Skip to content
VillaPool

—Building a new pool

Snagging a new pool

Snagging is the last chance to have defects fixed as part of the job. A methodical walk-round catches what a quick look misses.

Before a pool contract is closed, the owner and contractor walk the pool together to list defects — snags — that need fixing. Tile and grout lines, chipped or uneven coping, deck falls that pond water, fittings that are loose or misaligned, lights that do not work, and equipment that is noisy or leaking are typical items.

Construction guides follow a new pool from the first idea to the first swim, so each stage is easier to plan and to question.

Snagging also covers documents: equipment manuals, drawings of pipe routes, test results for waterproofing and pressure tests, and instructions for the controls. Agreeing the list in writing, with a date for completion, makes sure each item is addressed.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Walk it together

    Owner and contractor agree the list.

  • Check operation

    Equipment, lights and controls.

  • Collect documents

    Manuals, drawings and test results.

02Detail

What to check

  • Finishes

    Tile alignment, grout, chips and colour consistency.

  • Coping and deck

    Level, loose stones and water ponding.

  • Fittings

    Returns, skimmers, drains and lights secure and aligned.

  • Equipment

    Running quietly, no leaks, controls working.

  • Water level

    Stable over several days.

03Before you start

Documents to collect

  • Equipment manuals

    And model details.

  • Pipe and cable routes

    Drawings or photos.

  • Test records

    Waterproofing and pressure tests.

—In practice

How to use this

Walk the pool in good daylight and again at night with the lights on. Check tile and grout lines, coping alignment and joints, deck falls with a hose, every fitting and light, and equipment noise and leaks. List each snag with a photograph and location, agree a completion date, and recheck before the contract is closed.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Snagging only in daylight
Lighting faults, dark corners and glare towards the house are only visible at night. Do a second walk-round after dark.
Relying on a verbal snag list
Snags agreed only in conversation are easily forgotten. Put every item in writing with a photograph and a location.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

When should snagging happen?
Before the contract is closed, once the pool is full and running.
What if something appears later?
Agree in advance how defects after handover will be dealt with.
Should I check the water level?
Yes, over several days, allowing for evaporation.
Are cosmetic issues snags?
Yes, if they do not meet what was agreed.
Who keeps the snag list?
Agree that one person keeps the written list, with each item signed off when it is fixed.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under new pool construction. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

—NEXT

Pool nearly finished?

Ask us for a snagging checklist suited to your pool.

Describe your pool+971 56 181 0106WhatsAppNew Pool Construction