How to Install an Inground Pool in Virginia

Preparation

• 1

  Familiarize yourself with the local and state pool regulations on Virginia's state website. You should use these guidelines when planning your pool to ensure that it's safe and will be approved by your health commission. For example, all pools with a perimeter of 100 feet or more must have at least two ladders and pool shells must be made of reinforced concrete or a material with similar strength.

• 2

  Plan out your pool. Have professional contractors come help you. This step involves marking off where the pool will be located as well as its dimensions. You must take the surrounding area into consideration as well as whether or not the pool's placement will interfere with electrical or sewage lines.

• 3

  Obtain an estimate on your final design from a contracting crew. This crew will work to excavate the area and assist with general installation. Shop around among different contracting companies and research reviews before settling on a contractor.

• 4

  Obtain a permit from Virginia for a pool. The permits may be obtained from the state health commissioner, who must see your plans for the pool first before he approves of your project.

Shell Construction

• 5

  Have the contractors excavate the pool site according to your specifications. They will typically do this with earth movers and create a gentle slope from one end of the pool to the other.

• 6

  Lay out the pipes that will sit underneath your pool's floor. These pipes may be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and will require professional consultation by a pool technician. These pipes will be connected to your water source and filters. The exact design of the pipe system varies from pool to pool depending on the design.

• 7

  Install the wall panels. The wall panels go around the interior perimeter of your pool and are connected, essentially making a "frame" for your pool. The wall panels may be made of concrete, steel or even reinforced wood.

• 8

  Place a set of pool stairs at the shallow end of your pool. These stairs may be made of concrete or plastic and can be purchased from premolded models or custom built to match your pool.

• 9

  Install the pool bottom by laying a 5-inch-thick layer of concrete over the bottom. The concrete should be installed using spades, shovels and levelers to ensure that it's smooth. Give the concrete at least three days to dry.

• 10

  Install the pool liner. This liner sits tightly inside your pool shell and acts as a barrier between the water and the pool walls and floor so swimmers don't hurt themselves on the abrasive concrete bottom. The methods for installing the liner will vary according to the manufacturer, but the liner may have a very strong adhesive backing to make installation a little easier.

Finishing Touches

• 11

  Have a professional plumber install the filtration system. Pool filtration systems will usually connect to the piping you installed earlier and will vary according to your pool needs. Bigger pools will obviously require bigger, more expensive filters.

• 12

  Install the ladders and any railings. These may typically just be bolted down. Ladders and railings are essential safety features in all pools and their installation should not be overlooked.

• 13

  Construct the pool area with concrete. The pool area is a flat, concrete area around the outside perimeter of the pool. Excavate the area lightly so that it is flush with the edge of the pool and then lay down concrete as you did when you created the pool bottom. Let it dry for a few days. The pool area is essential so that no dirt or debris is accidentally tracked into the water.

• 14

  Fill the pool and turn on the filters. Begin your routine maintenance, which requires monitoring chlorine levels and daily cleaning. Consider purchasing a pool maintenance handbook to help you stay on top of these chores.