Adding a custom swimming pool to your Tulsa home is an exciting investment that transforms your outdoor space into a personal retreat. Whether you’re considering a simple lap pool or a more elaborate design with water features, understanding the pool construction process is essential to avoid delays, added expenses, and compliance issues.
This guide walks you through each phase of pool construction in Tulsa, from design planning to final inspection, with helpful insights into permits, timelines, and materials. If you’re looking for a trusted local builder to bring your vision to life, Villa Del Mar Pools has decades of experience designing and building pools that fit your lifestyle.
Step 1: Design and Planning
Every successful pool project starts with a custom design that considers your yard’s layout, your family’s needs, and your long-term goals. During this phase, you’ll select key elements such as:
- Pool type: gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl liner
- Shape and size
- Entry style (steps, beach entry, tanning ledge)
- Pool features (spa, waterfall, lighting, decking)
- Landscaping and hardscaping
Our design experts at Villa Del Mar Pools work closely with you to craft a layout that blends beauty, function, and durability. See some of our recent custom pool designs in Tulsa for inspiration.
Step 2: Site Evaluation and Permitting
Before construction begins, a site evaluation ensures your property is suited for excavation and installation. Soil conditions, elevation, and existing structures are considered to avoid surprises.
In Tulsa and surrounding cities, building an inground pool requires permits and compliance with local building codes. You’ll typically need:
- Building permit
- Electrical permit
- Gas line permit (if installing a heater or spa)
- Final inspection by the city or county
The Villa Del Mar team handles the permit application process on your behalf. For a closer look at local requirements, see our detailed guide on pool permits in Oklahoma.
Step 3: Excavation and Structural Work
With permits approved, the next step is excavation. This involves:
- Outlining the pool shape on the ground
- Digging to specified depth and contours
- Preparing the sub-base with gravel or rebar
- Installing plumbing and electrical rough-ins
Structural work depends on the pool type. A concrete (gunite) pool requires steel reinforcement and spraying gunite to form the shell, while fiberglass pools are lowered into a pre-dug hole with crane assistance. Vinyl liner pools involve panel walls and a vinyl layer fitted over a smooth base.
Step 4: Equipment, Features, and Finishes
This phase is where your pool comes to life. Builders install:
- Filtration system
- Pumps and heaters
- LED lights
- Pool tile and coping
- Water features (if applicable)
Choosing quality materials ensures your pool lasts for decades. We offer a wide range of custom upgrades, from tranquil water walls to integrated spas. Explore our Broken Arrow Tranquility Pool project to see these features in action.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Start-Up
After construction, a city or county inspector will verify that your pool meets safety and building standards. Once approved, the final steps include:
- Filling the pool
- Balancing water chemistry
- Testing equipment functionality
- Walking you through maintenance basics
Ready to Start Your Pool Project?
If you’re searching for reliable pool construction in Tulsa, we invite you to connect with our design team. Whether you’re just starting to research or ready to build, Villa Del Mar Pools will guide you at every step. Schedule a free design consultation to explore options that suit your home and budget.