Real Estate on Market – Pool Site Evaluations for Proposed Swimming Pool Space
You’re in the market for a new home. Finding one with a pool is on the top of your list. While a home that already has a pool may appear to be great value, that existing pool may be old and need repairs. It may be an outdated style without the key features you want.
Renovating and updating an existing pool can be complicated, time-consuming, and have limitations , on top of being very costly. An extensive renovation can equal 75% or more of the cost of a new pool. The biggest concern for renovations is the unknown quality standards the existing pool was built to, and if the existing structure can accept the new features like a spa or a sun shelf.
It may very well be more practical to remove and replace the existing pool all together. Or alternatively buy a property with an empty backyard.
When it comes to determining whether a pool will fit into a back yard, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered. In order to begin, you will need, is a survey of the house. A survey is an illustration that shows the property boundaries with the house drawn on it. This drawing will typically show any easements that may exist. Easements are areas on the property that are intended for drainage or utilities. With limited exception the pool or patio cannot be built within those spaces.
A survey will NOT show utilities or anything that is underground. Important things like city water, deep wells, sewer, septic system locations, TV / internet cable, underground (or overhead) power lines, water, sewer or septic systems. If you’re seriously considering purchasing a home, then it is wise to have a “utility locate” done, and if applicable have a septic system contractor visit the site and mark the location of the tank and drain field. These locations should be marked both in the yard and on a survey copy. In addition, have any trees marked on the survey, removal of trees may be regulated.
Also not shown on the survey, are setback distances imposed by the local building and zoning department. These are restrictions on how far from the lot lines and how close the pool can be to the house (or a covered patio) . There is a percentage of buildable space limitation that must be honored (impervious ground coverage %) .
Plan it Pools can help determine if there is space for a pool. We can visit the site to look for any obstacles like trees, power lines, existing structures, etc. We will review all the distance setback requirements of the relative municipality. We will be able to determine how much space is available for the new pool and outline that space on the survey. There does not need to be expansive space to create a great outdoor pool area. Often a small or challenging space can inspire awesome and unique projects.
The fee for a property review, site inspection, and pool area illustration is $425.
