DIY concrete pool: technology for constructing and finishing a concrete bowl

Although it may seem like a difficult project, creating your own concrete pool can be enjoyable if you have the correct advice. In addition to increasing the value of your home, a concrete pool offers a private haven for entertainment and relaxation.

You will be guided step-by-step through the construction and finishing of a concrete pool bowl by this article. Everything will be taken care of by us, including the planning, excavation, concrete pouring, and finishing touches. Whether you’re a novice builder or an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you’ll find helpful advice and detailed instructions to get you there.

Concrete pools require meticulous planning and execution, but with perseverance and hard work, you can enjoy your custom pool very soon. Together, we will explore how you can make this exciting project a reality.

We design a swimming pool

A pool is an intricate and costly construction. Before work begins, all the details must be taken into account to ensure that he serves for an extended period of time and consistently. Many choose between concrete and composite pools at this point.

The latter is much faster and easier to install, but it is aging due to sunlight and chemicals used for pool cleaning and water disinfection. This manifests as the formation of pores and microcracks, which serve as common landing sites for fungal and algae spores.

Furthermore, only a restricted range of shapes, sizes, and color options are offered for bowls made of composite materials. This may be the primary motivator for you to reject such a solution and choose to construct your own concrete swimming pool.

Here, you’ll need not only our guidance but also a project for the hydraulic structure that includes all the calculations and drawings that specify the kind and quantity of material that will be needed. It is created with consideration for the topography and soil composition of your location, groundwater depth, and other significant factors.

Prior to placing an order, you must determine the answers to the following queries:

• Pool view. It can be intended for swimming, for decorative decoration of the local area, for entertaining children, etc.d.
• Size and shape. Here you can choose from thousands of options: large or small; shallow, deep or variable depth; round, oval, rectangular or shaped.

As a point of reference. Rectangular bowls with a uniform bottom level are the most basic and cost-effective bowl shapes.

• Location. The location is selected depending on the purpose of the water tank and the ease of its use. You can build a concrete pool at your dacha with your own hands next to a bathhouse or house under a canopy, or at a distance from them in an open place. It’s a good idea to think in advance about how you will connect communications to it so that no obstacles arise during the construction process.

Suggestions. Look for a location where melting road water does not enter the pool, where nearby tree leaves do not drop into the water, and where building shadows do not land on the water’s surface.

• Equipment. Think about what equipment you will need. It will be impossible to install and connect it after the concrete work is completed.

You can skip the project if all you need is a concrete pool that you want to construct yourself in the shape of a regular font without hydromassage, drainage, or circulation. Under these circumstances, water can be gathered with a garden hose and removed using a drainage pump. In order to avoid doing this too frequently, cover the pool when it’s not in use by using flooring or a lid that acts as a disinfectant.

Suggestions. If you don’t want to spend money creating customized documentation, you can find standard designs for concrete pools online.

Step-by-step description of the construction of a concrete pool

We advise you to watch the video, which shows you creating a concrete pool with your own hands, and learn about the technology used at each step of the process.

Preparing the pit

The following table describes the order of works:

Reinforcement

All necessary communications must be laid at the stage of strengthening the pit’s walls and bottom. Take water supply pipes, for instance.

Extreme caution is used when reinforcing in order to prevent tearing of the waterproofing layer with metal pins.

• First, two layers of mesh made of reinforcement with a diameter of 14 mm are laid on the bottom.

• Then a reinforcement frame of two rows of the same rods is installed along the walls. The lower ends of the reinforcement should be bent and inserted into the mesh at the bottom.

Kindly take note. If the pool’s sides rise above the surface, three rows of mesh reinforcement are added to the above-ground portion.

When researching concrete pool construction, be sure to focus particularly on the technology involved in installing reinforcement. Knitting wire needs to be used to connect each component of the reinforcing mesh to the others.

They should never be welded together because the strong internal stress created by a rigid connection can lead to cracks developing along the reinforcement bars in the concrete.

Formwork device

Formwork is constructed from prefabricated parts that are already made or from leftover materials, such as iron sheets, plywood, wood, and edged boards. The upper edge of the reinforcement should be below the top of the formwork, and it should be spaced three to five centimeters from the reinforcement mesh. There is a film covering its interior surface from the inside.

This is of great importance! Verify that the formwork can sustain the pressure of the concrete without moving before adding it to the pool. Install spacers between the opposing walls to achieve this, or fortify them in any other way that is practical.

Concreting

Superior heavy concrete that has been treated with plasticizing and hydrophobic additives is required to make a pool bowl.

Its primary parameters are:

• Grade not lower than M350 – M400;
• Water resistance index W6;
• Frost resistance index F100.

Ordering a ready-made mixture from a specialized company is the best option. This will immediately provide you with confidence regarding the quality of the solution and the total volume needed to pour the pool.

• Cement M400 – 600 kg;
• Medium-fraction sand – 1600 kg;
• Fiber – 800 kg;
• Microsilica – 60 kg;
• Plasticizer – 1 kg;
• Water – 180 l.

One cubic meter of concrete is produced with this quantity of ingredients.

DIY The walls and bottom of concrete pools can be filled in all at once. Alternately, in two stages: pouring the walls and setting up the formwork after first setting the bottom in concrete.

Convenience is increased with the second method, particularly if the solution is made by hand. It enables you to gradually distribute labor-intensive procedures. Additionally, constructing the formwork on a solid foundation is more practical. But where new and old concrete meet, there’s a chance of leaks, cracks, and cold joints.

