So thanks to Kim, Jimmy and others for feedback in the final planning stages.
Will use this thread to post progress and for progress questions.
Will use this thread to post progress and for progress questions.
New DIY Build Underway
- Thread starter Tbwonder
- Start date
We are in a similar spot in our build with a similar set up. Looking forward to seeing your build progress! May you have perfect weather-we have rain today.
Thanks...that’s day 3 with me as a solo act. I’m in NY....lockdown has cramped the style of my usual helpers?.Look at your progress so far!!! SWEET!
Kim
Any opinions on base material?
Lots of people here just do a sand base. Benefits/issues? Would be easier I think for a solo act install.
Opinions? What’s the downside of sand vs the expense/labor of poolcrete?
Lots of people here just do a sand base. Benefits/issues? Would be easier I think for a solo act install.
Opinions? What’s the downside of sand vs the expense/labor of poolcrete?
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Is that last pic the depth of the whole pool? If so then sand may do but know it will not stay even and smooth with just sand. Saying that even the vermiculite will also show some dip and waves. Here is a write up I found about how to do it:
"How do you vermiculite a bottom pool?
You will need Portland cement on hand to complete the mix. The ratio is 2 bags of Vermiculite to 1 bag of cement. The Vermiculite and cement go into the mixer and then you'll add about two and a half 5-gallon buckets of water, until you reach an oatmeal consistency that you can trowel easily."
Kim
"How do you vermiculite a bottom pool?
You will need Portland cement on hand to complete the mix. The ratio is 2 bags of Vermiculite to 1 bag of cement. The Vermiculite and cement go into the mixer and then you'll add about two and a half 5-gallon buckets of water, until you reach an oatmeal consistency that you can trowel easily."
Kim
Looks good so far. I will say find a helper please! I did my personal pool 90% solo soup to nuts and it was an insane amount of work. I personally wouldnt do sand as it will move around on you over time. It's easy and fast compared to vermiculite but if your picky you won't be happy. You could do sand now and next liner down the road do poolbase. Nothing wrong with kicking projects down the road. I'll admit I stared at a flowerpot over my waterfall feed line for 2 years I just started building it last week finally
No that’s the initial dig. Pouring concrete collar this week and then will dig out the deep end hopper.Is that last pic the depth of the whole pool? If so then sand may do but know it will not stay even and smooth with just sand. Saying that even the vermiculite will also show some dip and waves. Here is a write up I found about how to do it:
"How do you vermiculite a bottom pool?
You will need Portland cement on hand to complete the mix. The ratio is 2 bags of Vermiculite to 1 bag of cement. The Vermiculite and cement go into the mixer and then you'll add about two and a half 5-gallon buckets of water, until you reach an oatmeal consistency that you can trowel easily."
Kim
Whew! We just got the 'fine tune' bottom dig done through heavy clay and boy, it wasn't overly fun.? I don't blame you for wanting to do sand!
With it going to have a deep end and a slope I am going to reference JimmytheGreek's post then.........Sand would be a no go for me.............you have done SO much good work already..........hard work with more ahead of you..............the bottom aka base of the pool is not time/place to skimp on doing it right 
You can do sand but............I worry it will do as Jimmy said over time.
You can do sand but............I worry it will do as Jimmy said over time.We build the pool and leave the stairs out after dry fitting with a handful of bolts. We pin the panels well every hole w rebar then pull stairs and bring a mini ex in and dig the hopper on big pools. On smaller pools we reach over with the big machine. You doing a deep end or sport pool?
Thanks Kim & Jimmy for telling me what I sort of already knew (but secretly was hoping for an easy button).
So is the only method this bagged product....or do the yards blend the material and deliver by the load?
Concrete collar pour tomorrow!!!
So is the only method this bagged product....or do the yards blend the material and deliver by the load?
Concrete collar pour tomorrow!!!
this is 18x36. Planning on reaching in with excavator to scoop it out. Pouring concrete today. Excavator has a 20+ reach so think it’ll work.
I do have a place where I could box out one wall section cleanly and remove that to do the digging....then just do bags for that sections collar.
is this MUCH easier than reaching in?
Doing crete at 9 so hopefully you’ll se
It’s ok. Concretes in the books. Truck got stuck in mud. Had to call for second truck to pull him out. Too far from pour. Pump came ($650). Pump truck got stuck on the way out because the two concrete trucks pulverized the approach.
mall told though....good day!
OUCH but it is done!!!
on the trucks getting stuck! At least they tried.Steps-I would see if they are going to support the other steps more/better. I can see they put a box under the low step. I would think the other needs something as well. I know the dirt will fill in there but it will be hard to compact really good under there with out a LOT of effort.
Kim
OUCH but it is done!!!
Steps-I would see if they are going to support the other steps more/better. I can see they put a box under the low step. I would think the other needs something as well. I know the dirt will fill in there but it will be hard to compact really good under there with out a LOT of effort.
Kim
So “they” is....me ?. It’s a Latham step. They call for concrete poured under the first step, with rest of the legs to be set in concrete. As it is now it’s solid as heck. Will assess further before backfilling.
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