Archive for the ‘Build Your Own Pool’ Category

September 11th, 2009

Sundry About Swimming Pools

If you live in an industrialized country in the warmer areas of the world, you will have noticed, that to build your own pool is very trendy. They make you and your family enjoy your spare time and provide plenty of entertainment.

If you want to build your own pool, you basically have two options: above ground pools or in-ground pools. Those types are quite different, but both provide lots of fun and amenities to many people all over the world.

Above ground swimming pools are quite cheap and cost between $200 and $10.000. Above ground pools are easy to build. Provided you have a planar yard, you can have an above ground pool up and running in a few hours. You can build it all alone if you don’t have a helping hand, even the hookup of the filter and the pump is quite easy.

In-ground pools are much more expensive. The prices of typical in-ground pools range from $20.000 to $60.000 depending on the type of pool, the material, the design and the way you build your own pool. The prize of a pool can be much higher, if you want a custom tailored pool made of concrete. You can use pool plaster of different colors and build your own pool exactly to your liking.

There is a plethora of accessories for your pool. Very common are hydro flow systems and swimming pool heaters. The type of the hydro flow system depends on the size of your pool. Also bear in mind, that not every shape of a swimming pool is suitable for a hydro flow system or swimming in general.  The best shape for swimming and using a hydro flow system is a rectangle.

If you want to build your own pool, you may also consider a swimming pool heater. There are electrical heaters, gas heaters and solar heaters. While the choice between an electrical heater or a gas heater first and foremost is a matter of taste, you should make sure that the pool, or the solar heater unit, is placed in the sun if you intend to use a solar heater. The heater unit has to receive a lot of sun. If the pool is placed in a location, where there is not much sun in early spring or late autumn, a solar heater does not make much sense.

Most people want a pool to have a quick dip in the water during the hottest time of the year. But there are many other advantages and benefits. If you are working out regularly, swimming can be a great addition to your training schedule. A pool is awesome, if you come back from jogging and want to relax your muscles. A pool can be beneficial to you, if you happen to have problems with your neck.

Once you have built your own pool, everything is installed and working, there are some running costs, depending on the type of swimming pool you have built. Costs thereby incurred are energy consumption costs for the pump, automatic measurement equipment, electrical pool heater, lighting and so on. Even if you have a salt water pool, you will need some chemicals to clean the pool and to keep the ph – value balanced.. Otherwise you need chemicals to kill germs. There are quite a few different chemicals for you to use to kill germs including chlorine, active oxygen or biguanide. The costs vary, but it adds up during summer.

Swimming pools are great. If you build your own pool, you and your family will have fun with it for years to come. You don’t have to go to the overcrowded public swimming pools and deal with long lines anymore. You can enjoy an enhancement in quality of your live and you will never regret your idea to build your own pool.

 

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September 9th, 2009

Build Your Own Pool: Buying A Swimming Pool Kit

If you want to build your own pool you have many options. If you want to have a tailor-made swimming pool and if you want to have control over every detail you have to go the concrete and plaster pool way. This is a lot of work and there are thousands of possible ways for you to slip up. So you may consider buying a swimming pool kit.

Even when buying a swimming pool kit you have many possibilities. First you have to decide between an above ground pool and an in-ground pool. Each one has his pros and cons and each one makes people happy. Of course there are differences you should be aware of.

One important difference is the shape of the swimming pool. Swimming pool kits for above ground pools are circular or oval only. There are no serious rectangular above ground swimming pool kits. In-ground pools offer more variations. In-ground pools come in circular, oval, rectangular or kidney shapes. With some types of pools you may have even more variations to choose from. If you like to swim or someone in your family likes to swim a lot you will have to choose a shape that supports this. The shape of a swimming pool kit that supports swimming best is a rectangle. You can also opt for an oval shape if there are not many people using the swimming pool at the same time.

If size matters to you – if you want to swim or if you have a large family – you will have to choose an in-ground pool. Above ground pools are much smaller than in-ground pools. In-ground pools can be  much bigger because the surrounding ground helps to hold back the water. Above ground pools are not very robust so that you are more limited in what you can do in your swimming pool.

This is also the reason you should choose an in-ground pool if you like to dive. If you browse youtube you will see many videos where someone is jumping into an above ground pool and the pool breaks. You also will have to be creative, if you try to use a diving board with your above ground pool. Most above ground pools are not deeper than 1,5 meter which is not a good diving hight.

The time you need to build your own pool differs widely between an in-ground pool and an above ground pool. Normally you can install an above ground pool within a few hours. It is possible for you to do it alone although you will appreciate a helping hand. In-ground pools take several days to build. You will need an excavator and depending on the type of pool eventually a crane. And you will need professionals to operate the machinery.