Using a waterproofing gasket, such as a hydrophobic self-expanding cord, can help prevent it.

Prior to pouring a fresh layer of concrete into the formwork, it is placed on top of the hardened layer. This cord, which has a cross-section of 1.5–3.5 cm at first, absorbs water from the solution and grows in volume up to a maximum of 15-20 cm.

During the concreting process, it is advisable to use a special vibrator to remove air bubbles from the solution. When submerged in the solution, the device’s nozzle vibrates frequently, destroying air formations and aiding in the removal of excess moisture.

The seating areas and stairs are the final components of the pool, and they are either poured last or concurrently with the structure as a whole.

However, this is only half the battle won; there is still work to be done.

Following a 15–20 day break from technology, which is essential for building strength, the following tasks are completed:

• The formwork is carefully disassembled and removed;
• If it was double-row and located on both sides of the reinforcement frame, then backfilling and compaction of the soil between the walls of the pit and the concrete bowl is carried out.

• If cracks appear in the concrete, they are carefully expanded, cleaned and filled with epoxy resin, acting in 2-3 stages with a break for each layer to completely harden;

• Installed embedded elements of the bottom drain and other equipment in the pool;
• The surface is leveled with a latex mixture in a layer of 3-4 cm with fixation of embedded elements in the solution.

• The surface is treated with an adhesive primer.

Waterproofing

The concrete bowl’s waterproofing is a crucial next step. It can be completed in a variety of methods and materials. Generally, waterproofing films or coatings are used.

The following materials can be used to coat and waterproof pools:

• Polymer cement mixtures. These are pasty cement mortars with the addition of polymers, which create a waterproof layer on the surface of the pool after drying. To make it as durable as possible, the mixture is applied in two layers and reinforced with a synthetic mesh.

• Liquid rubber. An ideal material for creating a waterproofing barrier: safe for human health, resistant to mechanical damage, and the coating self-heals when microcracks appear. After application to the surface and drying, it forms an elastic seamless membrane with high vapor and waterproof properties.

• Liquid glass. This is an aqueous emulsion of polymer resins that can penetrate through the smallest capillaries into the thickness of concrete. When hardened, it polymerizes, turning into plastic and reliably isolating water from the walls of the pool. In addition, liquid glass is an excellent base for plaster or tile adhesive, and its price is much lower compared to other waterproofing materials.

As a point of reference. 200–250 g of material are used per square meter of surface. One kilogram costs about one hundred rubles.

Materials of the film or membrane type include TPO, EPDM, and PVC films. Because they are all painted in vibrant colors, they can all be used at the same time as a decorative finish for the pool bowl. Certain brands can mimic mosaic or marble.

However, professionals should install film waterproofing. This is a fairly involved process that involves first adhering geotextile beneath the membrane, then using a building hair dryer to weld the cut film at a temperature of 600 degrees.

Another technological break is scheduled following the completion of the waterproofing project; the length of this break is contingent upon the materials utilized. After adding water to the bowl, the level is checked a day or two later. Everything has been done well if it stays in place.

Concrete Volume Calculator

Constructing a concrete pool in your backyard can be a fulfilling endeavor that offers a cool haven for relaxation. From site preparation and concrete pouring to waterproofing and finishing touches, this article will walk you through every crucial step of building and finishing a concrete pool. A long-lasting, fashionable pool can be made with the correct supplies, equipment, and little work.

Finishing

The external finishing style chosen for the pool and its surrounding area will rely on the site’s topography, your budget, and your personal preferences.

• The bowl can simply be painted with a roller with epoxy paint Temaflor or polyurethane compound Ukrepren-Universal. And in a week it can be used for its intended purpose.
• If a colored membrane was used for waterproofing, you can refuse additional finishing altogether.
• Finally, the most common, but also the most expensive type of finishing is tiling or mosaic. In this case, the quality of the work is very important. Especially the quality of the grouting.

Calculation of the composition of concrete

Step	Description
1. Planning	Decide on the size, shape, and location of the pool. Ensure you have all necessary permits.
2. Excavation	Dig the hole according to your plan. Make sure the sides and bottom are level.
3. Reinforcement	Install rebar to reinforce the concrete. This helps prevent cracks and adds strength.
4. Formwork	Build wooden forms to shape the concrete. Make sure they are sturdy and properly aligned.
5. Pouring Concrete	Mix and pour the concrete into the forms. Use a vibrator to remove air bubbles and ensure even distribution.
6. Curing	Allow the concrete to cure for at least a week. Keep it moist to prevent cracking.
7. Finishing	Remove the forms and smooth the surface. Apply a waterproof sealant to protect the concrete.
8. Tiling	Install tiles or other finishes to the pool surface. This enhances the appearance and makes cleaning easier.
9. Plumbing	Install the necessary plumbing and filtration systems. Make sure everything is properly connected and functional.
10. Filling	Fill the pool with water and check for leaks. Once confirmed, enjoy your new concrete pool!

Creating your own concrete pool in your backyard can be a fulfilling project that turns it into a private haven. From excavation to finishing, you can guarantee a long-lasting, visually appealing pool by taking the correct procedures.

It’s crucial to pay close attention to details and adhere to the suggested procedures when it comes to mixing and pouring concrete, waterproofing, and applying final finishes. This guarantees the longevity of the pool and helps avert common problems like leaks and cracks.

A DIY concrete pool project can be successfully finished with careful planning and execution, giving you a beautiful, custom-built pool and a sense of accomplishment. Relish the fact that you created your own swimming pool.

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