When a country house appears, many people think about how to build a pool with their own hands. Often there is not enough money to hire specialists. Therefore, the owners are interested in how to build a pool with their own hands cheaply, reliably and originally.

The plan for how to build a pool with your own hands directly depends on the purpose of the future artificial reservoir. For children, a small and shallow artificial pond of round or oval shape is sufficient. The absence of sharp corners will protect kids from accidental injuries.

It is better to make an artificial pond for swimming in an elongated shape. During construction, the following basic parameters must be observed:

• depth not less than 150 cm;
• length 3-4 m;
• width at least 2 m.

If desired, you can install a springboard, but in this case the depth of the bowl must be at least 250 cm. If you determine the location of the springboard in advance, this will make the diving area deeper, while the main depth can be normal.

When arranging separate areas for bathing children and adults, the bottom is stepped. The area for children must be separated by a partition. To build a pool with your own hands, you can choose the projects in the photo.

A slight slope on the site will make it easier to dig a pit and will help to arrange a multi-level pool with separate areas for swimming for children and adults.

How to choose a site for an artificial pond

Before you build a pool with your own hands, you need to choose the right site for it.

The determining factors are:

• lack of green spaces in the immediate vicinity;
• soil type;
• finding groundwater;
• close location of the water supply;
• the absence of any buildings near the future pool;
• the main wind direction in the territory;
• natural slope of the soil.

The root system of plants can significantly damage the waterproofing of the pool. Falling leaves from trees falling into the water will cause it to “bloom,” grow algae, and cause an unpleasant odor. Small animals will inevitably appear.

Clay soil on the site will greatly facilitate digging a pit. In the future, clay soil will serve as additional waterproofing.

The running water will speed up the filling of the bowl with water and make it easier to clean regularly. A constant wind direction in the area will help remove leaves and small debris from the surface of the water. Therefore, the pool must be positioned so that foreign objects are blown to the narrow wall of the bowl by the wind.

Materials for building a swimming pool

You need to select a material before building a pool with your own hands; the technology for its construction directly depends on the selected material.

It could be:

• pouring concrete;
• concrete block masonry;
• expanded polystyrene blocks.

You can use ready-made containers. They are very easy to install and do not require special care. The main disadvantage of such a container is its simple shape. If you are not satisfied with it, you can build a pool from the above materials.

Concrete screed is poured onto the bottom and walls of the pit. Various facing tiles are used for finishing.

Concrete blocks are laid in the usual way. The main thing is to remember that every 3 rows it is necessary to lay reinforcement mesh.

Required Tools

To build a pool you will need the following tools and equipment:

• shovel;
• construction tape;
• level and plumb;
• sharp knife;
• saw or hacksaw;
• container for mixing concrete;
• construction mixer;
• work clothes and rags.

Filtration equipment

When deciding how to build a swimming pool at your dacha with your own hands, the choice of a cleaning system requires special attention. As a rule, for water purification the following is installed:

• overflow system;
• skimmer equipment;
• floating filters.

An overflow system is best suited for pools with constant water circulation. A special grille installed around the perimeter ensures that water is poured into the cleaning container. Water purified from impurities and small debris is returned to the pool. The process occurs cyclically.

The advantage of the overflow system is the ability to fill the bowl to the top edge and visually increase the size. The main disadvantages are the high cost of the overflow system and the difficulty of maintaining it during operation.

A skimmer type system is better suited for smaller pools. Water is poured into a bowl with such a cleaning system slightly below the top edge of the side (12-15 cm). A skimmer-type purification device gradually sucks in water, purifies it and distills it back into the bowl.

The main advantages of this system are simple installation, simple maintenance and low cost. The disadvantages include low efficiency and the need to frequently change the water in the bowl.

Important! The easiest and cheapest way to clean a pool is a floating filter.

How to make a floating filter

To make a floating filter, you need to prepare the following:

• electric drill;
• wrench;
• stub;
• nuts;
• Styrofoam;
• aquarium pump.

You will also need a cartridge (replaceable), a polypropylene pipe, and a rotary corner unit. The diameter of these parts is 0.5 cm.

The filter and corner assembly must be drilled with an electric drill. On one side the structure is secured with a nut. At the other end you need to connect the aquarium pump.

To hold the filter on the surface of the water, you need to attach a piece of foam to the end of the pipe. The efficiency of cleaning in this way will increase significantly if there are several cartridges.

How to make a foundation pit

Before you build a pool with your own hands, you need to dig a pit. The site is marked in advance. To mark the location of the future pit, it is necessary to use small pegs with a stretched cord.

To get a pool of the required size, the pit needs to be made 0.5-0.6 m deeper. Along the perimeter, the pit should be 0.7-0.9 m larger than the bowl of the future reservoir.

Important! When digging a pit, the selected soil must be left in order to subsequently fill the structure around the edges.

The bottom of the finished pit must be strengthened. To do this, the soil must be leveled and thoroughly compacted. Then pour a 25-30 cm thick cushion of crushed stone of different calibers. Crushed stone must be compacted in a wet state. The best option is to do this with a special machine.

