How to Build an In-Ground Pool

When people think about building their own in-ground pool, they think that it will be this big monstrosity of a task. In reality, if all of the steps are followed in a systematic way, then it is completely doable for anybody with the time and resources available.The first thing you must do is decide what type of pool you want to construct. There are two different types: fiberglass or gunite. Fiberglass pools are ready made and can just be dropped into the hole. It is really simple and easier to do than a gunite pool. The instructions below is for a gunite pool.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Building an In-Ground Pool

1. Contact local building department for permissions and information before starting the process to build the in-ground pool.

2. Contact utility companies for underground piping information before starting to dig.

3. Choose design and size of pool. You can choose a traditional design of oval or rectangle or a more freestyle shape.

4. Draw plot plans to show where your pool will be in relation to the house and property lines.

5. Contact an excavator to do the layout and dig the hole.

6. Contact a plumber. You will need to inform the plumber about any options that you want for your pool such as a heater, pump, filter, waterfalls, jacuzzi jets and/or auto-fills.

7. Contact a steel person to line the hole with rebar.

8. Contract electrician for any lighting and electrical lines depending on the options you choose to have with your pool.

9. Get an pre-gunite inspection from the building inspector in your area. They will inspect all the work that has been done before now.

10. Contact gunite company after the inspection was approved. They will spray the foundation with a water, cement and sand mixture. Any steps and seats will also be added.

11. During the two week wait for the gunite to cure, contact a tile installer to prepare to have the tile installed.

12. Get deck installed after the the tiling.

13. Have another inspection done. This have to be completed before the plastering is done on the pool. Fencing around the pool may be required. Check local building codes to be sure of this and other requirements.

14. Contact building plasterer. You can choose whatever color you want for the plaster. Water is filled into the pool soon after plastering. Pool plastering takes a week to cure.

15. Contact a swimming pool maintenance company for initial start-up of your pool. After this is done, you are ready to enjoy your new pool.