POOL FEASIBILITY REVIEW

Before proceeding with a pool project, there are several things that you must consider to determine if the job is feasible and cost effective. The following items may help in that regard.

• Some subdivisions restrict or do not allow swimming pools. Check with building officials, home owners associations or city and county records.
   

• Check with local building officials for building permit requirements, set back lines or other restrictions.
   

• Large equipment and the swimming pool must have access to the job site. Be sure you see a way to make that happen. You may be able to access the job site through neighbor’s property or other right of way. Be sure to get written permission with details regarding who takes care of damaged property.
   

• The location of under ground utilities and over head electric lines may affect the project. Most cities and counties have a number you can call to have these utilities located and marked. Most utilities can be relocated. Check with the service provider to see how best to proceed. As a note; swimming pools of any kind must be at least 15’ away (laterally) from over head electric lines.
   

• If a septic tank and drainage field is present, the pool must be well away from the drainage field lines (at least 10’). Drainage fields and tanks can be moved.
   

• If the contour of the proposed pool site is steeply angled or irregular, pre-grading the area will be required. High areas must be cut down and low areas will have to be filled, or a combination of both. Any fill dirt will have to be compacted, and a retaining wall may have to be built. If dirt is to be hauled away, determine where it will go so that you have an idea of the cost for hauling.
   

• The pool installation may affect drainage through the yard, as well as the neighbors. Be sure you have a way to resolve that problem. Some cities and counties require submission of a drainage plan before issuing a permit.
   

• Working with underground obstacles such as rock, water, and muck will add to the cost of construction. Check with the owner, and look at the areas around the site for indications of problems.
   

• Water availability and quality is very important. 5,000 to 25,000 gallons of water will be required to fill and wash in the pool. Check for water pressure and volume. If necessary, neighbors water can be used, or water trucks, or on site tank storage can be used. If water is coming from a well, it may be full of iron and could run dry when least expected.