In the construction industry today, more and more homeowners are tackling their own projects, from a new doorknob told whole house remodel TV is full of DIY projects being done by homeowners(with a little off-camera help) making home improvements fun and a great way for families to connect the backyard pool can be a simple value added addition to your home. We have all the tools you'll need for a successful pool addition project. The pool shells are the best in the industry, the support products have years of proven success. This DIY guide will review the steps to install your own pool we'll discuss the steps to a good project, how to find the right subcontractor trades to get the job done. We'll review the phases of the typical pool installation, how to prepare and installation plan, choosing the site, verifying code compliance with your local officials, and how to find and negotiate price with subcontractors and material vendors. 1The typical pool project can be broken down into a few different phases of construction. These phases are site planning, code compliance and estimates, material orders, excavation and placement of the pool, the electrical work, the system installation and the decking. Some of the other things to consider would be fencing around the pool area and landscaping. All pools are required to have some sort of fencing ,covers to secure the pool area from wandering children or pets. The first phase of your new pool project requires your site evaluation, what's required by the local building officials for code compliance and the setbacks for the pool placement. Contacting your local utility companies for marking services to your home and any outbuildings. Locating any septic and well lines in the new pool area and seeing what type of access the installation contractors will have to the site. It is very important that a installation plan or site plan is prepared for the pool this plan would include a sketch of the pool area the distances between the property lines outbuildings home. This plan is also very important to furnish to your subcontractors so they can prepare their estimates in give them an idea of your expectations, a good plan will make shopping for subcontractors and material estimates much more accurate and efficient. The customers that wing it end up paying more and getting less. Most areas have laws regarding utility locations the phone number for the local your local utilities location service can be found on a billing statement or in your local phone directory. DSC00721A few notes for codes the typical setback distance from a pool to any overhead powerline is 10 feet from the edge of the water. The minimum distance required from underground electric lines waterlines septic or sewer lines is 5 feet. The local codes will determine what is necessary for compliance in your area. No construction is allowed within a utility easement right away areas. The typical project subcontracts: Excavation contractor The excavation contractor will be responsible for clearing the site, excavating the swimming pool site, providing and placing base, backfill material for the pool and decking. The typical excavation contractor bases their rates on a per machine per hour basis so tighter areas hillier terrain, tree stumps hard ground etc. will increase the cost of the excavation. Crane service The best way to place your new pool is to use a crane, a local Crane contractor is normally available in your area the rates for the Crane is based on the type of Crane necessary and what it'll take place the pool. The typical costs are billed on an hourly basis with a minimum charge. Calling around to a few Crane companies and with the modern technology of of Google Earth they should be able to give you an estimate on the cost to place the pool the typical cost is between $400 and $1500. In some instances the excavator machine can be used to place some of the smaller pools. Electrical contractor The swimming pool project normally requires a building permit and inspections by your local building department. The electrical contractor will bond or ground the perimeter of the swimming pool, provide the electrical connections to the system components, and run the electrical service from the homes electrical panel to the swimming pool system. Most electrical contractors are familiar with the procedures to install a swimming pool electrical system the cost will vary depending on the distance from the home's of main electrical service panel to the pool site. Decking contractor The decking contractor will place the form boards for the concrete deck, pour in finish the decking around the pool. The edge of the pool known as the coping must be encapsulated in the concrete decking around the pool this locks the shell in the decking together and prevents water from flowing in between the pool in the deck.. The edge of the pool can be exposed where the concrete is poured just below the top rim, a Styrofoam form board can be used around the perimeter to bring the concrete decking over the edge of the coping, stone brick or pavers can also be incorporated into the into the design. Landscape contractor The landscape contractor puts on the finishing touches for the project including the landscaping irrigation and ground covering around the pool deck. It is very important to make sure that you have proper drainage for splash out water and rainwater to drain away from the pool and decking never allow the pool to overflow or the decking to pond water. Fence contractor The typical code for the installation of a swimming pool requires a minimum 4 foot high fence around the perimeter of the pool or the yard. The local codes typically require a self-closing self latching mechanism on the gates and will require inspection by the local building inspector. Now that we have reviewed the different contractors typically used in a swimming pool project will provide some tips for hiring subcontractors. 1.) Get estimates in writing ask if the cost is based on a per hour or per job basis. As with per hour costs if they underestimate the time it'll cost more for that sub to do the job. 2.) Make sure to verify with your local building Department the contractor has the proper license and insurance to do the job for which they are giving you an estimate. Keep in mind some areas have very strict licensing requirements and others have very minimal licensing requirements check directly with your local contractor licensing department. 3.) Always have a detailed estimate and payment schedule, always pay-as-you-go you shouldn't pay any money up front for labor-based subs they should be paid at completion of their work. Most material providers will require some sort of deposit. 4.) Always get receipts and releases of liens when making payments to subcontractors and material suppliers for your project. The best way to find good contractors is to ask around at work church or your neighbors and friends. Try and call at least three contractors for each phase most homeowners take on what they know it will use subs for the rest of the project. Most pool contractors use subcontractors for various phases of the swimming pools construction these include the excavation of the hole, the electrical connections, the concrete decking as he having the professionals with the right equipment makes the job much more efficient and competitive in the marketplace.