construction process.
excavation.
Our process begins with breaking ground, starting with excavation. At MedHawk, we have top-of-line machinery to form and dig to any backyard requirements. We map out the pool and draft up a set of plans that lay out the scope of the project, that way our crew knows precisely where to start digging. We remove and haul out all dirt and debris for every job that we excavate, keeping things as simple as possible for each of our customers.
rebar + Plumbing.
Rebar is very important in giving swimming pools their shape and core strength, without it, the pool would crumble and fail, resulting in a total loss. Similar to bones and a sine for us humans - rebar is the same concept, keeping everything together and in tact. Rebar also helps form the design of the overall pool such as the steps, benches, and sun shelves. After the rebar is in, we move on to the plumbing. This stage is also vital in pool building. It is what allows the water to be directed to the equipment pad where it is filtered, cleaned, and sometimes heated before being pumped back into the pool. Plumbing is installed for spa jets, pool lights, fountains, water features, and even to run gas and electrical to built in kitchens and outdoor structures.
Gunite/Shotcrete.
This part of the process is where cement, sand, and water are mixed and shot through a high-pressured nozzle onto every square inch of the pool; to create a strong shell, there can be no empty spaces between the gunite, rebar, and dirt. Similar to how a home gets its structure and strength from a concrete foundation, the gunite is what forms the structure of the pool. As one person is shooting, other team members will be busy troweling the surface of the wet gunite to form the steps, benches, and ledges according to the design. After is it finished, the gunite will have to cure and be watered down with a hose or sprinkler 2x a day for 5 days, this is what strengthens the shell of the pool. It is a messy process but this is where a dirt hole in ground begins to shape into something amazing!
Masonry.
The masonry step is where the uniqueness of each project begins to shine! The gunite shell is still rough so our Masons work hard to smooth the surface of the gunite in a process called “browning-out”, and then expertly apply the selected tile, coping, or ledgestone. With so many options and combinations of materials, this stage in the build highlights the specific style of each homeowner!
Decking.
Pool decking frames the outside of the pool, and allows for a clean walkway to the water; this helps the pool to not be filled with dirt and debris. There are many different styles of decking, including classic brushed concrete, slip-resistant Spray Deck, and even pavers. With so many decking options and textures, there is something to fit every unique pool aesthetic.
Plaster.
Lastly, plaster. This is one of the closing stages of building a beautiful custom pool from MedHawk. Plaster covers the gunite and adds another layer of strength and protection to the surface of the pool as well as adding color and life to the overall project. Once plaster is applied, the pool can be filled with water. There are many colors and textures of plaster to choose from and each one affects the shade of the water, from cool blue, to tropical teal, and even dark navy. We also offer mix-ins such as abalone shell and glass beads that can be added to the plaster for clients who want a bit more “sparkle” in their pool. Our men are high professionals with years of experience in applying plaster quickly and effectively, this ensures that we are able to get the new pool filled with fresh clean water as soon as possible!
Finishing Work.
Before and after plaster, our Field Techs will close out the build process by handling any finishing work. They make sure the pool will run smoothly after being filled and ensure the pool is up to the Medhawk build standards. For example, in this film our techs are welding a fence back together post construction, completing beam finishes, running light wiring into the pool before a plaster job, and cleaning up around the yard. Our Field Techs make sure we end the build with a beautiful product and a happy homeowner!
Turf.
At this stage we begin to close out the pool building process and with turf (optional), your yard begins to come back to life - looking better than before. Turf is a synthetic grass that comes in rolls which needs to have hard and sound under layers. Sand and other rock materials need to be leveled and smooth for the turf to be just right. One simple bump or rock underneath the synthetic grass could seriously hurt someone!
The turf is put in place with special nails, material, and glue. Turf is great for any backyard, comes with low maintenance compared to real grass, and stays green all year long!
Start Up.
One of the last steps - we clean everything from the Construction process so that you are able to enjoy your new backyard at the maximum! We clean all windows facing the backyard, pressure wash any/all decking, and begin to close out. Sometimes this step may be before plaster or after plaster - depending. This film was done pre-plaster.