Think carefully about what you want out of a pool. Leave space for features like pump systems and diving boards. To estimate the size of these features, calculate the size of your pool or how much water it will hold, then look for suitable products. Underground obstacles like utility lines are difficult to find without digging. Call your local utility companies for advice. Ask them to send a technician to mark the location of your lines. The location you choose affects your pool. Put your pool above a slope so debris doesn’t wash into it during rainy days. Keep it in sunlight to warm the water naturally. Pool contractors look at an element called setback, or how far away your pool has to be from your property line. In California, the required setback is 5 ft (1. 5 m). [2] X Expert Source Rob LitmanLicensed Landscaper & General Contractor Expert Interview. 13 October 2020.
An average concrete pool is something like 10 ft × 20 ft (3. 0 m × 6. 1 m) in size with a depth up to 10 ft (3. 0 m). All of these dimensions can be changed depending on your ideal pool. The concrete pool needs to be at least 6 in (15 cm) thick, so widen and deepen the outline as needed to compensate. Keep in mind that each additional feature raises the cost and time commitment of building a pool.
At the very least, you need contractors to approve your design before you can get a building permit. You have to do this even if you plan on building the pool yourself. Look for subcontractors specializing in areas like plumbing and electrical wiring. They can help finalize your design.
If applicable, consult your neighborhood’s homeowners association guidebook before completing your application. Some places restrict pools. Depending on where you live, you may need to get a separate electrical permit before beginning construction. If you hired a pool builder or subcontractor, ask them for help getting the necessary permits. Many companies handle the application process by default.
Remember to dig out enough space to create the thick slabs of concrete for the pool’s floor and walls.
For example, if your pool needs to be 6 ft (1. 8 m), cut a 6 ft (1. 8 m) pole to use as a reference. Make references for the deep and shallow end if your pool has them. Remember that you can always put dirt back if you dig too far down. Dig out the soil by hand if you can’t get a backhoe. Use a spade or alternative digging tools. Some areas aren’t accessible to heavy equipment and have to be dug out the old-fashioned way. Make sure you have your permit and know about any utility lines in the ground. Hitting a utility line is a big problem. Hire a contractor to take care of any utility lines needing to be moved. The leftover soil can be sold, disposed of by a contractor, or repurposed for other projects, such as for plant beds.
To keep track of the pool’s levelness, install stakes in the pool’s corners. Run strings between them. Pack the soil to the same height as the string to ensure it stays level throughout the pool. Shape your pool according to your original design. For instance, your pool may have a sloped floor. Make the slope as gradual as possible, raking the soil smooth to protect your pool from damage later.
Use a rebar bender to fit the metal along the walls. Bind bars together as needed with metal ties from a hardware store. The rebar forms a frame that strengthens the concrete after you pour it. Always place the rebar net before adding the concrete.
Contract a plumber to take care of the water lines. Pool plumbing is complex and building codes vary from community to community. A good plumber will make sure your pool works safely.
Leave the electrical work up to a professional. Messing with community power lines is illegal and dangerous. Poor wiring increases the risk of fires and electrical shock. Your pool contractor will run another set of PVC lines, which will be made of conduits to run the electrical system. [13] X Expert Source Rob LitmanLicensed Landscaper & General Contractor Expert Interview. 13 October 2020.
To make pouring the concrete easier, begin spraying the walls as you lay concrete on the floor so you don’t have to walk back and forth across the wet mix as much. Gunite is cement at 3,500 to 4,000 psi (24,000 to 28,000 kPa). It takes 28 days to cure. [15] X Expert Source Rob LitmanLicensed Landscaper & General Contractor Expert Interview. 13 October 2020.
Take care not to spray over any exposed pipe openings. Cap them and spray around them.
You can also use a big metal straightedge to smooth out difficult spots along walls and corners. The straightedge is also helpful for smoothing out steps into a block shape.
If you don’t have a good plastic cover, spray the concrete with water from a hose 3 or 4 times a day. Keep it saturated to prevent it from drying out. You can also place damp canvas or burlap over the concrete to protect it. Add water to the cover as needed to keep it moist.
Leave a 6 in (15 cm) gap between the lip of the pool and the top row of tiles. Make sure the mortar and grout resist chlorine and other chemicals in the water. Tile lasts up to 10 years on average and resist stains better than other finishes, though it tends to be a little more expensive. Some other finishes to try include plaster, stone, or a water-resistant epoxy paint. Alternative finishes last 5 to 8 years on average.
Install the coping with mortar and grout like you did when lining the pool’s interior. Cover the 6 in (15 cm) gap you left inside the pool, then arrange another row of coping material around the pool’s rim.
If you can’t get a truck to the pool, continue using a hose. It may take all day, but with a little patience, you will soon have a functional pool. Watch the pool for leaks and other issues. Empty the pool before attempting a fix.
