Start a pool design from an address

Short answer. PoolSketch can start a design from an address. It builds an estimated house outline from OpenStreetMap, an estimated lot from typical setbacks and a slope hint from USGS 3DEP, and labels it all as an estimate. The address text goes through PoolSketch servers to OpenStreetMap services. Replace the estimate with a survey before design decisions.

How does an address start work?

An address start gives you a first draft of the yard before a site visit. PoolSketch looks up an estimated house outline from OpenStreetMap (ODbL) where the building is mapped. If it is not mapped, it places a house block you can move. It adds an estimated lot from typical setbacks and a slope hint from USGS 3DEP elevation.

In the United States you can also turn on a USGS aerial backdrop. The address text is sent through PoolSketch servers to OpenStreetMap services for the lookup. Everything is labelled Estimated from address. Replace with survey. Use it to open a conversation, then set the real survey.

What are the limits?

The address start is an estimate, not a survey. It cannot replace a survey or a site check. OpenStreetMap may have no building outline, so the house block is only a placeholder. The lot comes from typical setbacks, not your local rules. Setback distances are entered per job, and PoolSketch does not know local building codes.

The slope hint is from USGS 3DEP elevation, and the USGS aerial backdrop is available in the United States only. Check with the local building department for the rules that apply to the job. See the pool permit and setback checklist before you rely on any line.

What are the steps?

Enter the address. Type the address. The address text goes through PoolSketch servers to OpenStreetMap services for the lookup.
Review the estimate. PoolSketch places an estimated house outline from OpenStreetMap where it has the building, or a house block if it does not. It adds an estimated lot from typical setbacks and a slope hint from USGS 3DEP.
Add the aerial if needed. In the United States, turn on the optional USGS aerial backdrop. The elevation hint and aerial are United States only.
Replace with the survey. Import the survey, straighten it by its four corners, set the scale from one known length and check it against a second. One flow re-anchors the design to the real survey.
Check the site. Verify the house corners, fence, property line, no-build zones and setback distances on site. PoolSketch makes concept sketches for discussion, not construction drawings.

How do you replace the estimate with the survey?

When the survey arrives, import it from the camera, a photo or a PDF. Straighten it by its four corners, set the scale from one known length and check it against a second known length. One flow re-anchors the design to the real survey. From there, trace the house, fence, property line and no-build zones such as easements.

Treat the survey as the anchor. PoolSketch makes concept sketches for discussion, not construction drawings. Design a pool in 10 minutes is a useful next read once the survey is set.

What should you verify on site?

The address start does not see the ground. On site, verify the house corners and any additions, the fence, the property line and no-build zones such as easements. Confirm the actual setback distances for the job. Check the slope and drainage.

Move the pool, deck and features to match what you find. A piece that touches a no-build zone is flagged in red and labelled in words, but the lines still need a human check. Use the pool builder sales process guide to plan the first call.

When should you use it, and when not?

Use an address start for a first call before a site visit. It gives you an estimated house and lot to talk through, and a slope hint to frame questions. Do not use it for final layout, permit drawings or pricing. It is not a survey and cannot replace one.

Do not treat the house block as a true outline when OpenStreetMap has no building. Do not rely on the USGS elevation hint or aerial backdrop outside the United States. For the whole workflow, see the PoolSketch features. PoolSketch makes concept sketches for discussion, not construction drawings, so review every customer copy.

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Common questions

Is an address start a survey?

No. An address start is an estimate built from mapped data and typical setbacks. It cannot replace a survey or a site visit.

What data does PoolSketch use for an address start?

It uses an estimated house outline from OpenStreetMap (ODbL), an estimated lot from typical setbacks and a slope hint from USGS 3DEP elevation. A USGS aerial backdrop is optional in the United States only.

Where does the address text go?

The address text is sent through PoolSketch servers to OpenStreetMap services for the lookup.

What happens when the survey arrives?

Import the survey and use the one flow to re-anchor the design to it. Replace the estimated outline, lot and slope before sharing a layout.