If the weather cooperates, we can complete the finish, coping and tile within 2-3 weeks. There are additional factors that can complicate any project of this complexity, however, on-going communication will reduce the chances of any significant set-backs.
Investing in Quality: The Cost of Your Custom Pool
We prioritize personalized service and exceptional quality in the pools we build. A luxury pool is designed to provide lasting value, with premium materials and custom features — while a cookie-cutter pool can quickly look dated and diminish your investment. Our commitment to quality, clear communication, and an expedited construction process means that most of our custom packages start at around $200,000.
Our key advice: don’t base your decision solely on the proposal’s bottom line. In addition to selecting a reputable builder, carefully review what is included and NOT included in your bid. Ensure that costs for engineering, permitting and site work are clearly accounted for. If your builder offers complimentary pool care for a few months after construction, that’s an added bonus!
Final Thoughts
You deserve not only a beautiful pool but also a smooth and efficient construction process that transforms your outdoor space into a breathtaking retreat, enriching your lifestyle and increasing your home’s value.
For over 30 years, we have delivered exceptionally well crafted pools, meticulous project management and safe swimming environments for clients in Maryland, Virginia & Washington, DC.
To learn more about us and the services we offer, please follow the link below: