Pool Project Checklist | Coastal Custom Pool & Spa
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Select your project type and we will walk you through every question to ask, milestone to confirm, and detail to verify before, during, and after construction.

Starting Fresh
New Pool
Construction
You are building a custom pool from the ground up. This checklist covers everything from evaluating builders and reviewing your design through final inspection and handoff.
Builder evaluation and credentials
Site assessment and design review
Contract and permit verification
Construction milestones to watch
Final walkthrough and documentation
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Transforming Existing
Pool
Renovation
You have an existing pool that needs to be updated, restored, or transformed. This checklist is built around the unique challenges of renovation work.
Existing condition and scope assessment
What to reuse vs. what to replace
Hidden damage and change order risks
Renovation milestones and quality checks
Final review and water chemistry startup
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Not sure which applies to you? Call us at (239) 437-3636 and we can help.

New Construction

Custom Pool Build
Checklist

Questions to ask, things to confirm, and warning signs to watch for. From your first builder conversation through final walkthrough.

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Building a custom pool is one of the most significant investments you will make in your home. The difference between a project that goes smoothly and one that does not usually comes down to what was asked, confirmed, and documented before construction began.

Work through each section at your own pace. Your progress saves automatically. Items marked with a red indicator are warning signs that deserve a direct conversation with your builder before you move forward.

Not all pool builders operate at the same standard. These items help you identify who is qualified, accountable, and financially stable before a single dollar changes hands.
Licensing & Insurance
Confirm the builder holds a current, valid Florida contractor license
Request the license number and verify it at myfloridalicense.com before your first meeting.
Check for active complaints or disciplinary actions on fileWatch for
Unresolved or repeated complaints are worth a direct conversation before proceeding.
Confirm active general liability and workers' compensation insurance
Request a certificate of insurance naming you as certificate holder for the duration of the project.
Ask how long the company has operated under its current name and ownership
Longevity under the same name signals financial stability and accountability for past work.
References & Portfolio
Request at least three references from completed projects similar in scope to yours
Ask specifically how the builder handled unexpected issues, not just whether the finished pool looks good.
Review the portfolio for projects that match your backyard size, shape, and style
Read recent Google and BBB reviews independently, not just the testimonials on their siteWatch for
How a company responds to negative reviews often tells you more than the review itself.
Business Practices
Be cautious of any builder who pressures you to sign quickly or quotes significantly below competitorsWatch for
Low bids often reflect missing scope, inferior materials, or subcontractor instability. A rushed signature is rarely in your interest.
Confirm the builder has completed projects in your county and is familiar with local permitting
Lee and Collier County each have their own requirements. Jurisdiction experience matters.
A well-designed pool starts with a plan that accounts for your property, your lifestyle, and the Southwest Florida environment. These questions ensure nothing is left to assumption.
Site & Property
Confirm the builder has reviewed your property survey or will obtain one before design begins
Setback requirements vary by county and lot type. A survey prevents costly redesigns later.
Ask whether a soil analysis will be performed and what conditions could affect the design or foundation
Verify HOA approval requirements are understood and addressed before permit applications are submitted
Design Deliverables
Receive a detailed 2D or 3D design rendering that reflects your conversations accurately
Confirm all finish selections (plaster, tile, coping, decking) are documented in writing before signing
Verbal agreements about materials are difficult to enforce. Written specifications protect you.
Ask what equipment brands will be used and confirm they are included in the written proposal
Variable speed pumps and energy-efficient systems reduce long-term operating costs significantly in Florida.
Clarify what is not included in the quote before assuming it is coveredWatch for
Electrical upgrades, fencing, landscaping restoration, and permits often surface after signing if not addressed upfront.
The contract is where your entire agreement becomes enforceable. Read it carefully. If something is unclear, ask before signing.
Scope & Pricing
Confirm the full scope of work, all materials and equipment, and all finishes are listed in the contract
Understand the payment schedule: when each payment is due and which milestone triggers it
Payments should be tied to construction milestones, not calendar dates. Large upfront deposits warrant scrutiny.
Review the change order clause carefullyWatch for
Every change after signing should require a written change order with cost and timeline adjustments. Verbal approvals lead to disputes.
Timeline & Permits
Confirm the estimated start date, construction timeline, and conditions that could affect it
In Southwest Florida, permit timelines vary. A realistic estimate includes permitting time, not just construction days.
Confirm the builder will pull all necessary permits and that permit costs are included in the quoted price
Warranty & Liens
Understand what the builder's warranty covers, for how long, and what voids it
Confirm equipment manufacturer warranties are separate from and in addition to the workmanship warranty
Ask specifically what happens if a subcontractor files a lien on your propertyWatch for
Florida law allows subcontractors to lien your home if the general contractor does not pay them. Confirm lien releases are provided at each payment milestone.

