Building a swimming pool

[Randy Rooster]

I want a permanent swimming ppool, but the cost of a fiberglass one or having someone else build one is outrageous. Has anyone here built one from concrete or concrete block? It seems like it would be doable if I knew how to design the filtering system and knew about the waterproofing part.

thanks

Randy

[Jenn]

we are very happy (swam Sunday- 76 F water) with our vinyl liner pool, saltwater system. Owned one 12 years ago and messed up liner a few times but they are supposed to be better now and the salt water makes things a lot easier- less chlorine damage to liner and us, less variability of chemicals/risk of green algae filled pool.

The vinyl liner was about 1/2 to 2/3 cost of fiberglass/gunite and I don't like the feel of gunite on my feet- makes them sore after a swim in the public pools I've been to which have them, hurt DD6's fingers at pool with gunite edge.

Now before things got complicated people dug their own holes and put in their own vinyl pool liners. Might want to get a job you or spouse with a pool company for a month or two to get some tips on any DIY you do.

[SkizzlePig]

If you go with concrete, you will will have to be prepared for maintenance, sometimes annually if the initial work isn't done right. This means draining the pool and resurfacing it or parts of it to fix deterioration.

The reason fiberglass is more expensive is there's no resurfacing costs and surface maintenance is non-existent.

You might consider a liner if cost is a concern. I don't know much about liners, so I can't advise on surface maintenance. You'll need to really focus on longevity of the liner. When will you need to replace it, becuase they wear out ... at least I think they do.

[rio002]

When my parents put in an in ground pool they cut alot of costs by renting a the lil bobcat digger and digging the hole themselves, hired through friends a couple guys to do the concrete and then finished through a company for the filter system and liner. They made a deal with that company on the decking around the pool too. The company said "we'll put in this new "cool deck" (looked like dry holey oatmeal smoothed out but even in 110 degree weather it was still cool to the touch) around your pool for free if we can stop by and show it to other clients for marketing" they said "Absolutely!" and you know what--they never in ten years brought anyone by lol. Their idea was to do as much as humanly possible themselves and then only have to pay for what they couldn't do. Good Luck!

[fishhead]

I've heard of spray-on liners too. Not sure if they are do-it-yourself or not.

[palani]

Leave the rings out of the sows noses. You'll end up with several swimming holes in no time ... :-)

[Wolf mom]

LOL!

The pool we had was blown in concrete after rebar (lots & lots) and the piping for the filter system was installed. Then a smooth plaster coating was put on.
I don't see why you coudn't dig the hole, do the rebar & hire someone to do the concrete. Then you could plaster it yourself. Don't forget the tile around the edge.
Say, that's something else I've seen. An all tiled pool. Impressive. But, then that's Phoenix AZ.

Cool decking around the pool was really cool!

I would be concerned of the ground shifting at all if the pool was built of concrete blocks.

[PyroDon]

the old mechanic illistrated encyclopedia had a lot of info on building inground pools with concrete, gunite and blocks as well as how to construct a filter system .
One of the best Ive seen was an indoor pool with an under gravel filter and water fall . their were live fish and plants as well which allowed it to be a chemical free system , very cool

[palani]

You might check out an Endless pool (google it) if you like lap swimming in place. Very small pool with about a 6 hp hydraulic prop that creates a continuous current to swim against. Unfortunately at $20k the price isn't small but you can get them to sit on a slab, partially in ground or completely in ground.