Q&A for How to Build a Swimming Pool

When we're installing a pool, first we'll look for the setback, and also access. The setback is how far away from the property line the pool will be—in California, it has to be at least 5 feet away. It should also be at least 8 feet away from the slope to keep the pool at a feasible cost. You also need to make sure the excavation machinery has access to get in the backyard.

The first stage is planning and design, and the second stage is engineering. Once engineering is approved, we'll go to permitting. Then, we'll start excavation, followed by rebar. Once the rebar is in place, we'll do rought plumbing and electrical. Then, we'll pour the gunite. That takes 28 days to cure, but once it's cured, we'll add coping, which is the plaster that goes on top of the pool as a cap.

There are 3 types of plaster finish—the basic white plaster, a pebble mix, and a hybrid with quartz. I don't recommend using the pebble finish if you're a swimmer or if you have children under the age of 10 because it can be rough on your skin.

I recommend avoiding anything gold or yellow—that's going to make the pool look green. I also say stay away from anything dark, like brown, orange, or black.

The process of planning takes two and a half weeks, permitting takes about 2 weeks, and the process of building takes 10 weeks. Also, plan about 10 days for the pH and chlorine levels in the water to stabilize after you fill the pool.

The pool's filter will do a lot of the cleaning for you. You can get a net to remove debris and/or a robotic vacuum that moves across the floor of the pool to keep it clean.

The drains on the bottom of the pool will hook to the input on the pump, the output of the pump will hook to the return at the end of the pool.

Use wood beams and build it above ground like a farm fence, then you can order a plastic liner online to put over it.

Your best option is to rent a submersible pump and take the output line all the way to the street, where it can go down a storm drain.

Most pool people recommend that the pump/filter be placed just off the concrete decking.

Typically, a concrete or composite frame is enough to contain the water and prevent leaks and other mishaps. Your contractor will be able to tell you more about what other features will be necessary depending on the materials you choose. Pools with vinyl-siding, for instance, may benefit from having a separate moisture barrier in place.

Fiberglass is the best option, as you will likely never have to replace it again, if maintained per manufacturer's guidelines. The annual and lifetime cost of a fiberglass liner is also much cheaper than vinyl and/or concrete.

The length of time to build an in-ground swimming pool varies depending on the size and finishing details of the pool, weather and how many people are assisting in the building. On average, it may take somewhere between six and eight weeks to build an in-ground swimming pool.

The tiles on the inside of the pool are usually ceramic, but sometimes vinyl, and have a very small gap between each tile and the next. This gap is filled with a material called grout. The application is simple. Wet down the tiles. Spread the grout along the gap, vertically and horizontally. Let it dry for about a half hour. Take a damp rag and wipe down the tile surface, taking care to not knock the tiles loose or dig the grout out of the gap. Rinse the rag frequently. Then let it dry thoroughly, at least 24 hours, before filling the pool with water.

The average cost of a swimming pool, even if you're building it yourself, is about $25,000.

It depends. First you have to measure the pool from length to width and then fill to that amount.

Building a pool onto an existing structure is quite different from installing one in the ground. For a more authoritative answer, you'll need to consult with a pool contractor and inform them of your specific plans. Keep in mind that the pool will need to be built in accordance with local building codes and other regulations.

Between obtaining the materials and permits and actually doing the work, it can take about three to four months to complete a pool.

It depends on the size of the equipment you use. A half ton mini-excavator will run you between $250-300 a day, depending on where you rent it from.

There are a few options. You could build in a gas or electric heater, but those cost thousands to install and hundreds each month to run. You could also use a solar blanket.

That all depends on the ordinances governing your city or territory. Contact your local department of Health, Building and Local Laws to find out what types of equipment are permitted for dispersing and draining water where you live. Be sure to also look over the rules of the Homeowner's Association in your neighborhood to see what guidelines they provide.

This will vary depending on several different factors, including the overall size of the pool, the materials being used, and the number of building professionals working on the project. A simple fiberglass pool installation might only take 2-3 days, where as excavating and building a poured concrete pool from the ground up (or down) may take up to 2 weeks.

The most affordable pools on the market are finished with detachable vinyl liners and tend to cost somewhere between $25,000 and $50,000. However, this figure could be even lower if the pool you're having installed is on the small side.

It should be about 8 to 12 feet in height, depending on how high you want to be swimming in it.

The typical 12' x 24' rectangular (288 sq.ft. of water surface area) concrete pool will cost around $72 per square foot. Typical extras raise that cost to about $103 per square foot. 

You can paint on a waterproof membrane after the cement floor is installed and block walls are up, but before the tile is installed. This is the barrier for nothing to leak beyond the tile.

I know my answer may sound simplistic, but the manufacturer usually includes at least a minimal amount of installation instructions. If not, or if the instructions are beyond your skill level, I would recommend a professional pool installer or contractor.

If you mean make the corners square, you can use a carpenters' framing square, a tool that looks like a big letter L. You don't have to buy it, as many hardware stores will rent it to you. This tool, if used correctly, will ensure right angle corners.

No, you can't. Wood rots, so even treated lumber will rot out.

Building up the downhill side is the best approach to this. Another option with sloped yards is to build up the downhill or low side. This simply means adding fill to the lower side to create a level area. This can lead to problems if it isn't done correctly though, so you need to know what you are doing. The fill that is added has to be properly compacted or it can lead to cracking later on when it finally settles.