For manual tamping you will need a piece of log or thick timber. It is necessary to nail pieces of plywood to the ends and strengthen the vertical pieces of plywood between them.

Pouring concrete

Concrete for pouring a pit is prepared in the usual way. The required thickness of the concrete screed is from 25 to 30 cm. The main thing is to fill it in one go. For a small pool you will need a small concrete mixer. If the pool is being built large, you will have to order a large machine with concrete mortar.

Important! When thinking about how to properly build a pool with your own hands, you should remember that you need to place a reinforcing mesh inside the concrete screed at the bottom of the pit.

To do this, you need to lay out polystyrene foam cubes on top of the crushed stone cushion at the bottom of the pit or install vertically sections of reinforcing rods. A reinforcing mesh is fixed on top. It should be raised above the crushed stone layer by at least 5-7 cm.

You can remove air bubbles from the finished screed using a special vibrating machine or a metal rod. It needs to be poked into the solution over the entire area of ​​the screed.

After removing the air, it is necessary to level the screed. It will take about 1 week to dry. During this time, it is necessary to wet the surface of the concrete with water so that it does not subsequently crack. It is convenient to spray water with a spray bottle.

Waterproofing for swimming pool

Waterproofing is laid on top of the hardened concrete, which must be spread on the bottom so that the edges are bent 20 cm above the top edge.

The following materials are used as waterproofing:

• construction rolled polyethylene (thickness not less than 150 microns);
• geotextiles;
• ready-made waterproofing solution;
• bitumen roofing felt;
• liquid rubber.

A polystyrene foam (extruded) backing is laid on top of the waterproofing material. Construction tape is used to secure individual slabs together. During operation, polystyrene foam wrinkles easily, so you need to act especially carefully.

Pool made of polystyrene foam

The assembly of polystyrene foam walls begins with markings on the concrete base. This will help assemble the walls evenly and neatly. Expanded polystyrene blocks are considered one of the most easy-to-use and inexpensive materials for laying out pool walls. They are easy to install using existing markings.

The size of polystyrene foam blocks is selected in accordance with the size of the bowl. The material is fastened together using special grooves. You can cut the blocks with a hacksaw or a saw with fine teeth.

Some people think that making a pool with their own hands is a very difficult and almost impossible task.

However, oddly enough, even an inexperienced builder will be able to build a swimming pool with his own hands in a country house or in a country house in the garden, the main thing is to know all the intricacies of this process and adhere to the technology of construction work.

You need to start construction by choosing a good location.

When determining a suitable location for a future pool in a country house or in a private home, you should take into account not only your personal wishes and preferences, but also the opinion of experts on where and how best to build it.

Experts advise taking into account the following factors that may affect operation:

• The presence of large trees near the future pool, which, due to the lack of moisture, pull their rhizomes towards the water and thereby damage the integrity of the structure. In addition, the leaves and branches of the plant will regularly fall into the water and decompose, which will lead to contamination of the entire device and active growth of algae;
• The distance from the bottom of the pool to the groundwater layer is also an important factor. Experts do not recommend installing a pool where the groundwater level is at a distance of 0.5 - 1 m from the ground surface. It is also not recommended to place it next to other buildings on the site;
• Soil type also plays an important role. If there are different types of soil on your site, then it is better to build a pool on clay soil, since it does not allow much moisture to pass through and will serve as a kind of waterproofing;
• The direction of the wind also matters for construction. The wind will bring debris into the outdoor pool, and it is better if the wind blows it to a place where you can catch it without problems. An overflow pipe should be placed in the same place so that dirt particles go into it along with excess liquid.

Shape selection

Often, having decided to arrange a swimming place or a swimming pool on their site, many choose structures of atypical shapes.

However, it should be borne in mind that it is very difficult to make such a pool yourself, and problems may arise in caring for it.

Typical pool shapes

Calculation and design of such a complex structure is a rather long and labor-intensive process; it is necessary to take into account the location of the filters and their power.

It should also be taken into account that for such containers you will have to purchase reagents much more often in order to keep the water clean.

A regular-shaped container looks, of course, simpler, but there will be much fewer problems with maintenance.

See the photo below for ready-made options:

Most often, country pools are round, oval or rectangular in shape.

To make the structure unusual, you can complement it with a beautiful and original staircase or play with the radii of an oval pool.

What material is best for a pool?

To have a large and beautiful pool on your property, near your house or cottage, you can go in two ways:

• buy a ready-made bowl for swimming pools, which is now offered by any hardware store;
• make the container yourself from available materials.

Ready-made containers are quite easy to install, environmentally friendly, resistant to environmental influences, and safe, but most often their design is quite simple.

Therefore, many people choose to build the tank themselves, because by going this route you can not only make a pool of a shape convenient for you, but also decorate it according to your preferences.

