The Permit Process

Permits: Upon signing a contract to have your pool built, you will be asked to supply us with a copy of your survey, tax bill, and in some cases the C.O. for all structures on the property. These documents will be turned over to us, along with a signed and notarized application. We will supply all other necessary documents and will file the application with your township.

Fees: The total fee includes the towns filing fee (this varies by town), stamped structural plans if required, and stamped drainage letters if required. Our engineer will provide these services at a modest cost. The customer will incur these costs.

Lead time: The permit process can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks, depending on the town you live in. We can give you the application number so you may check the status of the permit periodically. In most cases, we can not start working on your pool until the building permit is approved and in your possession.

Variance: If your job requires a variance, you will need a rejected permit first. The variance process can take 2-4 months, and is handled by the homeowner. Assistance is available if needed, for a fee.

Customer's Responsibilities Before Construction Begins

Access: The excavation of your pool requires heavy equipment to enter your yard. We need a minimum of 10-12 feet to bring the backhoe and dump truck to the site. If this is not possible, you will be charged for a “rehandle.” This means we will run the dirt to the front with a bobcat tractor, and the truck remains in the front of the house or in the street. This method requires only about 8 feet of access. In either case, there must be a clear, unobstructed, and somewhat straight path between the road and the pool site.

Fence: It is your responsibility to remove and reinstall the adequate sections of fence to permit access to the pool site.

Trees: All necessary tree removal must be completed before work can begin. If the stumps are outside of the pool and patio area, they may be ground down by your tree company. Any stumps inside the pool area, and particularly large ones, are best to be dug out by the excavator. This may result in a fee, depending on stump size.

Carting: The removal of the fill or dirt from the pool site is included with the installation. If you elect to keep some or all of the dirt, it will be left in somewhat large piles, away from the work area if possible. Anything other than dirt will not be removed from the premises. Unless an additional charge is agreed upon and paid. This includes stumps, roots, rocks, concrete, buried debris, or constructional materials, etc. Removal of these items will result in a carting fee (dump truck of dumpster), and a handling and loading fee by the excavator or pool company.

Sprinklers: Please turn your underground sprinkler system off 1-2 weeks before work begins. This allows the ground to dry and firm up, resulting in easier access to yard and less damage to the lawn from equipment. Any sprinkler heads in the site should be removed by owner. The piping in the site will be dug up during excavation and must be rerouted and/or repaired by your sprinkler company after the pool is completed.

Underground Utilities: It is the owner’s responsibility to know where all utilities are: electrical wires, fuel lines, water lines, cesspools, drywells, etc. The cost of removing or replacing any of the above will be incurred by the owner. We will arrange for a utility markout on all jobs. It is a free service.

Stages of Construction

Timing: The installation of your pool is usually completed within 2-4 weeks from the excavation date. Some circumstances may delay this such as: weather, unusual site conditions, material shortage, or change of work order. Due to the nature of this job, the installation crew will often work for only half the day, or a few hours in some cases, on your job. This is necessary due to the mandatory order of events and scheduling.

The excavation is usually completed in one day. Please note that the deep end is sometimes not dug initially. The excavator will make a return trip after the pool walls are installed.

Delivery of Materials: The building materials will be delivered within 1 or 2 days of the excavation. If the delivery truck can not enter the backyard, the materials will be left on the front lawn or driveway. These materials will be moved to the yard by the pool company fairly soon, and will not damage driveway or lawn.

Wall Construction: The wall forms are erected and leveled by our crew in one day. The concrete will be poured that day or the next day, unless we must wait for an inspection. Your project manager will advise you on this timing.

Liner Installation: Sand will be placed in the pool and spread. The sand will be packed and smoothed with steel trowels. The vinyl liner will now be installed in the pool and snapped into a retaining track at the top of the wall. This procedure will take 4-6 hours normally. Please follow the filling instructions carefully.

Filling Instructions: It is very important to follow these directions carefully, as this will affect the cosmetic appearance and life of your liner.

1. Vacuums have been placed between the liner and the wall of your pool. These vacuums are removing the air from this area to prevent wrinkles while your liner is filling with water. It is important that these vacuums run nonstop until the water reaches the shallow area of the pool. This will usually take approximately 18 -24 hrs. for 8’ depth pools. (Pool size & water pressure will determine exact time.) If the vacuums stop for any reason and you are unable to restart them, turn off the water and contact us immediately. (Sometimes you will need to reset a tripped circuit breaker or GFIC outlet.)
2. When the water level in the shallow area reaches approximately 3”- 4”, unplug the vacuums, turn the water off, and call our office. We will come back to fasten the faceplate for the light. The vacuum will be removed at this point. After these procedures have been completed, we will start the water again.
3. When the water level reaches approximately 12” from the top of the pool, turn the water off and call the office. This can take up to 24 hrs. If necessary you may turn the water off and start it again at your convenience, so as not to lose sleep while monitoring water. (We will usually leave a piece of tape near the skimmer to mark this level.) At this time we will return to install the face plates for the skimmers and the return jets.
4. You may now fill your pool to the proper operating level, which is approximately 2” below the top of the skimmer plate.
5. You should now start your filter system. Once you have added the proper chemicals, you are now ready to enjoy your pool.

Backfilling: After the plumbing work is completed the dirt will be backfilled around the pool. The pool area is given a rough grade, with no fine raking or seeding. The dirt will be sloped away from the pool for drainage.

Equipment Set Up: The final stage of construction is the installation of the filter system and accessories. This includes: the pump, filter, heater, diving board, slide, ladder, handrails, etc. The above items are to be installed at the predetermined location noted on the worksheet.

Utilities: The electrician and the plumber for the heater are the last people to work on the pool. The pool must be mostly completed before these trades people can begin working. If you are using the companies that we recommended to you, we will coordinate the timing of their work. You must pay these trades directly, as they are not employed by your pool company, and their costs are in excess to your installation price, unless otherwise noted.

Pool School: Once the electrical and plumbing work are completed, you will be given a demonstration on the operation of the filter equipment and accessories. Please call our office to schedule this.

Inspections

Progress: Some towns require a progress inspection after the walls and concrete collar are installed. If this is necessary, we will arrange this inspection.

Final: Your building permit is valid for one year from the date of approval. Please call for your final inspection before the permit expires, or you will have to renew the permit. The final inspection is the owners responsibility. This inspection is not related to the construction of the pool, but is an inspection of the fence around the pool or yard. Your town may require that any doors, leading from your house to the yard, have a self latching device or alarm installed to them. Some towns also require a drywell for the filter backwash, which will also be inspected at this time. Please contact your town or village to find out their specific requirements on these matters, particularly fence heights and styles permitted.

Electric and Plumbing: The electrician and or plumber that you hire will arrange for their own inspection of their work.

C.O.: Once your final inspection is approved, and the town receives a copy of the U.L. Certificate (Electrical Underwriters Inspection) from your electrician, you will receive your Certificate of Occupancy.