- Jul 18, 2012
- 10
Hello,
I am new here and new to pools. I have undertaken a huge project this summer - to build a 6'x10'x4' deep exercise pool. I have several health issues and swimming in place with a waist belt and cord system is what I am hoping to achieve. I live in Texas and hope to be able to use it year-round, either by heating it or with a wet suit.
Since I am on disability, I am trying to do this as inexpensively as possible for the following reasons:
1. I am broke.
2. I am not sure that I will be able to do this long term.
3. I am not sure that I will be able to manage the daily maintenance (in regards to the chemicals and the physical stamina - I have trouble standing).
So, this DIY pool is a test. If it lasts 1 year, I will be happy. So, far we have absolutely leveled a based of clay-packed pressure treated 2x4's with pressure treated plywood on top for the floor. Everything is screwed down, square and level. (My son is an engineering student). The sides are hog panel (galvanized steel panels with 4" square holes attached to T posts set every 2' and hammered into the ground 2'. Inside the hog panels, will be 3/4" pressure treated plywood so the liner has a flat surface to rest against (otherwise it would bulge through the hog panel. To help hold the sides in, we will be embedding 4"x4" pressure treated posts in concrete - two posts at each end and one in the middle of the long sides. Along the top will be 2"x6" painted wood used as a ledge but also to hold the four sides in the box shape.
Please don't laugh at my design. I am here for help. My goal is to get back to work. So far, I haven't spent any money as I had these materials lying around. The reason I did not buy an Intex Easy set is that they are too large, use too much water, can't be covered easily, can't be heated easily and they are too shallow. I also have sloping ground and would need an excavator or bobcat.
I found a source online for a custom pool liner that can be made to my specifications. The size I need - 20 gauge will be around $130.
First question: Can I use spa filters and pumps since the gallons will be about 1795 and hopefully heated to 92 - 94 degrees F? It seems that pool equipment would be overkill and I have seen some spa equipment rated for 2000 gals.
Second question: If I buy coping strips, will they fit a 1" pool lip? With the plywood and hog panel, my thickness is 1". I am thinking of making coping out of PVC pipe (either 3/4" or 1") that I have lying around. I don't trust it for my pool plumbing (I will buy new) since it has been in the elements (not direct sun but we had a freeze 3 years ago). Is there another way to duplicate this function for an overhang liner?
I will have a combination wood and clay cove (using 4"x4" pressure treated post along the base to add a little height so the pool will be 52" and the water level will be 48".
Other than that, I was going to make a makeshift roof since I cannot be in the sun. That should help keep leaves and such out.
I was planning on using an ozonator and silver sanitizer as well as dichlor shocks. I am sensitive to chlorine (which is why I am building the pool - the Y causes a reaction). I will be using inexpensive equipment as I am not sure that this will work. If this works well, then when the first machine breaks, I will buy better quality.
I did read about the BBB method but truly need to stay away from chlorine. Suggestions here would be helpful.
I am sure I will have more questions later. Many thanks in advance for any help given. I swam a lot last summer at the Y and my health was better. I am hopeful that I will be even better if I can walk out my back door.
Thanks,
Marti
I am new here and new to pools. I have undertaken a huge project this summer - to build a 6'x10'x4' deep exercise pool. I have several health issues and swimming in place with a waist belt and cord system is what I am hoping to achieve. I live in Texas and hope to be able to use it year-round, either by heating it or with a wet suit.
Since I am on disability, I am trying to do this as inexpensively as possible for the following reasons:
1. I am broke.
2. I am not sure that I will be able to do this long term.
3. I am not sure that I will be able to manage the daily maintenance (in regards to the chemicals and the physical stamina - I have trouble standing).
So, this DIY pool is a test. If it lasts 1 year, I will be happy. So, far we have absolutely leveled a based of clay-packed pressure treated 2x4's with pressure treated plywood on top for the floor. Everything is screwed down, square and level. (My son is an engineering student). The sides are hog panel (galvanized steel panels with 4" square holes attached to T posts set every 2' and hammered into the ground 2'. Inside the hog panels, will be 3/4" pressure treated plywood so the liner has a flat surface to rest against (otherwise it would bulge through the hog panel. To help hold the sides in, we will be embedding 4"x4" pressure treated posts in concrete - two posts at each end and one in the middle of the long sides. Along the top will be 2"x6" painted wood used as a ledge but also to hold the four sides in the box shape.
Please don't laugh at my design. I am here for help. My goal is to get back to work. So far, I haven't spent any money as I had these materials lying around. The reason I did not buy an Intex Easy set is that they are too large, use too much water, can't be covered easily, can't be heated easily and they are too shallow. I also have sloping ground and would need an excavator or bobcat.
I found a source online for a custom pool liner that can be made to my specifications. The size I need - 20 gauge will be around $130.
First question: Can I use spa filters and pumps since the gallons will be about 1795 and hopefully heated to 92 - 94 degrees F? It seems that pool equipment would be overkill and I have seen some spa equipment rated for 2000 gals.
Second question: If I buy coping strips, will they fit a 1" pool lip? With the plywood and hog panel, my thickness is 1". I am thinking of making coping out of PVC pipe (either 3/4" or 1") that I have lying around. I don't trust it for my pool plumbing (I will buy new) since it has been in the elements (not direct sun but we had a freeze 3 years ago). Is there another way to duplicate this function for an overhang liner?
I will have a combination wood and clay cove (using 4"x4" pressure treated post along the base to add a little height so the pool will be 52" and the water level will be 48".
Other than that, I was going to make a makeshift roof since I cannot be in the sun. That should help keep leaves and such out.
I was planning on using an ozonator and silver sanitizer as well as dichlor shocks. I am sensitive to chlorine (which is why I am building the pool - the Y causes a reaction). I will be using inexpensive equipment as I am not sure that this will work. If this works well, then when the first machine breaks, I will buy better quality.
I did read about the BBB method but truly need to stay away from chlorine. Suggestions here would be helpful.
I am sure I will have more questions later. Many thanks in advance for any help given. I swam a lot last summer at the Y and my health was better. I am hopeful that I will be even better if I can walk out my back door.
Thanks,
Marti