Typically, the following materials are used to build a bowl:

• many people pour it out of concrete and then line it with tiles;
• Swimming pools made from concrete blocks are also very popular in DIY construction. Construction with concrete blocks is practically no different from conventional concrete masonry, except that every third row should be reinforced with a mesh of reinforcement;
• In recent years, formwork made of polystyrene foam blocks is also often used in the construction of swimming pools. Such blocks are lightweight and very easy to install.

Concrete

When you have decided on the shape and location of the container on the site, as well as the filtration system, you can finally start building a swimming pool at your dacha with your own hands.

First you need to dig a pit of the desired shape

You can do this yourself or using special equipment, if it is possible to place it on the site near the house.

If the soil in the area near the house is loose, then the walls should be made with a slope towards the center of the pit so that they do not collapse.

In addition, the bottom of the pit should also be made with a slope towards the drainage system, so that water will be drained without problems in the future.

Construction of pit and drainage

Experts advise making additional drainage for the pool, for which a hole is made in the middle of the pit into which crushed stone is poured, then the entire bottom is covered with a 20-30 cm layer of sand and compacted.

The next step is to fill the container with concrete, for which you should use cement of at least grade M400.

The layer of mortar should be 5 cm, and on top it should be reinforced with a mesh of 6–8 mm wire and cells of 15–20 cm. The joints must be reinforced with thin wire.

Now the reinforcement layer is poured with another 5 cm layer of concrete. To ensure that concrete dries evenly, its surface should be moistened with a small amount of water from time to time.

The filling process is clearly shown in this video:

When the concrete surface of the bottom has completely hardened, formwork is installed to construct the walls of the container. It is made from boards 30 mm thick.

All places where the equipment will be installed should be provided so that in the future there is no need to drill holes in the concrete.

When the formwork is ready, the concrete surface of the pool bottom is moistened with water and filled with a 15-centimeter layer of mortar, to which aluminum powder is also added.

Thanks to this, the solution will adhere better to the bottom surface. A reinforcing mesh is inserted into the first layer of concrete walls and the walls of the pool continue to be poured.

For the walls of the container to strengthen and harden, at least 3 to 4 days must pass, after which the formwork is removed. The structure of the bottom and walls of the pool in the photo.

Ready formwork

When the walls of the pool are completely dry, all seams are waterproofed and the inside of the walls is plastered. Next, all the equipment is installed and a border made of brick or concrete is erected.

Concrete blocks

Constructing a swimming pool in a garden or dacha from concrete blocks is quite common, because building a thicket from concrete blocks is not difficult even for the most experienced builder.

For such construction, the most ordinary blocks are used.

The construction of a container, as in the case of a concrete pool, begins with a pit, levels its surface and makes the bottom of the container from concrete.

Reinforcement is placed in every third row of blocks for strength.

If the pool staircase is built-in, then it is mounted in one of the walls made of blocks.

Photos of works:

Expanded polystyrene formwork

Recently, containers made using formwork from polystyrene foam blocks have often been found.

The blocks can be of different sizes, but if you are building a large pool, then you should choose larger blocks.

Expanded polystyrene bowl

First, they fill the foundation or the bottom of the pool.

When the base of the container dries and gets stronger, polystyrene foam blocks are installed on it, which are connected to each other with special grooves.

Using an ordinary hand hacksaw, the dimensions of the blocks are adjusted to the required size if necessary.

When the block walls are ready, reinforcement is inserted into the voids and filled with concrete mortar.

Layers of the future pool

Don’t forget to leave space for all elements of the system so that you don’t have to drill holes for them later.

When the walls of the container have dried and become stronger, the pool can be lined using the method you choose.

Pool finishing

When the concrete or block container is ready, you can begin finishing its surface.

Most often for such work they use:

• ceramic tiles;
• PVC film;
• mosaic;
• sometimes even marble.

As for the color range of materials, it is best to choose blue, cyan or green and their shades to create the effect of sea depth and freshness.

You should also know that the darker the color of the container, the deeper it will appear.

Tiles and mosaics

If you have chosen tiles for cladding, then during installation you should take into account that the coating will be constantly under water pressure, which is why the wall will bend by several millimeters over time.

Therefore, you need to leave a small gap between the tiles, which is filled with the most elastic grout.

If this is not done, then after some time of operation the tile will become covered with microcracks over the entire surface.

For our construction, it is better to choose special porcelain tiles, which absorb less moisture and have increased strength.

Anti-slip corrugated tiles are usually laid around the pool.

Mosaic grouting process

Often containers are lined with ceramic or glass mosaic, which allows you to create beautiful and original ornaments and patterns.

In addition, such small tiles can easily cover both smooth and curved surfaces in any corner.

This video clearly shows how to line a container with mosaic:

PVC film

In recent years, pools are often covered with PVC film, which has high strength and waterproofing properties, and is also relatively inexpensive.

This coating will last up to 7 years, so it is better to use it for indoor pools.

The film consists of four layers, is resistant to sunlight and chemicals, is easy to clean and, in addition, the color range of PVC film is quite diverse.

