Creating A Poolside Oasis In Your Player Home (2024)

Building a pool in your house can be a fun project, but it's not a simple DIY task. If you're thinking of adding a pool to your property, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, you'll need to obtain the necessary building permits and check if there are any state or local guidelines that you need to follow. You'll also need to decide on the location, shape, and depth of your pool, as well as choose the type of pool you want – options include concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl-lined. It's important to hire a certified pool contractor to help with the installation process, which includes excavating the area, grading the ground, framing the walls, installing plumbing and electrical fixtures, and finally, filling up the pool.

Pick a suitable site for the pool

Picking a suitable site for your pool is a crucial step in the process of building a pool in your player's house. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right location:

• Space availability: Assess the available space in your backyard or sides of your house, if you have enough room to play with.
• Excavation accessibility: Ensure that the excavation equipment has easy access to the area where you want to dig your pool.
• Outdoor features: Consider whether installing a swimming pool in your desired location will require you to add or remove existing outdoor features like trees or sections of fencing. This could increase the overall cost of the project.
• Dimensions: Depending on the chosen location, you may have limited options for the pool's dimensions, so choose an area that allows for your desired pool size.
• Building codes and permits: Check your local building codes and obtain the necessary permits before finalizing the pool's location. Some areas may have specific guidelines for pool installation, such as the minimum distance from your property line.
• Safety: If you have small children, consider the safety implications of the pool's location and choose an area where you can effectively maintain safety protocols.

Create the pool's basic design

Creating the basic design for your pool is a fun and exciting step in the process of building your dream pool. Here are some key considerations to help you get started:

Shape and Size

Decide on the shape and size of your pool. Common shapes include round, square, and rectangular. Standardized sizes for home swimming pools are typically 10 x 20 feet, 15 x 30 feet, or 20 x 40 feet, with depths ranging from 4 to 15 feet. Keep in mind that the size and shape of your pool may be limited by the space you have available and any local regulations or guidelines.

Pool Type

Choose the type of pool you want, such as concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl-lined. Concrete pools are the most durable but also the most expensive. Fiberglass pools are easy to install and offer a good balance of durability and affordability. Vinyl-lined pools are the most economical option but require more maintenance. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type to determine which best suits your needs and budget.

Entrances and Exits

Determine the number of entrances and exits you want for your pool. This will impact the overall design and functionality of your pool. Consider how you plan to use the pool and how many people will typically be using it to decide on the number and placement of entrances and exits.

Custom Features

Think about any custom features you may want to include, such as lighting, water features, or decking. These additional features can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your pool but may also increase the overall cost.

Permits and Regulations

Research the necessary permits and regulations for building a pool in your area. Obtain a residential building permit and check your local guidelines, homeowners association rules, and electrical permit requirements. Ensure that your pool design complies with all relevant regulations to avoid any issues during the construction process.

Contractor Selection

Select a reputable pool contractor with a valid license and experience in building pools. Read reviews, compare prices, and ask for recommendations to find a contractor who can bring your vision to life.

Remember, creating the basic design for your pool involves making key decisions that will impact the overall construction process and cost. Take the time to carefully consider your options and seek professional advice where needed to ensure your pool is built to your desired specifications.

Hire a pool contractor

Hiring a pool contractor is an essential step in building a pool. While it may be tempting to attempt to build a pool yourself, it is a complex job that requires heavy equipment, experience with excavation, and familiarity with pools' electrical and plumbing systems. A professional pool contractor will ensure the project is completed safely and correctly and meets all necessary regulations and codes.

Understand the Credentials and Experience:

Before hiring a pool contractor, ensure they have the necessary credentials and experience. Verify their license, insurance coverage, and ask for references from past clients. Check their qualifications by researching the license requirements in your state. Some states mandate that a licensed contractor supervises any pool construction exceeding a specific cost.

Define Your Pool Project:

To obtain accurate quotes, clearly define your pool project. Determine the type of pool you want, its size, the desired number and type of steps, and any additional features such as a spa, tanning ledge, or lighting. Communicate these details to potential contractors to get precise estimates.

Request Multiple Quotes:

Contact multiple licensed and insured pool builders to request quotes. Ask for itemized estimates that break down each cost contributing to the final price. This will allow you to compare prices and understand the pricing of different builders.

Ask the Right Questions:

When speaking with potential pool contractors, ask about their experience, previous similar projects, and maintenance training. Inquire about warranties, coverage, and what is included in their services. For example, ask if they offer pool covers and fences, which are important safety features.

Draw Up a Contract:

Always have a detailed contract in place before finalizing any agreement. The contract should outline the scope of work, site preparation, maintenance and repair costs, timelines, necessary permits, and the payment schedule. A contract protects both parties and provides a reference point if any disagreements arise.

Conduct a Background Check:

Consider requesting a background check on the pool contractor and their team. This can give you peace of mind and ensure the people entering your property are trustworthy.

Keep Detailed Records:

Maintain records throughout the project, including the contract, payment receipts, permits, licenses, and any issues or damage that occurs during construction. Record-keeping will help you refer back to important details and resolve any potential disputes.

Be Wary of Red Flags:

If a contractor offers a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research, compare bids, and confirm the company's physical address. Be cautious of extremely low prices, as they may indicate a lack of qualifications or hidden costs.

Excavate the area

Excavating the area for your pool is one of the most important parts of the building process. It is critical that you have your residential building permit on file at this point. This will ensure that you do not damage or unearth any utility lines. You will also need to make sure that the excavation equipment has access to the area where you want to dig your pool.

First, mark off the area where you want to dig. You can use lime paint or stakes and string lines to do this. If you are building a concrete deck, make sure to mark out the space surrounding the pool as well.

Next, you will need to dig the hole. For this, you will need some earth-moving equipment, such as mini excavators and wheel loaders. If you are tight on space, you may need to cut down trees. You can use a stump grinder to remove tree stumps. Before you dig the hole, remove the grass and topsoil using a skidsteer loader or flat shovels and scrapers.

Now, it's time to dig! The depth and size of your hole will depend on the size and shape of your pool. Make sure to approximate the right angles using string and pegs. It will be squared later when you drop in some reinforced mesh.

Once you have dug your hole, you will need to grade the ground at the bottom. This will involve covering the bottom surface with a thick layer of washed gravel subsoil, which you will then rake and compress until it is perfectly level. If you want a pool with a deep and shallow end, you will need to create a slope. Be sure to tell your contractor which style you prefer.

Grade the ground at the bottom of the hole

Grading the ground at the bottom of the hole is a crucial step in building a swimming pool. Here are some detailed instructions to help you through the process:

Firstly, understand the concept of grading. Grading the ground means levelling and smoothing the surface to create an even base for your pool. This step is important to ensure your pool has a solid and stable foundation.

Next, cover the bottom surface of the excavated hole with a thick layer of washed gravel subsoil. Use a rake to spread the gravel evenly and compress it until it is perfectly level. Check the ground with a level tool to ensure it is flat and even.

Now, decide on the style of pool you want. Some pools have flat bottoms, while others have sloping floors to create a deep and shallow end. Discuss your preference with your contractor so they can grade the ground accordingly.

If you want a flat-bottomed pool, continue to rake and compress the gravel until the entire surface is completely level. However, if you prefer a sloping-bottomed pool, work with your contractor to create a gradual slope from one end to the other.

Finally, remember that grading the ground is just one part of the pool-building process. You will also need to frame the walls, install plumbing and electrical systems, and choose a lining material such as concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl. Each of these steps is important to ensure a safe and durable swimming pool.

Frequently asked questions