Many homeowners imagine themselves having a swimming pool in their backyard when they think of their dream home. Having a place to chill out and enjoy the warmth during the summer months can help create a positive home atmosphere, so building a swimming pool in your backyard and taking a dip when the sun starts glaring can be a great mood booster. Not to mention the many health benefits that swimming has for our bodies, as it gives us several mental and physical advantages.
Making your dreams turn into reality with an outdoor swimming pool is easier than you may think, as there are ways that you can build your dream backyard swimming pool with minimal hassle. From getting the right planning permits from your local government to making sure the water is safe to swim in, there are several elements to consider with a swimming pool build.
This guide will help you through the process and provide a step-by-step guide to achieving your dream backyard swimming pool. Continue reading to find out more!
How to Build Your Dream Swimming Pool
1. Planning and Permits
Before you begin to invest in your oasis garden and build your dream swimming pool, you need to create a solid plan and get the necessary permits. When getting your plan together, there are a few things you need to consider:
- Pool Type: You need to carefully consider what type of pool you want to build, as they all come with specific requirements. In-ground pools are more popular and will look the best for most homes.
- Size and Shape: Judging off the available space in your backyard, you need to figure out the size and shape of your pool. Everyone will have a personal preference as to what shape pool they want.
- Budget: Building a swimming pool will require a decent budget. You need to consider the materials, equipment, any needed labour and unexpected costs. Everything needs to be thought about to avoid going over budget.
Contact your local government to find out what permits you need for swimming pool construction, as each place will have different regulations.
2. Gather Materials and Equipment
Once you have planned out your swimming pool building process, you can then begin gathering the materials and getting the required equipment to help you. There are a lot of different equipment options that you will need, such as backhoes, excavators and other plant hire machinery. You will need materials for the pool shell, decking and any other added features like diving boards.
Additionally, you will need the right filtration and pump systems, plumbing components and safety equipment. Pool covers, fencing, and alarms should be considered to meet safety standards.
3. Site Preparation
To avoid anything going wrong with the digging process, you need to prepare the site to make everything more streamlined. Laying down a marking of the pool’s outline, clearing the area of any obstacles like rocks and tree roots, and ensuring that there’s enough space for the excavation needs to be considered. If you’re unsure of how to prepare your backyard for a swimming pool, you can hire professionals to help you with this.
4. Hole Excavation
Once you have laid down your markings for the outline of the pool, you can finally start the excavation process. Using heavy machinery to dig your swimming pool hole can be tricky, especially for beginners, so you need to take your time to ensure that you follow the markings perfectly. Be cautious to avoid over-digging or creating uneven surfaces, as this can ruin the final product.
5. Install Pool Shell
There are two basic types of vinyl walls that homeowners can choose for their pool shell; polymer walls or steel walls. These offer both strength and durability, which means the pool shell will need less maintenance and will last for longer. Galvanised steel can be the best choice if you are looking for corrosion resistance and prolonged pool life.. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for securing the shell in place.
6. Plumbing Solutions
Water circulation and filtration are crucial, so you need to make sure that you have the proper plumbing solutions in place. The pipes, pumps and filters all need to be considered when getting the right plumbing. This means purchasing the highest quality possible that is affordable within your budget. All connections should be watertight and up to code to avoid any mishaps.
7. Build Decking
While decking isn’t necessary for your swimming pool, it can add to the aesthetics and make your backyard look that much better. Consider functionality and safety when designing and constructing decking, as it’s not all about the looks of the swimming pool. You can use a wide variety of materials for your decking, such as concrete, wood and stone.
8. Water Filling
Filling the empty swimming pool with water is one of the most satisfying parts of the build process, as you watch your creation come to life. You can use a garden hose to fill the pool or have water delivered by a tanker, if it fits within your budget. While the pool is filling, you should closely monitor it in the chance that there are any leaks or irregularities in the pool structure. This will need instant maintenance if found.
9. Water Treatment
Simply filling your swimming pool with water isn’t good enough, as you need to ensure that the water chemistry is perfect so that it doesn’t negatively affect you or your health. You should test the water, adjust the PH, alkalinity and sanitiser levels before you begin to use the pool. You don’t want to be swimming around in unsafe water. Regular checks should be carried out to ensure that the water maintains its quality and that algae or bacteria don’t begin to grow.
10. Enjoy Your Swim!
After you have completed every stage of the build, you can jump straight in and enjoy the summer days in your dream backyard swimming pool. While you’re at it, you can get all your family and friends over for a grand-opening pool party!