Phase 1 — Dig & Layout • Homeowner Checklist • DIY Pools & Spas

Why this phase matters

This is the foundation of your entire build. A good dig — accurate layout, the right depth, every feature in the right place — means every phase after runs smoothly. Walk it through with your contractor, ask questions, and don't let anyone rush the layout.

Customize first. Some items only apply to certain projects (spa, fountains, art rock, etc.). Toggle the Project Options below before printing or sharing.

Homeowner

Dig Date

Plan Ahead

Before This Phase

Call 811 (Dig Alert) a few days ahead — it's free, and they'll flag gas, electric, water, and fiber lines so the tractor knows where not to dig.

Pick your coping type now. Its thickness (≈1.5" for thin stone, ≈3.5" for cantilever) sets the bond beam height and must be communicated to the excavator before they dig.

Decide if you want a 6" gravel base under the steel cage — if yes, tell the crew so they dig deeper and bring the gravel.

Decide on dirt management: hauled off the property, or stockpiled on-site for future landscaping/grading.

Designate a staging area on your property for material deliveries (pool equipment, tile, plumbing, etc.).

Pull out anything underground you want to keep — sprinkler heads, drip lines, low-voltage lighting. The tractor takes no mercy.

Call your excavator a few days ahead: confirm their equipment fits your access (you may need to take down a section of fence or RV gate) and ask what they need from you (lumber, stakes, things moved).

Ask neighbors or local pool owners about your soil. Hard pan, shale, or boulders mean a breaker rental and added cost — better to know now.

Give your neighbors a heads-up about noise, dust, and trucks.

Show Up & Verify

Day Of

Be on-site. Walk the painted layout with your contractor before the tractor moves — confirm location, length, width, setbacks from property line and house, and every feature: love seats, reef shelves, steps, depth, raised areas, skimmer locations, spa.

Confirm the excavator understands the engineering plans (slopes, coves, all elements) and is following them.

Set your Baja/tanning shelf height now: first step ≈ 6" water depth (belly button), second step ≈ 18" water depth (chest).

Keep windows and doors closed — heavy dust.

Make sure a safety fence is up before the crew leaves for the day (orange construction fencing is fine if your real fence isn't back up yet).

Optional

Pro Tips

Rent a porta potty (~$300/mo) so the crew isn't walking through your house every time they need a bathroom.

Have a sump pump on hand in case rain hits between now and gunite — a freshly dug hole fills fast.

Set a waterproof bin with the plans and key details on-site so any sub can quick-reference them.

A trash can and a cooler of cold drinks for the crew is a small gesture with a big return.

Optional

Notes

You're ready for dig day.

Every box is checked. Print the PDF for the field, share it with your sub, and get ready to watch your pool take shape.