Building Process

Luxury Custom Pool Builders in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Florida. Also Servicing Babcock Ranch, Estero, North Fort Myers, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda.

More than just a custom pool or spa, a Sunset Pools creation embodies the essence of elegant outdoor living. Thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted to harmonize with your surroundings, it transforms your outdoor space into a luxurious private retreat—one that caters to the most discerning tastes.

The Art of Great Design

Your Sunset Pools experience begins with a personal consultation with our award-winning pool and spa design team.

Together, we’ll determine the ideal site, size, and shape for your pool and spa—ensuring it aligns with your vision while meeting all zoning and planning requirements. While we specialize in custom free-form pools, there’s no shape we can’t create, no style we can’t enhance, and no vision we can’t bring to life. Start with our expert recommendations, then let your imagination take over.

Once your pool’s style and shape are selected, we design the surrounding architecture—from premium patios and decking to breathtaking waterfalls and fountains—creating an outdoor living environment that perfectly reflects your lifestyle and unique sense of style.

Engineering and Permitting

Once your design expectations are met and you decide to move forward, we submit the pool design to our engineering department.

Our construction plans are meticulously prepared by a Licensed Engineer or Registered Architect in compliance with the latest Residential Florida Building Code to ensure safety, durability, and precision.

General Permitting Requirements:

  • A site plan or survey showing the proposed pool location.
  • A lot grading/drainage plan and finished floor elevation.

We provide a detailed layout of your pool, spa, and deck area, illustrating the pool perimeter in relation to your home, accessory structures, and lanai foundations. The layout also includes the exact placement of all pool features—such as lighting, main drains, sun shelves, and swim-outs—along with pool depths from the entry steps to the deepest point.

Layout and Excavating

The next phase in building your Sunset Pool is excavation—a messy yet exciting and essential step.

Our expert excavation crew carefully digs, forms, and hand-trims your pool with precision, ensuring every detail aligns with your custom design specifications. While excavation typically takes one day, factors like soil conditions or weather may extend the timeline.

You’ll notice wooden forms outlining your pool’s shape—these are crucial guides for the remainder of the construction process. Please avoid moving or tampering with them to ensure accuracy.

Some of the excavated dirt may be removed on the same day. However, some will remain for later construction phases.

Steel Installation

Next, the steel crew constructs a rigid, contoured grid of reinforcing steel, forming the structural backbone of your swimming pool.

You’ll notice steel bars crossing at precise intervals, secured with tie wires at every other intersection, creating a strong, continuous bond for maximum durability.

Additionally, block spacers are placed between the steel and the ground to ensure the steel remains elevated, positioning it correctly within the shotcrete/gunite for optimal reinforcement.

At this stage, it may appear that the steps are missing—don’t worry! These will be formed during the next phase when the shotcrete or gunite is applied.

When inspecting your pool’s progress, please use caution, as the steel can be sharp.

Shotcrete/Gunite

The next phase is the application of shotcrete or gunite, a crucial step in forming your pool's durable shell.

Our skilled technicians expertly apply the shotcrete/gunite around the reinforcing steel grid, creating a structure so strong that Sunset Pools backs it with a “Full Lifetime Warranty!”

Shotcrete vs. Gunite – What’s the Difference? Both shotcrete and gunite are used to construct concrete pools, but the difference lies in how they mix with water:

  • Shotcrete is a pre-mixed wet concrete that is sprayed directly from a hose.
  • Gunite is a dry mix that combines with water only at the nozzle during application.

Once applied, the shotcrete/gunite will need a few days to cure before moving on to the next step. Both methods result in a strong, long-lasting pool shell, ensuring a high-quality foundation for your dream pool.

Plumbing

At this stage, your pool’s plumbing system is installed with precision and durability in mind.

All pipe connections are solidly bonded and undergo a hydrostatic pressure test to ensure a leak-free system.

We use high-grade, National Sanitation Foundation-approved “Schedule 40” PVC pipe, designed to resist leaks and deterioration for long-lasting performance. Every aspect of the plumbing is completed according to your custom pool design specifications, meeting Sunset Pools’ rigorous quality standards.

Our plumbing crew will dig a trench around the pool to lay the suction and return lines, which will lead to the designated equipment location (as marked on your blueprint). This is where the pump, filter, chlorinator, and other essential components will be installed.

Once all plumbing lines are in place and inspections are passed, the trench will be filled, compacted, and prepared for the next phase of construction.

Tile/Coping

The next step in your Sunset Pool construction is the installation of your pool tile & coping.

