Concrete block pool?

[Wardf]

I started a backyard pool project about 2 years ago and had never thought of or knew that this was a thing. So I just my concrete poured for a pool patio and steps. We have a hillside for a backyard. I will add pics if allowed. This is all for an above ground pool. I ran the supply/return lines through the walls to the other side of the steps so I could mount the pump and filter remotely. The plan was to put up the inside this circle, which is approximately 25’, the pool is a 21’. Has anyone finished a wall around and smoothed with concrete? The blocks are kind of trapezoid shaped so there is a triangle to fill between each one. Next, is there some kind of spray liner that could be applied over this, not the raw block but the smoothed concrete? I was wondering if maybe there was something almost like a truck bed liner? Anyways, just found this site, saw some square built block pools and stated dreaming.

 

[Wardf]

I would like to post more pics to give a better idea but my files are too big and I’m not smart enough to resize them.

 

[Wardf]

Maybe I figured it out.

 

[Lanzz]

Great looking stone and concrete work - can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

[Newdude]

Hey Ward and Welcome !!!!

You have my attention. Go on then.

 

[Wardf]

Hey Ward and Welcome !!!!

You have my attention. Go on then.

Thank you to you and Lanzz. But you guys aren’t answering the questions. I can’t go on without knowing if I can do this somewhat reasonably. I didn’t do the concrete but most of the block I did. My design, right or wrong. I was thinking that doing the block pool instead of the above ground pool sitting in the ring would be much more……. Well go along with the block/concrete and be more permanent.

 

[Newdude]

I was thinking that doing the block pool instead of the above ground pool sitting in the ring would be much more……

Oh,

No.

While the backyard engineer in me salutes you, you'd need a solid wall. Whether it was poured cement or cinderblocks cemented together with rebar, it needs to be solid.

If one block was to shift, it would create a void to crack the smooth wall and spray application. In theory, rhinoliner or plastidip would work for waterproofing if you had a solid wall, but I have no idea if they would breakdown into the water over time like an epoxy paint would. Or if that would be toxic if so. Also the spray applications are more expensive than a liner would be, which also needs a solid wall.

We have seen several cinderblock/liner pools and even some plywood/liner ones, but landscape blocks are more like a house of cards than a properly braced wall.

 

[kimkats]

In one word - NOPE!

There is no way those blocks will support the water. I wish but nope.

 

[Wardf]

Oh,

No.

While the backyard engineer in me salutes you, you'd need a solid wall. Whether it was poured cement or cinderblocks cemented together with rebar, it needs to be solid.

If one block was to shift, it would create a void to crack the smooth wall and spray application. In theory, rhinoliner or plastidip would work for waterproofing if you had a solid wall, but I have no idea if they would breakdown into the water over time like an epoxy paint would. Or if that would be toxic if so. Also the spray applications are more expensive than a liner would be, which also needs a solid wall.

We have seen several cinderblock/liner pools and even some plywood/liner ones, but landscape blocks are more like a house of cards than a properly braced wall.

Understood, I was thinking of finishing the wall/ring and adding concrete fill as I build so it would be solid. Those blocks are 18”w x 12”d x 8”r and there is a base row below the surface. I have fiberglass rebar which is lighter and as strong as steel but much easier to work with.

I wasn’t talking about actually using rinoliner. But looking for a sealer similar that would be specific to pools. I think I found my answer in someone else’s post.

Now just have to think about whether I want to get into this. We already have the above ground pool so I’ll probably put it up while I study this out for a year or 2. I have many projects going on right now.

 

[Wardf]

In one word - NOPE!

There is no way those blocks will support the water. I wish but nope.

Those blocks filled with concrete and rebar along with filling the backside wouldn’t do it? This would make my decision easy to just let the idea go but I would like to know why or how you come to your conclusion? Again not doubting your judgment, just like background. I can’t see where it would be different from the square blocks that are stacked above ground.

 

[Newdude]

Those blocks filled with concrete and rebar along with filling the backside wouldn’t do it?

That would certainly change the equation. You probably should have led the convo with this tidbit.

Your odds just went up substantially.

 

[kimkats]

What he ^^^^^^^^^^^ said LOL That does change it.

You will have to plan ahead for the 'holes" for the return(s) and skimmer.

 

[keithw]

Ward, I would recommend that you do a search for Koiphen and post your question on that site as well. That is a Koi pond construction forum and they do a ton of koi builds with block there. From what I has seen of their builds though they are almost certainly going to tell you to do a liner.

 

[Wardf]

Welcome To Basecrete - #1 Concrete Waterproofing Product

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Sorry, I guess I was just thinking of the concrete fill in my head as a given. I was more thinking of the backside fill and the lining. this basecrete looks very promising. As far as the return and supply line I was thinking I could build a seat that would allow me to run the lines through that. I drew a crude picture. I would just turn the supply out the side of the seat. The return I could run around to where I need to build wall and make a skimmer location that way.

Kiethw, thank you for that I’ll check it out.