This film can be used not only for a solid structure, but also for a temporary pool made from scrap materials - car tires, barrels and other suitable containers that can be used at home. In this case, the temporary structure is simply covered with PVC film.

Lining a pool with PVC film is clearly shown in this video:

The pool can be lined 1 to 5 days after applying a layer of plaster and waterproofing to the walls of the tank.

Important points when facing

You need to glue tiles or mosaics using a special glue that is resistant to water.

Pool waterproofing

They begin facing the walls, using a plumb line to determine the horizontality of the rows. Each row is checked using a lath to ensure that each tile is laid at the same level.

The joints between the tiles are filled with frost-resistant and moisture-resistant grout of the selected color.

Rest and recreation are now only a dream for many people, because not everyone can afford a train to the sea. The reason for this is simple - there is little money. This is not happy, but the situation can be corrected if you are the happy owner of a house. If the sea is unattainable, then you can make an indoor pool at your dacha, which will also please you and your family.

You just need to make a little effort, and your summer cottage will become a wonderful home resort. Just a few years ago it was almost impossible to create an artificial reservoir on the site.

Today, everyone can afford this luxury item. Yes, yes, and all because swimming bowls in their variety of types and prices have expanded so much that choosing a pool that suits your means will not be difficult.

Building a pool on your property is a great way to relax in the summer heat. If it is of decent size, then you can not only splash, but do swims in the mornings and evenings. And how much joy the children will get! Excellent well-being is guaranteed to you.

And the dachas of the 21st century are no longer so similar to those they used to be. Now I’m going out of town not to starve myself of planting cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as many other household chores. works. Exhausted by the pace of city life, residents of large cities turn their plots of land into recreational areas designed “to suit themselves,” and in this case a swimming pool will be an excellent addition.

Artificial pond in the country- this is not only a new comfort zone, but also a place for a special microclimate and even a reservoir of water for emergencies when there is nothing to water the flower beds with. In general, the benefits of a pool are obvious if you install the container correctly and operate it strictly according to the instructions.

Which pool should you choose?

On the modern market you will find three popular categories of pools:

1. Collapsible.
2. Stationary.
3. Inflatable.

They all differ in shape, design and size. These are the main parameters that will influence your choice. You will choose what to choose based on the size of the plot, conditions and preferences. But it should be said that each of the options is good in its own way.

Stationary

The name speaks for itself. Such containers are installed turnkey. Such pools are either medium or large. According to the type of installation they are divided into:

1. Frameless

Frameless structures built into the ground

To operate such a model, it will have to be equipped with some systems, at a minimum, this is a water supply, drainage and cleaning system. If you don’t take care of this in advance, within a couple of weeks you will be swimming not in clean water, but in dirty slurry. You can refuse the purification system, but think for yourself - where will you drain 14 tons of water, and how much will it cost you to fill the pool every 2 weeks with clean water? These costs will be more expensive than it would cost you to purchase and install the purifier once.

It looks great, and if you are mentally prepared to endure all the difficulties with installation and arrangement, then you should not refuse this option. If not, give preference to a frame container, since installation problems (and costs) will be much less.

But many summer residents are seriously concerned that they will have to spend a lot of time on cleaning, so they decided to make an indoor pool in their country house with their own hands. This is the right decision, since the pool will only need to be cleaned once every six months.

When choosing the type of container for your dacha, do not forget about the climatic features of the region. Most containers, even without water, simply will not withstand local frosts, so you will have to invest in frost-resistant models.

Collapsible

Such pools are classified as small and medium in size. The thing is that it is almost impossible to assemble it yourself, and the procedure is quite expensive. But the advantage of the model is that it is ideal for unguarded areas. It can be assembled, filled with water upon arrival, and dismantled in the fall and sent to the barn.

This type of pool also needs filtration, but there is no need to install complex systems. For small volumes, you can limit yourself to disinfection with reagents that are harmless and of high quality.

Inflatable

Naturally, such pools cannot be large, which is great. Due to its size, the pool is suitable for those owners whose plots are not so large, and the advantage is that storing such models is not problematic - you can even fold them into a sofa. You can also take the pool with you on a picnic. For large models, a metal frame is provided - it is assembled from hollow tubes (made of aluminum).

What are indoor pools for cottages made of?

When choosing a pool, you should remember that they can be made of any materials. This is especially true for stationary models. Manufacturers have fallen in love with materials such as plastic and other composite materials.

Products made from polypropylene have good characteristics and can withstand temperature changes well. They can be used all year round.

Plastic containers are more fragile and may burst when the temperature drops. It is not used to create large tanks, but is not uncommon for medium-sized tanks. It is also used for folding structures and decorative colored pools.

More practical models are made from composite. The material can transform, but the body does not break through. The walls cannot be scratched or broken. Such a pool will be durable, which is why it is used to create an indoor pool.

But all types have one drawback– they have a standard appearance, so if you want a unique pool, you will need to build it yourself. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s the way your heart desires.

