Pool reinforcing steel before shotcrete checklist

Bar size, spacing, direction, layers, beam reinforcement, steps, benches, walls, floor, transitions, and locally reinforced zones should match the sealed or approved design.

Walk the shell with the drawings and identify each zone. Confirm field changes, added features, raised walls, spas, shelves, retaining conditions, and equipment penetrations are reflected in approved details.

- Generic steel pattern used instead of project design

- Added spa or shelf lacks revised reinforcement detail

- Beam bars missing at corners or transitions

- Field change authorized only verbally

Concrete or shotcrete cover, bar support, stability, and separation from earth should follow the approved structural design and accepted supports for the exposure and placement method.

Inspect chairs, dobies, ties, wall support, floor support, excavation contact, and areas vulnerable to movement during hose placement. Confirm steel will not be pushed against soil or fittings.

- Bars rest directly on earth

- Improvised supports crush or shift

- Steel cage moves when walked or touched

- Cover reduced at tight corners or over-excavated areas

Lap locations and lengths, mechanical splices, bends, hooks, bar condition, and congestion should follow the structural details and placement requirements.

Review representative laps and critical corners with the approved drawings. Look for unauthorized heating, cutting, severe corrosion, mud, oil, tight bundles, and inaccessible areas for shotcrete placement.

- Short or staggered laps not matching design

- Bars cut to make room for plumbing

- Mud or oil remains on reinforcement

- Congestion prevents proper shell encapsulation

Embedded pool components and penetrations should be listed or approved, securely positioned, compatible with the shell system, and reinforced or detailed as required by the design.

Verify elevations, orientation, support, clearance from steel, waterstop or flange details, and future finish thickness. Confirm components cannot shift during placement.

- Fitting tied loosely and moves by hand

- Steel cut around niche without approved reinforcement

- Drain or return set at wrong finish elevation

- Penetration lacks required waterstop or shell detail

Do not place shotcrete or gunite until required structural, electrical bonding, plumbing, and permit inspections are approved and corrections are documented.

Save wide and close photos of every shell area, beam, step, bench, spa, penetration, bond connection, and correction. Confirm inspection status and latest approved plans are on site.

- Shotcrete scheduled before correction reinspection

- Only a few photos of the steel cage

- Bonding or plumbing hidden before its inspection

- Approved revision not available to placement crew