You’ve worked hard all your life and finally have enough spare cash to build a pool in the backyard of your home. But before you get started on this project there are some things you should know about pools and how they work.
Things to know beforehand
First, pools can be very expensive. When it comes to materials alone — forget building permits or installation — the price tag can exceed $40k! So make sure you’re ready to take on that kind of investment when deciding whether or not to move forward with the project.
Second, keep in mind that if water is kept at a temperature above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), bacteria will grow at an accelerated rate. A pool can contain millions of germs and the only way to kill them is by keeping your water at a chilly 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) or lower. You must also be careful about what chemicals you put into the pool and clean it regularly using chlorine tablets, an automatic chlorinator, or both.
But if you’re ready to take on these tasks, then read on to get started.
Steps for a smooth pool construction project
1. Determine what type of pool you want to build.
The three most popular types of pools are vinyl-lined, fiberglass, and concrete. A vinyl-lined pool is the least expensive — often used in above-ground pools — but requires a great deal more work to maintain than a fiberglass or concrete pool. Fiberglass pools are usually custom-made and come with a higher price tag while concrete pools are usually cheaper, however, they’re also the hardest to build.
2. Plan your budget and stick to it.
Do some research on price tags for each type of pool. When it comes to construction you’ll have to decide whether you want an above-ground or in-ground pool, the size of the pool (discuss this with your family members before committing), and where you plan on putting it. You should also take into account additional costs like permits, excavation, and installation.
3. Choose a location for your pool.
Pools should be at least 1 foot (.3 meters) away from any other structures including window wells and decks. They shouldn’t be placed near concrete walls or anything that will block sunlight from getting into the water — this will cause algae to grow. If the lot is sloped, you may want to consider a tiered pool design so water can drain correctly during heavy rains or melt-off.
4. Discuss your plans with a good contractor.
Of course, you need to find a good contractor to help you with the project. They should have experience in this field and should have the proper equipment like a concrete mixer for pouring concrete, double leg lifting chains if moving a tree or other heavy objects is necessary, a skid-steer loader for the excavation, and more to get the job done. A good company will work with you closely to materialize your swimming pool ideas and offer advice on how to build your pool safely and effectively.
5. Find out about any building permits needed.
Check with your local authorities to find out if you need a permit for the project. You may also want to hire an inspector to make sure everything is built properly and meets the standards of safety before opening up the pool for your personal use.
6. Start the project and be patient.
Building a pool can be a long and arduous process. You will see the entire process from digging the hole, to laying the plumbing, pouring concrete, installing coping stones and coping tiles, putting up fences around your pool, adding water features — it’s all quite tedious. But you have to be patient because things will go wrong if you rush the project. Expect to take 10 weeks or longer if you’re doing it yourself. You’ll need to hire an excavator who will make sure the site is ready for construction, including any necessary digging, building walls around the perimeter following local code requirements, installing a pump and filter system, a gas heater, and more.
7. Maintain and enjoy your new swimming pool.
After all of your hard work, you can finally enjoy the pool! Make sure you maintain it properly by keeping the water clean, checking chemicals often, and making any necessary repairs if something is wrong or broken. With proper maintenance, your pool should last for many years to come.
Building a pool in your backyard can be an exciting prospect, but you need to make sure you do plenty of research first about how it’s built, where it’ll go, what materials are needed, what specialized equipment is required, and much more. Planning and building a pool can be expensive, but with the right budget, information on permits needed, the help of a good contractor, and patience — you should enjoy your new pool for a long time.
