Do-it-yourself frame pool in the courtyard of a house: instructions with photos and videos

About the classification of pools

Life outside the city is less and less associated with continuous cultivation of beds, harvesting and subsequent processing. A modern city dweller, tired of dusty and crowded streets, wants to enjoy a complete holiday at the countryside. But your vacation may not be so comfortable if the summer is hot and there is not a single body of water in the immediate vicinity. Installing a swimming pool will be a complete solution to this problem.

The pool is gradually turning into a desirable element of the garden plot; The market is overflowing with offers, the variety of which is difficult to navigate. Models are often classified according to the method of installing the pool bowl; it is done in one of two ways:

Installation on the ground surface. This group includes inflatable and frame structures that require the arrangement of a flat platform (concrete or carefully compacted is suitable).
With penetration into the ground (more often used for large-volume models). A pit is dug into which the bowl is lowered. The bowl material can be monolithic concrete, polypropylene, fiberglass.

Frame structure without penetration into the ground Source freelove.org.ru
Swimming pools in a summer cottage can be classified based on other characteristics:

By method of use. Winter structures are designed in conjunction with residential buildings and are used year-round. Summer ones are located outdoors and are used during the warm season.
In volume and depth. Manufacturers offer children's or adult models that differ in both geometric parameters and depth.
According to the type of circulation system. Water filtration can be organized using an overflow method, when water fills the pool up to the sides, collects around the perimeter, is cleaned and returned. In a skimmer (surface) design, the water does not reach the sides. The top, most contaminated layer of water enters the filter unit using a special device - a skimmer.

Skimmer-type frame model for adults Source besideroom.co

Pool with plastic or composite bowl

Ease of construction	★★★★★
Durability	★★★★★
Economical	★★★★★

Economical

Ease of construction

Durability

Ready-made bowl for the tank

It’s not difficult to install a ready-made bowl on your site, but it’s also not that cheap. At a minimum, you will have to spend money on delivery and shipment of the bowl by crane.

It makes sense to choose this option if you don’t need a small children’s pool, but a bowl for comfortable relaxation for adults in a small group.

The step-by-step process of installing a plastic bowl looks like this:

Select a bowl;
Create a plan, consider connecting to the water filtration and heating system;
Dig a hole of appropriate size and place a pillow at the bottom;
Install the bowl, connect the communications and conduct a test run.

By the way, the cup does not have to be completely buried. But this should be allowed by the technical manual for this particular model, since in this case the pressure inside the pool will fall on the walls of the tank, which will not be supported by the earth from the outside.

Read more about the nuances of installing a composite pool:
Stage 1 - Select a bowl
Stage 2 - Installation and connection
Stage 3 - Launch and decoration around

Popular varieties

The pool provides an opportunity to have a pleasant time without sweltering from the heat and without leaving the site. Installation of a reservoir is carried out in one of three ways:

Ground. All temporary inflatable and frame models, the bottom of which is on the ground. They take up little space and are easy to install and fold away when the summer season comes to an end.

Convenient and safe Source lanshaft.com

Stationary. The reservoir is designed for long-term use and is therefore buried in the ground. Such a pool requires preliminary design; it requires the mandatory installation of water purification equipment. The shape, size and design of such a hydraulic structure depends on the imagination of the owners and the allocated budget.
Combined (indoor pools). A type of stationary structure with a sliding pavilion. The pavilion is often made of polycarbonate and allows you to use the pool until late autumn (if you take care of heating the water).

Stationary pool under a polycarbonate roof Source mdom36.ru
The most popular types include the following designs:

Inflatable

A budget-friendly and quick way to get your own swimming pool with the following characteristics:

Design. Most inflatable models are made of double PVC film reinforced with reinforced mesh. The upper edging is filled with air.
Size. Models comfortable for adults have a depth of 1.2 m. Swimming pools with a diameter of 2.5 to 5 m and a depth of 0.7 m are available.
Installation. Inflatable models are famous for their ease of installation; they are assembled on a flat (without slope or holes), thoroughly cleaned area. Installation takes less time than filling with water.
Pros. They are obvious: low price, compact dimensions and phenomenal installation speed. Any model of this type can be easily transported in a passenger car, and when assembled it can be moved around the site.

