Step-by-Step Guide on How We Turn Dreams Into Reality

The Pool Building Process

Barrington Pools sales and construction staff will guide you through every step of the construction process, from custom design to excavation to applying the final touches, ensuring a seamless, high-quality build. Our in-ground shotcrete pools deliver uncompromising strength and lasting beauty and are backed by a 20-year guarantee against plumbing freeze breaks and shell leaks with our annual service.

See below for each step of Barrington Pool’s proprietary construction process. Much of the finer details of our construction process, from our specialized mix to the construction and forming of the pool walls, are specialities that we have developed over the course of our over 50 years in business. You will not find a better built, more durable pool anywhere else!

Outdoor pool area with a freeform swimming pool, hot tub, yellow float, tiki-style hut with seating, and surrounding landscaping including flowers and trees.

Developing the Design & Planning

  • Our designers will meet with you to identify your style and preferences. We will then build on your ideas by combining our knowledge and resources to plan an aquatic world that will beautifully reflect your needs and tastes, and will also complement your home’s architecture, landscaping and recreational features.

    All designs are created with a CAD program designed for the pool industry. Designs will be presented in two-dimensional and three-dimensional renderings, which can also include motion (fly-overs and swim throughs).

    The Barrington Pools team will ensure that your swimming pool meets all applicable municipal, state and federal regulations. It is likely that we have already built a pool in your municipality, so leave the building permit process to us!

Spacious park with green grass, scattered trees, and clear blue sky with sunlight.

Preparing the Site

  • The very first step in the construction process is the "Paint Out." This is where the lines of the pool areas are spray painted onto the landscape. The anticipation among family members begins to build.

Construction site with an excavator and workers preparing a dug area on a grassy field.

Excavating the Site

  • We will dig out the designated area to fit the requirements of your pool and will shape the ground to the specifications of your pool design. Your friends and neighbors will become interested in the construction of your swimming pool.

Backyard construction site with an excavated pool area surrounded by temporary fencing and wooden forms.

Framing the Walls & Installing Gravel Base

  • After excavation, the swimming pool walls and special features will be framed for the shotcrete shell. An engineered thermal break can be installed underneath the gravel base to make your swimming pool more energy efficient.

Backyard pool construction site with concrete and rebar framework.

Steel & Rough-In Plumbing

  • The swimming pool walls and special features will be formed using steel rebar. Plumbing and piping for water circulation, lighting, water filtration and pool cleaning will then be installed. The outline of your swimming pool will now be clearly visible.

Swimming pool construction site with workers, concrete sections, and plastic sheets for protection.

Forming the Walls

  • Next, ten to 12 inches of shotcrete will be pumped into the walls and floor of the structure and then shaped to form the stairs, benches, barstools or other features of your pool’s interior.

Construction site with an incomplete swimming pool, surrounded by orange safety fencing, and workers applying concrete.

Hand Sculpting the Shotcrete

  • Handcrafting the final layers of shotcrete is one of the many small details that make the Barrington Pools’ construction process different from that of our competition.

Concrete swimming pool under construction with orange safety fencing in a backyard.

Exterior Plumbing

  • All of the plumbing is “run” to the equipment pad where it is kept under pressure to ensure there are no leaks in the plumbing. This is monitored and checked daily until the deck is installed.

Backyard swimming pool construction in progress with concrete shell and safety fencing around the perimeter.

Installing Tile & Coping

  • After the shotcrete has cured, your tile and coping will be installed. These are the first of your personally selected finishes to be introduced to your swimming pool. Visually, the pool is beginning to take the form of your vision and excitement will build yet again.

Construction site of an unfinished swimming pool with concrete shell and surrounding orange safety fencing, located in a grassy outdoor area with trees.

Installing the Deck & Patio

  • Next, the deck will be framed. Gravel and steel rebar will be carefully placed to ensure your deck is durable and of the highest quality. We will install the decking to mesh precisely with the coping surrounding your Barrington Pools swimming pool.

Backyard with unfinished swimming pool and surrounding landscaping. Includes concrete paths, plants, large trees, and construction equipment visible in the background.

Installing the Pebbletec Finish

  • All Barrington Pools are built with the breath-taking beauty of PebbleTec finishes. Our finishes are carefully applied and troweled by hand by the best pebble finishers in Illinois. Not only will you love the way it looks, but you will have built your pool with the strongest and most durable swimming pool finish in the industry.

    Your landscape is an important component of your pool design. Let us help design and install the landscape to complete your vision.

Backyard with a freeform swimming pool, hot tub, and poolside lounge chairs. Surrounded by landscaping, trees, and grass, with outdoor seating and a fire pit area.

Finishing Touches

  • The last step will be to fill the pool with water, turn on the mechanical systems, test the water, and complete the final pre-opening checklist. A Barrington Pools service representative will demonstrate the workings of all mechanical and electrical systems so that you will truly be at the control of your masterpiece.

A backyard with a uniquely shaped swimming pool featuring a built-in jacuzzi. There is a wooden pergola with seating beside the pool, surrounded by patio chairs and landscaping. The area is bordered by a landscaped garden and grass lawn.

Living Your Dream!

  • Now that your dream of a poolscape paradise is complete, you can enjoy all of the beauty, serenity, entertainment and value that your Barrington Pools’ swimming pool has to offer.

    You will also experience the peace of mind knowing that it was built by Chicago’s top pool builder and a company that stands behind its workmanship and truly cares about its product and your complete satisfaction.