What You Need to Know If you are Installing a New Pool

If you’re thinking about installing a pool this summer, there are a few things you need to consider. By following these simple steps, you can be sure to enjoy a fun and stress-free pool installation process.

Among the factors you need to consider are:

Make sure you have the right permits and know about the local regulations if any.

First, check with your city or town’s building department to see if you need a permit for your planned pool. Also are there any regulations as to size, location, fencing, and so forth that you need to follow? The last thing you want to do is start digging only to find you are in violation of municipal regulations. An experienced contractor can help with this but ultimately it is the property owner’s responsibility to make sure that the appropriate rules and regulations are met.

Make sure you have enough space for the pool you want.

If the answer is that you are allowed to install a pool then next you need to make sure you have enough area for the pool you want. You will also need to consider the pool’s depth and shape. Keep in mind the width of the concrete wall and the pool’s requirement for drainage and filtering external to the pool.

Make sure you check with the local utility companies before you start digging. Once you have a plan in place and a concrete contractor that you want to work with selected, you need to check the local utility companies. Digging up a gas line, water pipe, sewer or electrical cable is a very undesirable thing that will add cost and delay to your pool project.

Have professionals excavate your pool and pour the concrete.

Once you have the all-clear it is time to excavate the area where the pool will be installed. This is usually done with a Bobcat or other type of excavating equipment so the ability to allow such equipment access to where the pool is to be installed is important. Digging a pool by hand is simply not cost-effective, you are better off hiring excavation and grading services.

The hole should be dug to the depth and shape of the planned pool and the required plumbing. The drain pipes and filtration system running under the pool are installed along with an appropriate aggregate foundation. The next step is to install the concrete wall. This can be done by pouring concrete into forms or by using precast concrete walls. The type of pool you are installing will dictate which method is used.

After the concrete wall is in place, the next step is to install the coping which is the edge material that goes around the top of the pool. This can be done with stone, tile or pre-cast concrete. Again, the type of pool you are installing will dictate which method is used.

After the coping is installed, the next step is to install the decking material around the pool. This can be done with concrete pavers, natural stone, or brick pavers.

Once the concrete pouring and paving are complete, the final step is to install the pool equipment. This includes the pump, filter, and chlorinator. At Burnaby Blacktop, we work with your landscaper or pool technician to make this happen.

Hire a water hauling service to fill the pool.

Now that the pool is installed, the final step is to add water and enjoy!

One last tip, pools take a lot of water to fill up and it may be easier, faster and less expensive to use a commercial water hauling service. It just so happens that we offer such service, so you can count on Burnaby Blacktop for the proper excavation and grading, concrete pouring, concrete decking and even to fill up your pool!