Building a swimming pool in a private or investment property can bring many benefits. However, before starting from scratch, everyone should know how to build a swimming pool.
Although it can not be a DIY project and hiring a contractor is necessary, knowing the steps for constructing a swimming pool can make the process smoother. The clients and the company can prepare accordingly by considering the different phases. It gives a clear picture of what the construction should look like and what should be expected along the way.
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How to Build a Swimming Pool
Constructing a swimming pool is a complex process divided into several phases. No matter the in-ground pool type that needs to be built, generally, each should go through the following steps:
- Obtaining legal permits for pool building
- Planning and designing the pool
- Layout marking and site preparation
- Foundation establishment and pool lining
- Finishing touches
- Filling the pool up and chemical treatment
Steps Overview
Obtaining legal permits for pool building
The first step of how to build a swimming pool is taking care of the legal matters. The person interested in constructing a pool must have a residential building permit. Generally, the pool building permit can be obtained by filing the necessary documentation to the local building department or city hall.
It is good to know that in some states in the USA, a building permit is not required for smaller pool sizes. Hence, it is best to get in touch with the local municipality and learn more about the specific requirements and rules.
Planning and designing the pool
The planning and designing of the pool is a step of significant importance. There are a lot of aspects that must be taken into consideration for this step. People interested in building a swimming pool can only make the initial design themselves.
However, the entire planning and designing process should be left to experienced builders. The design is created based on the following criteria:
- Type of pool: inground, above-ground, infinity, lap pools, etc.
- Pool surface options which include gunite, vinyl, or fiberglass
- Pool finishes such as plaster, aggregate, or tile
- Land conditions
- Pool size, shape, and depth
- Sanitation system
- Surrounding layout
- Maintenance
- Additional features
The site of the pool significantly determines the design. While picking the site, the designer should consider the lighting, covering options, shades, proximity to the property, wind protection, and surface level. Also, they should consider the access to the area for the excavation equipment.
Layout marking and site preparation
After the design is finalized, it is necessary to do a soil test. The results will show whether the ground is suitable for swimming pool construction. If the soil test gives a green light, the contractor should mark the layout of the swimming pool.
The marking can be done using various techniques, such as wooden stakes, spray paint, or strings. In addition to the pool layout, an electrician and plumber should mark the places where the electrical lines, septic system, gas lines, and pipes should be.
The next step in how to build a swimming pool in your backyard is welcoming the excavation crew. Following the layout and pool design, they will remove the proper amount of soil and rock. After they are done with the digging, it is important to check for any remaining tree routes.
The last step for preparing the site for a swimming pool is removing the dirt and smoothing out the side walls and bottom of the pool.
Foundation establishment and pool lining
Before putting the pool’s foundation, the pipes and electrical lines should be installed. After all the required fixture installations are done, the process of building a swimming pool can continue with establishing the foundation.
The foundation is crucial for any pool structure. The steps in this phase depend on the pool surface. For instance, the first step of how to build a concrete swimming pool is to pour the walls and floor.
Other foundation establishments can be done with the help of fiberglass. It typically comes in a single piece. Thus, a professional team should put it in place with special equipment and fit it in the pool space. In rare cases, a fiberglass foundation can be done by spraying the material onto a frame.
Another popular foundation material is vinyl. They are installed on a concrete base. The applying process includes a vinyl sheet that is stretched out to cover the pool’s inner surface. Finally, the vinyl is secured with built-in liner tacks and vacuum.
Finishing touches
The finishing touches include installing all the necessities for maintenance, such as filters, pumps, drainers, water testers, pool heaters, and covers. Other features that might be added to a pool are:
- Pool ladder
- Lights
- Waterfalls
- Pool alarms
- Rescue and safety equipment
- Pool automation, etc.
Filling the pool up and chemical treatment
The last step in the pool installation guide is filling the pool up and chemical treatment. After the construction and finishing touches are completed, it is time to add water.
The swimming pool filling can be done with a single hose or a water truck. Filling it with a single hose can take a lot of time, while the water truck uses multiple hoses to speed up the process.
Next, the pool should be treated with the necessary chemicals. Some of the most important things that must be adjusted are:
- Total alkalinity ideal measures are between 80 and 120 ppm.
- pH levels are recommended to be from 7.4 to 7.6.
- The calcium adjustment should be done according to the water areas. It is best to keep it between 200 and 400 ppm.
- Chlorine should be kept between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm.
A final inspection should be done after filling the pool. It is important to see whether there are some malfunctions like leaks or plumbing complications.
What Do You Need to Build a Swimming Pool?
The basic tools and materials for building an in-ground swimming pool are:
- Heavy-duty equipment for digging
- Pickaxe or sledgehammer
- Pool material
- Deck material
- Pump and filter system
- Steel support
- Concrete mixer
A contractor should do the building of an outdoor living oasis. In most cities and states in the USA, the swimming pool construction must be legally supervised by a licensed contractor.
How to Build a Pool Above Ground
Another home improvement project can be building an above-ground pool. There are three types: inflatable, metal/resin frame, and rigid wall pools. The above-ground pools are generally relatively easy to assemble, and the steps depend on the pool type.
Inflatable above-ground pools
Inflatable pools are the easiest to install. First, they should be spread out on level ground. Next, the pump should be hooked to the pool so it can inflate it. After the pool is inflated, it should be filled with water, treated with chemicals, and ready to use.
Metal or resin frame pools
Metal or resin frame pools should be set up in sections. Generally, the installation starts with laying a ground cloth for additional protection. Then, the pool should be unrolled with the right side up.
If the pool liner is warmed up before installation, it will be easier to assemble it. More often than not, metal or resin frame pools have pockets where the beams should be inserted. The beams are secured together with hole joints and connection pins.
Lastly, the legs are inserted, and end caps are used to avoid damage to the ground cloth. The legs are put inside a belt loop with a restraining rope for sturdiness.
Rigid wall pools
The assembling process of rigid wall pools is similar to that of metal pools. However, instead of legs, the rigid wall pool has panels that need to be interlocked or fastened together.
Conclusion
The steps of how to build a swimming pool are complex and require hiring professional contractors, from designing to foundation establishment and chemical treatment.
So, the professionals will ensure the swimming pool is constructed according to the legal regulations. At the same time, they will find a design that meets the client’s wishes and budget.
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