Construction Methods For Private Pools

Construction Methods For Private Pools

There are several distinct construction methods for private (home) swimming pools, which are typically called "concrete", "vinyl liner", and "fiberglass". The term "vinyl liner" pool describes the method of lining the interior, not the construction materials, which may be concrete (of various types), pressure-treated wood, galvanized steel wall system, structural foam (polymer) wall system, and recently introduced, fiber reinforced composite wall system.

Concrete pools may be constructed using many differing methods. Concrete pools are not dissimilar to concrete ships: i.e. they are a contiguous shell that will float under certain circumstances. It is therefore essential that an unrestricted hydrostatic valve is incorporated in the pool design. It is not advisable to empty these pools unnecessarily – especially during rainy months – as the operation of the hydro valve is necessary to avoid flotation (and possible destruction) of the swimming pool. The emptying of all pools must be conducted strictly under the supervision of the pool builder or an authorized consultant.

Concrete pools offer greater design flexibility than fiberglass pools and can be constructed in any size, style or shape. This makes them ideal for more challenging sites such as those with limited space, narrow blocks and hillside locations. The ability to individually design a concrete pool means the consumer is not limited to pre-moulded designs. Concrete pools can take on any form including L-Shaped, Geometric, Freeform, Lap Pools and Out-of-Ground pools.

Concrete pools are constructed completely onsite to custom specifications. As such, they take approximately two months to build. The concrete pool construction process includes;

1. Set out and pre-start meeting
2. Delivery of materials for form work
3. Earthworks and hole digging
4. Formwork and steel placement
5. Concrete shell pour
6. Backfill and plumbing
7. Electrician
8. Waterline tiling
9. Step treads
10. Bull-nose header on pool edge
11. Water features and paving
12. Filtration equipment delivery
13. Shell clean out and plaster delivery
14. Internal finish application
15. Fill with water
16. Chemical treatment
17. Client instruction and handover

In grounds concrete swimming pools mostly consist of a steel reinforced gunite or a shotcrete shell, capped horizontally with coping. The pool surface is typically marbelite plaster, a cement based coating sometimes called as a whitecoat or marcite. The waterline is finished with a perimeter band of tiles, normally six inches tall.

The bond beam refers to the top section of the pool wall beneath the coping. This bond beam has an additional steel for the reinforcement bars, often larger in diameter. The bond beam also increases in width (typically 10" to 12") for additional strength and surface area to attach coping. There is a caulked expansion joint between the coping and the pool deck.