How to Construct a Concrete Swimming Pool in Uganda

Concrete is the most frequently used material in the construction of swimming pools. A concrete swimming pool is designed to hold the full volume of water while also being able to withstand high-pressure loads.

The weight of the earth outside the pool and the weight of the water contained within the pool are the two major loads on the concrete pool structure. When the water in the pool is emptied for cleaning purposes, the thrust generated varies. It may or may not have an effect on the concrete, depending on the efficiency of the design.

This article details the step-by-step process for constructing a concrete swimming pool, taking into account the primary requirements for pool construction.

How to Build a Concrete Swimming Pool

Step 1: Location and design selection

The first step in pool construction is pool design. Choose a design that is appropriate for the given land or a land area large enough to accommodate an existing design. The design of a swimming pool is primarily concerned with the shape, depth, area, filtration system, and overall size of the pool.

The location of the pool must be ideal for easy maintenance. It is recommended to select a flat terrain, as this will result in significant cost savings during the excavation and filling processes. A land that is devoid of trees enables the avoidance of leaf-filled pools. The swimming pool is optimally oriented when constructed facing the sun.

Step 2: Earth Excavation

Once the design and location of the swimming pool are determined, the area must be excavated in preparation for construction.

• Utilize wooden stakes to denote the swimming pool’s perimeter. To precisely locate the swimming pool’s area, extend a tread around the perimeter.

• Remove the earth within the perimeter using a backhoe (or other earth removing equipment). Always check to ensure that the enclosed area and its surroundings do not contain any drainage, electric, or water lines.

• Excavate the area, taking into account the area occupied by the swimming pool floor. The dimensions for cutting the soil are strictly adhered to in accordance with the design plan at hand. It can assist in obtaining a pool with the desired dimensions.

Step 3: Pool Base Construction

The swimming pool base’s construction is a critical phase that directly affects the pool’s life. The excavation is carried out in such a way that the bottom face becomes flat and uniform in appearance. If the site contains loose soil, it must be compacted and filled with firm soil.

Compaction can be accomplished with either natural soil or gravel. Compact and prepare the base with aggregates ranging in size from 12 to 40 mm. After the base has been adequately filled with compact materials, it must be compacted in relation to the terrain. Compaction can be accomplished with a roller or similar equipment, depending on the area to be compacted.

After compacting the pool base properly, pour a thin layer of cleaning concrete onto the bottom. The concrete layer is typically 5 cm thick.

Always provide a pool gradient or slope at the pool base to facilitate water emptying to the filter system. The slope chosen must not impair the swimmers’ balance. For pools used by children and non-swimmers, a maximum gradient of 1 in 40 is recommended. A grade of 1 in 80 is required for efficient emptying (As per British and Euro Codes).

Step 4: Reinforcement of the steel cage

After excavating the pool walls and preparing the base, the next step is to reinforce the pool wall and bottom with steel. The shotcrete procedure is used in this instance, with a single steel cage reinforcement running the length of the swimming pool’s interior surface. The gunite or shotcrete procedure results in a seamless concrete structure with no gap between the wall and the floor.

After installing the steel reinforcement, incorporate the necessary plumbing, drainage, and other lines into the cage arrangement. Side stairs are also included as part of the design.

Step 5: Fix the Pool Pump and Filter System

A filter system and pump are combined on a large tank made of concrete, metal, or another material. Prior to pouring the concrete, plumb lines are installed to transport water from the swimming pool to the filter system and back to the pool.

Additionally, the filter system and pump are connected to the municipal water line, which supplies the pool with fresh water. The arrangement is required to replenish the pool’s water lost to splash out or evaporation.

Step 6: Concreting 

Execute shotcrete or gunite on the walls and floors using a standard mix of concrete. Utilize specialized tools to shape the surface in accordance with the design. After the concrete is finished, it must be cured twice daily for 14 days.

Generally, the durability of the pool is determined by the thickness of the concrete base and walls. The greater the thickness, the less exposed it is to fissures and cracks. Generally, the bottom of the pool is thicker than the walls. A standard pool shell must have a minimum thickness of six inches, excluding the plaster, for safety reasons.

Among the construction methods (formwork and shotcrete), the shotcrete method is the most efficient. This method results in a monolithic structure that is more resistant to force. The formwork method creates a gap between the walls and the floor, which has the potential to separate. By increasing the thickness of the formwork, this problem can be avoided.

Step 7: Waterproofing the Concrete Pool

The most common methods of waterproofing concrete pools are through the use of tiles, glass, or ceramic, or through the use of an epoxy-cement system or another type of waterproofing membrane. The waterproofing method is determined by the area’s water table level and the soils’ moisture conditions. Waterproofing is used to seal off walls and floors.

Step 8: Coping Construction

Coping is the space provided around the pool’s edge for walking. It is typically made of concrete, marble, tile, or stone. Always wait two to three days after the coping is constructed before filling the pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is a concrete swimming pool structure constructed?

The structure of the concrete swimming pool can be built using shotcrete, gunite, or formwork methods. The shotcrete and gunite processes combine to form the pool’s walls and base. The formwork technique separates the wall and pool base. The first method is the more prevalent one.

2. How do I choose a swimming pool location?

The location of the pool must be ideal for easy maintenance. It is highly recommended to select a flat terrain, as this will result in significant cost savings during the excavation and filling processes. A land that is devoid of trees enables the avoidance of leaf-filled pools. The swimming pool is optimally oriented when constructed facing the sun.

3. What are the advantages of shotcrete concreting over the formwork method?

Among the two construction methods (using formwork and shotcrete), the shotcrete method is the most efficient. This method results in a monolithic structure that is more resistant to force. The formwork method creates a gap between the walls and the floor, which has the potential to separate. By increasing the thickness of the formwork, this problem can be avoided.

4. How much slope should swimming pools have?

The pool base is sloped to facilitate water emptying to the filter system. The grade chosen must not have an adverse effect on the swimmers’ balance. For pools used by children and non-swimmers, a maximum gradient of 1 in 40 is recommended. A grade of 1 in 80 is required for efficient emptying.

5. What is the minimum thickness of a swimming pool?

A standard pool shell must have a minimum thickness of 6 inches, excluding the plaster, for safety. The durability of the pool is determined by the thickness of the concrete base and walls. The greater the thickness, the less exposed it is to fissures and cracks. Generally, the bottom of the pool is thicker than the walls.