Separation by filling type

According to the filling methods, pools can be:

• Overflow.
• Skimmer.

In the first models, a grate is made in the tank, through which overflowing water enters the storage tank. This system visually increases the size of the container and allows you to always maintain a certain water level.

In skimmer models everything is somewhat different. They cannot be filled to the brim of at least 15 cm, since there are no storage tanks. The water that enters the tank is purified through a skimmer. This is an inexpensive option, which is why it is very popular in the private sector.

Finishing materials

An indoor swimming pool at your dacha can be decorated with the following materials:

• Polypropylene.
• Mosaic.
• Tile.
• PVC film.

The film is sold in rolls and can be of any color. The most popular are blue, white, light blue shades. The role of such finishing has a dual meaning: waterproofing and aesthetics.

Polypropylene is a polymer that has high strength, is easy to weld and is resistant to aggressive climate conditions. Usually they buy blue polypropylene.

But mosaics and tiles are chosen with a low level of water absorption. Ceramics are used to decorate a public pool, and mosaics will fit perfectly into a summer cottage. A pool with this finish will appear visually deeper.

Location

It’s not enough to choose a pool, you need to think about how you will care for it, so we suggest planning everything in advance.

Important: If you have clay soil on your site, then this is an ideal option for installation.

When planning container placement, consider the following points:

1. If your soil is clay, you don’t even have to choose a location for installation. If the waterproofing fails, it will stop water leakage.
2. The area where you plan to place the pool should have a natural slope. In this case, it will be easier for you to dig a pit and choose a place to install the drainage system.
3. You should not place an indoor pool in your dacha where there is shade from tall trees. Plants sense moisture and can easily damage the waterproofing. The most aggressive trees are willow, chestnut and poplar.
4. If the pool is located near a water supply, this will make it easier to fill the container with water.

Dimensions

The ratio of length and width is correlated with the general purpose. If you want to do swims, give preference to a rectangular shape. For a simple “splash”, it is better to make a round shape. Depth will also be important. If you are a fan of jumping from the side, then the bottom should be at least 1.5 m deep. To place a tower or springboard, you will need a greater depth - at least 2.5 m. But you can make the bowl deeper in the place for jumping, and then bring it to standard depth.

The biggest challenge in creating an indoor pool with your own hands will be the combined type, which is suitable for both children and parents. The zones will have to be separated by partitions that will go from the very bottom. This way, children will be protected from falling into deep water.

Attention! In this type of pool, you should make a flat bottom that will smoothly descend. Sharp jumps are unacceptable for safety reasons, because while walking along the bottom you can inadvertently miss the line and choke. Don't ignore this advice.

Design of an indoor pool at the dacha

When you come to decorating, do not forget that you have a pool, not a pond, and you should decorate it accordingly. This is done using paving slabs or wood decking. The pool bowl can be hidden behind a stepped deck. If you are planning a large stationary pool, entrust this matter to professionals.

A distinctive feature of a pond will be the presence of a cleaning system, drainage, for example, heating/counterflow. To do this, you will need a utility room, which can be made in the form of a beautiful house. The design of the pool room or roof does not require any frills.

Plants as decoration

If the indoor pool at your dacha will be located outside, decide what you want to see around it. When drawing up a plan and choosing an idea for plants, do not break the main rule:

“There is no need to plant plants near the pool or on its shore. The water, with the chlorine it contains, will kill them, and you can forget about comfortable swimming among beautiful plants.”

To do everything at its best, the plants will need to be planted in tubs or containers. In this case, there will be no interaction with the treated water. Regarding the plants themselves, choose those that can withstand all weather conditions. These include juniper, Chinese rose, oleander, agapanthus, Yucca gloriousa, and southern cordyline.

Add-ons

Making an indoor pool at your dacha with your own hands is not that difficult, but decorating it and making it a full-fledged recreation area is not easy. Pool lighting will help you with this. This way, you can enjoy swimming in the evenings. A fireplace or fire pit will also look impressive. Such elements will relax and add coziness.

With the development of construction technologies and materials, more and more people are deciding to build a pool on their property with their own hands in order to swim and cool off in the summer heat, to please their children and grandchildren, to decorate their private property and give them greater comfort. Properly designed and manufactured strictly according to technology, located in a well-chosen location and beautifully decorated, the pond will become a favorite vacation spot for the whole family.

Advantages and disadvantages of stationary pools

The design of stationary pools is fundamentally different from prefabricated types; it has its own characteristics:

• strength and durability;
• the ability to create any complex and multi-level shapes, small or huge dimensions and volumes;
• placement both indoors and in open areas, use in winter;
• a large selection of construction and finishing materials and decor allows you to realize your wildest design fantasies;
• the ability to connect communications and additional options and devices: hydromassage areas, fountains and waterfalls, slides, lighting, water purification and filtration systems, drainage and automatic heating;
• such an object is built once and for all, its dismantling is impossible without destruction and will require significant financial and labor costs;
• in winter, the bathhouse must be preserved so that frost does not damage the walls;
• Unlike lightweight inflatable and frame low-budget models that are quickly installed, stationary reservoirs are built in compliance with all construction standards, drying times for materials; errors and shortcomings are unacceptable here and can lead to serious problems.

