Rain can pose a risk of cave-ins between the stages of excavation and gunite application. While we take steps to prepare for unstable soils and mitigate potential risks, heavy rains may still require additional efforts to stabilize the area, which could lead to additional charges. 

If rain delays or additional stabilization measures are needed during your pool construction project, your Project Manager will keep you informed of any changes to the schedule or additional costs associated with weather.

Elevation refers to the height difference of your yard in relation to a specific point (such as your patio or another reference point). This plays a crucial role in determining several aspects of your pool construction, including:

  • Retaining walls
  • Pool height
  • Grading and drainage

The final elevation is typically determined on dig day, and any adjustments made during this process may impact the original contract details. If the elevation differs significantly from the initial assessment, it could result in changes to the scope of the project and/or additional costs.

Examples of elevation:

The details of fence removal are clearly outlined in your construction contract. It’s important to carefully review this section to ensure you understand whether fence removal and reinstallation are included in the standard scope of work.

If fence removal and reinstallation were not accounted for in your contract, additional costs may arise if this is needed. To avoid unexpected fees, please make sure you are fully aware of what is covered in the contract and discuss any questions with your Project Manager.

Keep in mind, even if this line item is included in your contract there could be additional charges if a change in equipment is required. The swing radius of the excavator may require more fence to be taken down than what may have been expected.

The depths of your pool, including the shallow end, are outlined in your construction agreement. However, please note that variations in soil conditions may lead to slight adjustments in depth during the excavation process.

If you have specific preferences for the depth of the shallow end or any other aspect of your pool, it’s important to discuss these with your Project Manager before excavation begins. This ensures that your pool design meets your expectations and avoids any last-minute changes.

Rock removal can incur additional costs depending on the time and labor required to remove it. This is outlined in your project contract. The cost for rock removal can vary significantly from project to project. 

If rock removal is necessary, it may involve digging, scraping, chipping, clipping, hammering, or hauling the rock away. These tasks require extra time and labor which translates to additional costs will apply based on the amount of time spent on removal. Hauling and disposal fees will also be factored into the cost, as most dump sites do not accept rock material.

Please understand that the cost to complete the rock removal is determined by how long it takes to manage the rock and dispose of it properly. Each backyard is unique in regard to what we may find once we begin digging. If you have any concerns or questions about potential rock removal costs, feel free to discuss them with your Project Manager before work begins.

We highly recommend contacting your utility providers to relocate temporary lines before the start of your pool construction project. During excavation, there is a possibility of encountering various utilities and obstacles, which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Electric lines
  • Gas lines
  • Water lines
  • Sewer and septic systems
  • Irrigation lines
  • Tree roots
  • Rock formations
  • Expansive soils
  • Old pools or pool remnants
  • Retaining walls
  • Underground debris (e.g., previously buried pets, etc.) 

Should any of these utilities or obstacles be encountered during excavation, the costs associated with mitigation will be outlined in your construction agreement. It is important to note that unexpected findings can result in additional work and costs.

To avoid delays and ensure a smoother construction process, please work with your Project Manager and utility providers to ensure all lines are properly relocated or identified before excavation begins.

Driveways are only used as a last resort access point during your pool construction project. A standard driveway typically cannot withstand the weight of a 70,000 lb. fully loaded dump truck. While we make every effort to avoid damage, Emerald Custom Pools is not responsible for any damage to your driveway that may occur during construction.

If your driveway is damaged, we can offer repair services at an additional cost. The cost of repairs will be discussed and outlined in advance.

To minimize the risk of damage, it’s always a good idea to discuss access options with your Project Manager prior to construction to explore alternative routes or protective measures.

We’ve been in talks with aliens who promised to lend us hovercrafts, so our in-house dig crew can float above your grass like pool construction superheroes. But, just in case their spaceship breaks down, we’ll do our best to keep things neat!

Excavation during your pool construction project may disturb various areas of your property, including grass, dirt, sprinkler systems, sidewalks, fences, and other landscaping features. Emerald Custom Pools is not responsible for damage to these items if they are disturbed or destroyed during excavation. While damage to these areas is typically not covered under the standard scope of the construction contract, we are happy to offer repair services if needed. Please note that these repairs are generally not included in the standard contract and may result in additional costs.