What Are the First Steps to Building a Pool in Nashville?

One of the first things people ask when they call Nashville Dip Pools is:

"What are the first steps?"

It’s a smart question because building a pool isn’t just picking a shape and digging a hole. It’s about making sure your space is ready, and your plan is solid before you ever break ground.

Let’s walk through what happens, step-by-step, so you know exactly what to expect.

Step One: The Site Visit

Once you reach out, we’ll schedule a site visit. Jackson from our team usually leads these—he’s the one who can spot a red flag in your yard faster than most.

We’ll walk your property together and answer the first question most homeowners are quietly wondering:

"Can we actually build a pool here?"

Most of the time, the answer is yes with no issues. Other times, we uncover things like:

• Overhead power lines that dictate pool location

• Slopes or grade changes that could affect design or budget

• Sewer lines or easements that restrict layout

We do our best homework - checking local records, plats, and aerials - but nothing beats standing on the ground together and seeing it firsthand.

Step Two: The Survey ($1,200)

If the site visit looks good, the next step is a professional property survey. This isn’t the free one that came with your closing papers, this is a detailed topographical survey that includes:

• Lot boundaries

• Setbacks and easements

• Elevation changes

• Existing structures, utilities and impervious space

Why does this matter? Because until we have this in hand, everything else is guesswork.

The survey confirms two big things:

• Feasibility: Can we permit the build you want?

• Precision: What are the exact dimensions and slopes we’re working with?

We handle the survey for you—$1,200 flat fee—which includes the CAD file, county records, and topo details your builder will need.

It’s not just paperwork. It’s the foundation of your project. And it’s what’s required for permitting the pool when it comes time for that.  

Step Three: The Design ($750)

With the survey done, we can get to the fun part: design.

This is where your vision starts to come to life. Our design package includes:

• 3D Renderings: What you use to picture your future backyard

• 2D Construction Plans: What your builder uses to build (us, or someone else)

Why invest in design?

Because even simple projects get complex fast. Landscaping, fire features, pavers… they all need to fit together. Without a professional design, it’s easy to miss something that affects the entire flow.

And with a full design in hand, you can:

• Phase the build: Do the pool now, add the extras later

• Compare bids apples-to-apples: Know exactly what you’re getting from each contractor

Design fee: $750. Turnaround: About 4 weeks.

Timeline: How Long Does This Part Take?

• Site Visit: Within a week of your call

• Survey: ~ 4 weeks

• Design: ~ 4 more weeks

Total time from first call to finished design = Roughly 2 months

The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about a pool, the best first step isn’t a Pinterest board or a list of finishes.

It’s this:

1. Site Visit (free)

2. Survey ($1,200)

3. Design ($750)

Together, that’s a $1,950 investment in clarity. In knowing what’s possible, what it will look like, and how to make the most of your yard before you dig a single hole.

If you want to build smart (and avoid surprises down the line) this is how you start.

We’d love to help.

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