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How to Build Your Own Swimming Pool at Home

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Education & Training with Property Investment Wise

Building a swimming pool is an excellent way to increase the resale value of your home, but it is also very time-consuming. Here are some ideas on how to build a pool.

 

Step 1: Design Your Pool on Paper


Before you even begin to build your own pool, you must first draw up plans for your swimming pool. When making your plans, consider the following key points:

 

  • Shape
  • Style
  • Budget
  • Are you going to add decorations or special amenities?
  • Above or below ground?
  • Space

 

Step 2 - Consider How Much Money You Have In Your Budget

Building a pool can be an expensive task, and maintenance is a time-consuming process. Make sure you have enough money in your budget. Make a few phone calls to various contractors in your area. A good rule of thumb is to contact a pool contractor to find out how much the pool will cost to build, and budget for twice that amount to allow for extra expenses.

 

Step 3 - Consider liner materials for your pool

The type of material from which you make your liner can make a huge difference in how much you spend. Typically, pool liners can be made from three different materials: vinyl, fibreglass, and concrete. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses.

 

If you're not sure what type of material would be best for your needs, consult a pool contractor. Pool contractors have many years of experience and can help you determine which material would work best for your needs. For example, you normally wouldn't want a concrete pool in areas where it gets cold in the winter because freezing and thawing cycles can damage the concrete. However, concrete liners are great for indoor pools in these areas because the structure is often heated so that the pool can be used year round.

 

One thing you can never forget is the pump. As a pool owner myself, I've always been able to depend on an Onga pool pump. There are a lot of manufacturers out there, but this one has always been my personal standby.  

 

Step 4 - Set aside time for your project

If you really want to build your own pool, make sure you can set aside enough time to get the job done. Vinyl liner pools take about 2 weeks to set up, fibreglass about 3-5 weeks, and concrete about 2-4 months, on average. If you can't devote the time, it may be best to hire a professional to build the pool for you.

  

Step 5 - Ask if Any Permits Are Required

Depending on the area in which you live, it may be necessary to obtain a building permit before you build a swimming pool. Ask a local contractor about the laws in your area regarding pool building and any possible permits you might need. The penalty for failing to do this is usually a large fine, plus you may be forced to remove the pool in some areas. 

 

Step 6 - Dig The Pool Hole

 

Depending on the type of pool you chose and how deep you want the pool to be, you will need to dig a hole for the pool. Dig the hole at varying depths, depending on your needs. This allows you to create both shallow spots and deep spots in your pool.

 

Step 7 - Install the Lining

 

From here, you can install the pool lining. The process depends on which type of lining you chose. Vinyl pool liners are quite easy to install, but you'll need to be careful because they are easy to tear. Fiberglass liners are made of one big piece up to 16' wide. They are far more durable than vinyl liners, but you have limited options as far as size and shape, and fibreglass liners may require a crane to install. Make sure your yard has enough space for a crane to get to your pool site. Concrete liners are the most versatile, but crack in cold climates, and are time-consuming to install because the concrete must be "shot" from a gun onto steel-reinforced walls. That is why concrete liners are often called "gunite" or "shotcrete."

 

Step 8 - Maintain a Clean Swimming Pool

There is an essential element that pool owners often forget: the maintenance. Without a proper maintenance, there could be a variety of problems, from green water to algae build up. Therefore, it is crucial that you clean your pool regularly. Scrub the sides of the pool to prevent algae build-up. Buy a vacuum that will clean the bottom of the pool. Choosing a pool chlorinator for your swimming pool is also very important. According to Clean a Pool, a swimming pool supply store who has been servicing across Brisbane and Sunshine Coast, a good pool chlorinator should help to balance the chemical levels in your swimming pool. The water should also be crystal clear and leave very little residue on your skin.

 

 

Conclusion

  

This article covers the basics. If you need more information on installing pool liners, you should consult a qualified pool contractor. Installing a pool can be a rewarding experience. If you do it correctly, you will add something to its resale value and will be able to enjoy the added profits when you sell your house.

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Joe McCord works at REAA.