Before starting work building your pool, you will want to make sure you take care of a few preliminary steps to ensure your installation goes as smoothly as possible. This includes obtaining the proper permits, understanding local codes, having access to the needed utilities and choosing the right site for your pool.
Advance knowledge concerning State and Local Swimming Pool Codes will prevent fines and work stoppage orders. Most ordinances vary considerably from one county to another and nothing should be assumed or implied. It may be necessary for the homeowner/pool builder to present dig specs and engineering specs to the local building department. You should also obtain a copy of the local swimming pool code for your area. Be sure that you understand all code requirements that are both directly and indirectly associated with your swimming pool. Take special note of sewer, drainage, fencing, lot line, power lines, fire, and electrical requirements.
IMPORTANT! Obtain the required permits before starting your swimming pool installation
Obstructions must be considered before selecting the final pool site. Obstructions could include underground wires, gas lines, septic tanks, dry-well systems, plumbing, trees, and overhead power lines. Underground obstruction and utilities should be located before excavation begins. Utility companies will usually locate underground pipes and cables that are located on your property at no charge to you. If various obstructions are unavoidable, a compromise must be reached. However, keep in mind the labor and material costs of moving or replacing obstructions. We’ve found that most pool owners choose the path of least resistance for the sake of practicality and budget.
Sun and Shade can be an important factor when determining the pool site as well. Excessive shaded areas from trees and other buildings could result in uncomfortable swimming conditions during cooler weather months which could increase your heating costs considerably. Likewise, excessive sun can be unbearable for some during the summer months. You must determine your pools placement based on your personal preferences and ideal usage. Proper pool orientation will take advantage of sunny days for comfortable swimming condition, decrease heating costs, and in some states, meet requirements set forth by the public health department referring to diving board placement.
Existing Landscape Removal is dependent on individual preference. A certain amount of removal might be possible without disturbing the natural atmosphere of the backyard. This can be done by careful use of planters, shrubs, and flowers. Of course, you will want to remove any trees/shrubs located directly inside the pool layout of your final chosen pool site. When it becomes necessary to remove trees, the entire root system needs to be excavated in order to avoid new trees sprouting through your pool and/or surrounding areas in the future. An effective method of preventing continued root growth is to apply copper sulfate to the root system.
Ease of Excavation to provide the best access and most ideal working conditions. Placing the pool a few feet one way or the other, may permit improved excavation conditions, easier dirt removal and concrete placement.
Convenient Access to changing facilities and house exits also requires some thought. Available site lines for supervision of the swimming area from inside the house via windows and/or glass doors should also be considered. As you select your pool site, make a rough layout of where you think the pool should be located. Then consider decking and walk ways by staking out their approximate positions.
The Location of the Pool in Relation to Other Buildings should be both an aesthetic and practical consideration. Some considerations are whether the pool should be laid out parallel, perpendicular, or at a 45-degree angle to an existing house, building, building line, hedgerow, fence and/or another dominant object.
Advanced Knowledge of Subsoil Conditions can be helpful in determining the placement of the pool. It is advisable under certain circumstances (areas that have excavation issues) to probe the subgrade by boring a series of test holes. The results would suggest the best position and grade of the pool. Problems such as a rocky substrate, high water table, or excessive clay, should be located before construction. They can be eliminated simply by moving the pool, thus keeping the construction process as smooth and economical as possible.
Check the Selected Location for Grade or Elevation of the Pool as the pool walls must rest on undisturbed soil. Keep the top surface of the pool (pool deck) at least three to four inches above the highest ground elevation in the area. This will avoid any surface drainage back into the pool.
The Equipment Location should be included in your consideration as well: