Description
Install and finish in-ground swimming pools by preparing sites, forming and shooting concrete or gunite shells, installing plumbing and fixtures, and applying plaster, tile, coping, and decks. Use hand and power tools to align forms, set steel, waterproof, cure, and finish surfaces to specified slopes and standards.
- • Lead and direct crew during placement, finishing, and cleanup.
- • Mix mortar, plaster, and grout for tile, coping, and repairs.
- • Verify pool layout, elevations, and forms are properly constructed and braced.
- • Set forms and templates for shell, steps, benches, and bond beam to design pitch and depth.
- • Tie rebar and place embeds, fittings, and light niches per plans.
- • Place and trowel shotcrete, gunite, or concrete to build the shell, walls, and features.
- • Form clean edges at tile line, coping, and expansion joints in decks.
- • Monitor weather and curing conditions for shell, plaster, and deck surfaces.
- • Coordinate and signal pump, concrete, or gunite trucks; direct hose or chute for placement.
- • Broom-finish pool decks and equipment pads for specified texture.
- • Use vibrators or rodding to consolidate concrete and eliminate voids.
- • Cut out defects, dowel and epoxy reinforcing, and repair damaged shell areas.
- • Prepare substrates; apply bond coat, wet and trowel to achieve specified plaster finish.
- • Clean and abrade surfaces; remove laitance and debris before tile or coating.
- • Apply waterproofing, sealers, and curing compounds to shells and decks.
- • Chip, grind, and shape high spots or rough projections to true lines.
- • Install drainage and vapor barriers under decks; set deck forms and control joints.
- • Build and set forms for skimmer throats, equipment pads, steps, and benches.
- • Broadcast and embed pebble or quartz aggregate for exposed finishes.
- • Install waterline tile, mosaics, and inlay strips to specified patterns.
- • Install and pressure-test plumbing lines, skimmers, drains, returns, and conduits.
- • Install ladders, handrails, anchors, and other pool hardware in fresh concrete or after.
- • Stamp or pattern concrete decks for decorative finishes as specified.
- • Acid-wash plaster or tile surfaces and rinse thoroughly before filling.
- • Trowel or machine polish exposed aggregate or decorative surfaces to final finish.
- • Backfill, compact, and grade around the pool; clean site and ensure safe access.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