Stationary structures have both advantages and disadvantages

How to make a stationary pool with your own hands

There is a huge range of ready-made swimming pools on the market, various prefabricated models made from various materials, and accessories for them. You can buy a ready-made composite bowl and dig it in near the house, or you can build a monolithic pool from reinforced concrete or lay it out of brick. In any case, you first need to create a project and draw a pool plan with dimensions, calculate the estimate and quantity of materials, prepare tools and equipment for the work.

It will no longer be possible to move the finished object, so it is important to choose a suitable location and determine the area allocated for the recreation area, following simple rules:

• An open sunny area promotes natural heating of water. This arrangement will save on electricity bills;
• the bowl must be strictly horizontal, so it is recommended to choose flat areas without relief;
• large trees can damage or deform the bottom and walls; species such as willow, poplar, chestnut, whose root system is developed, are especially undesirable. Replanting or removing a tree from your property costs much less than renovating a pool;
• a slight slope can be used to simplify drainage;
• Shrubs and low-growing fruit trees growing nearby lose their leaves throughout the season, which means you will have to constantly collect fallen leaves and perishable fruits and berries from the surface of the water;
• the site must be protected from the wind and prying eyes, you can choose a place near a fence, wall, hedge, the distance to the fence is preferably at least 2 m;
• the risk of accidents and leaks, moisture getting under the foundation of the house or flooding of the basement should be taken into account;
• the convenience of connecting communications and placing equipment, drainage is important;
• if the footage allows, then it is worth setting aside a place for a recreation area where you can sunbathe;
• You cannot make a pit on moving or unstable soils; if the groundwater level is high, then it is not recommended to deepen the reservoir; it is better to choose a model for installation on the surface.

Next, you need to decide on the size and shape of the reservoir; these parameters depend on the purpose of the pool. Elongated shapes are more suitable for swimming, and round bowls are more suitable for relaxing with children. For independent construction, it is better to choose simple shapes - a rectangle or a circle, which are less labor-intensive to execute.

The depth of the bowl varies from 0.5 m for children's bathing and up to 1.5 m for adults. If you plan to jump from a springboard, then the depth must be increased to 2.3 m to avoid hitting the bottom. You can divide the bottom into children's and adult areas with a gentle depth difference, or build two bowls separated by a partition to avoid children getting into the deep part.

Made from concrete

The most durable and durable construction technology is considered to be concrete reinforced with steel rods. For beginners, it is convenient to use polystyrene foam blocks as permanent formwork; they are inexpensive.

List of required tools and materials:

• cement grade of at least M-300;
• concrete mixer, if you need a lot of concrete, it makes sense to order a machine for ready-mixed concrete in a mixer;
• roulette;
• pegs;
• cord for marking on the site;
• shovel;
• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• self-tapping screws;
• formwork boards or polystyrene foam blocks;
• sand;
• crushed stone;
• geotextiles;
• insulation;
• reinforcement in the form of steel bars;
• finishing materials and decorative elements.

Stages of work:

1. Mark the site, mark the dimensions with pegs, and stretch the cord around the perimeter. The boundaries of the pit should be larger than the dimensions of the bowl by approximately 1 m on each side. Dig a pit; it needs to be deepened 50 cm from the size of the pool. The bottom must be thoroughly compacted and leveled, clods of earth and stones must be removed, and roots must be uprooted. Then pour a 25–30 cm layer of crushed stone.
2. Place the reinforcement on special supports so that the reinforcing grid, after pouring the solution, is located in the thickness of the concrete layer. This will ensure the strength of the structure. Put together formwork from boards and make reinforcing supports.

   

   Fill the bottom of the pit with crushed stone and install the screed

3. Pour the concrete screed in one go. The thickness of the layer is 25 cm, level it with a vibrator or simply pierce the layer several times with a rod to expel air bubbles.
   

   

   Pour concrete solution

4. Wait until the screed dries and reaches its design strength, periodically moistening the surface, this will help the concrete not crack when drying. Drying takes 7–14 days.
5. Line the pool bowl with geotextile or dense polyethylene. The best solution would be to treat the concrete surface with a penetrating waterproofing agent or a layer of liquid rubber.
6. Lay insulation or polystyrene foam blocks on top and secure them with tape. Lay out the walls of the formwork, inserting a reinforcing rod into each section of the block.

   

   Install formwork

7. Install ladders and recesses for additional equipment. Pour concrete into the formwork and wait time for drying.

   

   Pour the concrete and wait for it to harden

8. The inside of the bowl is decorated with ceramic tiles, mosaics, special film, and if necessary, it is primed and covered with waterproof paint for swimming pools.
9. From the outside, the pit is backfilled and the sides are finished, the necessary filtering equipment is installed, and the water supply and drain are connected.

