How to build a swimming pool: 5 tips from professionals 

ith the arrival of summer, being able to take a refreshing dip in a pool is one of those priceless leisure activities with which to combat the heat and enjoy to the maximum. And if the pool is for our private use and enjoyment, even better. However, you may not yet have that magical pool in your property or community. To solve this problem, and so that you have the basic information on how to build a swimming pool step by step, at Rodríguez Ros we have prepared this post to answer all your questions about swimming pools, their construction and all the processes and elements involved.

How long does it take to build a swimming pool?.

The construction of a swimming pool takes, on average, 8 to 12 weeks. It is a process that is done in stages, making it easier to plan the construction. Thus, if you want to have the pool up and running by the end of spring or the beginning of summer, it is best to start the installation and the project in winter.

How much does it cost to build a swimming pool?.

Taking into account the materials, the area, the labour, the shape and size of the pool, the installation, devices for starting up the pool, etc., building a home-made pool costs 14,000 euros. This is undoubtedly an approximate price, because there are infinite possibilities and variants when building a pool;

Undoubtedly, the most important thing is to have in your hand different budgets that fit the service you are looking for. At Rodríguez Ros, as a company specialising in pool waterproofing and rehabilitation, we offer a pool construction service with two construction and pool waterproofing services to choose from: gresite or PVC.

Also, remember that to enjoy your pool, it is not enough just to have it. It must also be filled and maintained.

Permits to build a swimming pool.

If we are talking about collective swimming pools, the autonomous communities dictate by means of decrees the regulation of the hygienic-sanitary conditions. In private pools, the guide is the Technical Building Code (CTE). 

In Spain the official procedures for building a swimming pool are relatively simple and take between 1 and 3 months approximately;

To obtain the licence, it is necessary to present a technical building project to the local town hall in order to obtain the necessary municipal licence for the works. It all depends on whether the work is minor (less than 1 metre deep) or major (more than 1 metre deep);

The preliminary project or project for the swimming pool must be presented to the town hall, which will have already been drawn up by the technician we hire, together with the budget for the work. The fee to be paid is between 2 and 6% of the budget (around 1,000 euros).

Other permits for construction works, such as scaffolding, renting public space to deposit rubble or store construction materials, must also be taken into account.

Given that some municipalities also require a separate electrical permit, and that this legal procedure may seem cumbersome, from Rodríguez Ros we will give you personalised advice to solve any procedure.

What maintenance do swimming pools need?.

It is essential to control the pH of the water and chlorination. It is also necessary to monitor the appearance of algae, algae matter, algae and other

What types of in-ground swimming pools are there?.

The most common are:

• Raised pools: the basin is built above ground, especially when there is no option for it to be buried;
• Buried pools: Traditional pools. The tank is dug entirely in the ground.
• Semi-buried pools: A part of the pool is below ground level and the rest is raised above it. Typical in areas with slopes.

Depending on the type of water used, there are freshwater pools, which use drinking water or water from wells, or saltwater pools, i.e. with a certain degree of salinity.

On the other hand, apart from the built-in swimming pools (the traditional ones), we also find the precast swimming pools and the projected swimming pools, which are made of shotcrete (more expensive but more durable).

¿Qué elegir: una piscina de obra o una piscina prefabricada?

Although both solutions are suitable, and prefabricated pools are more economical, building a swimming pool is more advantageous in the medium and long term, starting with the fact that they are more durable, thanks to the strength of the concrete and the linings, and can be designed to measure. In addition, aesthetics are improved, as they allow for very careful and personalised finishes. Finally, a swimming pool increases the value of the property, usually more than the initial investment and subsequent maintenance;

Types of lining in in-ground pools.

The lining of the pool is a decisive factor, as it has a great influence on the aesthetics, the finish and the final price.

• Coating paints: This is a type of paint that is not waterproof but is resistant to chlorine, fungi and bacteria;
• Fibreglass coating: This is a more expensive option to start with but the paint is much more durable.
• Tile cladding: It allows elaborate and personalised decorations to be made, making it much more aesthetic;
• Ceramic cladding: Similar to tiles, and requires little maintenance.
• Liner cladding: This is one of the most widespread, either plain or with tile-like patterns. It is economical and durable;

Types of lining in in-ground pools.

Now that we know the types of pool liners, it is time to choose which one is best for us. Taking concrete or shotcrete (more expensive) as a base, at Rodríguez Ros we recommend both gresite and PVC liner as the best options for lining a swimming pool, compared to paint, fibreglass base, fibreglass reinforced polyester or tiles;

gresite is that characteristic small tile that shapes the walls and floors of swimming pools. It is resistant, versatile and highly durable, more resistant than conventional tiles and very easy to clean.

On the other hand, in the case of having a budget for the construction of swimming pools in Malaga more limited, but without sacrificing quality, the PVC liner or reinforced sheet is your option, both for the construction and for the repair and rehabilitation of swimming pools. The maintenance it requires is reduced and gives the maximum guarantees as well. 

In addition to the pool liner, it is important to have the best waterproofing solution: the Renolit Alkoplan reinforced membrane. This is responsible for ensuring that the water remains in the pool, that it is not lost through cracks or fissures in the pool, and also provides fantastic aesthetics. 

Tipos de revestimiento en piscinas de obra

It’s time to find out how to build a swimming pool stage by stage.

1. Design, budget, project and bureaucracy: The first thing we will do is to think about the design of the pool, and then bring it to reality by means of an official technical project, with the subsequent budget. In the report and the plans, the basic data of the pool must be included, including the dimensions, aesthetics, depth, filtration system, structure, shape, installations, electricity, etc. 
2. Location and excavation: Once we have the approval of the town hall and the accepted budget, we will choose the best place available for its installation and the marked land will be excavated.
3. Filling, levelling and compacting: After excavation, the ground has to be filled, levelled and compacted, and rebar has to be laid in the ground, walls and pipes.
4. Concrete and electrical installation: It will be the turn of pouring the concrete, smoothing it and leaving it to dry, and the installation of the electrical system;
5. Walls and plastering: Afterwards, we will renovate the walls and apply the waterproofing material, then finish the space around the pool and install the technical water filtering system.
6. Lining and crowning: The lining of the inside of the pool will be one of the last, together with the installation of the edges and non-slip copings.
7. Filling the pool. With the construction complete, what’s left to do is the best part: add water and enjoy the first dip.

Constructor choice.

Beyond the design and the fantasy of imagining the swimming pool of our dreams in our house or community, the essential thing, the key moment, is to choose the right builder. It is always necessary to choose a professional pool construction company specialised in this sector;

If you are thinking of building a swimming pool for your home, at Rodríguez Ros we offer a complete swimming pool construction and advice service. If you would like a personalised quote and more information, do not hesitate to contact us.