Welcome to your guide to constructing a swimming pool! Whether you’re just starting out, in the middle of the project, or you’re researching to find out more information to get yourself on the right path – you’ve come to the right spot. We’ll provide plenty of helpful information so you can create your perfect pool. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know – from the planning and design process to the actual construction of the pool. You’ll be swimming in no time!
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Build a Swimming Pool?
- 2. Gather the Right Equipment and Materials
- 3. Digging the Swimming Pool Hole
- 4. Installing the Pool Walls
- 5. Laying the Pool Base
- 6. Finishing Touches to Enhance Your Swimming Pool
- 7. Maintaining Your Swimming Pool After Construction
- Q&A
1. Why Build a Swimming Pool?
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Building a swimming pool is a big commitment: you need to be aware of all the costs associated with constructing a pool, yearly maintenance and long-term care. But it’s also an investment that can increase the value of your home and provide you and your family with years of outdoor fun. Here’s why people decide to build a swimming pool.
- Health and Fitness Benefits: Swimming is a great form of exercise. According to the CDC, swimming can improve overall physical and mental health, since it’s low-impact and can provide an aerobic workout. It’s a great way to get adults and kids alike moving and having fun.
- Family Time: Summer barbecues and evening dips can be a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. A swimming pool in the backyard means you have the perfect place to host gatherings and spend quality time with your loved ones.
- Add Value to Your Home: Adding a swimming pool to your backyard can also increase the value of your property. This additional value can be especially helpful if you’re looking to sell your home in the future.
If you’re ready to take the leap and build a swimming pool, there are a few things to consider. You’ll need to choose the right shape and size for your pool, research any local regulations or restrictions, consider any necessary permits or inspections, and select materials and building methods.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Select a location | Choose a spot of your yard that meets legal regulations, has access to electricity, is visible from your house, and is level with good drainage. |
| 2. Preparation | Dig the hole and use a level and transit to make sure the edges of the hole are level. |
| 3. Framing | Install the sub-structure, such as rebar, and the horizontal bolt railing. |
| 4. Plumbing | Install the plumbing and pool filtration system, such as the waterline connectors, valves, chlorinator, suction and return lines. |
| 5. Install a liner | Fit the pool with a vinyl liner, ensuring that it’s fitted neatly and without any creases or ripples. |
| 6. Finishing touches | Add lights, steps, ladders, diving boards, pool covers, and any other features you’d like. |
2. Gather the Right Equipment and Materials
Get Professional Supplies
Before you start building the pool, make sure you have the right equipment and materials. You can either rent or purchase the necessary tools needed to build the pool, or you can outsource some of the work to professionals. Professional pool equipment includes skimmers, filters, pumps, automatic cleaners, heaters, pool pumps, and pool liners. Besides the items mentioned above, you will also need other accessories like pool chemicals, brushes, hoses, and ladders.
Be Prepared with DIY Materials
If you’re doing the pool build yourself, the essential materials include:
- sand
- gravel
- cement, mortar, concrete, etc.
- steel reinforcing bars (rebar)
- pool liner
You will also need some additional materials such as water hoses, plastic pipes, sealants, and equipment to install the pool cover. It’s important to remember that the quality of the materials and tools used to build the pool will be key to the pool’s durability and aesthetic appeal. Make sure you source superior quality materials to get the best out of your project.
3. Digging the Swimming Pool Hole
Laying the foundation – Measuring and Marking Out
When building a swimming pool, it’s important to lay the foundation properly. Measuring and marking out are the next steps to getting started.
We suggest measuring out the outside edges in several points around the circumference of the pool. This will help you visualise how it’s going to look once you pour the concrete or install the shell.
Once the measurements are noted, mark the area by adding stakes at the corners and running string around the perimeter to indicate the outside edges of the pool.
Excavation and Compaction
Now that we have the outside edges of the pool marked out, it’s time to start digging the hole. Depending on the shape/size of the pool the excavation process can be done both manually or with the help of machines.
For a large pool, it may be best to use machines such as backhoes or skid-steers. If the backyard access is very limited, manual tools such as shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows are also viable options.
Once the hole is excavated, it is important to make sure the entire bottom of the hole is compacted. This will help avoid any possible settlement of the soil. We suggest renting a power tamp to make the job easier.
- Measuring and marking out the pool area
- Using machines or manual tools to excited the hole
- Compacting the soil with a power tamp
4. Installing the Pool Walls
Constructing swimming pool walls is a fun and rewarding project. To get started, you’ll need the appropriate materials and some basic tools and know-how. Here’s what you should know:
Walls Materials
Depending on the size and shape of the pool, your wall materials may vary. But generally speaking, solid walls can be made of mortar, cement blocks, stamped concrete forms, and interior bracing.
| Material | Typical lengths |
|---|---|
| Mortar | 2-3 feet |
| Concrete Blocks | 4-6 inches |
| Stamped Concrete Forms | 3-4 feet |
| Interior Bracing | Depending on pool size |
Tools
Ready to get started with your pool wall installation? Here are the basic tools you’ll need:
- Tape measure: to make sure you have the correct wall size
- Trowel and level: to ensure the wall is level
- Hammer and nails: for the interior bracing
- Caulk gun: for applying cement
Once you have the right materials and tools, you’re ready to start . Read your instructions thoroughly and be sure to take your time, as precision is key when installing a pool wall.
