Case Study

Swimming Pool Construction, Sunbury-on-Thames and North Surrey — Excavation to Finish

A step-by-step record of a swimming pool construction project, one of the pool builds we carry out in Sunbury-on-Thames and across North Surrey. Photographs from every stage: excavation, blinding, concrete shell, brickwork steps, rendering, lining and fill.

The pool build sequence

A swimming pool is the most structurally demanding project in domestic landscaping. Every stage depends on the previous one being done correctly. The excavation has to be the right shape before blinding. The blinding has to be level before the concrete shell. The shell has to be cured before rendering. The render has to be sound before the liner goes in. Carmen Landscapes manages this sequence on every pool build, with Craig Carmen leading setting out and installation throughout.

Stage 1: Excavation

The pool build starts with excavation. The pool profile is marked out and dug to the correct depth, with the spoil removed from site. The base is then blinded with a layer of compacted hardcore to create a stable, level platform for the structural concrete. Drainage and pipe routes are laid at this stage, before any concrete goes down.

Mini excavator digging the pool excavation to depth in Sunbury-on-Thames

Blinding layer of compacted hardcore in the pool excavation base in Sunbury-on-Thames

Stage 2: Concrete Shell & Blinding

With the base prepared, the concrete shell is formed. A concrete ring beam or surround locks the pool profile in place. The structural pipework (inlets, outlets, main drain) is positioned precisely at this stage. The geometry has to be right: mistakes here propagate through every subsequent stage.

Concrete pool shell with drainage pipework laid in the base in Sunbury-on-Thames

Large oval pool excavation with concrete ring beam cast in Sunbury-on-Thames

Stage 3: Brickwork Steps

Pool steps are built in blockwork or brick, formed to the step profile and bonded into the pool shell. This requires careful setting out to get the tread depth, rise and radius correct. The steps shown here are curved, a more demanding coursing job than a straight stair. They're built solid, not formed on a frame, so they'll perform for the life of the pool.

Curved brickwork steps built inside a new pool shell in Sunbury-on-Thames

Stage 4: Pool Wall Construction & Refurbishment

Whether building new or refurbishing an existing pool, the wall construction stage is where the pool takes its final shape. Old render and tiles are stripped. New blockwork or concrete is formed to the correct profile. Pipework for filtration, lights and inlets is set into the structure before rendering begins.

Existing pool shell stripped back to bare concrete for refurbishment in Sunbury-on-Thames

Rendered pool walls with inlet pipework and light fitting in Sunbury-on-Thames

Stage 5: Rendering

Rendering is applied to the walls, floor and steps to create a smooth, continuous surface ready for the liner. The render mix and application technique matter: too wet or too rushed and the surface won't bond the liner correctly. We render in stages, allowing each coat to cure before the next is applied.

Concrete pool steps with blockwork and rendered tread faces in Sunbury-on-Thames

Rendered concrete pool steps and walls ready for liner in Sunbury-on-Thames

Stage 6: Liner Installation & Finish

The liner goes in over the rendered shell. Fittings (inlet nozzles, light bezels, main drain covers) are cut in and sealed. The filtration equipment is commissioned and the pool is filled. The surrounding paving and landscaping is finished once the pool structure is complete and the surrounding ground has settled.

Completed small swimming pool with blue liner and brick steps in Sunbury-on-Thames

Finished swimming pool filled with clear water and rendered surround in Sunbury-on-Thames

Planning swimming pool construction in Sunbury-on-Thames?

Pool construction is a significant project and the right team matters at every stage. Carmen Landscapes handles the full build, from the initial excavation through to the filled and commissioned pool, with Craig Carmen personally leading setting out and construction. We're based in Walton-on-Thames, a few minutes from Sunbury-on-Thames, and carry out pool builds across North Surrey. Site visits are free and there's no obligation.

Request a Free Quote 07393 617695 Swimming Pools service page →

See our groundworks and site preparation service, our swimming pools page, or our Sunbury-on-Thames landscapers page.