Good to know: Florida requires a Notice of Commencement to be recorded with the county before construction begins. This establishes your protection as a property owner. Make sure you receive a copy.

You do not need to be on site every day, but knowing what to watch for at each stage protects your investment and keeps the builder accountable.
Communication
Confirm your dedicated point of contact during construction and how frequently updates will be provided
Ask who to contact if you have a concern while work is underway
There should be a direct line rather than relying on field crews to relay messages.
Construction Milestones
Dig and layout: confirm the pool position and dimensions match the approved design before excavation deepens
Steel inspection: the rebar framework passes county inspection before concrete is applied
Ask to be notified when the inspection is scheduled so you can be present if you choose.
Plumbing and electrical rough-in: confirm all lines are run before the deck is poured
Tile and coping: verify the installed materials match your approved selections exactly
Document any deviation from the original plan in writing before authorizing the builder to proceedWatch for
Field decisions made verbally and without documentation create disputes at final payment time.
The final walkthrough is your opportunity to confirm everything was delivered as agreed. Take your time. A thorough review here protects you long after the builder leaves.
Finishes & Surfaces
Confirm the interior finish color and texture match the approved selection
Inspect tile work for consistent grout lines, level placement, and no visible chips or cracks
Walk the entire deck and note any uneven sections, cracks, or areas that need sealing
Equipment & Systems
Watch the builder operate all equipment live: pump, filter, heater, automation, and water features
Do not accept handoff without a live demonstration of every system.
Receive all equipment manuals, warranty cards, and model and serial numbers in writing
Receive a written orientation on water chemistry, startup procedures, and ongoing maintenance
Documentation
Receive a copy of the signed-off permit and final county inspection approval
Confirm any outstanding punch list items are documented in writing with a committed completion date before releasing final payment
Receive lien releases from the builder and all subcontractors before or at the time of final payment
Ready to Build?

Let's Talk About
Your Project

Over 30 years of experience and 1,000+ completed projects across Southwest Florida. We are ready to walk through every one of these items with you.

Request a Consultation (239) 437-3636
Pool Renovation

Pool Renovation
Checklist

What to assess, ask, and verify when updating or transforming an existing pool. From initial condition review through your first swim after renovation.

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A pool renovation can range from a straightforward replaster to a complete structural and aesthetic transformation. The scope varies widely, and so do the risks. The most common problems in renovation projects come from unclear expectations about what is included, and from hidden conditions that were not discovered until demolition began.

This checklist is built specifically for renovation work. It covers the questions and confirmations that are unique to updating an existing pool rather than building from scratch. Items marked with a red indicator are warning signs that deserve a direct conversation before you proceed.

