We understand that a pool is a major investment in many ways. In order to help you make a sound decision, we'll look at key questions you may need to answer before making this type of investment.

WHAT DO I NEED IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A PERMIT FOR BUILDING MY POOL?

Although all planning departments have different requirements, generally you will need a site plan along with wet signed engineering plans.

WHAT IS A WET SIGNED ENGINEERING PLAN?

A wet signed engineering plan is a standardized pool structural plan that has been signed by the registered engineer.

WHAT IS A SITE PLAN?

A site plan is the drawing of a pool in relation to the property. A site plan should include property lines, the outline of the house and any other structures that may impose a surcharge on the pool. A site plan should also include any extra features on the pool such as waterfalls, grottos, and artificial rock slides, along with any grade or elevation changes that will occur in relation to the pool, including: earth slopes, the pool bond beam, and spa elevation. To see an example of a site plan, click here.

WHAT IS A SURCHARGE?

A surcharge is a condition when a foundation or earth slope is next to the pool. Examples of surcharges include structures such as a house, a retaining wall, an extra feature related to the pool, or an earth slope on the property.

WHAT IS A FREESTANDING POOL WALL?

A freestanding pool wall is needed when the soil is not sufficient to support the pool. One example of a freestanding pool wall is an above ground pool.

WHAT IS A CROSS SECTION?

A cross section of a pool or any other structure is a drawing of an inside slice of that structure which would be exposed if you were to cut through the pool or structure. These are the cross sections that are referenced on the site plan example.

WHAT IS A BOND BEAM?

A bond beam is the top portion of the pool wall.

WHAT IS A RAISED BOND BEAM?

Raised bond beam is the condition where the soil behind the pool wall is at a higher elevation than the water line.

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE COVERED BY PHASE II ENGINEERING, INC.'s STANDARD POOL STRUCTURAL PLAN?

Phase II Engineering, Inc.'s Standard Pool Structural Plan includes a standard pool wall, an up-slope surcharge, expansive soil condition, building surcharge, and a block wall surcharge for pools up to nine feet deep. The standard plan also includes a freestanding pool wall detail for pools up to six feet deep. Typical details such as spa walls, skimmer, and light details are also included in the Standard Pool Structural Plan.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A CONDITION IS NOT COVERED BY THE STANDARD POOL STRUCTURAL PLAN?

For an additional charge, Phase II Engineering, Inc. also offers a variety of details that are not covered in our Standard Pool Structural Plan. These conditions include retaining wall surcharge, water features, grottos, rock slides, vanishing edge, and freestanding pool walls for pools greater than six feet deep.

WHAT IS A CUSTOMIZED POOL PLAN?

A customized pool plan is any engineering that is not covered by the Standard Pool Structural Plan and standard pool details.