Finally you should be aware of that an in-ground pool is much more expensive than an above ground pool. In addition to the swimming pool kit itself you will have to spend a lot of money on the machinery to dig the hole in your backyard and the professionals operating them. Even if you choose an above ground pool you may have to do some earth moving because the ground has to be planar. But this can be done with a shovel in most cases.

The final choice depends on what you want to do with your pool. If you want to swim laps or dive you need a lot of space and a deep pool and an in-ground pool is your best choice. If you want to have a small pool for a quick dip in the water for yourself and your children, an above ground pool will suffice. So it comes down to what you hope to get from your own pool and what works best for you. Now you know what to consider to choose the right swimming pool kit.
 

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September 7th, 2009

Build Your Own Pool: What to Think About Before You Start

So you decided to build your own pool. This is great. You probably have discussed with your family if it should be an in-ground pool, or if you want an above ground pool. Maybe you talked about where the instruments should be installed – we are talking about the pump and the filter, maybe an automatic ph-value measurement apparatus or a heater or something else. There are endless possibilities. And depending on what you want to have it can be located in the cellar of your house, in a pit next to the pool or in a summer house. You may dream about exotic accessories and how you can limit your barbecue guests.

But there are some very important things to consider, before you start to build your own pool. If you don’t take the time to investigate some things you may get into trouble with the law. To prevent some hassle, you should pay attention to these points:

  • Are you allowed to build your own pool?

  • Where do you get the water from?

  • Are there any restrictions you should be aware of?

  • On what terms are you allowed to build your own pool?

  • Where are you allowed to pour the water away?

  • Are damages to the pool and the roofing covered by an insurance you already have?

  • Are secondary damages covered by an insurance?

  • What consequences are there in case of an accident?

  • Does your own pool affect taxes?

  • Are there any special arrangements?

Let’s take a closer look:

Are you allowed to build your own pool?
The first point you should make clear is: are you allowed to build your own pool? Swimming pools may not be allowed due to a shortage of water. You may happen to live in an area, where you have to avoid noise – maybe near a hospital – and you are therefore not allowed to build a pool.

Where do you get the water from?
If you happen to live in an area, where the supply of drinking water is difficult, it may be forbidden to fill the pool with water from the local water supply and you have to use water from a river or your own reservoir.

Are there any restrictions you should be aware of?
Regarding shortage of water you may only be allowed to fill your pool once a year or just in a particular time frame. It may be forbidden to swim at night due to noise disturbance. Bathing may also be considered as an indecent behavior and you have to build some kind of camouflage.

On what terms are you allowed to build your own pool?
Council building regulations may be different in every small village. In general there are three possibilities:

  1. You may build your own pool as you like without further ado.

  2. Your project may be subject to report. You have to tell the municipal authorities, that you want to build a pool and maybe you have to submit a plan.

  3. It is possible, that a project like this is subject to apply. You have to submit your plan to the competent authorities for approval. They can tell you to make some modifications. You also may have to hold a construction negotiation with your neighbors

Where are you allowed to pour the water away?
Now and then you have to clean your pool. So at least once a year you have to pour the water away. You may have to let it peter out on your own property and you are not allowed to use the sewerage. The chemicals in the water can cause troubles in the local waste water treatment plant. But elsewhere the chemicals are the reason that you are not allowed to pour the water away on your property to protect the ground water.

Are damages to the pool and the roofing covered by an insurance you already have?
You know your place. Think of all the things that can destroy your pool and the roofing: hail, storm, mud flow, floodwaters, lightning, avalanche, snow and ice pressure, rivers bursting their banks, shifting sand dune, rising ground water. And also think of the electronic parts: pump, ph – measurement equipment, heater, hydro flow system, lighting… To avoid troubles with your insurance company, you should check your contracts and ask your insurance agent.

Are secondary damages covered by an insurance?
Go to youtube and search for “swimming pool accidents”. There are thousands of videos for you to study. Last time I searched for it I found a video where someone took a running jump into an above ground pool, broke through the side panel section and was washed away into the cellar of a house together with approximately 5000l of water. You can imagine what 5000l of water can do to anything you happen to have in the cellar. Apart from that it takes some time till the cellar is dry again.

What consequences are there in case of an accident?
Law is strange some times in some countries. If a burglar falls into your swimming pool and dies, you could be accused of involuntary manslaughter because you have no safety fence, coping or roofing. Just to be sure ask a lawyer. If you have a legal protection insurance you can take legal advice arranged by your insurance company.

