Why We Waited: Critical Timing Decisions in Swimming Pool Installation
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
The Power of Patience
SOMETIMES THE BEST DECISION IS TO WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW
In construction, some of the most important decisions aren't about what to do - they're about when to do it.
Yesterday evening in Granville, we faced exactly that kind of decision.
With the pool base finished around 7 PM, we had a choice: push through to set the pool or pack up and come back fresh in the morning.
For some contractors, the temptation to "just get it done" might have won out.
But experience has taught us that rushing critical steps rarely pays off.
When you're working with something as permanent as a pool installation, every decision matters.
One wrong move, one rushed step, and you could be creating problems that'll take years to surface.
That's why we take our time, watch the weather, and aren't afraid to call it a day when conditions aren't perfect.
Welcome to Double B!
Project Context
We're three days into this Granville pool installation, and things are moving along exactly as they should. Yesterday was all about getting the base ready - that's the foundation everything else sits on. By around 7 PM, we had the base finished and technically could have moved forward with setting the pool.
But here's where experience comes in handy. The weather forecast was showing rain, and without the pool properly set with water pressure in the surrounding stone, we'd be risking some serious problems. In pool installation, just like most things in life, doing it right is more important than doing it right now.
Base completion is a critical milestone in any pool project. It needs to be perfectly level, properly compacted, and stable enough to support thousands of gallons of water for decades to come. When we got that base done yesterday evening, we knew we had a solid foundation to build on - we just needed the right conditions to take the next step.
Critical Decision Points
Let me walk you through exactly why we made the call to wait. Picture this: it's 7 PM, light's starting to fade, and we've just finished getting the base perfect. But we're seeing rain in the forecast. Now, rain itself isn't always a deal-breaker, but timing is everything in pool installation.
When you set a pool, you need two kinds of pressure working together - the weight of the pool itself and the pressure from the stone and water around it. Without that balanced pressure, you're asking for trouble. And if it rains before you can get everything secured? That's when pools can actually float and shift out of place. Yes, you read that right - a whole pool can float if it's not installed properly.
Understanding Pool Installation Physics
Here's something most people don't realize about pool installation: it's all about pressure and balance. Think about it like this - an empty pool is basically a giant boat. Without the right pressure holding it down, it'll try to float just like any other boat would. That's why the stone base we put in and the backfill around it are so crucial.
When we get rain before the pool is properly set and filled, that water can get under and around the pool shell. Without counter-pressure from water inside the pool and properly compacted stone around it, you're creating perfect conditions for the pool to shift or lift. And once a pool moves out of place, you're looking at a much bigger problem than just waiting an extra day to install it.
Making the Right Call
After years of installing pools, you develop a sense for these things. Sure, we could have rushed to get the pool set before dark. We had the equipment there, we had the base ready, and everyone was probably ready to see that pool go in. But here's what experience has taught us: those late-evening "let's just get it done" decisions rarely pay off.
Instead, we chose to come back fresh today. This means we can:
- Double-check our base compaction
- Verify all our levels in good daylight
- Set the pool when conditions are perfect
- Take our time with the plumbing installation
Sometimes the best craftsmanship shows up in the decisions you make about when not to work. It's about knowing when conditions are right and having the patience to wait for them.
Next Steps and Planning
So what's the game plan for today? We're starting fresh, with clear skies and good visibility. First thing this morning, we're going over that base again with the compactor. Some might call this double-checking our work, but we call it insurance. Every pass with the compactor is another guarantee that this pool will sit exactly where we put it, for years to come.
Once we're satisfied with the base, we'll start the pool setting process. This isn't just about dropping a shell in a hole - it's a precise operation that involves checking levels from multiple angles, getting the plumbing started, and making sure everything lines up perfectly. Doing this in full daylight means we can spot any potential issues before they become problems.
Looking Forward
This Granville pool project is a perfect example of why experience matters in construction. Anyone can rush a job - but knowing when to slow down, when to wait, and when to make those tough timing calls? That only comes from years of seeing what works and what doesn't.
For us, it's never just about getting the job done - it's about getting it done right. That means:
- Making smart decisions about timing
- Respecting the weather and site conditions
- Never rushing critical steps
- Always putting quality first
Trust Your Experience
At the end of the day, construction isn't just about the physical work - it's about judgment calls. When homeowners trust us with their pool installation, they're not just getting our equipment and labor - they're getting years of experience and the wisdom to know when to push forward and when to wait.
Need help with your pool installation project? We're always happy to share our experience and help you understand what goes into doing the job right. Because in this business, patience isn't just a virtue - it's a necessity.
