Cool down<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Play<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Rest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Exercise<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Spend time together<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
But a good pool plan starts before anyone digs.<\/p>\n
Each North Texas yard has its own soil, slope, sun, trees, pipes and access limits.<\/p>\n
The full yard must be studied—not only the shape of the pool.<\/p>\n
Use these seven checks before approving a pool design.<\/p>\n
1. Check How Water Moves Across the Yard<\/p>\n
Walk through the yard after a hard rain.<\/p>\n
Look for:<\/p>\n
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Water near the house<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Low spots that stay wet<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Soil washing away<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Water coming from another lot<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Downspouts that send water toward the pool area<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The pool deck should not push rainwater toward the home.<\/p>\n
Water should also not sit near the pool shell, patio, fire feature or outdoor kitchen.<\/p>\n
Ask for a drainage plan that shows:<\/p>\n
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The slope of the yard<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Drain locations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Downspout routes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The path rainwater will follow<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Where water will leave the property<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Do not wait until the deck is built to think about drainage.<\/p>\n
2. Learn What Is Under the Soil<\/p>\n
Clay soil is found in many parts of Texas.<\/p>\n
Clay can hold water and may be hard to work with. Texas A&M AgriLife notes that heavy clay soils often need special care to improve how they work and drain.<\/p>\n
A pool plan should be based on the real site.<\/p>\n
Ask these questions:<\/p>\n
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Was fill dirt added to the yard?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Does the soil stay wet after rain?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Are there cracks in nearby walls or paving?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Has the ground moved in the past?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Is a soil test needed?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A pool shell should not be planned from photos or lot size alone.<\/p>\n
The soil and site conditions may affect the pool structure, drainage plan and building method.<\/p>\n
3. Mark Every Utility Before Digging<\/p>\n
Gas, power, water, cable and other lines may run through the yard.<\/p>\n
Texas law requires the person doing the digging to contact 811 at least two business days before work starts. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.<\/p>\n
Before excavation, confirm that:<\/p>\n
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The 811 request was made<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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A ticket number was received<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Each listed utility replied<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Utility marks are clear<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The planned dig area matches the request<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Some owner-installed lines may not be marked through the normal 811 process.<\/p>\n
These can include:<\/p>\n
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Yard lights<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Sprinkler lines<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Power to a shed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Pool equipment lines<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Private water or sewer lines<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Gas lines after the meter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Texas811 says private utility lines may require a separate private locating service.<\/p>\n
4. Check the Path for Workers and Machines<\/p>\n
A pool crew needs room to move tools, pipes, steel and digging machines.<\/p>\n
Walk the full path from the street to the pool site.<\/p>\n
Measure and check:<\/p>\n
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- \n
Gate width<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Side-yard width<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Roof edges<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Tree limbs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Fences<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Air-conditioning units<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Retaining walls<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Steep slopes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Septic parts, if present<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tight access may change the work plan.<\/p>\n
It can also affect:<\/p>\n
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Project cost<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Machine size<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Digging speed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Fence removal<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Soil removal<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Material storage<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ask the builder to mark the access path on the site plan.<\/p>\n
5. Plan Shade Before Adding Extra Features<\/p>\n
A pool may look good in full sun.<\/p>\n
But the deck may become too hot during the middle of the day.<\/p>\n
Watch the yard at three times:<\/p>\n
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Morning<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Midday<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Late afternoon<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mark where the house, fence and trees make shade.<\/p>\n
Plan shaded places where people can:<\/p>\n
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Sit<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Eat<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Watch children<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Rest after swimming<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Stay out of direct sun<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Shade may come from:<\/p>\n
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A covered patio<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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A pergola<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Large umbrellas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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A roof extension<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Carefully placed trees<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Also check the wind direction.<\/p>\n
Smoke from a grill or fire feature should not blow toward the house, doors or main seating area.<\/p>\n
6. Design for Daily Use<\/p>\n
Start with the way the pool will be used most often.<\/p>\n
For example:<\/p>\n
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Small children may need wide steps and clear sight lines.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Swimmers may want a long, open swimming path.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Older users may need easy entry points and handrails.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Guests may need dry seats away from splash zones.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Pet owners may want a simple pool exit.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Cooks may want the outdoor kitchen close to the house.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Parents may want a clear view from the patio or kitchen.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Keep the design useful.<\/p>\n
Every extra ledge, wall, water feature and level can add more cleaning, care and repair work.<\/p>\n
For an example of the steps a local company may manage—from design and 3D plans to permits and construction—review this overview of pool design and construction in DFW<\/a>.<\/p>\n
A good designer should explain why each feature belongs in the plan.<\/p>\n
7. Ask About Care Before Choosing Equipment<\/p>\n
The lowest starting price may not give the lowest long-term cost.<\/p>\n
Before choosing equipment, ask how each item affects:<\/p>\n
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- \n
Power use<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Water use<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Cleaning time<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Filter care<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Replacement-part cost<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Noise<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Winter care<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Repair access<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pool equipment should be easy to reach.<\/p>\n
A service worker should not need to move heavy furniture, plants or storage items to reach a pump or filter.<\/p>\n
Equipment should also be placed away from quiet seating areas when possible.<\/p>\n
Ask for simple care instructions.<\/p>\n
You should know what must be checked:<\/p>\n
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- \n
Each week<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Each month<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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At the start of each season<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Before cold weather<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
After a major storm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Use This Final Pool-Planning Checklist<\/p>\n
Before signing the final plan, make sure you can answer each question:<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
Where will rainwater go?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
What soil risks were found?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Have public and private lines been checked?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Can workers and machines reach the pool site?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Where will people find shade?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Does the layout fit the family’s daily needs?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Can the equipment be serviced with ease?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Who will handle permits and inspections?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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What work is included in the price?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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What work is not included?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
How will changes be approved?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Who will manage the full project?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A clear plan can prevent late changes and added costs.<\/p>\n
It also helps the pool, deck, patio and yard work as one useful space.<\/p>\n
About Aqua Architects<\/p>\n
Aqua Architects<\/a> is based in Sunnyvale, Texas, and serves homeowners across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.<\/p>\n
The company provides:<\/p>\n
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Custom pool design and construction<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Existing pool remodeling<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Patios and outdoor living spaces<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Aqua Architects team supports projects from the early design stage through the final walkthrough.<\/p>\n
Media Contact<\/span>
Company Name:<\/strong> Aqua Architects<\/a>
Email:<\/strong> Send Email<\/a>
Country:<\/strong> United States
Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.aquaarchitectsdfw.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A pool can change how a family uses its yard. It can add a place to: Cool down Play Rest Exercise Spend time together But a good pool plan starts before anyone digs. Each North Texas yard has its own … Continue reading
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