After enduring this hot summer, it is understandable if you are ready for your own pool. Public or neighborhood pools can be a nice option; however, the luxury, convenience, and privacy of your own pool cannot be overstated. Whether starting your day swimming laps for exercise or relaxing at the pool after a long day of work, the rejuvenating qualities of a pool will be greatly enjoyed by your family. Getting a pool is not a magical overnight process. Construction can take weeks or months depending on and there are important preparations which should be made before the construction process. Our team at J&M Pool Company has compiled a list of essential preparations before your in-ground pool can be installed:
- Evaluate Your Yard—Electrical or utility wires going over your yard will need to be re-routed before you can install your pool. You cannot start digging a pool without ensuring that utility lines are not running beneath the soil. Your home plans should indicate the locations of your pipes and lines. You will also need to call 811 and make sure that your home is not over a drain field or leach field and to identify pipes and lines not shown in your plans. Check for easements as well because you will not be allowed to build on top of those.
- Choose a Good Spot—Make sure your spot is not within 100 feet of a river, lake, ocean, or any other body of water. A flat spot is ideal terrain for a pool. If your yard has a hill, there may be some extra accommodations or preparations needed to ensure your pool will sit properly. Re-leveling land or adding additional retaining walls can be an extra expense so budget accordingly.
- Check Requirements—Your city or county may have some stipulations which impact whether you can have a pool or if allowed may have size or other restrictions. Check with your area to determine if there are any setback requirements to designate where your pool can be placed. Verify that your home is not in a wildlife protected area. You may have to file paperwork requesting approval if you are in a preservation zone. If your home is in a charming historic district, you may have to submit a request for approval as well.
- Check Your Space—You may have accounted for the space needed for your pool, but it is also important to consider how much space will be needed for the construction equipment. If you have a perimeter fence, you may need to have a section temporarily removed to have adequate space and access. When space is limited, smaller equipment may have to be utilized. Using smaller equipment may impact the speed of your project.
- Plan Your Budget—It is a good idea to have your financing in place prior to any construction. Other expenses to consider would be pool enclosure, pool insurance, and pool maintenance. Your area may have requirements for enclosing your pool for safety. Regardless of the city ordinances, enclosing your pool is wise for the safety of your family, especially if you have children or pets.
Although the preparations may seem overwhelming, planning well in the beginning will ensure a smooth process for your pool installation. J&M Pool Company will be there to guide you through every step of our custom build process.
"Outstanding service and craftsmanship from start to finish. Our project manager Austin kept us informed of every issue during the entire process, and we can’t thank him enough for his help, professionalism and knowledge of the industry. The entire staff at J&M has been a joy to work with. If you are considering a pool company, look no further than J&M."
