DIY Swimming Pool Construction & Management: A simple guide

1. Introduction & Planning

Why Choose a Liner Pool?

Liner pools offer accessibility and affordability, opening up pool ownership to a wider audience. They are durable and easy to maintain:

“Liner pools have opened up the possibility of pool ownership to a greater number of people.”

DIY or Professional Installation?

While DIY installation is possible with All Swim’s comprehensive kits, customers can choose professional help for aspects like bricklaying. The guide emphasizes that:

“An All Swim liner pool kit is within the scope and ability of an average D-l-Y person.”

Planning Permission:

While generally not required for private pools, contacting local authorities is recommended to check local legislation, especially for enclosures.

Pool Size and Location:

Size is determined by budget and garden space, with 30′ x 14′ being the most popular.
Factors like access for machinery, underground services, and ground conditions are crucial.
Location should maximise sun exposure while considering proximity to the house for convenience.

2. Preparation

Setting Out and Excavation:

Accurate marking of the pool area is critical, ensuring a perfect rectangle with equal diagonals.
Excavation dimensions must account for foundations, walls, and backfill.
A datum point is essential for determining accurate digging depths.

Material Requirements:

Detailed tables provide specific quantities of concrete blocks, reinforcing bar, sand, cement, and backfill for different pool sizes.

3. Construction

Wall Foundations and Main Drain:

Foundations are 6″ deep and 15″ wide, with reinforcement required in unstable conditions.
The main drain pipe must be installed before laying the final foundation.

Pool Walls:

Walls are built with solid concrete blocks, rendered smooth, and topped with linerlock extrusion.
Detailed instructions are provided for incorporating fittings like skimmers, lights, and step units.

Pipework and Plumbing:

ABS plastic pipes and fittings are solvent-jointed for leakproof connections.
Diagrams illustrate piping layouts for different pool sizes.
Pressure testing is essential to verify joint integrity.

Pool Floor:

A 2″ sand/cement screed creates a smooth, level floor, with specific instructions for achieving the correct hopper shape.

4. Finishing

Liner Installation:

Detailed steps ensure a wrinkle-free liner fit, including techniques using sandbags or a vacuum cleaner.
Instructions cover cutting in pool fittings like the main drain, light, and skimmer.

Coping Stones and Paving:

Levelled cement screed provides a base for the coping stones.
Non-slip paving around the pool should slope away to prevent debris entering.

5. Pool Care

Filtration and Water Chemistry:

Continuous filtration is crucial for water quality.
The multiport valve controls filter functions like backwashing and rinsing.
Water testing with the provided kit ensures optimal chlorine levels, pH, and alkalinity.

Winterization: