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How to Build a Swimming Pool


So, you’re lucky enough to be planning on building a swimming pool.  This article will help you work out the basic steps required to achieve your goal

DESIGN
The first thing you’ll want to do is design the pool that you wish to build.  The first factor is size, which will most likely be constrained by how large your garden is.  The next factor to consider is depth.  If you are having children use the pool then it is recommended to keep it under 1.2 metres.  What color do you want the pool to be?  What type of lighting would you like?  What shape would you like the pool to be?  Generally speaking, the more complex the design the higher the cost.

GET PERMISSION
In order to build a swimming pool you might need to gain planning permission.  You may also have to contact your local homeowner's association and check whether they allow swimming pools. Something to bear in mind is that, in some areas, additional taxes must be paid on pools, and if the pool isn’t registered, it could be viewed as tax evasion.

EXCAVATE THE AREA
The next step, once you have designed the pool and been granted permission, is to excavate the area.  You can either employ a contractor to take care of everything or hire construction equipment yourself, as essentially, all you are doing at this stage is digging a big hole.  It is, however, important to have been granted permission before beginning to dig, as there may be hidden wires or pipes that you don’t know about.

CONSIDER THE MATERIAL TO USE
There are three main options to choose from when it comes to picking out a material; concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl.  There are advantages and disadvantages of each... concrete is the most expensive material (often upwards of $50,000) but is also the most durable; fiberglass is the least expensive but are limited in size and shape because the fiberglass shells are constructed off-site…. vinyl pools are the cheapest option but have a short lifespan and are prone to punctures and tears.

GRADE THE GROUND AND FRAME THE WALLS
The next step is to even out the ground, as this will make building the walls and laying the floor much easier.  With the hole dug out, and the land now flat, the walls can be built with wood and metal rebar.

PUT IN THE PLUMBING & ELECTRICITY
You’ll want to get an experienced plumber to take care of this specialist task, as the supply and filtration system must meet the code for your area.  It’s important to hire a plumber experienced in swimming pools, as an inexperienced plumber can ruin your pool, and cause a lot of unnecessary expense down the line.  You’ll then want to hire an electrician to install the lights, as bad wiring plus water with you entering that watering would not be a good combination.

POUR THE FLOOR, BUILD THE WALLS AND TILE
If you’re using cement as your material of choice, your next step is to pour the floor.  With the floor in place you can build the walls, and once the walls are built, all that’s left is to tile them--but, remember to add a moisture barrier to stop the water from leaching out.

FILL THE POOL
The last, and most rewarding step, is to then fill the pool.


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