Strategies and techniques
Building aquatic features in a small space can be a logistical nightmare for some contractors. Small yards leave limited room for stockpiling both equipment and the materials necessary to complete the project. As a result, the use of project scheduling software (i.e., GANNT charts) and overall organization skills become paramount.
A good starting point for any particular project, however, is a thorough and complete design, which may include engineering, soil tests, as well as perspective and 3-D renderings. Further, obtaining the necessary allowances and permits from the municipalities ahead of time will also save headaches down the road.
Utility and private locates (e.g., backyard gas lines, underground sprinklers, septic beds, 12-volt lighting and other unknown variables can be located by private contractors), tree hoarding, steel plate access routes (i.e., laying steel plates on top of a mulch bed helps to spread the weight of heavy machinery and prevents damage to the property, tree roots and building foundations). Critical path protection will not only result in a smooth construction process but also satisfied clients and neighbours. It can also pay large dividends for builders to thoroughly document site conditions before, during and after construction with both photographs and videos. Covering both the client’s and neighbour’s property with hoarding, landscape fabric and steel fences keeps cleanup to a minimum, limits damage, presents a professional image and keeps the job site safe and secure.
Dealing with narrow access routes is another common problem with smaller yards. This limits machinery size and the logistics of material handling and storage. An interesting and innovative approach to remedy these situations is to dig the pool with a small excavator and evacuate the earth via portable conveyor system. This allows material to be removed safely and efficiently in a cost-effective manner. These conveyors can also be operated in reverse to supply material to otherwise inaccessible locations. By limiting the number of trips by heavy equipment into these narrow spaces, the risk of damage to the home’s exterior walls and foundation in the access pathway is reduced.
Another strategy is to construct the project in stages. By starting construction at the rear of the yard and completing half of the project to the finishing stage, builders can take advantage of the small space. Materials can be stored in the yard and larger mechanical equipment can be used to install heavy stonework or large trees. If the entire pool shell is installed first it becomes impossible to manoeuvre in the yard.
Although small yards are often challenging, elaborate and profitable projects can be created to satisfy the needs of the most discerning clients by using efficient design and construction techniques.
Barry Justus is the owner of Poolscape Inc., a landscape contractor and pool designing and building company based in Burlington, Ont. He can be reached at barry@poolscape.com or by visiting www.poolscape.com.
