Direct answer
Use this checklist before drawings are final. Confirm site access, setbacks, budget structure, shell method, equipment location, and whether an automatic cover needs a vault, track, drain, and power reservation. Print or download the v1 sheet and keep it with the project file.
Key takeaways
- Lock site, waterline, and access before excavation.
- Write equipment and cover reservations on the same sheet as the shell method.
- Treat the HTML table as the canonical version; the PDF is a print companion.
- Local permits and inspections still override any generic list.
This page is the canonical HTML version of the new-pool project checklist, version 1, updated 27 August 2026. Download the printable PDF or use the browser print command. The tables below are the source. The PDF is a companion.
Site and access
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property setbacks and easements confirmed | ||
| Excavation and pump-truck access path | ||
| Underground utilities marked | ||
| Neighbor and grade constraints written down | ||
| Desired waterline and finished-deck elevation |
Budget structure
| Cost group | In scope? | Owner of the decision |
|---|---|---|
| Shell and excavation | ||
| Plumbing, electrical, and bonding | ||
| Equipment package | ||
| Automatic cover, vault, and power | ||
| Coping, deck, and drainage | ||
| Interior finish | ||
| Permits, inspections, and contingencies |
Do not invent a single national price. Record who owns each group and what is still unknown.
Construction and equipment
| Decision | Choice | Locked before excavation? |
|---|---|---|
| Shell method | Concrete / fiberglass / other | |
| Equipment pad or room location | ||
| Heat source | ||
| Automation / controls | ||
| Cover type and track | None / automatic / other | |
| Cover vault, drain, and power |
Handover
| Item | Received |
|---|---|
| As-built equipment list | |
| Finish and start-up instructions | |
| Cover operating limits, if installed | |
| Warranty contacts for equipment only, not this site |
Related reading: the pool construction process, the equipment BOM, and the pool planning hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a construction contract checklist?
No. It is a planning sheet for owners, designers, and project buyers. It does not replace drawings, specifications, or a contractor agreement.
Which version should I cite?
Cite the HTML page and the dated PDF filename `new-pool-project-checklist-v1.pdf`. If the page date and the PDF version disagree, the HTML page wins.
Sources
- Model Aquatic Health Code — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Accessed August 27, 2026.