How to Build a Swimming Pool

A swimming pool is a great addition to homes with spacious yards, but constructing one is not a task you can tackle alone. In most cities, you're not allowed to build a pool by yourself, as the construction must be supervised by an engineer to ensure it meets safety standards. However, the installation process for fiberglass, vinyl, or concrete pools is generally similar. First, choose the ideal location for the pool, then determine the desired shape and depth. Afterward, hire a team of builders to dig the site, set up the necessary plumbing and electrical systems, and finally, pour concrete or install pool walls before filling it with water.

Obtain the necessary building permits. City authorities typically require you to secure a residential building permit before constructing a pool in your backyard. You can usually apply for this permit through the local Department of Building and Safety website.

• In addition to granting permission to build the pool, the residential permit will outline specific requirements and technical specifications for your pool.
• Make sure to check the guidelines from your neighborhood homeowners' association before proceeding—some areas may not permit pool installation.
• Some local governments may also require you to apply for a separate electrical permit. However, the electrician you hire to install the pool's electrical wiring will typically handle this permit on your behalf.

Choose the right location for your swimming pool. Select the most suitable area of your property to build the pool. While most families opt for the backyard, you can also place your pool beside the house if there is enough space for recreation.

• Think carefully about where to position the pool. In certain locations, installing a pool might require removing or adding outdoor structures like trees or fences, which could increase project costs.
• You may have limited options for the overall size of the pool, depending on where you place it.

Determine the basic design of your pool. Consider how you want your pool to look. Would you prefer a circular, square, or rectangular shape? What depth should it be? How many entry and exit points do you want? These are crucial details you must discuss with the contractor before starting the project.

• Most family pools come in standard sizes such as 3m x 6m, 4.5m x 9m, and 6m x 12m, with depths ranging from 1.2m to 4.5m.
• Remember that the more complex the design, the higher the overall cost will be.

Pour a concrete foundation for the pool to ensure long-lasting durability. Most residential pools are finished with one of three types of surface materials: fresh concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl. Concrete is the most solid and durable, but it is also the most expensive. It’s the best option for a large, permanent pool built on your property.

• If you expect the pool to be used frequently, choose durable materials like concrete to minimize future repair costs.
• In some cases, high-quality concrete pools can even increase the resale value of your home.

Opt for a fiberglass pool for easier installation. Fiberglass pools are typically sold as pre-formed units, making the installation process much easier. Once the land is excavated, the contractor simply places the pool in position and fills in the surrounding area. Fiberglass pools strike an ideal balance between durability and cost.

• For saltwater pools, fiberglass or vinyl pool walls are a better option since salt can gradually corrode concrete over time.

Install a vinyl liner pool if you want to reduce costs. Vinyl liner pools are essentially large tarps that are custom-fitted into the pre-excavated pool frame. This is the most cost-effective option for residential pool installations. However, a significant downside of this material is that it wears out much faster than fiberglass or concrete.

• Another drawback is that vinyl liners can bubble, wrinkle, and stretch over time, requiring frequent adjustments to maintain the pool's appearance.
• The average cost of a vinyl liner pool is around $25,000–$50,000, compared to $80,000–$100,000 for a concrete pool (costs in the U.S.).

Hire a pool contractor to make your dream come true. Research and carefully compare pool contracting companies in your area. It's best to choose a licensed and professional company that can prove their qualifications to install a pool. Having years of experience in pool construction is also a great benefit.

• Look at reviews from homeowners who have used the contractor's services before to get a sense of their work style and reliability.
• Remember that the contractor will charge separately for labor, so be sure to include this cost in your initial budget.

Digging the pool hole. After hiring a trusted contractor, they will mark the location you have chosen and begin the excavation process. Using a backhoe and other heavy machinery, they will dig out the area. Excavation is one of the most important steps in pool construction, as the accuracy of the following stages depends on this work.

• The crew might need your assistance in moving their equipment onto the property.
• At this point, you should have a building permit. Without it, there's a risk of damaging or hitting underground water and power lines.

Leveling the bottom of the excavated hole. After digging the hole, the next step is to level the ground where the pool will be installed. The workers will cover the base with a thick layer of gravel, smooth it out, and compact it until it's completely flat.

• There are different methods for leveling the pool floor. Some pools have a flat base, while others are designed with a sloped bottom, where one end is deeper than the other. Make sure to tell your contractor which type of pool you prefer.