5. Laying the Pool Base
Now it’s time to get down to business and start building the pool. The first step is to create a level base, which will provide a stable foundation for the swimming pool to sit on. There are several ways to achieve this depending on the size and shape of the pool as well as the material used for surrounding paving and decking. Follow these steps to ensure your pool base is prepared correctly and will last through the years:
- Start by measuring the area to determine the size and shape of the pool. Using marking paint or pegs, mark out the area clearly.
- Elevate the area by digging the soil below the marked area and building up the sides so that the finished base is slightly higher than the surrounding paving or decking.
- Lay a base of hardcore material such as granite or gravel on top of the soil. Press it down firmly into the ground and compact it to make sure it’s level. Place a layer of geotextile membrane on top of this layer.
- Lay a further layer of hardcore material, this time making sure it is level using a spirit level or other similar device.
Important Note: When laying the hardcore layer, be sure that the layer is angled slightly downwards so that any rainwater is drained away from the pool. This will help prevent pooling and standing water around the pool.
Once the base is complete, we can move on to building the walls. Refer to our guide on for more detailed instructions.
6. Finishing Touches to Enhance Your Swimming Pool
The hard part is done, now it’s time to really bring your swimming pool to life. If you want your pool to stand out and look inviting, there are a few finishing touches you should consider.
- Lighting: Illuminating your pool can be a great way to set the mood and make it look beautiful. Whether you choose to install landscape lighting on the surrounding area or underwater lighting in the pool itself, the sky’s the limit. Just make sure to get underwater lighting that is UL rated and specifically designed for pools.
- Deck: Installing a wooden or concrete deck can serve multiple purposes. Not only will it make the area look good aesthetically, but it will also help to protect the pool from uninvited wildlife or other external elements. Be sure to include a grab bar for safety when exiting your pool.
- Fencing: A fence is not only a safety necessity, but it can also serve as a poolside barrier and give your pool area a secure, enclosed look. Make sure to get a fence that is the right height for your city or county code, and strong enough to withstand any strong winds or inclement weather.
Finally, you may want to consider investing in some pool furniture, such as patio tables and chairs, or even a swing set. This will give your poolside a pleasant atmosphere, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or entertaining guests. Make sure to select furniture that is sturdy and designed for outdoor use.
Adding these few finishing touches can bring your swimming pool to the next level. With a bit of creativity and dedication, you can turn your pool into a stylish oasis. So don’t be afraid to unleash your inner designer and take your pool to the next level.
7. Maintaining Your Swimming Pool After Construction
Congratulations! By now, you have completed the construction of your new swimming pool. This is a great accomplishment, as your swimming pool will now provide your family with a wonderful space to relax and cool off during those hot summer months. But the job is not yet done. To ensure you have years of enjoyment in your pool, you need to learn to maintain it properly.
Even a minor lack of preventative care can lead to steep costs in the long run. Here’s how to keep your swimming pool in tip-top shape:
- Clean the walls and floor regularly. An algae bloom is one of the most common problems encountered by pool owners. Regularly brush and vacuum the pool walls and floor surface as this will stop algae from settling in, making it harder for it to take hold.
- Monitor chemical levels. Keeping the right amount of chlorine, muriatic acid and other chemicals in the water is a must in order for your pool to stay sanitary and clean. Maintaining the correct chemical balance will help to prevent problems like cloudy water, which can be difficult and expensive to fix.
- Perform routine maintenance. If you catch minor issues such as cracks or leaks quickly, you can prevent them from becoming expensive repairs later on. It’s a good idea to check the pH levels and look for visible signs of damage on a regular basis.
By taking the time to properly care for your pool, you can ensure that you and your loved ones can enjoy a clean and healthy swimming environment for many years to come.
Q&A
Q1: What materials do I need to construct a swimming pool?
A1: You’ll need a liner, coping stones, plumbing and electrical supplies, filter, and pump. You may also need a skimmer, pool cover, chlorinator, steps, ladders, handrails, and underwater lighting.
Q2: What is the typical cost for constructing a swimming pool?
A2: The cost of a swimming pool varies greatly depending on size, location, and if you’re hiring a contractor or building it yourself. Generally, it can range from around $13,000 to $50,000.
Q3: How much maintenance is involved in keeping a swimming pool?
A3: Generally, pools require weekly maintenance including cleaning the water, checking and balancing the chemical levels, brushing the walls and floor, and emptying out the skimmer nets. Some addition maintenance may be required depending on the surrounding environment.
Q4: Are there any special considerations when building a swimming pool on steep terrain?
A4: Yes, if you’re planning to build a pool on steep terrain, you should thoroughly investigate the soil conditions and perform any necessary soil stabilization before proceeding. It’s important to plan ahead and check with local building codes to ensure you’re following any building regulations.
Q5: What warranties are usually included with a swimming pool?
A5: Most swimming pools come with a one-year warranty that covers any defects in workmanship and materials, however, some manufacturers may offer longer warranties. It’s a good idea to research the warranties each pool manufacturer offers and choose one that suits your needs best.
We hope this guide helped you on your swimming pool building journey. If you follow our tips, you can look forward to leisurely summers spent by your very own backyard pool. Knowing exactly how you’re going to construct that dream pool of yours can save you a lot of energy and money bookended with lots of fun and relaxation. So get out there and start your construction project!