How to Build a Concrete Pool

Concrete is responsible for some of the highest quality swimming pools ever built. When constructed properly, a concrete pool lasts for years before requiring basic maintenance or repairs. Concrete pools are made with shotcrete or gunite, mixtures of concrete or sand sprayed onto a metal frame. Plan carefully and hire contractors to make you a fantastic pool capable of lasting for decades.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Designing and Documenting Your Pool

  1. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 1
    1
    Choose a place to build the pool. Find a place on your property with enough room for the pool. A spacious backyard area is usually the best option. Note any obstacles that will need to be removed, such as trees, rocks, fences, or even utility lines. Removing these obstacles takes additional time and money.[1]
    • Think carefully about what you want out of a pool. Leave space for features like pump systems and diving boards. To estimate the size of these features, calculate the size of your pool or how much water it will hold, then look for suitable products.
    • Underground obstacles like utility lines are difficult to find without digging. Call your local utility companies for advice. Ask them to send a technician to mark the location of your lines.
    • The location you choose affects your pool. Put your pool above a slope so debris doesn’t wash into it during rainy days. Keep it in sunlight to warm the water naturally.
    • Pool contractors look at an element called setback, or how far away your pool has to be from your property line. In California, the required setback is 5 ft (1.5 m).[2]
  2. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 2
    2
    Sketch a basic design for your pool. Pick up a pencil and a piece of paper, then create the pool you plan on constructing. Settle on the pool’s shape and size. Then, begin planning the features, including pool steps, lighting, and other accessories. Factor in limitations like the yard space you have available to choose the right pool for your situation.[3]
    • An average concrete pool is something like 10 ft × 20 ft (3.0 m × 6.1 m) in size with a depth up to 10 ft (3.0 m). All of these dimensions can be changed depending on your ideal pool.
    • The concrete pool needs to be at least 6 in (15 cm) thick, so widen and deepen the outline as needed to compensate.
    • Keep in mind that each additional feature raises the cost and time commitment of building a pool.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 3
    3
    Take your design to a professional pool builder for advice. Search your area for some trustworthy contractors with experience building concrete pools. A good contractor will take a look at your plan and give you advice on how to improve it. Ask to see a valid contractor’s license with pool specialty licensing before hiring anyone.[4]
    • At the very least, you need contractors to approve your design before you can get a building permit. You have to do this even if you plan on building the pool yourself.
    • Look for subcontractors specializing in areas like plumbing and electrical wiring. They can help finalize your design.
  4. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 4
    4
    Apply for the building permits required by your local government. Since building a pool involves changing the land and lots of safety concerns, you have to get a permit before construction starts.[5] Head to the building department at your local city hall to apply. Bring your finalized design to show what you plan on constructing.[6]
    • If applicable, consult your neighborhood’s homeowners association guidebook before completing your application. Some places restrict pools.
    • Depending on where you live, you may need to get a separate electrical permit before beginning construction.
    • If you hired a pool builder or subcontractor, ask them for help getting the necessary permits. Many companies handle the application process by default.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Excavating the Pool’s Base