Inflatable, compact, comfortable Source roomester.ru

Minuses. The design does not have a frame, so you cannot lean on it and it can easily be damaged (especially if you have pets). The second drawback is that inflatable pools are not equipped with a filter and skimmer (the filtration system may be more expensive than the structure itself). You will periodically change the water, clean the bottom, and also pump up air.

See also: Contacts of construction companies that offer landscaping services.

Frame collapsible

This hydraulic structure has a durable frame in the form of a frame and all-metal sheets; The bowl is made of three-layer PVC material.

Equipment. The bowl is equipped with a drain valve (to which you can connect a garden hose). There are often holes in the walls through which the filter pump is connected. The set may include a water heater, a filter, a repair kit, lighting, and a ladder.

Frame collapsible model Source derevyannyy.com

Installation. Does not require much time (less than an hour). During operation, it is recommended to cover the pool at your summer cottage with an awning at night. After the end of the swimming season, the frame pool is dismantled and wintered in the attic or garage, taking up a minimum of space.
Pros. The design has a greater margin of safety than an inflatable one. You can lean on the side of the frame pool (but you cannot dive from it). Many models have a decent volume (3-3.5 tons) and are designed for a service life of 7 to 10 years.
Minuses. Before purchasing, you need to determine how long it will take to fill the pool (if the pressure is weak, the process may take several days). It is also important to understand where you plan to drain such a volume of water, because doing this is often quite difficult (in such a framework, personal hygiene comes first). Another drawback is that the bowl needs to be replaced annually; low-quality film is capable of bending under the pressure of a mass of water.

Just dig a hole and cover it with film

The first stage is the most labor-intensive - digging a hole of suitable size and depth. When the pit is ready: the bottom is leveled and compacted, the walls are perpendicular to the bottom and are not crumbling, proceed to the second stage - preparing the surfaces.

Cut cardboard boxes are laid on the bottom to make it soft to step on. The walls are covered with bags so that the film does not tear on uneven surfaces and plant roots.

At the third stage, the pit is covered with waterproofing film. The upper edge is pressed with stones, which additionally plays the role of decoration.

You can bury a bowl made of scrap materials, covered inside with film, into the soil. This will require a lot of effort, but it will be possible to increase the depth of the pool. Since the edges of the bowl protrude above the soil surface, the soil will not be washed into the water.

Video description

About choosing a pool for a summer house in the following video:

Frame stationary

They are resistant to low temperatures. Such a pond will stand outside without any problems from autumn to spring; its characteristics are as follows:

Size. The reinforced frame allows the production of significant structures with a diameter exceeding 7 m and a volume of up to tens of cubic meters. The volume determines the installation method - the larger it is, the less stable the pool turns out to be and the higher the likelihood that it will have to be buried in the ground.
Design features. The basis is a steel frame made of individual panels with a multi-layer anti-corrosion coating. A PVC film is inserted inside, resistant to ultraviolet radiation and chemical reagents. A profile made of plastic guides increases rigidity; The kit is complemented by a plastic top side. Often such a pool is decorated with decorative finishing - wood or stone lamination.
Equipment. The standard kit includes a sand filter and a full skimmer. The packaging weighs more than 100 kg, which must be taken into account during transportation.

Frame stationary model Source stroitel73.ru

Installation. Frame stationary (sometimes called prefabricated) reservoirs can be installed on the surface of the soil or buried in it, partially or completely. They are installed both outdoors and indoors; assembly takes 1-2 days, depending on the readiness of the site.
Pros. A frame pool, reinforced with a profile, easily withstands winter cold, and you get rid of the need to disassemble, dry and look for a place to store it. When the summer season ends, it is preserved like a standard plastic or concrete pond.
Minuses. You will need to monitor the equipment and periodically (after wintering) change the PVC film liner. In order not to change the water more often than once a year, you will have to add chlorine and drugs that prevent flowering.

Pool made from old boxes

The frame of the pool can be made from old wooden or plastic boxes. They make up a rectangular box, fasten each one together and additionally wrap it around the perimeter with plastic tape.

The structure is assembled on a tarpaulin. The inside of the box is covered with a thick waterproofing film, pressing the top edge with wooden boards.

