The Complete Pool Buyer Checklist for Utah Families

Buying an in-ground pool is a $60K-$300K decision. This is the complete checklist to work through BEFORE signing any contract. Print it, use it, and you’ll thank yourself in 5 years.

Phase 1: Budget & Goals (Week 1-2)

Set a real all-in budget — not just pool, but decking, fence, equipment, landscape, financing
Decide on financing — cash, HELOC, pool loan, refi
Get pre-qualified if financing
Define how you’ll use the pool — laps, family, entertaining, hot tub, year-round
Estimate years of ownership — affects ROI math
List “must haves” vs. “nice to haves”

Phase 2: Yard Assessment (Week 2-3)

Measure available yard space (minus setbacks)
Identify septic, well, gas, electric line locations
Note slope, drainage, mature trees
Check for HOA pool restrictions
Verify city setback requirements
Plan equipment pad location (consider neighbor noise)
Plan deck size and material

Phase 3: Pool Type Decision (Week 3-4)

Compare concrete vs. fiberglass vs. vinyl — see our comparison
Decide on shape and size
Confirm depth needs (no diving boards in modern code)
Decide on attached spa (much cheaper to add now than later)
Choose finish material (plaster, pebble, quartz)
Choose decking material (concrete, paver, travertine)

Phase 4: Builder Selection (Week 4-6)

Research 3-5 builders in your area
Verify license on Utah DOPL
Check insurance certificates
Read 50+ Google reviews
Visit 3 finished pools nearby
Get written quotes from 2-3 builders
Compare scope carefully (what’s included vs. extra)
Ask the 12 vetting questions — see 12 Questions to Ask

Phase 5: Equipment & Features (Week 5-7)

Variable-speed pump (required by Utah code on new pools)
Filter type (cartridge, DE, sand)
Heater type (gas vs. heat pump vs. solar)
Salt vs. chlorine sanitization
LED lighting plan
Automation system (Pentair, Hayward, Jandy)
Auto cover or safety cover
Special features (tanning shelf, waterfall, fire features)

Phase 6: Contract & Permits (Week 6-8)

Read the contract carefully
Check payment milestones (no 50%+ upfront)
Review change-order pricing
Verify warranty terms
Confirm timeline penalties
Check arbitration clauses
Have attorney review if project is large
Sign + initial deposit
Builder pulls permits

Phase 7: HOA Approval (If Applicable, Week 6-12)

Get 3D rendering from builder
Submit complete HOA package
Track approval timeline
Address revisions promptly

Phase 8: Insurance (Before Construction)

Notify homeowners insurance
Increase liability to $500K+
Consider umbrella policy ($1M-$3M)
Confirm coverage during construction
For STR/Airbnb: switch to commercial policy

Phase 9: Construction (Weeks 8-22)

Photograph the build weekly
Make milestone payments on time
Walk the site weekly
Communicate concerns immediately
Don’t change design after signing

Phase 10: Pool School & Handover (Final week)

Attend full pool school
Test all equipment yourself
Get warranty documentation
Schedule first pro service
Document any punch-list items
Save all paperwork in one folder

Phase 11: Ongoing Ownership

Weekly chemistry maintenance
Monthly equipment check
Spring open and fall winterization (CRITICAL in Utah)
Annual equipment service
Document service history (helps at resale)

Need help working through this checklist? Get a free design consult →