Best Yard Prep Mistakes to Avoid

Professional Pool Company — How to Prepare Your Yard Properly Before Pool Construction Begins

Preparing your yard correctly before construction starts helps avoid delays, extra costs, and preventable damage. Many homeowners don’t realize how much their yard impacts excavation, equipment access, and drainage. This guide outlines the most common yard prep mistakes—and how to avoid them.

⭐ 1. Not Clearing Access Paths for Excavation

The most common cause of delays is blocked access.

Access issues include:

• Narrow gates
• AC units positioned too close to property lines
• Overgrown shrubs or trees
• Trash cans, furniture, and grills blocking equipment routes
• Fences not removed in time

How to avoid it:

✔ Remove fence panels ahead of time

✔ Trim shrubs and tree limbs

✔ Clear patio furniture, grills, and planters

✔ Make sure irrigation heads along the path are marked

⭐ 2. Forgetting About Irrigation and Sprinkler Lines

Sprinkler systems almost always run along the property perimeter—exactly where equipment must pass.

Mistakes include:

• Not capping irrigation zones
• Buried lines that break during excavation
• Sprinklers flooding the worksite
• Irrigation zones spraying fresh gunite or interior finish

How to avoid it:

✔ Turn off your controller before construction

✔ Have irrigation capped or rerouted if needed

✔ Inform your project manager about your irrigation layout

⭐ 3. Leaving Pets Outside During Work Hours

Dogs in the backyard during construction create safety concerns for:

• Pets
• Crew members
• Equipment access
• Open trenches and rebar

How to avoid it:

✔ Keep pets indoors or in a safe area during construction hours

✔ Notify us if you need crew arrival windows

⭐ 4. Not Removing Fragile or Decorative Landscaping

Plants near the pool footprint or access route often get damaged unintentionally.

Mistakes include:

• Leaving expensive shrubs within the dig area
• Allowing roots to interfere with plumbing lines
• Not relocating small trees ahead of time
• Planting new landscaping before construction

How to avoid it:

✔ Temporarily relocate anything you want saved

✔ Delay new planting until after final grading and deck installation

⭐ 5. Not Marking Septic Tank, Drainfield, or Utility Lines

If your property has septic, identifying the system early is critical.

Risks:

• Equipment driving over tanks
• Accidental excavation into drainfields
• Wrong pool placement
• County correction delays

How to avoid it:

✔ Provide your survey with septic locations

✔ Mark tanks and drainfields with flags

✔ Notify your project manager early

⭐ 6. Underestimating Root and Tree System Interference

Large trees can cause:

• Root conflicts
• Excavation delays
• Equipment access issues
• Drainage problems
• Permit revisions (if protected)

How to avoid it:

✔ Trim large roots near the pool area

✔ Consider removing problematic trees before construction

✔ Check if your city/county requires a tree permit

⭐ 7. Not Preparing for Soil and Drainage Adjustments

Every pool requires proper drainage. Homeowners sometimes block drainage routes without realizing it.

Mistakes:

• Storing materials on top of drainage swales
• Creating low spots that hold water
• Allowing downspouts to wash into the dig area

How to avoid it:

✔ Keep drainage swales clear

✔ Do not pile soil near the pool footprint

✔ Inform us of problem areas with standing water

⭐ 8. Leaving Outdoor Decorations and Loose Items Around

Excavation creates vibrations and dust.

At risk items:

• Umbrellas
• Yard décor
• Light furniture
• Garden ornaments
• Potted plants
• Trampolines

How to avoid it:

✔ Move anything lightweight or fragile to the garage

✔ Store outdoor cushions and fabric items

⭐ 9. Not Planning for Dumpster or Material Staging Areas

Crews need space for:

• Rebar
• Plumbing
• Sand
• Pavers
• Equipment pads
• Concrete washouts

How to avoid it:

✔ Clear one side of the driveway or yard

✔ Remove cars before construction days

✔ Avoid street parking if crews need access

⭐ 10. Waiting Too Long to Choose Materials

Delays happen when:

• Tile isn’t chosen before plumbing/steel
• Pavers aren’t finalized before decking
• Interior finish isn’t selected before plaster day

How to avoid it:

✔ Choose all materials early

✔ Keep backups if your first choice is backordered

⭐ 11. Not Communicating Future Yard Plans

If you plan to add structures later, we need to account for them now.

Examples:

• Pergola
• Fire pit
• Summer kitchen
• Artificial turf
• Additional decks
• Landscaping beds

How to avoid it:

✔ Tell us early so we can plan drainage, electrical, or anchor points

⭐ 12. Ignoring Weather Prep (One of the Biggest Issues)

Rain can:

• Collapse an unprotected dig
• Flood trenches
• Delay inspections
• Damage fresh gunite or pavers

How to avoid it:

✔ Make sure gutters and downspouts flow away from the dig area

✔ Avoid running sprinklers

✔ Keep yard access clear for pumps if needed

⭐ 13. Underestimating the Amount of Soil Removed

Excavation creates a LOT of dirt.

Mistakes:

• Expecting no temporary mess
• Blocking dump truck paths
• Not preparing neighbors

How to avoid it:

✔ Understand soil removal can take multiple loads

✔ Keep driveway clear

✔ Warn neighbors about temporary truck traffic

⭐ Summary: Proper Yard Prep Helps Your Build Run Smoothly

Avoiding these common issues ensures:

✔ Faster build

✔ Cleaner worksite

✔ Fewer delays

✔ Better drainage

✔ Safer environment

✔ Lower chance of unexpected fixes

Professional Pool Company will always guide you through the prep process and answer any questions along the way.

⭐ Need Help Preparing Your Yard?

We walk your property with you before digging to make sure everything is ready.

👉 Contact us anytime for yard prep assistance.

Updated on: 29/11/2025