Phase 3 — Plumbing & Conduit • Homeowner Checklist • DIY Pools & Spas

Why this phase matters

This is one of the most involved phases of your build — it sets up circulation, equipment, lights, fountains, and bonding. Stay engaged on choices like jet placement and equipment location, and confirm who handles bonding so nothing gets missed before the pre-gunite inspection.

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

Confirm equipment delivery — it's best to have all your pool equipment on-site so the plumber can hook everything up the same day.

Check that your propane tank size and regulator match the heater's BTU requirements.

If you're not using a salt system, plan for the plumber to install an inline pool chlorinator during this phase.

Ask your plumber to install a hydro relief valve for the high water table.

For fountain pumps, you'll need separate suction lines — either a channel drain or two separate main drains 3 ft apart (code requirement).

Decide who is handling bonding and grounding — your plumber or your electrician. Both can do it; just confirm one is on it.

Coordinate & Confirm

Day Of

Walk through spa jet heights with your plumber. Vary by location for best comfort (low back, mid back) — your call.

Confirm conduit runs: from the main electrical panel to equipment, and from pool lights back to equipment. Same question — plumber or electrician?

If you live in a freezing area, confirm pressure testing uses air, not water (water in pipes can freeze and crack them).

Take photos of the labeled stub-plumbing manifold so you have a record of which pipe does what.

Optional

Pro Tips

Have the plumber install a hose bib at the equipment pad — saves dragging hoses every time you clean filters or prime pumps.

Ask for a return line into your tanning ledge / Baja shelf so it gets natural circulation and stays cleaner.

Confirm the plumber will paint exposed PVC for UV protection, or budget time to do it yourself.

Make sure pool equipment is bolted to its pad before the plumber leaves.

Once steel + plumbing + electrical are all complete, schedule the pre-gunite inspection.

Optional

Notes

Plumbing is set. Pre-gunite inspection ready.

Pressure is holding, bonding is in, and your equipment is ready to plumb in. Schedule the inspection and prepare for gunite.