Semi Inground 12'x18' Pool Build

[dewoof01]

So I am working to get my Pool Factory Hampton Oval pool build done by May so it is warm enough and ready to use in June. I am burying the pool about 12" and then will be building a deck/steps up to the pool on one end and a retaining wall and raised flower beds around part of the pool. I am doing everything myself. I started planning this back in December when the wife wanted a pool for our 3 young girls. We don't have the money to build a fully inground pool (prices have gotten crazy) or even a fiberglass inground pool. Plus a fully inground or permanent pool would require permitting and cause several other access issues in our small backyard.

Started the build by renting a sod cutter and cutting out 3-4" of sod where the pool will be located as well as around the pool where gravel pathways and the french drains will be located.

 

[dewoof01]

As you can see in the previous photos I got the sod removed and got the basic shape of the pool marked out. Since we have a small backyard we were limited to a 12'x18' oval because of setbacks from the fence and the house. Needed to keep 10' from the house and 5' from the fence. This technically isn't needed since this is not a permanent pool but i wanted to honor these, especially the setback from the house.

Next up is a lot of digging! I dug down a total of 14", twelve of those for the pool and two for the base/pad the pool will sit on.








Done with the main dig. As you can see my youngest is already ready for it to be summer and the pool to be ready!

 

[dewoof01]

With the hole dug out now it is time to start planning for the 3 side supports on each side of the pool. At the center of the pool there is a patio paver set in concrete to establish the base height for the base of the pool. With this in the middle I will be able to level all the support blocks off of it using my 10' box screed. I marked out the side support areas then dug them out, patio pavers are set in 3' of concrete underneath for extra support as well as this made the ability to level the blocks out much easier as I could move and level them while the concrete was wet. The rest of the base is a type s mortar bed set over packed 1/4 clean gravel. The mortar bed will help give a flat and solid base for the supports and tension plates to sit on.

 

[dewoof01]

With the main supports now set I am moving onto installing the patio blocks for the rounded ends. There were 4 needed on each side. These once again were set in 4000psi concrete and leveled off of the center paver. I installed a drypack consisting of sand, cement, and 1/4 crushed gravel between the blocks to form the perimeter so the bottom wall rails are supported. The reason I did this with sand and cement or drypack as I call it, is because it still has a great amount of strength, however it can drain water much quicker. The clay dirt base is sloped about 1" from the center to the edges of the pool. This will allow water to runoff from under the pool to the drainage trench around the pool.

 

[dewoof01]

Now with the perimeter installed and cured it is time to move onto filling the inside of the pool. This was done with 1/4" clean packed together with sand and cement. This will give a solid base as well as great drainage. I then floated the top of concrete resurfaces to hold it together better before the foam pad goes down.

 

[dewoof01]

Once the base was completed then I dug a trench around the perimeter to fit the 3" perf pipe in. This channels water from around the pool over to a sump basin I made on the side of the house. The water will discharge from the sump pit into one of the gutter drain lines out to the ditch at the road.

 

[dewoof01]

After the french drain trenches were dug and finished then the pool walls went up! 3 of us did it. Not bad at all, only had to readjust once. Maybe took 45 minutes at most. Glad most of the digging is done. Man that was a lot of dirt to dig by hand! About 10-12 yards.

 

[dewoof01]

So now we are caught up to where I am currently, in the middle of April. Installed non woven fabric around the pool in the trench, and 3" perf pipe covered in 1.5" drainage stone. Also did the same with the sump pit. I will be filling with more gravel but i need to wait to get the pool filled first. In the next couple of weeks I will be working on getting the plumbing and wiring over to the pool equipment pad and pour the concrete for the pad. Targeting getting the liner in end of April or beginning of May so I have a few weeks to get the water right and work out any kinks.

 

[Newdude]

Hey Dewoof and Welcome !!!!


I'd like to point out to all that THIS. ^^^^^^^

THIS is how one makes an entrance. WELL DONE Dewoof !!!!


Is the backyard so protected there is never a wind ? You basically have a sheet metal parachute sitting there while it's empty.

 

[dewoof01]

Newdude, Thanks for the kind words. The posts and top rails are screwed in, so hopefully enough to hold it until the liner goes in. There is fencing and a house around the pool so I'm not too worried. If we are going to have high winds in the next couple of weeks I have stakes and straps to secure it if I'm worried about that.

 

[Newdude]

I'm also a huge fan of a well thought out backup plan. Well done #2. Hopefully with such a small and protected space it's not even a thought until the pool is full.

Read up and ask away Pool Care Basics
Download PoolMath
Purchase Test Kits Compared
Follow FC/CYA Levels
Join us How Clear is TFP Clear?

 

[kimkats]

That wins TFP praise right there! That is a job VERY WELL DONE!! I can't wait to see the first cannon ball!

 

[dewoof01]

OK, So its been a couple of weeks. I got the supply and return lines installed underground and poured the equipment pad. Everything was done with unions so i can easily remove and replace parts as needed. Equipment pad is roughly 3'x5' and will get a cover later on in the summer once the deck and pool are completed.

 

[dewoof01]

Graded the dirt on the sides of the pool toward the pool from the fence. This will allow excess water to flow into the open french drain and then to the sump basin. I put woven landscape fabric down and stapled the fabric to the 2x6 perimeter. This will get 3/4 crushed clean gravel over the top once the pool is filled. The fabric overlaps the non woven fabric for the french drain. Hopefully this will channel the water into the perf pipe quicker.

 

[dewoof01]

I tried wall foam, couldn't get it to go on right and was worried about wrinkles in the liner so i pulled it all off and tossed it, oh well. 2" pink foam on the bottom instead of sand. I then covered this with a gorilla pad and used foam cove strip on top of that. Ready for the liner! This weekend should be 85-90 degree so I am hopeful the liner will get done and we will fill the pool for the first time this weekend.

 

[kimkats]

All of that looks great! I am glad you are using foam cove. Yeah the wall foam on the floor had to be a nightmare to even try to use. You are going to LOVE the foam boards !

 

[setsailsoon]

Woof,

Nice job! As you clearly know already precision work with the foundation is the basis of a sturdy foundation. I'm a construction guy so my favorite parts of this are probably different from most. I love the early views where many photos that include levels including, I think, a lazer level.

Keep us posted and can't wait to see the family enjoying the pool. That's what this pool is clearly all about!

Chris

 

[dewoof01]

Chris,

Yup used a laser with a transit for most of the digging and grading. I wanted a solid base that still drained water. Basically my pool sits 2" above the dirt on a mudset and gravel base that is solid and then i have 2" of foam on top of that. My main worry was getting water away from the pool and allowing it to drain. I didn't want a 16" deep hole in clay filling with water and rusting everything out in a few years.