Issue

Whenever you attempted to build a basement or a pool, the game would CTD (crash-to-desktop).

Cause

EA introduced a new Build mode capability in patch 1.5/1.6 - the ability to build underground basements and tombs - like the ones in World Adventures.

What this means is that for existing Lots, built prior to the 1.5/1.6 patch - if the lot has a pool, the game would crash if you click on the Pool or Basement tool in Build mode.

Solution

You'd need to demolish the existing pool with the sledgehammer tool, save and exit out to Edit Town screen. Then re-enter the lot.

If it still crash, it might need

• a save to library, bulldoze lot and replace from library or
• a game exit, refresh cache and re-load the game.