Buying different house for pool - Things to check for

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jetski559

Active member
Aug 20, 2020
35
Central Coast California
Everyone has been super helpful on these forums.
After running into a easement issue on our last pool build, we are actually now considering moving to a different house that we can actually put a pool in.

If we get tied up into escrow on the new house, I need to do my due diligence to make sure I won't run into the same issues with the new house.

Obviously it's looking good on the new house, but please remind me what I'm missing to make sure the things to check to build a pool:
  1. Make sure there is no septic tank / leech lines / sewer lines where you plan to put pool
  2. Call utility companies to make sure there are no main utilities running through the dig site
  3. Perhaps have a soil engineer make sure we won't hit water when we dig
What else am I missing?
Short of building the pool, I want to do everything I can in research on this new house to make sure we can actually build a pool. If we can't, we have a 17 day waiting period to back out of escrow with no questions asked.

Thanks!
 
Check HOA and zoning laws about pools and setback requirements. In my town folks are being denied pools due to setback requirements and lot impervious limitations. Also check local fence codes.

Does the house have good water with no metals or high calcium?
 
Definitely don't underestimate HOA restrictions. My HOA bans above ground pools, as well as fences. In ground pools are allowed, and since the village requires fences around them, the HOA has to submit, but since they have no guidelines other than "fences are not allowed" it becomes a headache getting their concurrence over "how much fence is too much".

Maybe you also want to ask about the height of the water table in the area, or at least if the homeowner's sump pump is constantly running?
 
crashed97tsi said:
You will want to know how much impervious area is allowed on the lot and how much is currently utilized. I had to fight with my township for months before they finally gave in, and I had a 1/2 acre lot. They only allowed 2,700SF of impervious area on the entire lot.
Click to expand...

Builders often use up all the allowed impervious in the lot while the real estate agent is telling buyers no problem putting in a pool. My town has a 30% impervious limitation. They had enough unhappy residents who learned this after they bought into the community that the town lowered buildings allowed impervious to be 25% and allowed 5% for other outdoor uses such as pools.
 
Also check to see what the local rules are for when you backwash and possible have to empty the pool. You may be required to put in a drywell to accommodate either. Also check that the electrical service has room to add a few circuits and has capacity for a heat pump if you are planning on having one. Is there gas service for a gas heat or do you have room for a propane tank if you decide to go that route. Are solar panels on the roof an option?
 
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