  1. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 5
    1
    Measure and mark the pool’s dimensions on the ground. Use marking chalk to create a temporary outline for the pool. Spray the chalk directly on the ground. Note the pool’s borders, then the placement of walls, steps, and other accessories that need to be placed during the excavation.
    • Remember to dig out enough space to create the thick slabs of concrete for the pool’s floor and walls.
  2. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 6
    2
    Dig out the soil to create the basic shape of the pool. The quickest way to do this is with a backhoe. Locate a rental company or hire a subcontractor to get the job done. Set the excavated soil away from the edge of the pool. Use a tape measure or marked measuring sticks to keep track of the pool’s depth.[7]
    • For example, if your pool needs to be 6 ft (1.8 m), cut a 6 ft (1.8 m) pole to use as a reference. Make references for the deep and shallow end if your pool has them. Remember that you can always put dirt back if you dig too far down.
    • Dig out the soil by hand if you can’t get a backhoe. Use a spade or alternative digging tools. Some areas aren’t accessible to heavy equipment and have to be dug out the old-fashioned way.
    • Make sure you have your permit and know about any utility lines in the ground. Hitting a utility line is a big problem. Hire a contractor to take care of any utility lines needing to be moved.
    • The leftover soil can be sold, disposed of by a contractor, or repurposed for other projects, such as for plant beds.
  3. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 7
    3
    Level the pool’s bottom and walls with a rake. Even out the bottom of the pool as much as possible with a steel-tined rake. Then, take care of the walls. Flatten the soil as needed with a tamper tool. When you’re done, test various areas of the pool by holding a large carpenter’s level over the soil. Properly leveled pools are stronger and more resistant to damage, so take the time to get this foundation perfect.[8]
    • To keep track of the pool’s levelness, install stakes in the pool’s corners. Run strings between them. Pack the soil to the same height as the string to ensure it stays level throughout the pool.
    • Shape your pool according to your original design. For instance, your pool may have a sloped floor. Make the slope as gradual as possible, raking the soil smooth to protect your pool from damage later.
  4. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 8
    4
    Frame the pool with steel rebar and plywood boards. Choose rebar rods about 0.625 in (1.59 cm) in diameter. Lay them along the pool’s interior in a crisscross pattern, spacing them out by 2 1⁄2 in (6.4 cm). Keep the rebar about 3 in (7.6 cm) above the soil. Then, stand 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm)-thick plywood around the upper edge of the pool to prevent poured concrete from spilling out.[9]
    • Use a rebar bender to fit the metal along the walls. Bind bars together as needed with metal ties from a hardware store.
    • The rebar forms a frame that strengthens the concrete after you pour it. Always place the rebar net before adding the concrete.
  5. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 9
    5
    Install the plumbing lines underneath the rebar and plywood. Refer to your original design to figure out where to place the plumbing lines. You will need to dig trenches to guide PVC pipes from the pool to the pump and filtration system.[10] Make the pipes emerge inside the pool, underneath the plywood barrier. Hook the pipes up to the pump and filter system when you’re done.[11]
    • Contract a plumber to take care of the water lines. Pool plumbing is complex and building codes vary from community to community. A good plumber will make sure your pool works safely.
  6. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 10
    6
    Wire the pool’s filtration system and other electrical components. Call an experienced electrician to connect pool accessories to your community’s electrical grid. The electrician will lay wire from the pool’s pump and filtration system to your home. They will also hook up lighting systems and other optional components in your design.[12]
    • Leave the electrical work up to a professional. Messing with community power lines is illegal and dangerous. Poor wiring increases the risk of fires and electrical shock.
    • Your pool contractor will run another set of PVC lines, which will be made of conduits to run the electrical system.[13]
    7. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Completing the Pool’s Interior

  1. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 11
    1
    Pour concrete into the pool to create the bottom slab. Purchase plenty of shotcrete mix or gunite. Place it all in a mixing truck equipped with a big hose or dumping rail. Dump the concrete onto the rebar or spray it out with a hose attached to the truck. Use enough concrete to make the pool floor at least 6 in (15 cm) thick.[14]
    • To make pouring the concrete easier, begin spraying the walls as you lay concrete on the floor so you don’t have to walk back and forth across the wet mix as much.
    • Gunite is cement at 3,500 to 4,000 psi (24,000 to 28,000 kPa). It takes 28 days to cure.[15]
  2. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 12
    2
    Spray the walls to coat them with concrete. Put on some sturdy work boots you don’t mind getting wet, then step into the pool. Coat the walls to make a layer of concrete at least 6 in (15 cm) thick, Also, add concrete to the top lip of the pool marked off by plywood.[16]
    • Take care not to spray over any exposed pipe openings. Cap them and spray around them.
  3. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 13
    3
    Smooth the concrete out with a concrete float. Step down into the pool to access the concrete slabs. You will need a float, which is like a big broom for concrete. Push the float over the floor to level it, then do the same for the walls.[17]
    • You can also use a big metal straightedge to smooth out difficult spots along walls and corners. The straightedge is also helpful for smoothing out steps into a block shape.
  4. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 14
    4
    Cover the concrete with a plastic sheet for at least 5 days. For a long-lasting pool, let the concrete cure before continuing to work on it. Purchase a big plastic sheet from a hardware store. Make sure it covers the entire pool. Flatten it against the concrete, then pin it down with stakes, bricks, and other heavy objects.[18]
    • If you don’t have a good plastic cover, spray the concrete with water from a hose 3 or 4 times a day. Keep it saturated to prevent it from drying out.
    • You can also place damp canvas or burlap over the concrete to protect it. Add water to the cover as needed to keep it moist.
  5. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 15
    5
    Coat the pool basin with tile to waterproof it. Glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles are some of the most popular ways to finish a pool. Mix mortar, then spread it over the concrete with a trowel. After waiting at least 24 hours, spread grout over the mortar. Place the tiles on the grout, leaving a 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) gap between each one.[19]
    • Leave a 6 in (15 cm) gap between the lip of the pool and the top row of tiles.
    • Make sure the mortar and grout resist chlorine and other chemicals in the water. Tile lasts up to 10 years on average and resist stains better than other finishes, though it tends to be a little more expensive.
    • Some other finishes to try include plaster, stone, or a water-resistant epoxy paint. Alternative finishes last 5 to 8 years on average.
    Expert Answer
    Q

