Building a residential pool in Sherman Oaks means coordinating design aspirations with clear, methodical safety checks. Inspections are not speed bumps; they are the framework that ensures your backyard centerpiece is structurally sound, electrically safe, and ready for daily life. Understanding what inspectors look for—and when—keeps your project moving and your expectations aligned. From steel and bonding to barriers and final sign-off, here is how to approach the process so each milestone feels like progress rather than red tape. Along the way, you can keep the big picture in view, focusing on the experience you are creating while staying aligned with best practices for pool construction.
Pre-construction planning and permit intake
Before the first stake goes in the ground, plans are reviewed for compliance with zoning, setbacks, and structural requirements. Site plans detail the pool footprint, distances to property lines, and equipment location. Structural drawings specify steel schedules, shotcrete thickness, and soil considerations, especially on sloped lots. Plumbing and electrical plans outline pipe sizing, suction configurations, bonding grids, and lighting. A clean submittal package helps approvals move efficiently and sets expectations for the field inspections to come.
Layout inspection and excavation checks
Once excavation begins, teams verify that the dig matches the approved plan. Depths, ledges, and step locations are measured, and soil conditions are compared to the expectations set by engineering. On hillside sites, attention to temporary shoring and spoils management prevents erosion and protects neighboring properties. This early diligence eases the path toward the first formal inspection by ensuring the physical work already reflects the approved drawings.
Steel reinforcement and bonding inspection
The first major inspection typically focuses on the steel cage and equipotential bonding. Inspectors look for correct bar sizes, spacing, and overlap, along with proper ties around steps, benches, and raised walls. Bonding wires are checked to confirm all metallic components—rebar, ladders, handrails, and equipment—are tied into the grid. Conduit stubs and light niches are reviewed for placement and protection. Passing this inspection means the structure is ready for shotcrete, a pivotal moment that locks the shell into place.
Rough plumbing inspection
Before concrete, plumbing lines are installed, supported, and pressure-tested. Inspectors verify suction and return configurations, check for required split drains with approved covers, and confirm that lines hold pressure without leaks. Spa lines, air lines for therapy jets, and features like bubblers or sheer descents are included in the review. Good plumbing is the invisible backbone of everyday clarity and comfort; this inspection ensures the system starts life sound.
Electrical rough and bonding continuity
Electrical work is evaluated for proper conduit sizes, burial depths, GFCI protection, and junction box placement. Bonding continuity is confirmed across the pool shell and deck steel, a critical safety element that equalizes voltage potential. Inspectors also review light niches, transformer locations, and any low-voltage runs for automation. Meticulous electrical work is as much about longevity as safety, protecting wiring from moisture and physical stress over time.
Shotcrete application and cure oversight
While shotcrete placement itself is typically not an “inspection” event, inspectors may review finish elevation markers and drainage allowances at follow-up visits. The builder manages curing, keeping the shell moist as needed to achieve strength and reduce cracking risk. Post-shotcrete, the shell becomes the canvas for tile, coping, and interior finishes, making the quality of this step essential to everything that follows.
Tile, coping, and deck pre-pour checks
As the project rises out of the ground, attention turns to waterproofing transitions, expansion joints, and drains. Prior to deck placement, slopes are confirmed to move water away from the house and toward approved drainage points. Channel drains, area drains, and deck joints are reviewed so the hardscape performs well during heavy rain. Coping alignment and overhang are checked to ensure a comfortable grab edge and consistent aesthetics.
Gas line pressure test and equipment placement
Where heaters or fire features are included, gas lines undergo pressure testing to verify integrity. Equipment pad layout is reviewed for service clearances, ventilation, and noise considerations. Proper anchoring, union fittings, and accessible valves make future maintenance safer and easier. Inspectors also look at exhaust clearances and shutoff locations, verifying that the installation meets both safety and manufacturer guidelines.
Barrier and alarm inspection
Before the pool is filled, inspectors confirm that required safety barriers are installed and functional. Self-closing, self-latching gates, proper fence heights, and approved latch locations are checked, along with door and window alarms where applicable. This is one of the most important milestones, as it ensures the environment is secure for households and neighbors alike. Clear signage and reliable hardware make daily use seamless while satisfying code.
Final electrical and lighting checks
At project closeout, electrical systems are reviewed under operating conditions. GFCI circuits are tested, bonding continuity is re-verified as components come online, and lighting is checked for proper function. Timers, automation, and control interfaces are confirmed to operate as designed. These checks ensure that the quiet systems behind the scenes support a safe, comfortable experience from day one.
Hydraulic performance and equipment startup
During startup, technicians balance water and dial in pump speeds, heater settings, and feature flows. Although this phase is led by the builder, inspectors may verify that suction entrapment protections are in place and that flow meets standards. A well-documented startup provides the owner with a baseline for ongoing maintenance and gives assurance that the system was commissioned intentionally.
Documentation, manuals, and owner orientation
Clear handoff is part of a successful inspection process. Owners should receive manuals, as-built drawings, valve maps, and warranty information. A walkthrough covers equipment operation, safety features, and routine maintenance. When owners understand how systems work, they are more likely to keep them within design parameters, which preserves both performance and safety.
Common stumbling blocks and how to avoid them
Most inspection issues come down to coordination. Missed bonding connections, inadequate deck slopes, or incomplete barrier hardware can delay sign-off. Address these in pre-inspection checklists and internal QC walk-throughs. Staging materials, confirming trade schedules, and documenting adjustments keep the process smooth. When the team approaches each inspection as a collaborative milestone, the project maintains momentum and quality.
Inspections as a quality framework
It is helpful to see inspections not as hurdles but as a quality management system. Each checkpoint affirms that the built work matches the paper plan and that safety systems are continuous from steel to surface. In a neighborhood where outdoor spaces are daily living rooms, this framework ensures the pool will be a source of ease and joy for years.
FAQ
How many inspections should I expect for a residential pool? While exact steps vary by jurisdiction and design, most projects include reviews for steel and bonding, rough plumbing, rough electrical, gas pressure testing, deck drainage, barrier and alarms, and final electrical with startup verification. Your builder will sequence these within the construction schedule.
Can I fill the pool before the barrier inspection? No. Safety barriers and alarms must be installed and approved prior to filling. This ensures the site is secure as soon as water is present.
What can delay an inspection approval? Common issues include missing bonding connections, incomplete pressure tests, inadequate deck slope, or gates that do not self-latch properly. A pre-inspection checklist helps catch these before the inspector arrives.
Do inspectors check water chemistry? Inspectors focus on safety and code compliance rather than routine chemistry. Startup balancing is typically handled by your builder or maintenance provider, who will document initial conditions.
How should I prepare for the final inspection? Ensure all equipment is operational, barriers and alarms function reliably, manuals are on hand, and the site is clean and accessible. A tidy, organized equipment pad makes operation clearer for both inspectors and owners.
Confident from first plan to final sign-off
When you understand the role of each inspection, your project benefits from a calm, predictable rhythm. You can enjoy design decisions and watch the space take shape without second-guessing the safety and performance behind it. If you want guidance through the process, from submittals to startup, partner with a team that treats inspections as allies—and leverages seasoned pool construction expertise to deliver a beautiful, compliant, and enduring backyard retreat.