Hi to all!
After 5 years of ‘trouble free’ enjoyment of my Intex 16ft round AG pool, installed below ground, the liner is on its last legs and this time around I would like to go for a ‘proper’, albeit DIY, in-ground pool. I plan to use the already excavated 16ft circle and increase the overall size a little to make an irregular kidney shape. I live in a part of South America where Gunite/shotcrete etc are not an option, nor is the possibility of getting a liner fitted and therefore I have opted for cement/blocks. The ground is solid, never before dug earth, the climate is tropical, so no frosts, no waterline to consider and there are no zoning/permit issues.
Right now, I am at the digging/planning stage and the provisional method and options have been selected as a result of several weeks reading previous posts and advice.
At this early stage I will limit my questions to the first decisions I have to make.
No doubt I will have more questions in the future with regards to pump, filter etc and I plan to post photos but at this stage I would be very grateful for your thoughts on the above. Thanks in advance
EDIT September 2018: Construction and final photos posted on page 2 of this post
After 5 years of ‘trouble free’ enjoyment of my Intex 16ft round AG pool, installed below ground, the liner is on its last legs and this time around I would like to go for a ‘proper’, albeit DIY, in-ground pool. I plan to use the already excavated 16ft circle and increase the overall size a little to make an irregular kidney shape. I live in a part of South America where Gunite/shotcrete etc are not an option, nor is the possibility of getting a liner fitted and therefore I have opted for cement/blocks. The ground is solid, never before dug earth, the climate is tropical, so no frosts, no waterline to consider and there are no zoning/permit issues.
Right now, I am at the digging/planning stage and the provisional method and options have been selected as a result of several weeks reading previous posts and advice.
At this early stage I will limit my questions to the first decisions I have to make.
- The pool shape will be approx. 26’ x 12’ x 4’6” throughout except for a 10” deep sun ledge about 4’x6’. Approximate volume will be just under 10,000 gallons. The plan is to dig 4” footings around the edge, use vertical ½” rebar at 8” intervals curved in to the floor connecting with metal reinforced mesh on the floor, raised 2”. I would a dig trench for a bottom drain, positioned in the centre and then ‘pour’ the footings and cement floor in one go (so total thickness of footings 8”, floor 4”). I say pour, it will be a crew of locals mixing and passing down mixed cement and this may have to be done in two or more goes. Does this spec and method appear to be sound?
- I would then construct the walls, slotting each block (8x8x16”) over the vertical rebars. As the pool is curved in places, half blocks would be used. Then, drill holes to fit 1 ½” pipe for two jets out and a bubbler on the sun ledge, plus a single pool light. Once points of entry for plumbing and electrics are in place, fill each block with cement around the rebars already in place.
- The inner surface of the pool will be plaster and/or tile. Tile and tilers are relatively inexpensive here, but I am unsure if plaster is necessary if the finished surface will be tile?
- Will it be necessary to ‘seal’ the join between the floor and the cement blocks or will the tile and grout do this sufficiently?
No doubt I will have more questions in the future with regards to pump, filter etc and I plan to post photos but at this stage I would be very grateful for your thoughts on the above. Thanks in advance
EDIT September 2018: Construction and final photos posted on page 2 of this post