New Pools

How to Start the Process

Deciding to build a pool is exciting, talking it over with the entire family will help get you on the path to determining exactly what your family wants and needs. Do you envision a rectangle pool in your yard to maximize the swimming area, or are you looking for a natural free-form shape to complement the existing surroundings? How often will you be using the pool, and how much time will you have for maintenance and chemical balancing? How many people do you envision swimming in the pool regularly? Do you entertain guests at your residence often, or are you looking for a pool for just your family to enjoy? Answering these types of questions upfront will us evaluate your needs and create the best backyard escape for your family’s lifestyle.

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The Initial Meeting:

The first step will be setting up a meeting with the owner to come out and take a look at the property and talk to you about what you want and your budget. At this time, we will also be asking for a current survey of the property. The survey will help us determine the location and size of the pool. Each town has different setbacks, requirements, and restrictions regarding the placement and size of not only the pool but the patio as well. Once we can determine what fits, we can start tailoring the design for you. This initial meeting is meant for you, and please ask as many questions as possible, no matter is too small to discuss. Some of the points to be addressed during the onsite visit are:

1) Location

2) Access

3) Tree Removal if necessary

4) Fence requirements

5) Elevation Issues- dirt removal, retaining wall

6) Ground Water

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The New Pool Quote:

Once back at the office, after we know what we are working with, we will quote you on the various sizes and shapes that you are interested in. The quote has a basic pool package included in it for each pool. Then all of the equipment options, steps, and seating, water features, gas-electric, engineering, and township fees. Once the quote goes out to you, you can come in, and we can go over all of the options and pin down exactly what you want. This is also the time to go over your budget and time frame of the project.

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Engineering:

Each town now has it's own requirements for pool installation. Many towns require a topography of the property that shows all elevations and the lot coverage, including the pool and patio. For some towns, we can do the engineering in house, while most require an engineering firm to come out to the house and draw up a new survey for you. This cost ranges from $1,150 - $3,500, depending on the town. You can use your engineer or use ours.

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Contract & Permits:

Once we have gone over all the options we will have the final meeting and confirm all of options for your pool and sign the contract. At signing, we require a 10% deposit, this will start the permitting process. To begin the permit process, we will need the engineering topography and a set of sealed prints from the steel manufacturer depicting the final pool design. The permitting process is broken into 2 phases.

1) Zoning- The zoning department requires the topography, sealed prints, and your town's zoning application. This process may take up to 2 weeks. The fee for zoning also varies with the town, and some towns require an engineering fence to review the topography.

2) Construction- Once the zoning application is approved the application moves over to the building department. This may take 4-6 weeks, depending on how backed up the town is. The building department will review the construction permits, electrical permits, and plumbing permits. Once all of these are approved, the permit will be ready for pick up. The fees for the permits range from $800 - $2,500, depending on the town.

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Exceptional cases that would need additional of special permitting are Variances and CAFRA applications. Each town has specific rules and regulations regarding the location, size and shape of the pools. If you are not in accordance with all of these, you will need a variance. Towns require the same surveys, but a representative from The Pool & Spa Doctor, and you will have to go to the variance board meeting and plead your case. CAFRA is only required when your property is located on a body of water, or you have an environmental easement that you are not following. CARFA requires a special permit and paperwork that must be approved before going to the township itself. CAFRA starts at around $5000.00 for the paperwork.

Once your permits are approved, your dig date will be scheduled pending weather.