<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none;" alt="" src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?event=init&amp;tid=2612978883784&amp;pd[em]=<hashed_email_address>&amp;noscript=1">


Project Manage Your Own Plungie Installation 

Fancy yourself a bit of a DIY dynamo? What about a project manager mastermind? Maybe you’re just looking to save some money and are eager to explore the option of project managing the installation of your own Plungie.

Or maybe you simply want to maintain control over your own backyard project? At the end of the day, who knows what you want more than you? No one! 

Well, if that’s the case, you’re in luck! Not only is overseeing and managing the installation of your Plungie a realistic and viable option, but we’ve also created this handy guide to help you put the wheels in motion and achieve your DIY dreams.

The main difference between project managing your own Plungie installation and getting a qualified tradesperson to oversee the process, is the fact that you will need to make sure you obtain a relevant permit if you conduct the installation yourself.

Our 8 step process

step-process

Texas Permits Explained

Unlike some states with a centralized permitting system, Texas operates on a decentralized model. This means permitting requirements vary depending on your specific location. Here’s a breakdown of the two main permitting authorities:

  1. 1. City Permits: Most incorporated cities in Texas have their own building departments that oversee permitting for new home construction.
  2. 2. County Permits: In unincorporated areas (outside of city limits), the county government typically handles permits for new homes.

While most permits, both city and county, relate to building a new home, depending on the specifics of your Plungie project, you may require an additional permit or permits to install a pool.

The best thing to do before starting your project is to contact your local building department. They can provide you with a comprehensive list of permits required for adding a Plungie to your home. 

You can also utilize a number of educational resources that are available through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). They offer several certification courses through their education department that can help owner builders gain valuable industry knowledge and credentials.

These include:

  • CAPS (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist)
  • CGA (Certified Graduate Associate)
  • CGB (Certified Graduate Builder)
  • CGR (Certified Graduate Remodeler)
  • CGP (Certified Green Professional)
  • GMB (Graduate Master Builder)

Installation Steps for Texas Owner Builders

Plungie’s eight-step installation process remains the same, just how each step is carried out can differ due to rules and regulations that are specific to Texas and residents who wish to self-install their own pool.

1. Choose Your Plungie 

With four versatile pool models, choosing your Plungie could be the hardest part of the whole process. We have clear specifications for the Arena, Studio, Original and Max to help you decide which model is right for your project.

After deciding which Plungie best suits your project, we will issue you with a formal quote as part of your inquiry process.

You will then need to put down a 30% deposit upon the acceptance of your sales order or proforma invoice to confirm the order. Then 30 days prior to your date of delivery, pay the remaining balance of the invoice of your order. You can find a comprehensive breakdown of how to purchase your Plungie here.

Arena4-2
StudioBlackardt-Paddington-OzanneSt-28-17-1
Aerial Plungie Original plunge pool in Kona Coast at Redland Bay copy
Max6
2. Building Approval

In Texas you do not need to become a registered owner builder to self-install a pool on your property.

As mentioned earlier, you simply need to take into consideration if there are any specific permits for your location.

It’s important to remember that every local area has its own regulations around permits for pool building. You should also check with your HOA to confirm if there are an additional approvals you need to seek. 

With Texas’ decentralized approach to building permits, there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to whether or not you require a permit to install your Plungie.

The installation type of your Plungie will be one of the main deciding factors as to whether you will require a permit or not.

For any below-ground permanent pool, you need a permit. In some cities, even above-ground pools will require a permit.

If your local area and installation type do require a permit, typically they last between six months to a year, so it’s also important to remember to renew it when it does expire.

Finally, Texas has adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), which sets minimum requirements for pool owners in the Lone Star state. Make sure to read these thoroughly before beginning your Plungie install.

 
3. Basic Site Prep 

All site preparation should be completed in accordance with our Engineering Set and the Plungie Install Guide.

Before preparing your site, take into consideration that the state of Texas often does not allow pools to be located in front yards. 

Furthermore, the distance requirements between the house and a pool will vary depending on the district, so it’s essential you check your local rules. 

Screenshot 2024-11-28 131315
4. Crane Hire 

A crane is required to lift the pool from our delivery truck and place. Every Plungie is delivered with the required  lifting swivels (depending on which model you choose).

Ease of access to the property heavily impacts this process, making it one of the most variable factors in the installation. We recommend installing your Plungie at the vacant lot or slab stage for new builds with a construction cover to allow work to continue around the pool with no disruption to make this step as easy as possible. You can view the lifting diagrams for each Plungie size here.

 
5. Electrical + Back Fill

In Texas, all electrical work related to pool installation and maintenance requires a license. So, you will need to hire a qualified tradesperson who is licensed to carry out electrical work. This work must comply with the National Electric Code and includes earthing your Plungie to direct any harmful electrical currents to the ground and away from the pool.

If your Plungie is installed in-ground or semi-recessed, you will also need to backfill the over-excavated area.

6. Standard Plumb Up 

Plungie is designed so that it can be up and running within hours of installation. Every pool is supplied with its primary plumbing fixtures pre-fitted, including skimmer box, hydrostatic valve and filtration returns. 

You’ll need to ensure that the required power provisions are made available for your chosen equipment package to run on.

Residents in Texas must ensure their pool meets the standards outlined in the International Plumbing Code, which you can view here.

 

7. Finishing + Surrounds

With Plungie, you can enjoy all the efficiencies of prefabrication without compromising on design. There are so many ways to customize your Plungie to help it align with your DIY dreams. 

Finishings such as decking, coping tiles, paving and more can be added, but before you do, remember, safety first. Make sure the fencing and surrounds of your pool meet state standards.

All pools in the state of Texas must be enclosed by a fence, and there are multiple regulations that must be met. These include: The fence must be at least 4 feet tall, cannot be made from a climbable material, and the locks must be out of reach of small children. 

As for the pool gate, it must be self-closing or self-latching and must have a locking mechanism of one of the following: padlock, keycard, keypad, or combination lock. 

You can view the full list of fencing requirements for pools in the state of Texas here.  In some municipalities an automated pool cover is sufficient, it is important to confirm the requirements for your local area. 

8. Fill + Start Up 

Last but not least it’s vital that you install the hydrostatic valve and complete final certification and inspection before filling your Plungie. 

It will take anywhere between 6-12 hours to fill a Plungie with a garden hose or as little as 15 minutes if you engage a local water delivery service. 

All that's left to do is register your Plungie warranty and marvel at how quick and easy your Plungie install was. You can also check out our Plungie Care Guide. 

download-5

Want to learn more about our quick and easy process?

Call us on  855 758 6443  or