In the hot season, it is always nice to spend time in cool water. But going to a river or other body of water may not always work out. In this case, the best option would be to build a pool in your country house or on the site of a country house. You will always have your own reservoir at hand, where you can relax perfectly. In this article we will talk about how you can inexpensively make a pool in the country.
Varieties of designs
Before answering the question of how to build a pool in the country with your own hands, you must decide on the type of construction itself. The choice of material and technology of work will depend on this. As an option, you can offer the following types of pools:
- Frame. Such designs can be purchased ready-made. The frame pool is a metal structure with a stretched canvas (usually PVC film). The kit may include a ladder, a cleaning system, a pumping station, etc. this design is set for the season. The pool is already equipped with waterproofing, it is enough just to assemble the structure and pump water into it;
- Plastic products. This option is a bowl of polymeric materials. The container can be purchased ready-made or ordered from a specialized company. Similar models, as well as the previous version, are installed for the season. It is better not to leave a plastic container for the winter;
- Stationary. It is this type that can be considered a real pool. Of course, its creation will require great physical and financial efforts from you, but as a result, a large pond will appear in the country house or garden plot where you can swim.
As one of the options, inflatable structures can be considered . But such pools are not so comfortable, because of their small size. And the quality of inflatable structures is often lame. Having pumped up the pool in the evening, in the morning you can find in its place a piece of rubberized matter lying helplessly on the ground.
Choosing the optimal size and location
Since it is the stationary pool that can be considered “real”, then further discussion will focus on this option. If you have decided on the type, then you should think about the installation site and the size of the artificial reservoir itself.
The choice of location largely depends on the wishes of the owner. Many install a pool behind the house, not far from the recreation area. But when choosing a place, it is important to consider some factors . Namely:
- Priming. Much will depend on its properties. First, it is better that the soil is clay. In this case, you will receive additional natural waterproofing. Secondly, when creating a stationary pool, you will have to dig a foundation pit. If the selected area has rocky soil, then the work can be quite complicated and time-consuming, especially if you do it yourself;
- Prevailing wind direction. Since the pool will be located in an open area, there is a high probability of various debris getting into it. So that when swimming you do not encounter debris from a piece of paper or dry leaves, it is better that the artificial reservoir is protected from the prevailing wind direction;
- Presence of vegetation nearby. It is better that there are no bushes and especially trees near the reservoir. Plants are always drawn to moisture, and their roots are quite strong and can easily break through the concrete thicket of the pool.
If we are talking about the size of an artificial reservoir, then there are no special requirements. Everything will depend on the availability of free space and your preferences. For example, for swimming in one lane , a width of two and a half meters and a length of 5 meters is quite suitable. If there are two tracks, then the width increases to 4 meters.
The optimal depth of the pool can be considered 1.4 meters. But even here everything will depend on the purposes for which you are building a reservoir. If you have children and the main task of the pool is to entertain them, then you should not make it too deep. And vice versa, if you are a fan of jumping from a tower, then the depth will play a very important role.
Stages of pool construction
In general terms, the process of building a stationary pool can be divided into the following stages:
- The choice of the type of reservoir and the preparation of its project. At the same time, a suitable site for construction is selected.
- Marking on the ground. Excavation.
- Arrangement of formwork and pouring of the pool bowl.
- Applying a waterproofing layer to the surface and finishing the bowl.
- Equipping the pool with equipment and lighting.
As you can see, there is a lot of work. At the same time, each stage is important, because not only the appearance of the structure and the duration of its operation will depend on this.
Earthworks and bowl creation
Now let's move on to the consideration of the question itself - how to make a pool with your own hands. When we have decided on the size and installation site, we proceed to earthworks . First of all, we mark the site. To do this, you can use pegs and a stretched rope.
Next, we move on to earthworks. This is one of the most time-consuming stages of construction. You have to dig a pit of the right size and depth. In this case, it is worth considering that the width, length and depth must be done about half a meter more. This extra space is needed for the formwork. If the dimensions of the pool you have planned are quite impressive, then you should think about attracting special equipment.
After the foundation pit is ready, you can start creating the bowl of the future pool. This stage of work includes the following activities:
- The bottom and walls of the pit are carefully compacted.
- A pillow is made of sand. To do this, a layer of material 20-30 cm thick is poured onto the bottom and carefully compacted.
- A waterproofing layer is applied over the pillow at the bottom and over the entire surface of the walls. Today on the market you can find many materials that become an excellent barrier to water. The most budgetary can be considered the use of roofing material and bituminous mass. Such materials have been used for a long time and have proven themselves well. A layer of roofing material is laid over the entire surface (on the bottom and walls, the latter should be covered with material up to the very top with a margin). Then several (preferably 3-4) layers of bituminous mass are applied.
- The next step is to install the drain system. This must be done before the formwork is installed. How many drain holes to make and where to place them will depend on the size and shape of the pool bowl.
- Next, we install the formwork, which can be made from improvised materials. After the formwork is installed, we proceed to pour the concrete. In this case, reinforcement must be used. In order for the bowl to serve for a long time, it is necessary to use concrete of the appropriate brand and with additives.
Finishing and lighting
Now you need to finish the pool bowl. But before that, an additional layer of waterproofing is applied. It is very important to close up every crack so that the water does not damage the bowl. For these purposes, impregnating materials , film or mastic can be used.
After waterproofing, you can start finishing work. Ceramic tiles are most often used to cover the pool bowl. This material easily withstands prolonged exposure to water, is easy to clean and has an attractive appearance.
In addition to ceramic tiles, you can also use modern material, such as PVC film. Modern manufacturers produce a wide range of such material. It is distinguished by strength and durability. And if we talk about colors and patterns, then there is always plenty to choose from.
You can finish the finishing work yourself, but it is better to equip the pool with additional equipment . This kit usually includes:
Device for water purification. Such an assembly may include a circulation pump, a multi-way valve, a filtration tank and filter elements. With such equipment, water changes in the reservoir can be carried out much less frequently;- Flow heater. With its installation, you can swim even on cool days.
- Lighting equipment. The lighting in the pool will look very beautiful.
Do not forget to equip the area around the new artificial reservoir. As a rule, it is also covered with ceramic tiles . But here it is important to choose the option with anti-slip coating. In this way, you will reduce the risk of injury.
As a conclusion
The swimming pool in the country house or in the backyard is a great place to relax on hot summer days. And making it yourself is not so difficult. You can build an artificial reservoir from improvised materials, but it is better and more reliable to make it from concrete. Make calculations, make markings, dig a pit, fill the bowl and finish. Here are the main stages of work. A little effort and financial investment, and you will have a great vacation spot for the whole family.
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