Transforming Your Douglas County Backyard: The Critical Role of Equipment Access in Pool Construction Success
Building a custom inground pool is an exciting investment that can transform your Douglas County property into a personal oasis. However, before the first shovel breaks ground, one of the most crucial considerations is ensuring proper access for heavy construction machinery. The excavation phase requires big, loud, heavy machinery to dig the pool hole, including equipment such as excavators, backhoes and dump trucks, making access planning essential for both project success and cost control.
Understanding Equipment Access Requirements
Pool construction companies need adequate space to maneuver large machinery safely and efficiently. The amount of clearance needed for normal size equipment is 8 feet or more specifically 96 inches, though some contractors can work with a continuous path at least 9 feet wide and 14 feet high. This clearance is measured between structures like your house and property fencing, determining which type of equipment can access your backyard.
The first choice for pool excavation equipment is a large track hoe, as it can scoop a lot of dirt at one time and can usually get the job done the quickest. However, when space is limited, contractors must adapt their approach. Tight squeeze access (6 feet wide by 10 feet high) requires a mini excavator and a small loader, though smaller equipment equals more time excavating.
Preparing Your Douglas County Property
Proper preparation can significantly impact both the timeline and cost of your pool construction project. You can be prepared by ensuring your access is ready, clear, and any fence panels are removed, while irrigation lines in the pool area or access are cut and capped as needed. This preparation helps contractors work more efficiently and prevents delays.
Depending on the location of the site in your yard where the pool will be built, you may even need to temporarily remove some fencing so the excavation team can access the area with their equipment, as an opening of around eight feet is enough to get machines into most yards for pool excavation.
Property owners should also consider utility marking requirements. Before an inground pool is dug, it is important to call the national Call Before You Dig line at 811, as they will call a county official out to your property to mark underground utilities, using different colors of paint to denote lines for cable, water, electricity and gas.
The Excavation Process and Timeline
On typical residential pool projects, the dig is completed in a single day, though larger pools or those with complex configurations can take two days. The efficiency of this process largely depends on proper access preparation and soil conditions.
Pool excavation involves using heavy machinery to remove soil and create the desired shape and depth for your pool, and understanding this process is crucial, as it lays the foundation for the rest of your pool construction project. In cases with challenging building conditions, such as soil instability or underground obstacles—from rock to unexpected utility lines—the dig process will likely take longer.
Safety Considerations During Construction
Heavy machinery operation requires strict safety protocols. You should plan to keep children and pets indoors while this work is being carried out to avoid the potential for accidents, and it is also important to avoid walking in the area as the edges of the hole are often vulnerable to crumbling. It is a good idea to let your neighbors know in advance when noisy work will be carried out to avoid conflicts.
Working with Experienced Douglas County Pool Builders
When planning your pool construction project, partnering with experienced local contractors makes all the difference. Companies specializing in pool construction douglas county understand the unique challenges and requirements of the area. Deep Waters Pools was built on over 30 years of hands-on pool construction experience, and after decades of working in concrete, plumbing, and custom pool builds, they decided to start their own company focused on quality, honesty, and personalized service, growing into a trusted local business that designs and builds strong, beautiful in-ground pools for families across South Georgia.
Deep Waters Pools, Spas, & Patios specializes in custom inground cement pools and gets the job done in a timely manner without sacrificing quality. Their experience with local conditions and Douglas County requirements ensures proper planning for equipment access and regulatory compliance.
Planning for Success
Pool construction plans typically show the pool deck, location of the pool equipment, access areas for machinery to enter the yard, and position of any outdoor amenities. This comprehensive planning approach helps identify potential access challenges before construction begins.
A basic understanding of factors that range from soil conditions to available space for heavy construction equipment to enter will help you better appreciate the bids you obtain from pool contractors, and even if your backyard is less than ideal, a qualified pool builder will be able to address most any typical challenge and do so at a reasonable price.
Proper equipment access planning is fundamental to successful pool construction in Douglas County. By understanding space requirements, preparing your property adequately, and working with experienced local contractors, you can ensure your pool construction project proceeds smoothly from excavation to completion. The investment in proper planning pays dividends in reduced costs, shorter timelines, and ultimately, the backyard oasis you’ve always dreamed of.