If you’re an adventurous person and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you may be interested in installing your own pool. While not everyone has the space or the money to install their own pool, the reward of having your very own mini water park can be hard to resist! If you’re up for the challenge, check out this guide from Clark Rubber on how to install a DIY pool.
Before you begin
Preparing to install your new pool is essential. Remember, once you start digging, it’s hard to go back! There are many factors that come into play when installing a swimming pool and it’s important you consider them before you begin your project. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
- Have I done enough research? (Check out our free guide or talk with an expert for more information.)
- Can I hire someone else? (Hiring someone will save time and energy and make sure everything is done correctly.)
- What are my priorities for my backyard?
- Will it have plenty of room for entertaining or do I want something smaller and more intimate?
- Do I need to take my kids’ safety into consideration when choosing where I place my pool?
Planning
When it comes to do-it-yourself home improvement projects, one of your biggest expenses will be in planning. As you’re considering whether or not you can afford to take on such a project yourself, look into your local licensing requirements and make sure you have all of your permits before beginning construction. You’ll also want to determine what materials you’ll need, how long it will take you, and where they can be purchased. What’s more, always remember that taking on too much at once could put an undue strain on both your wallet and your free time—it may be wise to work slowly over several months as money becomes available rather than trying to tackle everything in one massive effort.
Excavation
The foundation of your pool or spa is one of its most important parts. If it isn’t strong, you’ll have problems with leaks and cracks. You should excavate your entire site at least 3-4 feet deep, and go up another 2-3 feet for walls as needed. Concrete pavers are usually used for permanent installations like pools. Poured concrete is best if you plan on moving your pool in the future because it won’t crack as easily as poured pavers will over time. Crushed stone can also be used, though these types of footings typically need to be replaced every few years due to sinking into the ground over time
Concrete pad and decking
Your concrete pad and decking should be built before you get started on your pool. The purpose of the pad is to hold down your liner (making it easier to take on and off), prevent moisture from reaching your sub-floor, and protect against frost heave in colder regions. In order for them to serve their purpose, they need to be correctly constructed—and that means carefully poured. It’s best if you can talk with a construction professional about how to do it right, but here are some general guidelines: For areas that get cold enough for significant frost heave, add gravel or crushed stone under the slab.
Wall panel installation
First, you need to prepare your wall for installation. Use your level and stud finder (or metal detector) to mark a straight line between two vertical walls in your room. Mark the top of your pool’s waterline on one wall and mark where you’ll want it on another, making sure that they’re at least 10 inches apart. Then, use your level tool to draw a straight line about 3 feet high between those marks. A typical pool will be 12 feet wide by 24 feet long, so center that grid line 2 feet below one end of where you marked—and again 2 feet above—the other end of where you marked.
Deck installation
Now that you have your liner and coping, you can start installing your deck. The first step is to mark where all of your verticals will go. You’ll want one on each end at 4′ 8 (2.5m) high, which equals 2 risers high on each side of every section. Connect these using a level as we discussed in Step 3. Also, mark where you want your waterline—this needs to be 10 (25cm) above ground level so it’s easy for kids and adults alike to enter and exit comfortably without bending over or straining their backs and legs.
Fence installation
The most important aspects of pool fence installation are proper materials and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Before purchasing your fence, be sure that you know exactly what type of gate is included and whether or not it is child-proof (chances are it isn’t). The type of fence you choose will depend on how easy you want maintenance to be. Vinyl fences are extremely easy to install, but you can expect them to last only about five years before needing replacement; above-ground wooden fences, on the other hand, should last for decades.
What benefits can you get from installing a DIY pool?
Whether you’re planning an addition or simply want more space, adding a pool to your backyard is an easy way to boost your home’s value. With a few basic tools and an afternoon of work, you can turn your backyard into something truly remarkable—and it won’t cost as much as you might think.
If installing a pool yourself seems like too big of an undertaking, consider hiring contractors for some of these tasks. After all, there are plenty of ways for homeowners to save on installation costs—like doing some heavy lifting yourself or buying leftover supplies during off-seasons. For example, many companies offer rebates if you install certain energy-efficient equipment with new pools.
Conclusion
Step one in installing your new pool is choosing its location. As you might imagine, pools need adequate space for maintenance and safety reasons, as well as access to electricity. Fortunately, most yards are suitable for hosting an above-ground pool. In addition, carefully consider whether your yard has enough sun or shade over any given day; while both options can provide comfortable swimming conditions throughout the year (with appropriate safety gear), pools with deep water and lighting require more sun than those that don’t. At any rate, once you’ve chosen your ideal spot for installation, it’s time to purchase supplies.