Renovation work requires a different skill set than new construction. The contractor you hire needs experience assessing existing conditions, not just building new ones.
Licensing & Insurance
Confirm the contractor holds a current, valid Florida contractor license
Verify at myfloridalicense.com before your first meeting.
Confirm active general liability and workers' compensation insurance
Renovation-Specific Experience
Ask how many renovation projects (not new builds) the company completes each year
Renovation requires diagnosing what exists and working around it. New construction experience alone does not prepare a contractor for this.
Request references specifically from renovation projects similar in scope to yours
Ask those references whether any hidden damage was found, and how the contractor handled it.
Be cautious of contractors who quote a renovation without a thorough on-site inspection firstWatch for
Accurate renovation pricing requires assessing the existing shell, plumbing, and equipment in person. A phone or photo quote is a sign that the scope has not been fully evaluated.
Review before and after photos of completed renovations from their portfolio
Read independent reviews with attention to how hidden issues and change orders were handledWatch for
In renovation work, surprises are common. The question is whether the contractor communicated and resolved them fairly.
The single most common source of renovation disputes is a mismatch between what the homeowner thought was included and what the contractor actually quoted. Get this defined before anything else.
Scope Definition
Confirm in writing exactly what is included in the renovation: interior finish, tile, coping, decking, equipment, or some combination
A "renovation" can mean very different things. Make sure the line items are explicit.
Confirm whether draining and refilling the pool is included in the quoted price
Clarify what happens to existing equipment: what is being replaced, what is being reused, and what is being upgraded
Ask specifically what is not included in the quoteWatch for
Plumbing upgrades, electrical code compliance, deck repairs, and landscaping restoration are frequently excluded from renovation quotes without being explicitly stated.
Existing Condition Assessment
Ask the contractor to assess the structural integrity of the existing shell before quoting
Cracks, spalling, or delamination of the existing surface can indicate deeper structural issues that affect both scope and cost.
Confirm whether existing plumbing and electrical are up to current code, and what upgrades may be required
Ask what the contingency plan is if hidden damage is found once demolition beginsWatch for
A contractor who has no clear answer to this question, or who dismisses the possibility, has not planned for the realities of renovation work.
Renovation contracts carry unique risks that new construction contracts do not. The allowances for hidden damage and change orders deserve particular attention.
Scope & Pricing
Confirm every line item of the renovation is listed explicitly in the contract
Understand the payment schedule and confirm payments are milestone-based, not calendar-based
Review how hidden damage discovered during demolition will be documented and pricedWatch for
This should be spelled out in writing. Any additional work triggered by discovered conditions should require a written change order before that work begins.
Confirm all finish selections are documented in the contract before signing
Interior plaster color, tile, coping, and decking materials should all be itemized in writing.
Timeline & Permits
Confirm the estimated project duration from drain day through refill and startup
Renovation timelines are typically shorter than new construction but can be extended by discovered issues. Get a realistic range.
Confirm whether permits are required for the scope of work and who is responsible for obtaining them
Replaster alone typically does not require a permit, but tile, coping, equipment replacement, or structural work often does. Know which category your project falls into.
Warranty
Understand the warranty on the new interior finish and what voids it
Plaster warranties are often conditional on proper water chemistry during startup. Know your obligations as the homeowner.
Confirm any new equipment carries manufacturer warranty separate from the contractor's workmanship warranty

Worth noting: If your renovation includes structural work or equipment replacement, a Notice of Commencement may be required. Ask your contractor whether the scope triggers this requirement and ensure you receive a copy if it does.

Renovation milestones are different from new construction. There is no excavation or steel work, but there are specific stages where your attention matters.
Demolition & Prep
Confirm all old finish material has been chipped and removed cleanly before new surface is applied
Applying new plaster over deteriorating old plaster shortens the life of the new finish significantly.
Confirm the shell surface has been acid-washed and prepared before new plaster is applied
If any cracks or voids are found in the shell after demolition, confirm they are properly repaired before finishing work continuesWatch for
Covering over cracks without proper structural repair is a common shortcut that leads to early finish failure.
Tile, Coping & Deck
Verify that new tile and coping materials match your approved selections before installation begins
Confirm coping is set at the correct height relative to the existing deck and bond beam
An incorrect coping height is visible and difficult to fix after the fact.
If deck work is included, confirm expansion joints are addressed and new material blends appropriately with existing sections
Equipment
Confirm any replaced equipment is installed per manufacturer specifications and local code
Document any deviation from the agreed scope in writing before authorizing the contractor to proceedWatch for
The startup period after a renovation is particularly important. New plaster requires a specific chemical startup process, and your actions in the first few weeks directly affect the longevity of the finish.
Surface & Finishes
Inspect the interior finish for consistent color, texture, and no visible holidays or missed spots
Inspect tile for consistent grout lines and clean installation with no chips, cracks, or lippage
Walk the deck and confirm any deck work is level, sealed, and free of cracking at joints
Equipment & Systems
Watch the contractor operate all equipment after refill: pump, filter, heater, automation, and any new features
Receive manuals and warranty documentation for any replaced or new equipment
Startup & Water Chemistry
Receive written startup instructions specific to your new interior finish, including the brushing schedule and chemical sequence
New plaster requires daily brushing for the first week and a careful chemical balance. Skipping this step can void your finish warranty.
Confirm when it is safe to swim after startup and what chemical levels to maintain
Documentation
Confirm any punch list items are documented in writing with a committed completion date before releasing final payment
Receive lien releases from the contractor and any subcontractors before or at final payment

One more thing: If your renovation came out exactly as you hoped, a Google review genuinely helps other Southwest Florida homeowners find the right contractor. It takes two minutes and makes a real difference.

Ready to Transform Your Pool?

Let's Talk About
Your Renovation

Over 30 years of experience transforming Southwest Florida pools. We are happy to walk through your existing pool and tell you exactly what we see.

Request a Consultation (239) 437-3636