Before we ever pull out a shovel, there’s a lot we check to make sure your pool gets built the right way. As a gunite pool contractor, preparing the ground is just as important as the pool design. It’s not something we rush.
In Louisiana, things can shift fast under the surface, especially with the type of soil we have in many areas. That’s why every good pool build starts with a thorough look at the yard. We look at the land, the layout, and everything underneath before any digging begins.
What we find during this step influences the whole process. If something isn’t quite right, we fix it early instead of dealing with bigger problems later. Here’s what we check, and why each step matters as we get ready to build.
Choosing the Right Spot and Layout
A swimming pool can’t just go anywhere in the yard. We take our time picking the right location, and it’s not just about looks.
• Slopes can cause water runoff to flow toward the pool, which can create drainage problems.
• Trees with long roots or heavy canopies can shift the ground or drop leaves into the water.
• Yard size and shape help decide the pool’s footprint, how deep it can go, and where add-ons like spas or tanning decks fit best.
Running into a fence line or building too close to your house can cause headaches down the road. We look at all of it, driveways, sheds, and how much sunlight you want over the pool. No two yards are the same, so we shape the plan around what fits best.
Checking Soil Conditions and Drainage
What’s under the grass can have a big impact on how well a pool holds up over time. Louisiana soil often has high clay content, which means it can be soft one day and rock-hard the next, especially after heavy rains.
We test for:
• How compact the soil is when dry and when wet
• Whether the ground softens too much or holds standing water
• How deep we need to dig before hitting stable layers
If the soil shifts too much, it can create cracks or bumps in the pool shell later. We check all of this early so we can prep the ground, reinforce it if needed, or adjust how deep we go. We also look at how water drains across the yard. Poor drainage can lead to puddling, erosion, or damage around the edges of the concrete.
Looking for Underground Obstacles
Before digging, we always take time to locate and mark anything that might be hidden underground. That includes:
• City or utility service lines like gas, water, or power
• Septic tanks or access lids
• Drainage pipes, old foundation concrete, or large tree roots
Even one small surprise under the soil can slow down progress if it’s not caught early. We look at property records, call utility locator services, and walk the site with you to ask about anything that might be buried. If something comes up, we make a plan to reroute safely or shift the pool layout if needed.
Getting Permits and Local Approvals
Laws and building codes are different from city to city and parish to parish. Louisiana has rules about where a pool can go, how far it needs to be from buildings or fences, and how deep the footing should go.
We make sure all the paperwork is right before any digging starts. That usually means:
• Applying for city or parish permits based on where you live
• Showing drawings or plans for approval
• Scheduling any required inspections once digging starts
Skipping this step can cause delays, fines, or worse. So we take care of it at the start to keep everything clean and clear.
Planning for Pool Equipment and Utilities
A lot of what makes a pool work happens behind the scenes. Pumps, filters, plumbing, lighting, and sometimes heaters need to be planned before we pour any concrete. Once the shell of the pool is built, it’s hard to go back and move these pieces around.
Before digging, we ask questions like:
• Where will the equipment pad go that’s easy to reach but out of sight?
• How are we running pipes and wires from the pool to the equipment area?
• Do we need to plan for extra plumbing for water features, spas, or bubblers?
By mapping this out before we begin, we avoid messy reroutes or cutouts later. It gives us room to run clean lines and protect them from yard settling or overgrowth.
When Every Check Pays Off
All of these early steps help the build move smoother and faster once digging starts. We’ve learned over time that checking on the little things early can prevent big problems later. Pools are permanent, and the ground in Louisiana doesn’t give second chances if it’s not set up right.
That’s why being a good gunite pool contractor means being patient and paying attention upfront. From the soil under your feet to the shape of the yard, we don’t guess our way through it. We ask questions, make a plan, and walk through every step with care. It’s these early checks that give the pool its strength and help it stay solid through every season ahead.
Smart planning is at the heart of every pool we build, making sure that each stage of the process is completed right from the very beginning. We understand how unpredictable soil and weather conditions can be in Louisiana, so our team never cuts corners during site checks and preparation. Careful layout selection, identifying underground features, and strategic placement of equipment early in the project make a significant difference in long-term results. When you need a trusted gunite pool contractor who knows how to build for Louisiana yards, Bella-Aqua Pools & Spas is ready to help plan your perfect backyard retreat, just give us a call to get started.
