POOL CONSTRUCTION PROCESS – STEP 2
Layout
| After permits & engineering, and we are ready to meet to LAYOUT the pool. Pool LAYOUT is one of the first steps to pool construction, and it’s really important for you to see the size, location & shape of the pool (and how it looks in your yard). Once layout is done & excavation starts, it can be quite challenging, and quite costly to move the pool! There are many factors that affect pool layout, but we will layout the pool per our construction plans (and approved permitted drawings). Minor adjustments can be made, but remember that we’ve spent lots of time & effort designing a pool to fit your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle – so, some adjustments can easily cost extra money… Be careful! |
 Measuring Tapes & Marking Paint - Our pool layout equipment |
 The final layout is approved by client prior to dig |
“LAYOUT” – BRIEF OVERVIEW : The pool layout is usually done by one or two people, and takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours (depending on complexity). It involves the use of tape measures, string lines, marking paint, nails/pins, and miscellaneous tools (i.e. hammers, etc.) The layout man will be using a detailed CAD drawing that shows up exact measurements, that are usually right down to the inch! Please expect some margin of error, but it’s not uncommon to have your new pool laid out to “less than an inch” from our CAD plans. During layout, the pool is marked with paint and/or nails/pins to show you where the new pool is going. This also helps to show our excavation crew where the pool is also! It is important to keep dogs & children away from disturbing this layout, but the pins help to preserve the layout in event of rain, etc…. Once the layout is complete, we’ll look for your approval on final size, location, and positioning (major changes to a layout can cost extra $$ for a new layout, or additional construction costs). |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I change, move, or re-position the pool? So far, we have ALL put lots of time & effort into designing & preparing for a huge investment for you and your family. With that being said, there are definitely costs in changing or moving the pool at this point. Even the slightest of changes can affect permitting, engineering, in-floor cleaning design & operation, construction costs & contracts, CAD plans, and overall construction time. Of course, with this being such an important decision, NOW is the time to make these changes and incur the least amount of costs possible (since changes after excavation or future phases can be doubled or tripled!). Please consider all these costs, and the overall project prior to making an on-site change.
The pool looks very small after layout, can I make it bigger? During the construction process, there are always comments about a pool looking SMALLER at layout, BIGGER after excavation, and JUST RIGHT when it’s finished! Before increasing the size of the pool, please consider this, and also consider the issues when changing a pool as described above. Increasing the size of the pool will definitely increase costs in all aspects of construction, but as mentioned above, it’s much easier to deal with now.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for this project or the start of excavation? For the most part, we have everything under control but the following may be items that need your attention PRIOR to starting the heavy construction on your pool/spa.
- Kennel or secure your 4-legged loved ones ! (Upon start of excavation, we will need full access to the backyard.) Dogs, cats & pets need to be secured inside or in an area that is away from pool construction.
- Mark, locate AND expose any underground lines that you do not want damaged. Remember, pool construction is major heavy construction, and if its in the location of the new pool, then all underground lines, patios, and landscaping will definitely be damaged during this process. If our contract & agreement doesn’t account for repair or relocation of these items, then you may need to make these arrangments now. If lines are marked & exposed, then we have a chance to work around them.
- Cover or Remove all patio furniture, toys, property, etc. - There will be many people coming in & out of your property over the next few months, please help us eliminate the possibility of accidental damage or theft.
- Finances - I’m sure you’ve already done so, but the first 2 payments on the pool will happen within the first 7 to 10 days of construction. Our contracts call for a payment at excavation (which we will collect at our layout appointment or the day of excavation) and at shotcrete (which will usually happen about 7 to 10 days later. Make sure all your money is transferred and checks are ready!
- Landscaping - As you may know, we specialize in integration of landscaping, patios & hardscapes with our pools. If you haven’t finalized this part of your project, now is a great time (as there are things that happen at excavation that are critical to the entire project!)
There are painted lines & flags in my front & backyard, what is this? Prior to starting any pool/spa or underground project where we use heavy equipment to dig, we are required to notify AZ BLUESTAKE. This service will locate all underground public utilities on your property. This allows us to see where these underground lines are, and avoid hitting them during excavation & construction. Although rare, there are occasions where we must move or shift the pool to comply with AZ Bluestake markings.
I’ve got irrigation & some underground lines in other areas of my yard that bluestake didn’t mark. Did they miss them & how can I protect them? Bluestake only marks PUBLIC lines, and private lines are lines that are maintained by you (i.e. irrigation lines, backyard electrical runs, underground gaslines that are after the meter, some sewer lines, etc.) As contractors, we can assist in preserving these lines (in some cases), but they need to be marked & exposed by YOU prior to excavation. Most likely, these lines (if in the direct path of the new pool or plumbing runs) will be damaged, destroyed, or dug up. Any damage to these lines is unavoidable, and repair is not included in our standard pool contract/agreement, but we will be happy to assist in the coordination & repair of these lines.