    How should I plaster the bottom of the pool?

    Rob Litman

    Rob Litman

    Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor
    Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California.
    Rob Litman
    EXPERT ADVICE
    Answer from Rob Litman:

    You have 3 different plaster options: basic rubber plaster, a pebble mix, and a quartz hybrid. Choose your color scheme carefully if you go with the pebble mix, as the water will distort the color of the pebbles. For instance, if the bottom of your pool has gold pebbles, your pool water will look green. For this reason, try to avoid colors like orange, black, and brown.

  6. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 16
    6
    Install coping around the lip of the pool. Coping is visible and provides walking room around the pool’s edge. Tile is a common option, but you can also get concrete, marble, or stone. Each style adds a different aesthetic to your pool, but they all waterproof the exposed concrete. Wait at least 1 to 2 days for the tile and coping to cure before adding water to the pool.[20]
    • Install the coping with mortar and grout like you did when lining the pool’s interior. Cover the 6 in (15 cm) gap you left inside the pool, then arrange another row of coping material around the pool’s rim.
  7. Image titled Build a Concrete Pool Step 17
    7
    Fill the pool with water. You now have a concrete pool in your yard. All you need to do to make it functional is add the water. Run garden hoses from nearby water spigots to begin. Doing this takes a long time, so find alternative ways to bring in more water. Try renting a water truck to dump large amounts of water into the pool.[21]
    • If you can’t get a truck to the pool, continue using a hose. It may take all day, but with a little patience, you will soon have a functional pool.
    • Watch the pool for leaks and other issues. Empty the pool before attempting a fix.
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Is building a pool complicated?
    Rob Litman
    Rob Litman
    Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor
    Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California.
    Rob Litman
    Rob Litman
    Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor
    Expert Answer
    There are multiple steps involved. The first stage involves planning and design, and the second stage is engineering. Once the engineering is approved, your pool contractor will move on to permitting. When the permitting is also approved, your contractor will confirm the pool's "footprint" with you. Then, you'll move onto excavation and pool installation.
  • Question
    How should I plaster the bottom of the pool?
    Rob Litman
    Rob Litman
    Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor
    Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California.
    Rob Litman
    Rob Litman
    Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor
    Expert Answer
    You have 3 different plaster options: basic rubber plaster, a pebble mix, and a quartz hybrid. Choose your color scheme carefully if you go with the pebble mix. For instance, if the bottom of your pool has gold pebbles, your pool water will look green. Try to avoid colors like orange, black, and brown as well.
  • Question
    How long will it take before my pool is ready?
    Rob Litman
    Rob Litman
    Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor
    Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California.
    Rob Litman
    Rob Litman
    Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor
    Expert Answer
    The planning process takes 2.5 weeks, the permitting process takes 2 weeks, and the building process takes 12 weeks. Then, there's a chemical setup that takes approximately a week and a half to complete—this ensures that the pool's pH level matches the chlorine level.
Advertisement

Warnings

  • Always get building permits before beginning construction. Without a proper blueprint and permit, you may be asked to tear out the pool.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Electrical and plumbing work is very delicate. Call a contractor for a professional installation in order to create a safe pool that complies with local building codes.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

