12 Steps on How to Build a Swimming Pool

Thinking About A Pool?

If you don’t have a pool, you’ll no doubt want one at some point. While swimming pool construction is a relatively expensive project, they are a great way to spend time with the family and get in some exercise if need be. But first of all, let’s take a look at the 12 steps that need to occur before you can go from suffering in the heat to cooling off by your slice of paradise.

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Picking your design

Okay so you’ve found a pool construction company to build your pool, but before construction can begin, you need to pick a design. There are several elements that need to be considered here such as shape, length, and depth. Remember, the more complex that it is the higher the cost will be.

Getting a permit

This part of the process is crucial. You will have to apply for a permit with your local city and possibly your local home owner’s association. If you don’t you could find yourself in trouble with your city and the tax department for failing to register your pool.

Excavating the area

Construction can begin! It is important that a permit is in place at this stage, as you don’t want to run into any utility lines that you didn’t know about. A backhoe is used to do this.

Grading the ground

It’s at this stage of the swimming pool construction process that the ground will need to be evened out as much as possible which will form the bottom of your pool.

Frame the walls

So the hole has been excavated and the ground has been graded, what’s next? The walls will now need to be put in. This is done by framing the walls with wood and metal rebar.

Plumbing

It goes without saying that a plumber needs to be sourced here to install the necessary plumbing, preferably one with pool experience as one without any may ruin your pool. The plumbing system of your pool will need to meet with the plumbing codes of your area. Make sure that this is right!

Electricity

If you are thinking of having lights in your pool, then you will need an electrician for this process. Needless to say that a professional is required here as mixing water with electricity can be a deadly combination.

Pouring in the floor

Okay, so the plumbing and electricity have been done. The next step in the swimming pool construction process is pouring in the cement for the walls and floor. It’s important to pay particular attention to the angle of the floor if you are wanting a pool with varying depths.

Build the walls

Now that the cement has been poured in, the walls can now be built. There are two ways to do this – cinderblocks or poured concrete. It would be worth discussing the benefits of both with your swimming pool builder so you can make an informed decision.

Finish the walls

With every pool, there needs to be a moisture barrier which keeps the water from leaking out. Again, have a chat with your builder about the different options and their benefits. The most common ones are:

• Basic plastic liner
• Real tile covering
• Plaster coating
• Sprayed plastic coating

Filling in the outside

Almost done! The walls behind the wall need to be filled in. With regards to filling material, there are a few factors that need to be considered here such as what’s cheaper, what’s safer and where you live. Your builder will be able to guide you through this process to allow you to make the best decision.

Filling the pool

The pool is now complete, so now it needs to be filled with water. Depending on the plumbing that was mentioned earlier, you can either fill it from your own water supplies or you can have a water supply company come in and do it for you.