Using steel supports to reinforce the pool walls. After excavation and leveling, it's time to shape the pool's walls. The crew will go around the perimeter of the hole to install wooden boards and steel bars. These materials are used to create the shape of the walls and provide support for the surrounding earth.

• As with the pool base, the walls must be leveled and aligned correctly.
• You may need to hire a subcontractor who specializes in steel structures to shape the pool's walls if the contractor doesn't have the necessary license or equipment for the job.

Install the necessary plumbing system. By this stage, you will need to hire a plumber who specializes in pool installations to set up the filtration and circulation system. They will install components such as the drain, surface skimmer, two-way and three-way valves, and the main pump, all of which manage the water intake, drainage, and circulation within the pool.

• Ensure you hire an experienced plumber, as an inexperienced one may cause significant issues with your pool's plumbing.
• Note that the pool plumbing system may differ based on the building codes of your area.

Install the electrical system for the pool. Before supplying electricity to the pool, the electrical contractor must run wiring to power the filtration system and any underwater lighting you wish to install. This is also the time to hire a professional contractor since improperly installed electrical systems can pose serious risks when exposed to water.

• Ask your general contractor to recommend reliable electricians they’ve worked with in the past.
• Electrical safety around pools is a significant concern. Faulty wiring can increase the risk of electrical shock for swimmers.

Pour concrete for the walls and floor if building a concrete pool. After the plumbing and electrical systems are set, the crew will use mixers to pour concrete into the steel forms around the excavated hole. They will smooth out and level the concrete surface while it is still wet.

• For pools with varying depths, they will need to check and ensure that the bottom slope is consistent from one end to the other.
• The concrete pool walls are typically finished with tiles or sprayed concrete. Discuss the advantages of each option with your contractor.

Hire a professional contractor to install a fiberglass pool. Most fiberglass pools come as a single pre-formed unit. If you opt for a fiberglass pool, a crane or similar equipment will be used for installation. Once in place, the crew will backfill with soil or concrete around the pool.

• In some cases, the fiberglass pool walls are made by spraying fiberglass material onto a mold, rather than using a pre-formed unit.

Vinyl Liner for Swimming Pools. The vinyl liner can only be installed once the concrete base has been completed and dried for 1-2 days. A vinyl sheet is then spread out to cover the entire interior of the pool. It is secured along the pool's edge using integrated clips, and a vacuum hose is used to remove the air trapped between the liner and the pool walls.

• Before installing the liner, the workers must mark and cut holes for lights, surface water collectors, and other features inside the pool.
• Although you can install the vinyl liner yourself, having a professional handle the installation ensures better precision and effectiveness.

Filling the Pool with Water. After the construction is completed, the next step is filling the pool with water. Depending on how eager you are to swim, you can either use a hose from your home for a slow fill or hire a water truck for a faster fill.

• Using a single hose to fill the pool can take the entire day (or even all night). When you hire a water truck, multiple hoses speed up the process, filling the pool much faster.
• During the filling process, it is crucial to check for leaks, ensure the pipes are functioning correctly, and identify any other issues. If a problem is found, contact the contractor for repairs before using the pool.

Treating the Pool Water with Necessary Chemicals. Use a home water testing kit to check the pool's pH levels. Then, add chlorine and other chemicals, such as shock treatment or algae killer (if needed), to adjust the pH to a safe level. The ideal pH for pool water is between 7.4 and 7.6, slightly above neutral.

• Water testing kits can be purchased from any store selling pool supplies.
• The amount of chlorine needed depends on the pool's volume. If you're unsure of the correct dosage, contact a pool maintenance company for assistance.
• If you have a saltwater pool, you will need to add salt (along with the appropriate balance of other chemicals) after filling the pool.

• Always cover the pool during the off-season to keep the water clean and prevent damage caused by external elements.
• After the pool is built, you can clean it yourself, sanitize it with chlorine, and perform general maintenance, or you may choose to hire a professional pool maintenance service.
• Take time to research material options for your pool, the plumbing system, and the filtration system before making a decision on the pool construction method.
• Consider additional safety measures beyond the required building code. For example, install a fence around the pool if you have young children or pets, or use floating barriers, install multiple ladders, and include other features for those who are not strong swimmers.

• In some areas, swimming pools and similar structures are considered taxable items, unless the pool does not increase the value of your home.