Phase 1 — Dig & Layout • Subcontractor Scope of Work • DIY Pools & Spas

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Homeowner

Dig Date

Get Ready

Prep & Layout

Verify 811/Dig Alert markings are in place before breaking ground. Do not dig within marked utility zones.

Confirm your equipment fits the access route. Note any fencing or gates that need to come down.

Review the engineering plans in detail — dimensions, slopes, coves, all features and elevations.

Confirm coping type. Bond beam height depends on it (e.g., 1.5" for thin stone, 3.5" for cantilever).

Set up transit/laser and verify level around the entire pool perimeter.

Use a storyboard (or stake) to mark every elevation: zero (level pool), pool coping, raises, spa beam where applicable.

Execute

During Work

Paint the waterline first, then dig 12" wider in every direction to accommodate the 12" bond beam.

Set form boards on stakes, leveled with transit. Forms at slopes must sit at least 3" above grade.

For any walls sticking up above grade, install heavy framing and kickers strong enough to hold gunite pressure.

Cut a tractor ramp on the deep-end side; backfill behind a button board (plywood or pegboard) and compact after gunite.

Dig deeper to accommodate the 6" gravel base; supply and install gravel after excavation.

Bring a breaker if hard pan, shale, or boulders are encountered. Notify homeowner of any added cost.

Reroute any irrigation, drains, or low-voltage lines that conflict with the pool footprint.

Wrap Up

End of Day & Handoff

Install or replace a safety fence at the end of every workday — orange construction fence is acceptable if no permanent fence is in place.

Recheck elevations on gunite day — forms will have shifted.

Grade and clean up the site at completion. No debris left behind.

Optional

Notes

Scope complete.

Final walk-through with the homeowner, confirm elevations are documented, and hand the site off clean.