Sugarland is an upscale city located southwest of Houston. With over 17 gated communities and many amenities throughout, Sugar Land is an attractive neighborhood for young families and white-collar workers. Building a pool in Sugar Land will make living there that much better.
Since the early ’90s, the city has had a population growth of over 85%, many are homeowners who want a backyard oasis. So, when it comes to building a pool Sugar Land, this is what you need to know before hiring a contractor:
Swimming pool contractors must register or already registered with the City of Sugarland.
To receive a swimming pool building permit, the contractor must apply and submit three copies of plans, including site and survey plans.
After the pool permit is issued, the subcontractors must obtain separate licenses for plumbing and electrical installation. Registration and licensing laws are applicable.
During construction, there will be inspections such as:
Pool Location
A copy of the building permit and approved plans (including the site plan) must be in view at the job site.
Pool Steel
Drain separation inspection to ensure that the entrapment protection is working correctly.
Electrical Underground/Bonding
As part of the electrical permit, a PE resistance test is required by Electrical Safety Testing Standards. The ground bond test consists of inspecting ground points connect correctly from a device and to the main ground.
Deck Steel
Recheck steel bonding & 5′ bonding radius rule.
Gas
As part of the plumbing permit, it is imperative to call in and obtain a gas meter before the final inspection. Use an approved calibrated gauge.
Pool Final Inspection
Lastly, the final inspection at the end of construction includes checking on self-closing, self-latching gates, and barrier requirements as per the International Building Code. Also, the review consists of electrical and plumbing systems.
Before starting construction, the contractor must have a checklist that includes:
Engineered Proximity Letter (if applicable)
If the construction is less than five feet away from the foundation of a building or structure, the document will determine if it is in good standing to proceed with the project.
Overhead Electric Line
Ensure that power lines are over 25 feet high from the water’s edge (recommended by the National Electrical Code).
Electric and Gas Blueprint
A layout of all wiring and gas connections, as well as other essential elements, is required for approval.
Utility Variance and Utility Easement
New neighborhoods, especially gated communities have utility easements located along the fence line for underground cables. When it comes to constructing a pool, builders must remember that they cannot place any plumbing, gas, drains, electrical cables, or hardscape in the easement. If they are looking for a utility variance, it may not be easy to get approval.
Hose Bib with Anti-Siphon
The hose bib with anti-siphon prevents water from siphoning through an outside faucet, helping to avoid contamination of drinking water used in your home. Therefore, the city requires swimming pool builders to indicate which device will be in use.
VGB Compliant Drains
Check for certification markings on the cover of the drain. All drains must be compliant with VGB requirements. If you are not sure or cannot confirm, the best solution is to replace the drain cover. However, the MDX is a VGB compliant debris drain that allows dirt, leaves, and other debris to remove effectively from your pool.
Self-Closing/Latching Gate
As required by law in the state of Texas, the gates must be, at least, six feet tall, self-closing and self-latching. It means that it must fully close and latch without any human intervention.
Door Alarms
Door alarms on all doors leading to the pool area must have an alarm located five feet above the door threshold. It must sound continuously for 30 seconds.
Electric and Gas Blueprint
A layout of all wiring and gas connections, as well as other essential elements, is required for approval.
Overflow & Backwash Run to Storm Sewer
The storm drain system or storm sewer prevents flooding of streets and highways by transferring water into bayous, creeks, rivers, and Galveston Bay.
Exits at Each End of the Pool
Based on safety concerns in Sugar Land, each end of the pool must have a bench, steps, or ladder to get out of the pool.
No Building Within Three Feet of the Property Line
Any construction of a pool in Sugar Land must be three feet away from the property line.
Six Feet Slat Fence
Your contractor must ensure that the 6′ Slat fence enclosing the entire backyard & pool area is in the design plans.
Electrical Installation Permit
An electrician not only has to be licensed but he or she must also request a permit to install the electrical system for the oasis. Also, an Electrical Load Analysis by Master Electrician document must accompany the permit application. Load analysis is a verification that all electrical systems are safe and efficient, and shows no signs of overload. It also reveals potential problems with every usage, harmonic interference, or spikes that it may not identify in a visual inspection alone.
HOA Approval
Living in a community that’s run by a homeowner’s association can have its benefits. But it can also make some aspects of property ownership a little confusing. Before building anything, have the prospect request approval from their homeowner’s association.
Don’t miss our blog next week. We will keep you up to date with the requirements needed to have the pool of your dreams in Cypress. Remember that Platinum Pools has a team of experts ready to assist you in building your staycation. Call us at 281.870.1600 or visit our website for a free quote.