  • Building permit
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Outlining chalk
  • Backhoe or excavating tools
  • Stakes
  • Strings or level tool
  • Shotcrete
  • Concrete float or straightedge
  • Interior lining material
  • Coping material
  • Mortar
  • Grout
  • Trowel
  • Plastic sheet
  • Water hose
  • PVC pipe
  • Pool accessories
  • Pool building contractors


You Might Also Like

Build a Swimming Pool
How to
Build a Swimming Pool
Build a Deck Around an Above Ground Pool
How to
Build a Deck Around an Above Ground Pool
Find a Leak in Your Swimming Pool
How to
Find a Leak in Your Swimming Pool
Build Natural Swimming Pools
How to
Build Natural Swimming Pools
Level Ground for a Pool
How to
Level Ground for a Pool
Level a Pool
How to
Level a Pool
Close in an Unwanted In Ground Pool
How to
Close in an Unwanted In Ground Pool
Keep Inflatable Pool Water CleanHow to Keep Inflatable Pool Water Clean
Build a Swimming Pool from Wood and Plastic
How to
Build a Swimming Pool from Wood and Plastic
Lower Calcium Hardness in a Pool
How to
Lower Calcium Hardness in a Pool
Set up an Intex Easy Set Pool
How to
Set up an Intex Easy Set Pool
Put in an Above Ground Pool
How to
Put in an Above Ground Pool
Drain an Above Ground Pool2 Ways to Drain an Above-Ground Pool
Calculate Swimming Pool Volume in Gallons
How to
Calculate Swimming Pool Volume in Gallons
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/outdoor-projects/how-to/a3482/4276117/
  2. ↑ Rob Litman. Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor. Expert Interview. 13 October 2020.
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw6AODbk_Ps&feature=youtu.be&t=8
  4. ↑ http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Swimming_Pool_Construction/Selecting_A_Pool_Contractor.aspx
  5. ↑ Rob Litman. Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor. Expert Interview. 13 October 2020.
  6. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/outdoor-projects/how-to/a3482/4276117/
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCxaG6fEDlw&feature=youtu.be&t=65
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB883hmh230&feature=youtu.be&t=129
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLzBKfRTiiw&feature=youtu.be&t=229
  1. ↑ Rob Litman. Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor. Expert Interview. 13 October 2020.
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op3itVtcMwA&feature=youtu.be&t=26
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrh2BpIWoPM&feature=youtu.be&t=93
  4. ↑ Rob Litman. Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor. Expert Interview. 13 October 2020.
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1eYlTIj8UM&feature=youtu.be&t=5
  6. ↑ Rob Litman. Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor. Expert Interview. 13 October 2020.
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1eYlTIj8UM&feature=youtu.be&t=51
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB883hmh230&feature=youtu.be&t=200
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJUyft9gwK4&feature=youtu.be&t=33
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqV-urx3Vzc&feature=youtu.be&t=97
  11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqV-urx3Vzc&feature=youtu.be&t=33
  12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csnJIQM1KTk&feature=youtu.be&t=32

About This Article

Rob Litman
Co-authored by:
Rob Litman
Licensed Landscaper & General Contractor
This article was co-authored by Rob Litman. Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California. This article has been viewed 261,094 times.
14 votes - 65%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: November 18, 2022
Views: 261,094
Categories: Swimming Pools
Article SummaryX

To build a concrete pool, start by sketching out a basic design and location. You’ll want your pool to rest on level ground that gets maximum sunlight to warm the water. Also, consider how large you want your pool to be, if you need steps, and what shape you’d prefer. Once you’ve outlined a few ideas, take your designs to a professional pool builder for advice. When you have a final design, go to the building department of your local city hall to apply for a permit. After you get approved, measure and mark the pool’s dimensions on the ground and dig out the soil to create the basic shape of the pool. Frame the pool with steel rebar and plywood boards, then install the plumbing lines underneath the frame. You’ll also need to wire the pool’s filtration system and any other electrical components before pouring the concrete. Once the concrete is set, you can tile your pool and fill it with water. To learn how to pick the right tiles for your pool, keep reading!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement