A Step-by-Step Guide to the Pool Installation Process
If you’ve ever looked at your backyard and thought, “I really want a pool… but where do I even start?” — you’re not alone.
For many homeowners, installing a swimming pool feels overwhelming at first. Between planning, budgeting, permits, excavation, landscaping, and final details, there are a lot of moving parts. That’s why at Precision Property Pros, we’ve created a simple, organized process to guide homeowners through every phase of their backyard transformation.
Whether you’re interested in an above-ground pool or a custom in-ground pool installation, our goal is to make the experience exciting, stress-free, and easy to understand from start to finish.
Step 1: Select Your Pool Package
The first step is choosing the type of pool and overall layout that best fits your backyard, lifestyle, and budget.
Some homeowners want a simple, relaxing setup while others want a complete outdoor entertaining space with features like:
Sun shelves
Bubblers and laminars
Waterfalls
Slides
Fire features
Paver patios
Pergolas and seating areas
At Precision Property Pros, we help homeowners design a pool area that fits both their vision and property layout.
Step 2: Submit Your Plat of Survey
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll ask you to submit a copy of your plat of survey. This helps us understand:
Property boundaries
Easements
Existing structures
Utility locations
Available backyard space
Having this information early helps us plan your project correctly from the beginning.
Step 3: Call JULIE (811)
Before excavation can begin, underground utility lines must be located through JULIE (811). This step is critical for safety and helps prevent damage to gas, electric, cable, or water lines during excavation.
Utility locating is an essential part of preparing your property for pool installation.
Step 4: Schedule Your Site Evaluation
Next, our team visits your property for a site evaluation. During this visit, we assess:
Yard accessibility
Grading and drainage conditions
Excavation access
Utility placement
Backyard layout and elevation
This helps us determine the best approach for your installation and identify any potential challenges early.
Step 5: Select Your Pool Features & Hardscape Options
Now the exciting part begins — customizing your backyard.
In addition to your pool, many homeowners choose to add:
Paver patios
Retaining walls
Fire pits
Seating walls
Pergolas
Outdoor lighting
Waterfalls
Bubblers and laminars
Basketball hoops and slides
At Precision Property Pros, we specialize in complete outdoor living spaces — not just pools.
Step 6: Receive & Approve Your Estimate
Once your selections are finalized, we’ll prepare your detailed estimate outlining the project scope, materials, and pricing.
This stage allows homeowners to review:
Pool specifications
Hardscape selections
Installation costs
Optional upgrades
Project timeline expectations
Our goal is complete transparency throughout the process.
Step 7: Submit Your Deposit
Once your estimate is approved, your deposit secures your place on our installation schedule.
At this stage, materials, permitting preparation, and scheduling begin moving forward.
Step 8: Review Your Site Plan Drawing
Before construction begins, homeowners review and approve their customized site plan drawing.
This drawing helps visualize:
Pool placement
Patio layout
Landscaping areas
Drainage planning
Walkways and transitions
This ensures every detail is approved before excavation starts.
Step 9: Permit Approval Process
Permits are required for most pool installation projects. Our team helps guide homeowners through the permit process to ensure compliance with local building requirements and HOA guidelines.
This phase may include:
Permit applications
Engineering documents
Site approvals
Utility coordination
Proper planning helps prevent delays later in the project.
Step 10: Sign Your Installation Agreement
Once permits are approved, the installation agreement is finalized. This outlines:
Project scope
Timeline expectations
Responsibilities
Materials and selections
At this stage, your project officially moves into the construction phase.
Step 11: Pre-Installation Walkthrough
Before installation begins, we complete a final walkthrough with the homeowner to review:
Pool placement
Access points
Material staging areas
Timeline expectations
Final project details
This ensures everyone is aligned before construction starts.
Step 12: Schedule Your Installation Date
Now it’s time for the transformation to begin.
Once your installation date is scheduled, our crews prepare for excavation and construction.
What Happens During Pool Installation?
Many homeowners also wonder what physically happens during the installation process. While every project varies slightly, most pool installations include:
Excavation
The backyard is excavated based on the approved layout and pool dimensions.
Pool Structure Installation
The pool shell or structure is installed and secured.
Plumbing & Mechanicals
Pool plumbing, filtration systems, and equipment are installed and connected.
Electrical & Gas Work
Electrical systems, lighting, automation, and gas lines for heaters or fire features are completed.
Hardscape Installation
Patios, coping, retaining walls, and seating areas are installed.
Landscaping & Lawn Repair
Final grading, sod, plantings, and landscaping complete the backyard transformation.
More Than Just Pool Installation
At Precision Property Pros, we offer complete outdoor living solutions throughout Chicagoland, including:
Pool installation
Hardscaping
Landscaping
Grading & drainage
Concrete services
Carpentry & pergolas
Fencing
Demolition & haul away
Bulk material delivery
Seasonal maintenance services
We help homeowners create outdoor spaces that are functional, beautiful, and built for entertaining.
Ready to Start Your Pool Project?
Installing a pool doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right team and a clear process, your dream backyard is completely achievable.
Learn more about our process here:
👉 https://www.precisionpropertypros.com/chicagoland-precision-property-pros-pool-installations-where-do-i-start
If you’re ready to begin planning your backyard transformation, contact Precision Property Pros today.