+ How much does it cost?

This is an excellent question. Pools can range from $30,000 on up for an inground concrete pool. Pricing depends on size, features, plat survey, terrain, equipment and materials. An accurate estimate will be determined after we consult with you about your desires and budget. Outdoor kitchens, pergolas, fire pits, pavers, sitting walls, fireplaces, etc. are priced according to size and materials used.

+ Do you offer financing?

Yes, we have several companies we can refer you to. Just click on the FINANCING link in the left navigation of the page.

+ How long does it take from the time I sign a contract until construction begins?

It typically takes us anywhere from one to four weeks. However, the time can vary from a few weeks to several months. It’s influenced by a variety of factors, the time needed for you to obtain any required homeowner association approvals, your timely furnishing of surveys and other documents required to prepare plans and submit permit applications, and the time necessary for your local building department to actually process the permit application once it is submitted. Construction cannot commence until we have a construction permit.

+ How long does it take to get a construction permit?

All outdoor kitchens, pergolas, screen enclosures, and pools must be permitted. Once your construction permit application is submitted, it can take from one day to two weeks to receive a permit, depending upon where you live. The time required to process your permit application by the building department may be more or less than the estimated time due to the volume of work they have to process when your permit application is submitted.

+ Who applies for and obtains permits?

Backyard Designs, Inc. will apply for and obtain all required construction permits for items included within its scope of contract work. You will also be required to obtain approval from your homeowner’s association, if one exists, as well as any variances that may be required to allow the work to be done.

+ How long will it take to build a pool?

The time it takes to build your pool depends on the size and the complexity of the job as well as any adverse weather delays. Our average pool completion is about 8 weeks, sometimes less.

+ Will I see people working on my backyard project every day?

No. Onsite work is performed and scheduled in phases to coincide with all required offsite activities. Even though you may not see people working in your backyard, work is taking place elsewhere: inspections are being called, materials are being ordered and future work is being scheduled.

+ Do you work on weekends?

Yes—if necessary for scheduling reasons and to maintain job progress.

+ What factors can cause the completion of my pool or outdoor project to be delayed?

There are a variety of factors that can cause delays in the completion of your pool. Some of the more common reasons are: • Inclement weather, including the time necessary for the site to dry out after rain. • Our inability to obtain required inspections of the work from your municipal building department in a timely manner. • Limitations on site access and hours of work by you, a homeowner’s association or municipality. • When building a pool, unforeseen site conditions encountered upon excavation, including muck, excessive rock, unstable soil conditions, uncharted underground utilities or plumbing lines. • Our inability to obtain equipment or materials due to manufacturing or distribution issues. • Changes made by you in the scope of work after constr uction commences. These are changes that require different materials than those originally specified and ordered or that require revisions to the plans and re-approval of the plans by your local building department.

+ What is the difference between gunite and shotcrete for a pool shell?

Shotcrete is premixed at a concrete batch plant and is delivered to the jobsite “wet”, while gunite is delivered to the jobsite in a dry form and water is added to the mixture at the application nozzle. There is no difference in strength between the two products.

+ What types of deck / patio surfaces are available?

There are many different types of deck/patio surfaces available, and your selections are limited only by your imagination and budget. Paver decks are very popular and are standard with our pools.

+ What type of piping is used for the pool plumbing?

We use Schedule 40 PVC piping in accordance with the applicable building codes in your area.

+ What time do your crews start work in the morning?

Crews typically begin work between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., However, depending on the type of work being performed, crews may arrive at your site at any time during the day.

+ Do you clean up the debris resulting from construction?

Yes—construction debris is typically removed two or three times during the course of construction.

+ Who is responsible for damage to my neighbor’s property?

We will assume responsibility for any damage to adjacent property caused by any negligent performance of our construction activities.

+ Will any of my underground utility lines be affected by construction?

Possibly—we will notify the underground utility location service of our dig plans several days before the scheduled excavation date. They are responsible for marking the location of underground utility lines. The homeowner is responsible to make us aware of any lines ran (i.e. well, irrigation, electrical, etc.) that was put in place by someone other than public utilities.

+ Are there any legal or safety requirements we need to comply with?

Yes — When building a pool, you will need to insure that your yard and pool area are adequately safeguarded with a fence or other barrier to prevent access to the pool from the backyard. You will also need code compliant door and window alarms or a safety barrier to prevent access to the pool from inside your house.

+ Will Backyard Designs, Inc. make a final inspection and show us how it all works?

When your pool is finished, a Backyard Designs, Inc. represent ative will conduct a short class in water chemistry and instruct you in the care and cleaning of your pool. Backyard Designs, Inc. will also attend to any “finish up” details and make sure that you are completely satisfied with your new pool or outdoor project.