Video description

How to build a swimming pool abroad in the following video:

Finishing with PVC film. A film consisting of several layers is considered a good waterproofing material, cheaper than tiles. Among its advantages are durability, easy care, ultraviolet resistance, and a wide range of colors. There are also limitations: the film cannot be used if the groundwater level is high in the area. Another disadvantage is that the PVC film coating does not allow the installation of lighting and massage nozzles.
Tile finishing. Regular bathroom tiles are not suitable for finishing; you need special pool tiles with minimal water absorption and a rough (corrugated) surface. The advantage of using tile material is its impressive color range and the ability to use it on surfaces of any shape and slope. The disadvantages are similar to those of mosaic: expensive, time-consuming and require continuous maintenance.

Mosaic finishing Source loveexploring.com

Mosaic finishing. In finishing the pool bowl, two types are used - ceramic and glass; the latter is considered more practical because it is more durable and does not absorb water. Mosaic finishing is one of the most aesthetic and wear-resistant; it allows you to finish a pool of any shape and in any color palette. The disadvantages are obvious: indecently high price and labor-intensive finishing. If you want to build a swimming pool in your country house and decorate it with mosaics, be prepared for the fact that the work will take a lot of time, and the quality will depend on the professionalism of the performers. It is recommended to use mosaic finishing (as well as tiles) only indoors, since outdoor decorative elements will begin to lag after the first freeze-thaw period. Mosaic coating needs careful care, otherwise darkening of the seams and plaque formation are inevitable.

Choosing an inexpensive pool for your cottage

When selecting an inexpensive pool for your dacha, you need to compare the advantages and disadvantages of all variations. And after that you can decide which one is suitable for a particular area.

Inflatable pools are the simplest, easiest to maintain and budget-friendly. They are ideal for small summer cottages, since they will not take up free space when not in use.

An inflatable pool is a good inexpensive option for a summer residence

Deep pools are an advanced option. It is instant, has a decent appearance, and you can adjust the water circulation. But it takes up a certain amount of space (not necessarily a large one), and its dismantling will require construction work on the site. Plus, it is the most expensive in terms of price, but you can save a lot by building it yourself.

A deep pool will not cost much if you make it yourself

Frame pools are something between deep and inflatable. This option is located on the ground, like the rubber one, but it is much more difficult to disassemble. But this can still be done on your own, without large-scale construction work. In terms of price, it is somewhere between the other two options.

The frame pool is easy to assemble and affordable

Among the types of pools it is impossible to single out a clear favorite. They are simply designed for different sizes of cottages and operating conditions. For a summer resident, selecting an inexpensive pool for a summer residence will involve determining the most suitable variation according to one’s own preferences, as well as the pros and cons of the types.

What you need to know when purchasing

A pool of any type can become the highlight of a suburban area, a center of attraction for all family members and a full-fledged recreation area. Owners anticipating the opportunity to refresh themselves need to remember the very likely possibility of additional expenses:

Equipment. You can save on it when buying a pool, but sooner or later you will realize its necessity. The supply and drainage of water, its cleanliness and compliance with sanitary standards is ensured by various devices (does not apply to inflatable products). For different types of pools, a cleaning filter, water control sensors, a protective covering (awning), and an ozonizer may be required.
Comfort. For regions where cold summers are not uncommon, a water heating device will be required. If the pool set did not include a ladder, it must be purchased separately.

Heated pool Source yandex.kg

Care. To ensure that the water in the pool is always clean and transparent, without foreign odors, proper regular maintenance is necessary. An important element of care is timely cleaning with chemicals and regulating the supply of chemicals to the water; For this you will need a dosing station.

Pros and cons of a stationary pool in the courtyard of a private house

Placing a pool on the site is more profitable than inside the cottage. In this case, the structure does not have a negative impact on the residential building: it will not be humid inside, and there will be no need to install a ventilation system. Heating and lighting costs will not increase.

What other advantages does a stationary pool have on site:

you can swim any time you want, except perhaps in winter;
your family will relax near the water in hot weather;
small children will enjoy swimming;
a stationary outdoor pool is an opportunity to have fun;
when it’s far away from a river or lake, you can quickly cool off in the pool;
If the pool is kept clean, it will beautify the area.

What are the disadvantages of a stationary structure?

To maintain an outdoor pool, you will have to spend a lot of money and effort. It is necessary to regularly clean the bottom and walls, replace the water, and add chemicals to prevent the water from blooming. However, they should be used with caution, since the “chemistry” has a detrimental effect on health.

