Dig Alert for LA Pool Construction: Marking Utility Lines for Safety

When it comes to starting your pool construction project, one important step you need to take is scheduling a dig alert. Dig alerts ensure that underground utility lines are marked and protected during excavation, minimizing the risk of accidents and damage.

In this article, we'll address some frequently asked questions about dig alerts in LA County and provide the necessary information to navigate this crucial beginning step in your pool construction journey.

Why are Dig Alerts Necessary?

During excavation, it's crucial for contractors to avoid hitting underground utility lines, such as wires and irrigation systems.  While every precaution is taken to prevent accidents, an extra layer of protection is initiated by the local regulating municipality. 

This involves city or county representatives coming out to mark your utility lines when a "Dig Alert" is called. DigAlert, also known as Underground Service Alert Southern California, covers the counties of Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Riverside and Ventura.

_{Infographic Courtesy of The California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety}

• Utility companies are informed about the digging activities through the dig notification process.
  
  
• The process provides crucial information about the precise location of underground lines and potential conflicts with your project.
  
  
• Complying with dig notification protocols is essential in preventing hazardous pipeline strike accidents.

YOUR ROLE IN THE DIG ALERT PROCESS

Dig alerts revolutionize the construction process by bringing together the efforts of contractors, municipalities, and you—the often unsung hero!

While the local authorities take care of marking the utility lines, your cooperation is vital in this process. To ensure accurate marking, make sure to provide access to your property so that the professionals can identify and mark existing services effectively.

_{Photo Courtesy of Dig Alert}

MARKED UTILITIES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

The utility lines that will be marked include gas lines, electric lines, and communication lines. These lines are crucial to be marked to avoid any potential damage during excavation. 

However, it's important to note that some utility lines may not be marked but are equally important. This is often the case with drainage or sewer lines, which require special attention and may need to be rerouted or adjusted to align with the construction plan.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIG ALERT PROCESS

When you schedule a dig alert, utility companies like AT&T, gas companies, and water companies will come and mark their respective lines. 

However, it's essential to remember that the marking is typically done only at the front of your property. Utility companies do not mark the lines in the backyard; they need to mark the main lines branching because your pool construction may affect hundreds of residents, not just your job site. The front is usually where all lines, gas, electrical, fiber optics, and central city sewer are located. 

Although the actual pool will be in the backyard, the implications of hitting utility lines there are less far-reaching for the greater community.

DIG ALERTS AND THE CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE

Dig alerts should be scheduled before excavation begins. 

“If you plan to disturb a ground surface—whether by digging, drilling, boring, etc.—you must contact either the northern or southern California regional notification center at least two (2) working days (but not more than 14 calendar days) before beginning your excavation project. The center will issue an inquiry identification number to the excavator as confirmation of the call, and an Underground Service Alert (USA) excavation ticket number, which is only valid for 28 days. Every general contractor, contractor, or subcontractor excavating at a job site must have his or her own USA identification (ticket) number for the excavation work he or she is performing. An excavation permit is not valid without the identification number,” says the Contractors State License Board of California (CSLB).

As the contractor, J Designs Pool and Spa is responsible for calling 811 for a dig alert at least 48 hours before the planned dig date. This ensures that all the necessary utility lines are properly marked and accounted for before any digging occurs.

POST-DIG ALERT: UNEARTHING YOUR FUTURE POOL

Scheduling a dig alert is crucial in the pool construction process to protect underground utility lines and ensure safe excavation.

At J Designs Pool and Spa, we're committed to being your trusted partner, guiding you through the entire process for a seamless experience. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we'll help you create the pool of your dreams while prioritizing hazard prevention and compliance. 

Your next stop: delving into the refreshing depths of your shimmering blue pool. Reach out and we'll mark the way!

Not yet ready to dig into your seamless pool construction journey? We understand! In the meantime, break ground on these related articles: 

LOS ANGELES POOL CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS: 5 HAZARD PREVENTION PIT STOPS

SEAMLESS QUOTE COMPARISONS: YOUR GUIDE TO HOLLYWOOD POOL CONTRACTORS