Inground Swimming Pools DIY

Pool Types

• Before you can start breaking ground on a pool, you need to decide what kind you want. The basic types of pool include vinyl, fiberglass and concrete.
  
  Vinyl is one of the easiest and least expensive pools to install. Typically, the contractor will excavate the site and use a wall system around the inside of the pool. These wall systems can be made out of steel, aluminum or plastic. The wall is then covered with vinyl. While this is a cheaper option, vinyl can be a bit more prone to rips or tears.
  
  Fiberglass pools are large preconstructed pools that arrive at the construction site ready to be dropped into place. These pools are also easy to install. The hole is prepared for the pool, which is then set into place. Any remaining space in the hole is backfilled with sand and dirt. While construction on this pool is simpler, there aren't many choices when it comes to fiberglass---you don't have a lot of freedom in creating a unique design (you have to choose from what's available).
  
  Concrete pools are more challenging and more expensive to produce. The excavation needs to be precise. In fact, once the hole is dug, workers need to use shovels and hand tools to carve out the exact shape of the pool. Later, reinforcement rods are placed around the inside perimeter of the pool. These rods look like steel fencing and give the interior pool its shape. Concrete is then sprayed over the rods. While concrete is more expensive, it's more durable. Also, you can decorate the concrete pool with tiles and other ornamentation.
  
  

Decisions

• With these types of pools in mind, decide why you want a pool. Most homeowners install a pool so that they have an outdoor activity for family and friends. Having a pool is a great excuse to invite people over for some summer fun. If the pool is all about leisure, any of the three pool types will do.
  
  Decide how large you want the pool to be. If you want to constantly have a lot of people over to enjoy your pool, go with a large design. Make sure that your pool can incorporate a shallow and deep end. Also, you may want a pool that's large enough for a diving board and slide.
  
  If you want the pool strictly for exercise, consider installing a lap pool. Lap pools are usually only about 3-1/2 feet deep and 8 feet wide; they can be anywhere from 25 feet to 70 feet in length. The purpose of a lap pool is to provide a space for athletic swimming. The length and width of the pool is large enough so that the swimmer can make several turns back and forth in the pool. These pools don't have to take up a lot of space and can be purchased in fiberglass or installed in a concrete form. While concrete is more expensive, the limited space of this pool can keep the price down.
  
  

Location and Excavation

• It's important that you pick the appropriate space for your pool. Try and keep the pool as close to your home as possible. This helps to make the pool more of a focal point. This setup also provides quick access to the home.
  
  Also think about the sunny and shady parts of your yard. If you want your pool to be in direct sunlight, figure out where the sun shines most on your landscape and install the pool accordingly.
  
  On a more practical level, it's important to get a surveyor map of your yard. Find out where all of the main utilities are underground. This can be easily accomplished if you're working with a contractor, who can find out the location of gas pipes and water mains before breaking ground.
  
  It's crucial that you obtain a building permit before building the pool. Again, your contractor will be able to pull the permit, but find out what kind of information your municipality needs before you start to build.
  
  No matter what pool you chose for the location, the excavation will be one of the biggest parts of the project. The contractor is going to need heavy earthmoving machinery such as a gravel hauler or backhoe. Fences and other obstructions may need to be moved to get this machinery into your yard (keep that in mind when planning the pool's location).