Big garden means big possibilities. And not just in terms of greenery. If you have a lot of free space around your house, do something for yourself. Specifically – make yourself a swimming pool!
A pool at home is a dream not only from childhood. Many people decide to buy pools on a frame or even inflatable versions, but they are much less durable and resistant to damage than a pool dug into the ground. If you don’t want to spend a few thousand every few seasons, learn how to conjure up a backyard pool step by step!
Over the past few years, the legal issues surrounding the construction of a backyard pool have become much simpler. However, this does not change the fact that a pool is a construction object, the construction of which must be properly documented to avoid paying severe fines.
Firstly, the scope of the area over which it is necessary to obtain a building permit has been increased – in the past it was over 30 m², now it is as much as 50. If the construction of a pool with a water surface area greater than 50 m² is commenced without the appropriate permit, the relevant authorities may order its demolition. It is also worth remembering that the permit is issued for 3 years and within that time construction works must be commenced.
However, if you plan to build a pool smaller than 50 m², you can start even today – without any formalities. All you need is a good design and the knowledge of how construction works step by step
For starters, choose a location. Of course, it must be a level surface – you can level small hills, but it will be additional trouble and lost time. It is good if you plan the construction of the pool simultaneously with the construction of the house. Then you do not have to cut down growing trees (which often also involves obtaining permission), bushes, destroy the grass
A suitable place for the pool must also be sufficiently sunny. Choose the side of the house where the sun hovers in the sky the longest during the vacations, and make sure there are no tall trees nearby that can block the sun’s rays and litter the water with leaves
Once you have chosen a site and have a general construction project prepared, you can get down to the excavation, which means preparing the place for reinforcement. The excavation should correspond to the shape of the future structure, in addition, take into account the expected thickness of the walls and bottom. Troughs can be made of concrete blocks (the most popular), fiberglass-reinforced resin, and even sheet metal (usually bought ready from the manufacturer, already formed)
If you decide to build a pool of concrete blocks on your own, you must remember about lining the pit with gravel ballast, on which the reinforcement mesh is laid. On it you brick the entire basin – the bottom and side edges – and then plaster, of course, inside. Take into account the places for the necessary components, such as reflectors or a pump. After the external heat installation – it can be made of polystyrene plates – you just need to install the last compositional elements and pour water
In order for your pool to serve you best, you need to learn a maintenance routine that will keep the water fresh and clean. First, regularly check the cleanliness and efficiency of the filters in the skimmer and pump. These are responsible for catching debris that accumulates on the surface of the water
The most important thing is to constantly monitor the amount of chlorine in the water. A drop below the level may result in water staining and algae formation, too high a concentration – cause allergies and skin burns. Chlorine powder or tablets are available on the market
>> See also: Heated swimming pool in the garden. Costs, installation, maintenance
It is also worth at least once a week to refresh the bottom of the pool with a special vacuum cleaner. This will prevent the accumulation of pollutants, which were not caught by the filters, and also make sure that no algae are formed in the pool.
