Our Process
Building a gunite pool is a craft. See exactly how we take your backyard from bare grass to a finished oasis in 8 to 12 weeks.
The Apex Build Timeline
Eight phases. One dedicated crew. Zero shortcuts.
Design & Permitting
Every great pool starts with a solid plan. We visit your property, take measurements, assess soil and drainage, and create a custom design tailored to your vision and your lot. Simultaneously, we file all permits and coordinate with your township.
- On-site consultation and property survey
- Custom 3D pool design and layout rendering
- Material and finish selection session
- Permit application and HOA coordination
- Utility marking and site preparation plan
Excavation & Grading
Our crew carefully excavates the pool shape to exact specifications, accounting for soil type, water table, and drainage requirements. We grade the surrounding area to ensure proper runoff and a level foundation for your patio.
- Precision excavation to design dimensions
- Soil assessment and water table monitoring
- Grading for drainage and patio foundation
- Removal and responsible disposal of spoils
- Rough plumbing layout and stub-outs
Steel & Plumbing
Steel rebar forms the skeleton of your gunite pool, engineered to exacting structural standards. Our plumbers simultaneously run all suction and return lines, install the main drain, skimmers, and pre-plumb for any water features, spas, or automation systems.
- Engineered steel rebar cage installation
- Plumbing rough-in with pressure testing
- Skimmer and main drain placement
- Water feature and spa plumbing pre-install
- Structural inspection before gunite
Gunite / Shotcrete
This is where your pool truly takes shape. Our skilled nozzlemen spray gunite concrete under high pressure, forming a monolithic shell that is stronger than poured concrete. The material is hand-sculpted to create benches, steps, and any custom contours.
- High-pressure gunite concrete application
- Hand-shaped benches, steps, and ledges
- 7-day minimum curing period monitored
- Custom contours for spas and water features
- Structural integrity inspection post-cure
Tile, Coping & Finish
Once cured, we install your chosen waterline tile, coping stone, and interior finish. This is where your pool gets its personality — from classic white plaster to shimmering quartz, pebble aggregates, or premium glass tile accents.
- Waterline tile installation and grouting
- Bluestone, travertine, or concrete coping
- Interior finish: plaster, quartz, or pebble
- Custom mosaics and accent band details
- Equipment pad setup and plumbing connections
Deck & Hardscape
Your pool deck transforms the pool area into a true outdoor living space. We pour concrete, lay pavers, or install natural stone to create the perfect surface for entertaining. Retaining walls, steps, and outdoor kitchen foundations are completed in this phase.
- Concrete pour or natural stone paver installation
- Retaining walls and stone step construction
- Outdoor kitchen and bar foundation work
- Drainage channels and expansion joint installation
- Deck sealing and joint sanding
Landscaping & Features
The finishing touches bring your backyard to life. Our landscaping crew plants privacy screening, installs irrigation, adds ambient lighting, and sets up any water features like waterfalls, fountains, or fire bowls. This is where your oasis truly comes together.
- Privacy screening and ornamental plantings
- Irrigation system installation
- LED landscape and underwater lighting
- Waterfall, fountain, and fire feature setup
- Final grading and sod or seed installation
Startup & Handover
We fill the pool, balance the water chemistry, test every system, and walk you through operation. Our team provides a comprehensive handover session covering equipment use, maintenance schedules, and warranty details. Then it is time to dive in.
- Pool filling and initial water balancing
- Equipment startup and system testing
- Automation and app setup if included
- Owner orientation and maintenance training
- Final walkthrough and warranty documentation
Our Material Standards
We do not cut corners on materials. Every component is chosen for durability, performance, and the northeast climate.
Gunite Shell
Steel-reinforced concrete sprayed at 3,500+ PSI for a monolithic, crack-resistant structure engineered to last 50+ years.
Premium Finishes
Quartz, pebble, or plaster interior finishes from industry-leading manufacturers. Color-stable, stain-resistant, and backed by warranty.
Natural Stone
Bluestone, travertine, and granite coping and patios sourced from trusted northeast suppliers. Freeze-thaw rated for our climate.
Energy-Efficient Equipment
Variable-speed pumps, cartridge filters, and salt chlorination systems from Pentair and Hayward. Designed for low operating costs.
Process FAQ
Most custom gunite pools take 8 to 12 weeks from the day we break ground. The pre-construction phase (design and permitting) typically adds 2 to 4 weeks. Weather, permitting speed, and project complexity can affect the timeline — we provide a detailed schedule before breaking ground.
You do not need to be home during the workday. Our crew has secure site access. We do recommend being available for key milestones — steel layout, pre-gunite inspection, and final walkthrough — so you can see progress and ask questions.
We perform soil boring and water table assessments before excavation, so surprises are rare. If unexpected rock or groundwater is encountered, we have the equipment and expertise to handle it. Any significant additional work is discussed and approved by you before proceeding.
Minor changes like tile selection or lighting placement can often be accommodated during the early phases. Structural changes after steel or gunite are more complex and may incur additional costs and delays. We recommend finalizing all design details during the planning phase.
Ready to Start Your Build?
The sooner we begin design and permitting, the sooner you are swimming. Get your free quote and timeline estimate today.