Our skilled craftsmen will carefully hand-lay and grout weather-resistant tile around the waterline, ensuring both durability and beauty. Depending on the size and complexity of your design, the tiling process typically takes 1 to 3 days to complete.

Pool tile is an elegant way to enhance your pool’s aesthetic appeal and add a touch of personalization to your outdoor oasis!

Decking/MarblePavers/Travertine

As your Sunset Pool nears completion, the next step is installing your pavers, marble, or travertine for a durable and elegant finish.
  • Water Jetting – The crew begins by water jetting the deck area to help prevent future settling.
  • Sub-Base Preparation – A rock/gravel sub-base is laid, then machine compacted to ensure a stable foundation.
  • Material Installation – Once the sub-base is set, your selected deck materials are meticulously installed.

This process typically takes 1–2 days, depending on the size and complexity of your design.

Electrical

At Sunset Pools, we use only National Electrical Code (NEC)-approved conduit, wire, and bonding materials to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with all local electrical codes.

Swimming pools require properly installed electrical systems to power pumps, lighting, and filtration equipment, and our professional electrical contractor ensures every connection is made with precision.

  • Securing the Electrical Permit.
  • Install subpanel at the equipment pad to supply power to the pool system.
  • Bonding all metal components of the pool for safety.
  • Installing and wiring pool lights and pumps.
  • Setting up electrical breakers for proper functionality.
  • Scheduling and passing all required electrical inspections.

We will coordinate with the city to ensure that all inspections are conducted and approved. This step is essential for a safe and fully operational pool system.

Screen Enclosure

Once the deck has been installed, precise screen measurements are taken to begin the layout and assembly of your pool enclosure.

By carefully designing your pool enclosure, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that complements your home while preserving scenic views—especially if you live near the water.

  • Screen sections are pre-assembled off-site and then delivered to your property for installation.
  • The process typically takes one day, but larger or more complex designs may require additional time.
  • Installation starts with gutters, followed by the screen panels, ensuring a seamless and secure fit.

A screen enclosure enhances your pool experience by: Keeping out bugs and debris, Reducing pool maintenance, Enhancing safety and comfort.

If you chose a fence, it will be delivered and installed on-site according to engineered plans, providing added security and privacy for your pool.

Child Safety Fence/Alarms

At Sunset Pools, safety is a top priority. If you’ve chosen a child safety fence, it will be installed to provide a secure barrier around your pool, offering extra protection for toddlers and young children.
  • The removable mesh pool fence is designed for easy removal and reinstallation by you, the homeowner.
  • If you opted for pool alarms instead of a fence, these will also be installed to meet safety requirements.

While the best drowning prevention is constant adult supervision, Florida state law requires additional safety features for residential pools, spas, and hot tubs. These measures help ensure a safe swimming environment for your family and guests.

Your Sunset Pool is now safer and closer to being ready for you to enjoy!

Interior Finish

With your Sunset Pool successfully passing all city building and safety inspections, it's time for the final interior finish application.
  • Day 1: Our experienced surfacing crew will clean and prep the pool, removing any loose debris to ensure a smooth application. They will then apply the chosen pool finish.
  • Day 2: The crew will return to acid wash your selected interior finish, bringing your pool’s design to life with a stunning, durable surface.

Once the interior finish is complete, your pool will start being filled with water.

  • A Sunset Pools service technician will visit to initiate the pool start-up the day after the pool is full of water.
  • The technician will punchout the pool, clean the tile and deck, and begin the chemical balancing process will also be started.
  • Water chemical balancing takes up to 30 days to fully stabilize, ensuring a safe and pristine swimming environment.

Orientation/Pool School

Once your 30-day start-up process is complete we’ll schedule your pool orientation.
  • You’ll learn all about the functions of your new pool and how to properly care for it to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
  • We’ll provide you with manuals for easy reference and ongoing care.
  • We’ll ask for feedback about your construction experience, helping us continuously improve our quality and customer service.

Typically, pool orientations last about one hour, depending on the complexity of your pool. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident in managing and maintaining your pool and spa so you can protect your investment and enjoy it for many years to come!

Tranquility, Enjoyment & Health

Your Sunset Pool is now complete, and it’s time to bring your family and friends together in your very own Private Tropical Sanctuary!

Imagine creating new family memories as you gather in your backyard, enjoying endless moments of fun and relaxation. With your new pool, you’re not just adding a pool—you’re creating a space for connection and joy that everyone can enjoy without ever leaving home.