ᐅ Pool Construction – Recommendations and Suggestions for the Early Planning Stage

Hello everyone,

We are planning to build a nice pool in our garden.
Approximate size: 9 × 5 × 1.5 m (30 × 16 × 5 ft).
(By the way, please ignore the current construction status; this is an existing property where we are currently building a new structure…)

We want a good price/performance ratio and plan to do the work ourselves.
We have a master roofer who can install the liner and a master mason for the foundation slab and walls.

We are considering a polystyrene construction system. Are there significant differences between the manufacturers?
In theory, a full concrete pool could also be possible since it’s directly accessible from the street… Which option would be more practical?

The installation situation is that we are building on a slope and will pour a retaining wall.
The initial idea is to build the pool behind this wall. I have roughly marked the position in red.
The pool should ideally be integrated with the terrace, which you can see under the liner in the pictures.

It would be really great if we could realize some kind of infinity pool solution.

Do you have any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks and best regards,
Sven

Supplement from the early building permit / planning permission phase and the architect’s plan, showing our rough idea...

Just as a suggestion, since I am also planning a pool (though smaller): don’t you need to fence it off or be able to securely cover it if the property is accessible? This is to protect against children who could drown, etc.

Otherwise: nice planning. I have also looked into pool blocks because that’s where you can reasonably freely determine depth and size. Insulation for a heated pool is already integrated around the outside. Don’t forget insulation underneath if you want to heat it! It also needs to be covered since most energy is lost through evaporation. Make sure the reinforcement for the base plate and walls is sufficient, as the filled pool will weigh about 68 tons (approximately 75 tons).

Oh yes... having your own pool… even nicer as an infinity pool…

To everyone out there with large, permanent pools in the garden (so not the usual round steel frame or some inflatable type). How often do you use it in the summer and what are the operating costs like?

Just asking out of interest…

Hello, I’ll join in here.

We also plan to build a pool after the winter, but I’m still quite early in the process.

We will probably use concrete blocks, but what advantages do those polystyrene (styrofoam) blocks offer? Improved thermal insulation? Easier handling?

If I use concrete blocks, what do I use for plastering, or is tile adhesive enough?

@superzapp The pool definitely must not be freely accessible.

Regardless of the size or construction of the pool, the technical equipment is crucial.
Often, filtration systems that are too small are sold.
The more you invest in quality equipment, the more stable the system will be, and the easier and less time-consuming the maintenance becomes.
The pool should definitely be covered, otherwise heat loss will be significant, not to mention dirt entering the water.
How will the pool be heated?
For the equipment room, you will need electricity, water, and wastewater connections. Ideally, also a LAN or Wi-Fi connection.
For a pool size of about 70m³ (about 2,470 cubic feet), expect costs starting around €35,000 (with a lot of self-work involved).
Circulation should run roughly 12 hours a day, spread out over the day. Depending on the pump, power consumption is about 700 watts/hour. Additionally, there are controls and other equipment.