You need to think about where you will drain the water. If chemicals are used, you should not water your lawn or garden with water. However, it will have to be changed, which means that a place for draining water should be equipped in advance.

For the winter, such a pool will have to be mothballed. It needs to be cleaned, the water drained, the filters and heating system removed, the drains closed, and filled with water and a preservative. This procedure will require time and labor.

The outdoor pool is inferior in terms of comfort to the swimming lanes in the cottage. But you will notice the difference only if you live outside the city all year round and will not be able to swim in autumn and winter.

But when you have a summer house or cottage, it is recommended to choose an outdoor pool. Its cost is low, but adults and children will feel comfortable swimming in such a pool.

Construction of a stationary reservoir

The process will require more time and money. However, as a result you will receive a unique individual structure created according to your request.

For example, if there are small children in the family, it is logical to make two compartments: for bathing babies with a minimum depth and for adults. Or you can, for example, create a gradual depression: 0.5 m on one side and 2.5 m on the other.

Moreover, you can experiment with shapes: round, square or elongated - the design is limited only by your imagination. So, let's figure out how to make a swimming pool with a concrete base at your dacha with your own hands.

Installation

The construction of a concrete tank at the stage of marking and designing a pit is almost no different from the installation of a bowl. The only difference is that it is advisable to make the walls with a slight deviation of 4-6 degrees outward to ensure their stability.
It is also necessary to draw up a plan, mark the area with pegs and rope, and dig a pit. The hole in this case should be 0.5 -1.5 meters deeper than the planned pool.
Next, the pit is filled with sand to a depth of 20-30 cm, compacted and waterproofed in several layers, at least two. The simplest option is roofing felt on bitumen mastic.
Before building the walls, you need to take care of the drainage system and think about the layout of the holes. Their number and location depend on the shape and size of the structure.

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The walls of the container can be built in two ways. The first is to fill it with concrete. In this case, you will need to build formwork from 30 mm boards (old or new), and then fill it with concrete using reinforcement. After hardening, the formwork is dismantled.

The second method is from separate blocks, as in the video below.

However, the connecting seams between such blocks with insufficient waterproofing pose a serious danger to the entire system. Water will seep through the solution, gradually eroding it, and eventually the material will collapse and the walls will be damaged.

To avoid this gross mistake, special attention is paid to waterproofing the walls and bottom.

Waterproofing walls from the inside

There are several options for waterproofing products.

Deep penetration compositions - mixtures of cement and sand with chemicals, fill even microcracks and form a protective barrier. They are used as a basis for applying subsequent layers of another moisture-protective substance, since they lose their properties with constant contact with water.
Concrete additives directly strengthen the building material. They fill voids that are washed out over time and reduce liquid absorption properties. But this remedy cannot be the final one, since when it hardens, a layer of such concrete loses its adhesion properties, and subsequent coatings do not adhere well.
A solution of potassium and sodium silicates, known as “liquid glass,” fills pores and cracks, even small ones. At the same time, it is easy to apply and hardens quickly. But in the end it turns out to be very fragile, so it is often used as a base for polymer film.
Polymer films are a lightweight waterproof material that is widely used due to its low price and ease of use. But, despite the obvious advantages, it is very difficult to do the pasting yourself; you need a professional.
Liquid and viscous substances - compositions based on bitumen, polymers and silicone. When hardened, it forms an impact-resistant film. As a finishing composition, they are applied to the walls of containers not intended for outdoor use. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, viscous and liquid products lose their elasticity and are destroyed.

To protect the inner surface, you can use a combination of several layers consisting of liquid agents, polymer films and deep penetration compounds.

Instagram @epool.chita

Finishing can begin only after checking the structure for moisture resistance. To do this, fill the container with water and wait from ten days to two weeks, checking daily for leaks.

Greenblott Design

Gregory Lombardi Design

Choosing a frame pool

This type of pool is similar in location to the inflatable variation. It is also installed on the ground, and not deep into it. A frame pool is a fixed pit into which water is poured. Most often it is made from PVC plastic. Preference is given to this material due to the fact that it is absolutely safe for the human body. Direct contact with it will not harm either a child or an adult. On the outside, it can be made of either durable plastic or a metal frame.

