Building Codes & Permits. Advance knowledge concerning State and Local Swimming Pool Codes will prevent fines and work stoppage orders. Most ordinances vary considerably from one community 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 directly and indirectly associated with your swimming pool. Take special note of sewer, drainage, fencing, lot line, power lines, fire, and electrical requirements. Obtain the required permits before starting your swimming pool installation.

Utilities Required
 Water - for construction and filling of pool
 Electrical - for temporary supply during construction and a permanent supply for the pump and pool lighting
 Sewer - for adequate drainage
 Fuel for heater - Natural Gas or Propane

Selecting the Pool Site. Obstructions must be considered before selecting a final pool site. These 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 for no charge to you. If various obstructions are unavoidable, a compromise must be reached, keep in mind labor and material costs of moving or replacing obstructions. Choose an avenue of least resistance for the sake of practicality and economy.

Sun and Shade can be an important factor when determining the pool site. Excessive shaded areas from trees and other buildings could result in uncomfortable swimming conditions during marginal weather months. In addition, it could considerably increase heating costs. Excessive sun can be unbearable during excessively hot periods. Proper pool orientation will take advantage of sunny days for comfortable swimming condition and decrease heating costs.

Existing Landscape Removal. The subject of tree removal is dependent on individual preference. The decision should be made on the amount of landscape to be sacrificed for a low maintenance pool. Still, it should be noted that a certain amount of removal might be tolerated without disturbing the natural atmosphere of the backyard. This can be done by careful use of planters, shrubs, and flowers. Of course, remove any trees and shrubs located directly inside the pool layout. When it becomes necessary to remove trees, the entire root system should be excavated. This prevents any possibility of settling of pool walls, sand / vermiculite pool bottom, or the surrounding concrete deck. An effective method of preventing continued root growth is to apply copper sulphate to the root system.

Ease of Excavation. Try to locate the pool 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. Supervision of the swimming area from inside the house through windows should also be considered. As you select your pool site, make a rough layout where you think the pool should be located. Then consider decking and walk way 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 alternatives to be considered are whether the pool should be laid out parallel, perpendicular, of at a 45-degree angle to an existing house or building, or a building line, hedgerow, fence or another dominant object.

Advanced Knowledge of Unknown Subsoil Conditions can be helpful in determining the placement of the pool. It is advisable under certain circumstances to probe the sub-grade 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, excessive clay, should be located before construction. They can be simply eliminated 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. The pool walls must rest on undisturbed soil. Keep the top surface of the pool (pool deck) at least three to four (3-4) inches above highest grade in the area. This will avoid any surface drainage back into the pool. Other terms used to describe the top of the pool coping are pool grade, final elevation or “top surface.”

The Equipment Location. The following points should be included in your considerations:

1. Locate filter on a concrete slab. Be sure to make the slab large enough for all equipment, usually 3’ X 4’ or 3’ X 7’ with a heater. Also, consider at this time whether an enclosure will be built over the equipment and plan the slab size accordingly.
2. Keep the filter within 20’ of the pool to maintain optimum pump performance.
3. If possible never locate the filter and pump more than six inches above or six inches below pool grade. Otherwise, pump priming or overflow problems may result.
4. Never locate the filter and pump in a basement. The possibility does exist that a malfunction in plumbing could flood the basement.
5. Consider where the backwash water will drain. Is there adequate drainage? Check for local codes requiring special methods to dispose backwash water.
6. Location of the filter is also important from an aesthetic point of view. When making the rough layout of the pool, visualize placement of the filter and plan for future landscaping or enclosures. Out of sight of the immediate pool area is preferred.

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