   

   Finish the bowl with ceramic tiles

Made of brick

Another popular construction material is brick. The advantages of this method:

• reliability and strength of the structure, long service life;
• possibility of laying out various shapes and sizes of bowls;
• ease of installation of stairs, slides and other additional equipment;

There are also disadvantages:

• the need for insulation due to low thermal conductivity;
• long construction period and complex technology;
• high cost of material.

For work you will need the following tools and materials:

• container for mixing cement-sand mixture;
• drill with mixer attachment;
• brick;
• cement;
• sand;
• crushed stone;
• liquid soap or cheap dishwashing detergent as a plasticizer; reinforcement in the form of rods and mesh;
• plaster mixture for finishing;
• coating composition for waterproofing;
• geotextiles;
• Master OK;
• putty knife;
• level;
• roulette;
• shovel.

Here is the sequence of technological steps.

Made from polypropylene

This relatively recently invented material has properties that allow it to be successfully used in the construction of swimming pools:

• easy to process;
• fastened by welding with sealed continuous seams;
• does not require the creation of formwork or frame;
• safe for humans;
• has a smooth and non-slip surface;
• Keeps warm for a long time.

One of the disadvantages is the darkening of the surface over time.

Polypropylene structures are easy to process and install

First you need to prepare the equipment and components:

• polypropylene sheets with a thickness of at least 8 mm;
• extruder for welding them;
• construction hair dryer for correcting seams;
• PVC film;
• shovel;
• level;
• roulette;
• reinforcement for screed;
• concrete solution;
• sand;
• crushed stone;
• geotextiles.

Installation steps:

Rules of care

All types of pools require systematic care and cleaning. Recommendations will help you keep your pond in order.

• You can collect debris and leaves from the surface with a skimmer or a simple net with a fine mesh; bottom vacuum cleaners or brushes are used to clean the bottom.
• To change a huge volume of water less frequently, you can use disinfectants based on chlorine and active oxygen, and ionizing units.
• The tank must be preserved for the winter.
• You can protect the surface of the water from dirt by covering it with a special film.
• Regularly check the integrity and performance of filter elements, communications, and the tightness of the finish.
• You can cover the pond with a polycarbonate roof or build a pavilion around the bathhouse.

The pool needs to be cleaned regularly

Many people associate a swimming pool with luxury and wealth, but to create it you only need hard work and adherence to technology. And if you have creative imagination, you can turn an ordinary concrete or brick tank into a real decoration of the site, a bright element of the landscape and a wonderful place to relax.

What could be better than a wonderful summer holiday on the shore of a lake or river? It is especially pleasant when such a body of water is located in close proximity to the house. Building a swimming pool on your own country plot is a fairly simple task and you can do it yourself, although at first glance it seems that this is almost impossible.

First of all, it is worth determining the ideal place to place the pool. Whatever site is chosen, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of connecting the reservoir to utilities - water supply and drainage. Plus, if desired, lighting, a fountain or a small waterfall. This means that you will have to connect to the electricity supply.

What to consider when choosing a location

• Will the root system of the plants be damaged?
• Distance from the “source” to the pool. It is clear that it should be minimal. This will reduce the amount of work and material costs.

Determining the location is simply impossible without preliminary calculation of the structures of the future reservoir. You can build a frame pool, you can build a foundation pit or a composite one.

You should prepare the following set of tools in advance:

• Roulette;
• Building level;
• Cord or rope;
• Stones of various sizes;
• Special small stakes;
• Wire for reinforcement;
• Mesh based on steel wire;
• Boards;
• Valve that shuts off the water;
• Nails and screws with a special anti-rust coating;
• Sufficient supply of sand and cement;
• Waterproofing material;
• Shovel;
• A block suitable for manual tamping.

Speaking in general terms, the instructions for building a swimming pool at the dacha look like this:

Place, area and markings

The exact area, as well as the shape of the future reservoir, is determined. The dimensions depend on how many people will constantly use the pond. A large family needs a fairly spacious structure. Practice has shown that the optimal depth of the pool varies from 120 to 180 centimeters, then the length and width can be 400. This is true for an adult. For children - no more than 0.8 m. If we are talking about a dacha, where literally every centimeter counts, then any advice will be superfluous - everyone decides for themselves with the dimensions of the reservoir.

It is necessary to find the most suitable place for a pool on the site. The space must be open, without trees nearby. Trees are the reason that the pool will always have fairly cool water with fallen leaves floating in it. Of course, you cannot locate the pool in low-lying areas, as this will lead to water pollution from rain flows.

Using a tape measure, the construction site is marked, the dimensions of which in all directions should be 50 centimeters larger than the dimensions of the future reservoir. The boundaries are clearly marked with stakes on which a rope is stretched. The fertile layer of soil from the marked area must be completely removed. At the next stage, a pit of the required depth is dug under the concrete pool. It is necessary to ensure that the walls of the pit are perfectly smooth, and the bottom is about 30 centimeters lower than the desired depth. The bottom, in this case, should have some slope.