Does your own pool affect taxes?
Your own swimming pool can affect taxes on land and buildings or on assets. Maybe there are additional municipal rates.

Are there any special arrangements?
Depending on your local water supply and waste water terms, it is possible that you can get cheaper water if you let it peter out on your own property. This was the case in may hometown some years ago until they needed more money…

So you see there is a lot to take into consideration before you can start to build your own pool.

 

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September 4th, 2009

Different Types Of Swimming Pools

Your own swimming pool is a great way to relax. You can take a swim and a nice dip in the water on a hot summer day. You can build your own pool or buy swimming pools of many different sizes and shapes. You can also build your own pool of concrete and define the shape of your pool all by yourself. But the basin itself is not enough to operate a swimming pool. At least you need a pump, water filter, drains, a multiway valve and of course proper plumbing. You will also need some chemicals and eventually a chemical feeder.

There are various types of pools for you to choose from. First you have to decide if you want to have an above ground pool or an in-ground pool. The cheapest types of swimming pools are above ground pools. Also they are very easy to build. They are available as pre-fabricated swimming pool kits. There are also various inflatable pools of different sizes for a quick dip in the water. In-ground pools are much more expensive and demanding to build.

Regarding in-ground pools, fiberglass pools are less demanding to build. They are made of plastic reinforced with molded fiberglass. Some types have additional steel joists so that they won’t break even if they stand free and are filled with water. This is very impressive and you can enjoy your pool for many years to come.

In-ground swimming pools can also be built by constructing a steel frame and hanging a vinyl liner bag into it. The steel frame is quite expensive and you have to change the vinyl pool liner every 5 to 10 years depending on the weather, the solar irradiation and if you have a coping or roofing.

You can also build an in-ground pool of concrete end hang a vinyl linen into it. The shell can also be constructed of bricks of rigid foamed plastic. The walls have to be leveled out with smoothing cement and then you can fit the vinyl liner bag in.

With this types of swimming pools your are bound to pre-specified shapes. You do have some degrees of freedom with the vinyl liner, but you are limited. If you really want to build your own pool to your liking, you have to construct the shell of concrete and finish it with several layers of swimming pool plaster. To plaster pool shells is the way to go if you want a swimming pool with a unique shape. But if you happen to live in an area with strong winters you may have to refinish it more often.

If you really want to build your own pool, there are many types for you to chose from. Even with fiberglass pools you have lots of different ways to actually build your own pool. Swimming pools add value to your property and your life. And if you maintain it correctly and pay some attention to safety issues you will enjoy your own pool for years and years to come.

 

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September 1st, 2009

Why I Wanted To Have A Swimming Pool

Build Your Own Pool

You may wonder, why you should build your own pool. If you are lucky to live in a tropical area, which the rest of us only has seen on TV, there are some paradisiac places where you can enjoy the water – lovely lakes, breathtaking coasts and beaches and even rivers. There are beaches for you to enjoy in areas like Hawaii, the Bahamas, Goa in India, the Seychelles, the Maldive Islands and many more. But it is not so easy and enjoyable to find a place to swim when you happen to live in the middle of Australia. And there are also places in the USA or Europe, where you have to try hard to find a swimming area at a lake or a river.

OK – maybe there is a public swimming pool where you can go to. But during the hotter period in the summer the public swimming pools are chock-full. You may not be able to swim laps or even get wet. Do you have a nice day this way?

If it is a long way to the swimming area of your choice you will most likely go by car. If you don’t like to get up early, you will have to search for a place to park your car. And if you really find a parking lot, your car will wait in the blazing sun for you to come back all day. You will burn your fingers if you touch anything in your car. When you come back home, you will wish for a cold shower and you want to instantly build your own pool.

So you are the sporty type and like to go to the swimming area by bike? You sure have a bicycle chain and you chain your bike to a bicycle stand., but it is there all day long, waiting for a no-good coming by, force the bike lock open and take it along. This is not too common but it may happen to you. But regarding the sweat, it’s the same as with the car and you will begin to dream about how to build your own pool.

The best way to relax during a hot summer day is a pool. When everybody backs out of the outdoors and seeks an air-conditioned room, you can enjoy your garden even in the afternoon, when the thermometer shows the highest value of the day. With your own pool you can swim or take a dip in the water anytime you please – even at night if you have adequate lighting. It’s awesome.
If you really want to enjoy swimming or generally the water, you may ponder if you should build your own pool. Your own pool adds value to your home and quality to your life. You are able to rejoice in the water whenever you want. There are reams of possible ways to personalize your pool. Just choose from thousands of accessories, plant trees and bushes, get furniture you like, think of having an outdoor solar shower – you can build your own private paradise. .

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