Building a pool is a big investment, you can’t just start digging a hole in your backyard and hope for the best.
The starting point is a pool site plan. This is a key design that will detail the layout of the pool and important design and practical considerations.
It’s essentially a blueprint for ensuring your dream pool meets all safety, zoning, and design requirements, and in this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about pool site plans.
What Is a Pool Site Plan?
A pool site plan is a comprehensive diagram that shows the layout of the pool in relation to the existing structures and features on your property.
It includes important details like the pool’s dimensions, depth, and proximity to property lines, utility lines, and other features like trees or retaining walls.
A well-done site plan is critical for getting the necessary building permits and ensuring the pool fits your space properly.
What Does A Pool Site Plan Look Like?
Here is an example pool site plan we sketched up in Presite:
From a surface level they look pretty basic, but they do contain a lot of valuable information to help during the construction phase.
Why Pool Site Plans Are Required
Most municipalities and local authorities require pool site plans before construction can begin.
Failing to submit an accurate site plan could result in delays, fines, or even the denial of your pool construction permit.
Key Elements of a Pool Site Plan
Here are the essential components you need to include on a pool site plan:
- Pool Layout: A detailed drawing showing the shape, dimensions, and depth of the pool.Property Boundaries:Accurate mapping of your property lines is essential.
- Setbacks: Zoning laws often require specific distances between the pool and property lines or other structures.
- Utilities: Locating gas, electric, and water lines is critical to avoid damaging utilities during construction.
- Safety Features: Placement of fencing, gates, and alarms as required by law to ensure safety around the pool.
- Drainage: Proper drainage systems to prevent water pooling and soil erosion.
In most cases, this will be handled by a professional, although – as you’ll see shortly – you can use software options like Presite to quickly draft up pool site plans.
How to Create a Pool Site Plan
You can create a pool site plan yourself or hire a professional to ensure it’s done right.
Landscape architects, surveyors, or pool contractors are typically experienced in creating detailed and accurate site plans.
You’ll need a survey of your property to start, showing all existing structures, utilities, and property boundaries.
Measure the Area
Start by measuring the area where you want to install the pool.
Most pros will use a digital tool to measure the area, and it’s important to be as accurate as possible, so don’t use a tape measure if you’re going to submit the plan for approval.
Create a Scaled Drawing
Draw the outline of your property and existing features at a specific scale (e.g., 1 inch = 10 feet).
For this step, software is almost always used unless you’re just creating a rough sketch on-site.
Position the Pool
Place the pool within the site plan, making sure to account for setbacks and any required distance from utilities or other structures.
Add Utilities and Safety Features
Indicate where utilities run and mark the location for safety features such as fencing, gates, and alarms.
Include Drainage Solutions
A proper site plan must include a proper drainage strategy to manage water flow, so make sure that is included.
An alternative to this process is to use Presite, our Site Planning Software tool that streamlines the entire process and makes it super easy to generate a site plan in seconds.
Do You Need a Professional?
Although it’s possible to create a pool site plan on your own very easily with Presite, hiring a professional is a good option if you’re looking to get a site plan approved by your local regulatory body.
A professional surveyor or landscape architect will make sure all measurements are precise, and they’ll understand local building codes and regulations, making the process smoother.
Common Pool Site Plan Mistakes
There are a lot of common mistakes with pool site plans, from the basics like incorrect measurements to important specifications like drainage.
- Incorrect Measurements: Misjudging the size of your yard or property boundaries can lead to problems with permits.
- Ignoring Setback Requirements: Each city has specific requirements for how far a pool must be from property lines, utility lines, and buildings.
- Not Accounting for Drainage: Failing to plan for proper drainage can lead to flooding or structural damage.
- Forgetting Safety Features: Pool fences, gates, and alarms are often legally required and must be included in the site plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we get about pool site plans here at Presite.
1. Do I need a pool site plan for a small pool?
Yes, even small pools typically require a site plan.
Local regulations may differ based on the size of the pool, but having a detailed plan helps ensure compliance with safety and zoning laws.
2. How long does it take to get a pool site plan approved?
Approval times vary by municipality, but it typically takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Submitting an accurate and complete site plan can help speed up the process.
3. Can I use a software solution instead?
Apps like Presite are ideal for quickly generating pool site plans, and can be a great starting point for beginners and advanced users alike.
4. How much does it cost to have a pool site plan created?
Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of your property and pool design.
On average, it can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands depending on the complexity of the project.
Wrapping It Up
A pool site plan is essential for getting your pool project off the ground. It ensures compliance with local regulations, helps prevent costly mistakes, and makes sure your pool is a perfect fit for your property.
Whether you’re designing a simple backyard pool or a more elaborate setup, a well-done site plan can save you time, money, and stress.
Remember, while this article provides a general overview of pool site plans, always consult a professional for advice tailored to your specific property and circumstances.
This will help you avoid issues down the line and ensure your pool is designed to enhance both your lifestyle and your property value.