Description
Install residential and commercial swimming pools by performing site preparation, excavation, forming, plumbing, equipment setup, and concrete/shotcrete, liner, or shell installation. Operate hand and power tools and light equipment to build shells, decks, tile, and coping and to set and start up pumps, filters, and heaters. Clean and secure sites, follow safety and code requirements, and assist licensed trades as needed.
- • Mix and place concrete, mortar, or grout for equipment pads, coping, and tile beds.
- • Prepare and secure pool sites; clear debris and mark utilities.
- • Read pool plans, layout drawings, and specifications to determine work activities.
- • Measure and mark pool footprints, elevations, and equipment pad locations.
- • Signal excavator, crane, or pump operators to align shells, forms, or materials.
- • Excavate pool basins and trenches; backfill and compact to grade.
- • Install temporary shoring, forms, and safety barriers around excavations.
- • Assemble and strip forms for footings, bond beams, and decks.
- • Set and align pool walls, panels, or fiberglass shells; level and brace as required.
- • Install and bed plumbing for skimmers, returns, main drains, and water features.
- • Run conduit and assist electricians with bonding, grounding, and light niches.
- • Pressure-test plumbing lines and repair leaks.
- • Place, vibrate, and cure shotcrete/gunite or concrete for shells, steps, and decks.
- • Smooth and finish concrete or shotcrete using trowels, floats, or screeds.
- • Install tile, coping, and coping stones to line and grade.
- • Prepare sub-base and install vermiculite or sand; hang and fit vinyl liners.
- • Cut and core openings; saw-cut or jackhammer concrete for plumbing and electrical.
- • Install and plumb equipment sets, including pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators.
- • Set up and tend dewatering systems, pumps, compressors, or generators.
- • Apply waterproofing, sealants, or protective coatings; caulk joints and penetrations.
- • Grind, sand, or clean surfaces to prepare for tile, plaster, or coatings.
- • Operate and clean shotcrete, plaster, or grout pumps and hoses.
- • Backfill around shells and structures in lifts; compact and grade for drainage.
- • Maintain and repair tools and equipment; keep work areas clean.
- • Implement erosion control and proper water discharge; recycle debris when feasible.
- • Assist masons, plumbers, and electricians; adhere to safety and code requirements.
- • Start up pools by filling, bleeding air, priming pumps, and balancing basic chemistry.
- • Install safety covers, ladders, rails, drains, and VGB-compliant fittings.
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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
