Pool construction checklist Costa Rica: inspections by stage

Building a pool in Costa Rica shouldn’t rely on guesswork. Most long-term problems happen when critical stages are not properly controlled—drainage is overlooked, waterproofing is rushed, equipment is undersized, or finishes are installed without the right specs.

This stage-by-stage checklist helps you supervise the project, request the right deliverables, and reduce expensive rework.

Before excavation: site, levels, and drainage

Before machinery arrives, confirm:

• Site evaluation (slope, fill areas, variable soils, and local moisture conditions).
• Finished levels: rainwater must never flow toward the pool or the equipment room.
• Perimeter drainage plan for the rainy season: where water goes and how it is discharged.
• Access and logistics for construction: materials, equipment, and maneuvering space.
• Overall plan: exact location, deck areas, technical spaces, and circulation.

Red flag

“We’ll figure it out on-site” with no drawings or technical criteria.

Technical design: hydraulics sized for Costa Rica

Tropical conditions increase operational demands. Verify:

• Real water volume and expected use (residential vs. heavy use).
• Proper suction/return layout to avoid dead zones.
• Filtration capacity sized for rain, dust, and organic load (leaves/sediment).
• Equipment room sized, ventilated, and drained.
• Plumbing routes with service access (valves/clean-outs for maintenance).

Important

Selecting equipment “to save money” with no capacity justification.

Structure: what you don’t see drives lifespan

This stage determines decades of performance.

• Reinforcement installed per engineering (not by guess).
• Extra reinforcement at stairs, benches, edges, and depth transitions.
• Proper detailing around penetrations (lights, fittings, plumbing passes).
• Level and tolerance control (critical for overflow/infinity systems).
• Proper curing time before finishing stages.

Warning

Design changes during structure with no recalculation or documentation.

Waterproofing: the most underestimated step

Many leaks come from joints and penetrations—not from “the concrete.”

• Waterproofing system defined early (not as an afterthought).
• Correct treatment of corners, joints, niches, and pipe penetrations.
• Water testing before finishes (with documented results).
• Compatibility between waterproofing, adhesives, and final finish.

Red flag

Minimal waterproofing or no testing.

Equipment and electrical: safety + durability

Humidity (and coastal corrosion) requires proper specs.

• Equipment rated for outdoor/humid environments with real technical support.
• Correct transformers and protections for lighting.
• Sealed connections and organized equipment room for maintenance.
• Lighting layout designed to avoid shadows and dark zones.
• If needed, basic automation: timers, controls, scheduling.

Red flag

Exposed wiring, improvised connections, “we’ll seal it later.”

Finishes and surrounding surfaces: aesthetics with real-world use

Finishes affect looks, comfort, and maintenance.

• Pool-rated materials (not “any tile”).
• Grout, joints, and sealants compatible with humidity and pool chemicals.
• Slip-resistant surfaces where needed (decks and wet zones).
• Correct slopes to prevent puddles, staining, and unsafe areas.
• Perimeter detailing (coping, deck, drainage) integrated into the design.

Red flag

Choosing finishes only by appearance or lowest price.

Commissioning: a proper start prevents future issues

A pool should be delivered stable—not just filled.

• Technical cleaning and full system verification.
• Initial water balancing and clear operating routines.
• Filtration schedule based on use and local conditions.
• Handover checklist: as-built drawings, equipment manuals, warranties, and maintenance plan.

Red flag

Handover with no documentation, no testing, and no guidance.

Final recommendation

In Costa Rica, the key isn’t just building a “beautiful pool”—it’s controlling critical stages with technical criteria. This checklist helps you catch risks early, request corrections when they’re still affordable, and achieve a pool that’s durable, efficient, and easier to maintain.