Drainage pit, formwork and concreting

The construction of any pool implies that a layer is laid on the bottom, the thickness of which is from 20 to 30 centimeters. Each of the laid layers is carefully compacted, after which waterproofing materials are laid on top. Bituminous roofing felt can be considered a fairly good option, characterized not only by reliability and practicality, but also by low cost.

But if you think about the durability of the structure, it is better to use special membranes. With such a cloth you can cover the entire pit at once, which will eliminate the need to seal the joints of the strips. Stones are placed on the roofing felt, and on top of them are metal rods or steel (plastic) reinforcing mesh.

There is a need not only for a pit, but also for a specialized drainage pit, the depth of which must exceed the depth of the main reservoir. A special drain pipe is placed in the pit, the end of which is located in the pool, after which it is equipped with a valve that makes it possible to turn off the water. The drainage pit is covered with a fairly thick layer of gravel. Since only dirty water will flow into it, and not wastewater from the sewer, there are no special requirements for its design. Then a skimmer and overflow system is installed to purify the water.

Reinforcement bars are placed along the entire perimeter of the reservoir, maintaining a step of 0.3 meters. The distance from the edge is 5 centimeters. The rods must be fastened with wire. Please note that the use of a welding machine is not allowed. Overheating of the metal reduces the strength of the mesh and promotes the development of corrosion. Therefore - only knitting rods. The boards are used to make wooden formwork panels. They need to be installed inside the pit by first measuring 15 centimeters from the earth wall.

Although it is more effective to install a permanent structure made of polystyrene foam boards. In addition to the fact that the material is waterproof, it also serves as a “mechanical” protection for the bowl, since soil movements can lead, if not to deformation of the concrete, then to the appearance of cracks in it. Such foresight will eliminate the possible repair of the reservoir every spring.

Pool concreting is carried out using. Taking into account the capacity and mass of water, the grade of concrete is selected as for a monolithic foundation - no less than M300. Therefore, the cement is “400” or “500”. The mixture is poured out as slowly as possible. The voids that are between the ground and the installed formwork are filled with layers of mortar. After loading concrete, it must be compacted by expelling air from its structure. In practice, it is enough to pierce the mass with a reinforcing pin over the entire area of ​​the bowl.

After the concrete mixture has completely dried, you can proceed directly with the installation work.

Concrete, like any material, partially absorbs moisture. If it is prepared on site, then it is advisable to introduce special additives into the mixture. If purchased, it must be in the “hydrophobic” category. Although it costs a little more, you will have to repair the bowl less often.

In order to make the bottom of the pool as similar as possible to an ordinary body of water, it is recommended to use clean river sand. A ten-centimeter layer will be quite enough.

Features of frame-type pools

Frame-type pools can be constructed from wood, using aluminum or tin sheets for internal cladding. Of course, aluminum is a much more reliable and aesthetic option. In the process of creating the lower and upper trims, pine beams are used, while for the intermediate part you can use any thick board. Giving the structure sufficient rigidity is done with the help of braces, the basis of which is also made up of strong boards.

The main advantage of a frame pool lies in the fact that it can be dismantled without problems during the cold season. Changing the water inside the pool is also not difficult. A flexible garden hose is attached to the bottom of the tank, which makes it possible to use waste water to water garden plants or a lawn.

During the construction of a pool, it is imperative to use a sealant, which can even be used as an ordinary polyethylene film. The wood is necessarily treated with a component that promotes resistance to the aquatic environment. The price of a frame pool is minimal, but it has a fairly solid appearance and can fit into any landscape.

Interestingly, to create a pool with your own hands, it is quite possible to use ordinary PVC film. This is one of the most modern materials, which is characterized by significant operational and external parameters. The film is not afraid of constant use in an aquatic environment, does not allow liquid to pass through, and therefore makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost of bowls. Surprisingly, even the presence of cracks in the bowl does not prevent the film from retaining the entire volume of water. The use of film is allowed both during the reconstruction of an old pool and during the construction of a new water reservoir that does not involve excavation.

All parts of the film are easily attached to each other using temperature welding, which creates a very strong bowl. The pool is installed on a pre-prepared base, after which it is rigidly fixed with a frame made of boards.

A fairly popular option for a homemade country pool is a pool based on fiberglass. This material is extremely difficult to break; it does not require any additional coating. The downside is that a fiberglass pool requires all communications. A concrete base is used as a pedestal for installation, which is characterized by maximum strength.

If we are talking about a small area, then it is better to install an industrial pool - an inflatable one. The price of such products depends on their shape, linear dimensions, manufacturer and starts from 1,650 rubles. All construction work will be limited to cleaning the area and leveling the allocated area. Filling/draining water can be done with a regular garden hose. By the way, only “spot” repairs will be needed if there is a puncture. This is another “plus”, since it won’t take much time to repair the damage.