MAIN Home Life House

Building an In-Ground Pool Is
Easier than You Might Think

In-ground backyard pools are a great addition to any home. They not only add a focal point to your yard, and increase your resale value, they also keep the entire family entertained. What better way to spend a leisurely weekend afternoon than lounging by the pool with the kids?

The cost of building a pool keeps many people from realizing their dream. The good news is that you and a few handy friends or family members can build the pool yourself, saving thousands of dollars.

"It looks like a big job, but our state-of-the-art pool packages are designed for money-saving do-it-yourself installation. And, we're always there ready to assist you," says John Puder of Water Warehouse, a company that sells pool kits. The kits include everything you need to build a pool, including the pool kit, pump, filter, heaters, steps, etc. They provide free installation advice to help the process go smoothly.

To give you an idea of what's involved in building a pool, here are the basic steps:

1. Do your homework. Find out all you can about pool installation and the various kits that are available. Make sure the pool kit dealer stands behind its products, has an 800 number and offers you help along the way.

2. Figure out your budget. This will include the cost of the pool kit as well as any other supplies. It will also vary depending on how much you want to customize your pool. "There are some items, like a slide, that you can add later, but some things you have to include at the outset, like lights or steps," explains Puder. What will your labor costs be? You'll probably want to contract out things like excavating the pool, trowling in the bottom, backfilling and pouring concrete , so contact the appropriate contractors for their estimates. The rest of the budget consists of your elbow grease - and that of a few good friends.

3. Figure out your timetable. On average, it will take a week or two if you work with a couple of people straight through. If you're doing the project on weekends, it can take a month or so.

4. Start building. The first step is to decide on the location for the pool. Mark off the pool outline with stakes and string. Know how deep each section of the pool should be and make a diagram so you can confer with the excavator. Once the excavation is complete, you can start assembling and placing the side panels. "The walls of today's pools are made of various materials that are assembled like a giant erector set. They can be made from aluminum, galvanized steel, plastic and fiberglass," says Puder.

Next comes the plumbing, another item you may want to contract out. Once that's done, you're ready to shape the bottom of the pool and pour the concrete footer around the bottom of the forms.. When the concrete is cured, you can backfill the excavation, install the liner and fill the pool.

5. Complete the landscaping. Once the pool itself is finished, you'll want to install a deck around it and perhaps add additional landscaping details.

6. Enjoy. You can relax by your pool knowing you saved thousands of dollars and that your investment will pay off for as long as you own your home.

All Decked Out - 5 Tips for Designing Your Garden Deck

Deck Trends for New Decks and Makeovers

Backyard Ponds - Create a Sanctuary for the Senses

Feng Shui & Your Outdoor Spaces - The Ultimate Magic Garden