Advantages of a frame pool

More resistant to environmental factors - it can withstand mechanical and shock loads, temperature changes, exposure to sunlight better, and it cannot be punctured or broken.
Versatility - you can use such a pool all year round (in summer as a pool, and in winter as an ice skating rink), it can be installed on an inclined, uneven surface.
Durability - it will last you at least 10 years, while inflatable models can barely withstand
A variety of shapes, depths and sizes: inflatable pools are presented only in a round shape, but frame ones can even have complex shapes with steps, ledges and varying depths.

Disadvantages of a frame pool:

Need for constant care. The inner, plastic side of the pool should be washed regularly. Constantly renew the water, as it stagnates and begins to bloom. The pool is also susceptible to external factors if it is not covered. Drops of rain fall on it, and the wind blows leaves from the trees there. In view of this, its hygiene must be monitored on a regular basis.
Big sizes. On the site, a frame-type pool occupies more space than a similar-sized deep pool. This happens due to the fact that it is installed on the surface of the earth and is more visible.
Transfer difficulties. A frame pool is much more difficult to disassemble and move than an inflatable one. And in the process of dismantling, its integrity can be damaged, making it unrepairable.

Advantages and disadvantages of inflatable pools

Inflatable installations have a number of positive and negative qualities that need to be taken into account when choosing an inexpensive pool for your dacha.

Advantages:

Compact and portable. The pool is inflatable, so it can be installed whenever it is needed. This ensures that it doesn't take up extra space when not in use and can be easily carried when deflated.
Availability. Inflatable pools of small and medium sizes are quite affordable. If desired, any summer resident can afford it.
There is no need for regular maintenance. Unlike stationary pools, inflatable pools only need to be washed each time before filling and deflating. This is where his service ends.

Flaws:

Low reliability. An inflatable pool is much easier to damage than other types. A small puncture hole in the rubber and it will lose its functionality.
Appearance. The rubber structure that stands in the yard looks much less respectable than its frame counterparts. This does not apply to expensive large inflatable pools.
Air dependence. The pool must be inflated before use. This is what the pump is designed for. If it breaks, the pool will temporarily lose its functionality.

An inflatable pool is an excellent option for a small dacha. What makes it so is the ability to temporarily install and remove it. Also, do not forget about its price, which is significantly lower than that of frame and deep analogues.

The lack of a frame greatly affects the stability of the pool. It is not recommended to lean heavily on it, much less step on its side. If you press the top ring so hard that part of it is below the water level, in most cases this can lead to emergency emptying of the pool with all the ensuing consequences.

Inflatable pools are poorly suited for water purification. Water is taken and supplied through two holes in the side of the pool. The smallest pools do not have a filtration system at all. Solutions with mounted water intake devices (skimmers) are available on the market.

It is worth noting that the costs of a high-quality filtration system often exceed the costs of purchasing the pool itself. The service life of this type of pool greatly depends on operating conditions. If the operating rules are followed, an inflatable pool can last for several years.

Rating of the best swimming pools

The most important guideline when compiling a rating of the best swimming pools for a summer residence was the type of construction - inflatable, frame, rigid, stationary.

When writing the TOP, attention was paid to the following characteristics:

Purpose – swimming and/or bathing;
Optimal number of people to accommodate inside;
Volume and shape of the bowl – oval, round, rectangular;
Color and dimensions (length, width, depth);
Materials of walls, bottom, frame (if available);
Wall thickness;
Resistance to UV rays, low temperatures, abrasion and high loads;
Number of supports (in the case of a frame model);
Duration and ease of installation;
Water heating speed;
Presence of steps or stairs;
Resistance to corrosion;
Possibility of automatic draining;
Equipment: pump, adapter for pumping water, hose.

When preparing the rating, experts took into account user reviews, the price-quality ratio of goods.

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Pool on a metal frame

For those who are familiar with welding, it will not be difficult to make a simple pool with your own hands from metal.

Each wall is made separately from a profile pipe and galvanized sheet. The structure can be assembled by welding or made dismountable with bolts.

An insert made of waterproofing film is installed inside, which, if desired, can be made to order according to the dimensions of the resulting structure. You can decorate such a pool using flooring from pallets, and also make a cover.

To increase ease of use, it is recommended to install a pump with a filter and use disinfectants for regular use. Thanks to this, your pool will not turn into a muddy swamp in a few days, the water from which will need to be completely pumped out and replaced with new water on a regular basis.