Structure before construction.
This is the macro roadmap for working with Aquarius Pools & Spas and Burton Pools. You will know what happens next, what we handle, what we need from you, and how we support you after the project is complete.
Six phases. One consistent system.
Every successful project follows the same lifecycle. We clarify scope, build the plan, coordinate requirements, execute through milestones, then support you as an owner. This applies to new pool builds, renovations, spa purchases, and service.
Progress is easier to understand when the project is broken into defined stages.
Design, sequencing, approval coordination, and trade planning are handled before execution becomes chaotic.
Early decisions protect the budget, reduce change orders, and help the schedule hold together.
Openings, closings, maintenance, repairs, and upgrades protect the project after handoff.
The process should make the project feel controlled.
This is the corporate-level structure customers feel when a company is professional. Each path below routes you to the part of the process that matters most.
Project Phases
Review how we move from consultation to design, approvals, construction, handoff, and support.
View PhasesExpectations
See the milestones and variables that keep a project predictable without pretending outdoor construction has no risk.
See ExpectationsInstall Details
Go deeper into installation sequencing, site preparation, and the construction path.
Installation DetailsA cleaner process from first contact through ownership.
Each phase has a purpose. When the purpose is clear, the project stays cleaner, the customer understands the next step, and the team can execute without constant rework.
Initial Consultation
We gather goals, confirm fit, and route you to the correct next step. This is where the project becomes organized.
- Clarify your priorities: size, style, usage, family needs, entertaining, fitness, or relaxation.
- Align budget range and timeline expectations with realistic options.
- Identify site constraints early: access, fences, grade, drainage, utilities, and HOA considerations.
- Recommend the best path: vinyl liner, fiberglass, gunite, renovation, spa, or service.
- Address and the best contact method.
- Any photos you already have, including yard, access, or equipment pad if service.
- Top priorities and your must-have versus nice-to-have list.
Design Phase
We turn your goals into a plan you can visualize and approve. This phase is where excitement becomes clarity.
- Layout planning that respects access, grades, drainage, and how you will use the space.
- Feature planning: steps, benches, tanning ledges, lighting, automation, heating, covers, and water features.
- Equipment strategy: filtration, sanitation approach, pump selection, and long-term efficiency.
- Scope documentation so the project stays controlled once construction begins.
- Decisions made early protect the schedule and reduce change orders.
- Budget stays aligned to what is actually being built, not assumptions.
- Construction becomes execution, not improvisation.
Engineering and Permits
We coordinate what is required to move from approved plan to scheduled build. This phase prevents mid-project stops.
- Confirm permitting requirements based on your municipality and scope.
- Coordinate documentation requirements and guide homeowner responsibilities.
- Sequence scheduling with inspections, lead times, and site readiness.
- Municipal review cycles and inspection availability.
- Utility marking and unknown site conditions.
- Lead times for shells, covers, specialty materials, or equipment.
Construction
This is the execution phase. We focus on clean sequencing, quality craftsmanship, and milestone communication.
- Site prep and excavation, then structural install based on pool type.
- Equipment set, plumbing, and trade coordination, including electrical as required.
- Decking and hardscape finish work with attention to grade and drainage.
- Progress updates aligned to milestones, not noise.
- We lock key selections before build so crews are not waiting on decisions.
- We plan around outdoor variables and communicate when conditions change.
- We keep scope controlled so the project does not drift.
Final Orientation
The project is not complete until you feel confident operating the pool. We make ownership feel simple.
- Equipment basics: circulation, filtration, heating, automation, and key settings.
- Water care expectations: testing, balancing, what is normal, and what is not.
- Seasonal planning: how openings and closings protect the system long-term.
- Where to find support: service request path, store support, and recommended ownership habits.
Ongoing Service and Maintenance
We support you long after installation with seasonal service, repairs, maintenance options, and upgrades.
- Openings and closings performed professionally so seasons start and end clean.
- Repairs and troubleshooting for equipment, circulation issues, leaks, and performance.
- Maintenance options for customers who want consistent, dialed-in water.
- Renovations and upgrades as your backyard needs evolve.
- Include photos of the equipment pad and any visible issue.
- Share error codes and whether circulation is working.
- Note access restrictions, gates, dogs, and preferred scheduling windows.
Milestones that keep the project predictable.
Outdoor construction has variables. A professional process does not pretend those variables do not exist. It manages them through milestones and communication.
Milestone-based progress
These milestones help you understand what progress looks like and why sequencing matters.
What can affect scheduling
We plan aggressively, but we plan honestly. These are the common variables we design around.
- Weather: rain and temperature can pause certain work.
- Site surprises: utilities, soil, drainage, access, and hidden obstacles.
- Lead times: shells, covers, specialty materials, and certain equipment.
- Scope changes: late changes can impact schedule or cost.
Common questions before committing.
These are the questions customers ask most often when they want a professional process and predictable outcome.
How do I know which pool type is right for me?
Start with priorities: budget, desired look, long-term ownership preferences, and backyard constraints. Vinyl liner, fiberglass, and gunite each have strengths. We guide you to the best fit based on your goals and site reality.
What creates the biggest delays on pool projects?
The most common causes are weather, late scope changes, site surprises, and material lead times. Our process reduces delays by aligning scope early and finalizing key decisions before construction begins.
Do you support customers after installation?
Yes. We provide a long-term support pathway through openings, closings, maintenance options, repairs, and upgrades. A pool is a system, and the best ownership experience comes from consistent care.
What should I include in a service request to get scheduled faster?
Include photos of the equipment pad, a description of the issue, any error codes, and whether the pool has circulation. Add access notes, gates, dogs, and the best scheduling window if you have one.
Ready to start with a clean, professional process?
If you are planning a pool build or renovation, start with the quote request path. If you need openings, closings, weekly maintenance, or repairs, use the service request path.
Want faster routing? Include your address, goals, and photos when possible.