Welcome to Behind the Build, your all-access, behind-the-scenes look at how Radelli Designs brings North Texas’ most luxurious pools and outdoor environments to life.
This is where we break down our entire construction process phase by phase, using the same internal checklists and guides our team follows on every job. From excavation to tile setting, gunite to final punch-out, you’ll see exactly what happens at each step. No guesswork, no marketing fluff.
Whether you're considering building with us or just want to understand how real luxury pool construction works, this page gives you clarity, confidence, and complete transparency. You’ll learn what to expect, what to inspect, and what sets Radelli apart at every stage of the build.
Think of it as your personal roadmap to the high-end pool experience. Simplified, visualized, and backed by real job site footage and walkthroughs.
Behind the Build:
Behind the Build: How Luxury Pools Are Made in North Texas
Contact us today to get your free copy of our Pool Construction Guide and Inspection Checklist — built to help you navigate every step of your build.
PRO TIP:
Every successful project begins with the right mindset and the right information. In the “Smart Starts” section at the beginning of each page, we break down key tips, common homeowner mistakes, and practical advice to help you stay ahead, save money, and get the results you want. Whether it’s questions to ask, red flags to watch for, or simple ways to prepare, this is your insider edge before you move forward.
What We’ll cover in This Series:
Planning & Design Stage
Planning a Pool in Frisco or Dallas? Start with Smart Design.
A successful swimming pool project in North Texas begins with strategic planning and expert design. Choosing the right pool size, shape, depth, and features early on ensures long-term satisfaction and value. For homeowners in Frisco and Dallas, it’s essential to consider local building codes, utility clearances, and property setbacks. Designing your pool to fit your yard, lifestyle, and family’s needs, all while accounting for the hot Texas summers and occasional winter freezes. This can help avoid costly changes down the line. Don’t rush this step. Work with an experienced DFW Builder like Radelli Designs, who understand how to design for beauty, functionality, and long-term ease of maintenance.
Pre-Construction & Site Preparation
Pre-Construction & Site Preparation for Frisco and Dallas Pool Projects
Before excavation begins on your new swimming pool, proper pre-construction planning is essential. Reputable pool builders like Radelli Designs in Frisco will start with a detailed site inspection and pre-construction meeting to mark the layout, confirm dimensions, and ensure all permits and paperwork are in order. Taking time to prep the site and review project details upfront helps avoid costly mistakes and delays. Site readiness and clear communication are key to a smooth pool construction process in North Texas.
Excavation
Excavation Day: What to Expect During Pool Construction in Frisco and Dallas
Once your pool layout is finalized and marked, it’s time for Dig Day. The official start of your pool construction project. Excavation is one of the most exciting yet disruptive phases, as heavy equipment removes soil to form your custom pool. In the Frisco and Dallas areas, soil conditions vary widely from hard limestone to expansive clay, experienced pool builders like Radelli Designs must adapt their excavation methods accordingly. While the site may look messy during this phase, a professional pool contractor will maintain control, manage debris, and keep your project on schedule.
Foundation Support Elements
Foundation Support: Foundation Elements for Pools in Frisco & Dallas
Before steel and concrete are placed, many custom pools in North Texas require advanced sub-shell support to ensure long-term structural stability. In this stage of our Behind the Build series, we address foundational systems like drilled concrete piers, helical piers, grade beams, and void forms. This is one of the most important stages of the entire build. All designed to counteract the effects of expansive clay soils common in Frisco, Dallas and surrounding areas. Soil stabilization techniques, including soil injections, are also often used to reduce future movement and cracking. Additionally, integrated drainage beneath the pool shell helps manage groundwater and prevent hydrostatic pressure. This hidden phase is critical to the success of your pool, especially in North Texas, where soil conditions demand more than “standard” construction practices.
Reinforcement Steel
Reinforcement Stage: Steel Rebar Installation for Pools in Frisco & Dallas
In this phase of our Behind the Build series, we focus on reinforcing the pool shell with a precision-installed steel rebar grid. After excavation, and any foundation elements are installed. An experienced pool builders in Frisco and Dallas, such as Radelli Designs will carefully shape and secure the rebar according to the engineered design (If applicable), using support “chairs” to maintain proper elevation so the reinforcing steel is completely encapsulated with concrete. This steel framework is essential to the structural integrity of your gunite pool, helping it resist pressure from water and shifting North Texas soil. Proper bonding for electrical safety is also completed at this stage. Quality reinforcement work now prevents structural cracks and costly issues later, especially in areas with expansive clay like much of North Texas. Tip: Watch out for Tie Wire, any metal wire left exposed after gunite can cause rust mitigation to the shell. Make sure you check out this stage for our complete Inspection List to follow along with when building your pool!
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