The most popular are above-ground pools, which are installed on a specially prepared site, and stationary ones, which are dug into the ground. Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, above-ground pools are cheaper and easier to assemble and install on your own. The area for them can simply be cleared of debris. But most of these pools are not frost-resistant, so they need to be removed for the winter. And you still need to find storage space.
Stationary pools can be quite large. So that an adult could swim there freely. In addition, almost all structures dug into the ground are resistant to frost, so for the winter it is enough to cover them with an awning. However, their installation requires considerable effort and requires the work of a professional. In addition, their price is much higher than above-ground pools.
There are partially dug-in models and those that can be either dug into the ground or left on the ground. It is better to check with a professional about the possibility of arranging a pool at your own discretion. Otherwise, it may turn out that the outer coating will not survive the cold period and will no longer be suitable for use the next season.
Introduction
A dacha is a place of relaxation from the bustle of the city. Every person strives to create comfortable conditions at his dacha. In the summer it’s so nice to plunge into cool water, but you don’t always want to go to a body of water, so swimming pools come to the rescue of people. There are many different types, differing in size, shape, material and price. Such an artificial pond in your garden will not only become your favorite place to relax, but will also be the center of attention of guests. Many people don’t have enough money and time, they don’t want to carry out huge construction work to build a stationary water feature, and they don’t have a suitable place, but they really want a comfortable place for swimming, then your option is a frost-resistant pool (especially for the outdoor version).
Why do you need a roof?
Both adults and children love to swim, especially if it is very hot outside. In addition, swimming in the fresh air is good for your health.
Clean water in the pool - leaves and other debris do not fall into it
A large reservoir at the dacha is a good supply of water, which will be useful during drought for watering the garden. This symbiosis is very beneficial.
Since watering must be regular, the water in the pool is changed frequently, so that it remains clean even without the use of filtration equipment. Only a minimum of chemicals will be required (you can learn about pool water purification from the article on our website).
Swimming pool in the country with a polycarbonate roof
Advantages of a canopy over a pool
What does a canopy do? After all, you can sunbathe in the open sun and not waste time and money on roof installation.
Let's note the advantages of using a roof for a pool:
- Any roof, even transparent, will partially reflect and dissipate heat, which solves this problem.
Swimming pool at the dacha under a roof on rails - The roof prevents leaves from tall trees growing nearby from getting into the pool. Also, birds will not shit in it and insects will not fly into it.
- If the pavilion above the pool is low and made in the form of a dome, it does not allow water to evaporate. Also, due to the reduced amount of ultraviolet radiation entering the water, the chlorine necessary for disinfection will not evaporate as actively.
The pool is completely closed from debris, although the owners will have to worry more about caring for the roof itself - Wind and rain will not interfere with swimming. Some pool covers eliminate these inconveniences and allow you to use the pool all the time.
- It happens that the canopy performs a purely camouflage role. For example, the neighbors have a two-story house from which the yard with a swimming pool can be seen at a glance. Those who do not want to expose themselves can hide behind a small, light roof.
Such a lightweight awning will protect the pool from blowing - A roofed pool can be combined with a greenhouse. This creates a unique humid atmosphere inside, which is necessary for some vegetables and fruits. For example, cucumbers in such conditions will grow incredibly quickly, and the fruits will be very juicy.
Swimming pool inside a greenhouse – combining business with pleasure - A greenhouse can be without plants. With such a roof, the water warms up faster and stays warm longer. This is convenient in regions where summers are not very hot.
Indoor swimming pool at the dacha made of polycarbonate - this height of the canopy will allow you to swim even if it is closed - Another plus is the unusual design that pleases the eye.
Disadvantages of using a roof over a pool
Of course, a canopy over a pool also has its disadvantages:
- Even a light frame roof will cost a lot, let alone profile telescopic sliding models installed on stationary pools.
However, it is worth considering that if the water in the pool gets dirty quickly, it will have to be changed frequently. Over the course of a season of operation, this can result in additional expenses of up to 10-15 thousand rubles, so the price of the roof will be gradually compensated. - The pavilion is installed mainly over stationary pools or powerful frame models. For temporary ones, this solution is not entirely suitable.
Canopy for a swimming pool at the dacha
- Installation of complex telescopic systems will require additional space, which may not be enough on site.
- If the pool itself remains clean, the roof above it will take all the “blows” and will have to be washed at least once a month, but it is better to do this more often and with the help of cleaning products.
This pool is made as an extension to the house
- If the roof above the pool is low, a greenhouse effect may be created underneath, making swimming less comfortable. Condensation will form on the roof, so it is worth providing good ventilation.
The photo shows how the owner covered his light frame pool at the dacha with an awning tent. An excellent, and most importantly, inexpensive solution that will not protect except from strong winds.
Swimming pool for a summer house with a roof - a ventilated awning is used
Which models are not afraid of cold weather?
Nowadays there are a huge number of different models of swimming pools of all shapes and sizes on the market. An artificial reservoir is no longer considered a luxury; almost everyone can afford to have their own small sea at their dacha. Frost-resistant pools are the golden mean between inflatable and stationary models. This type of pool has good quality at a lower price. While easy to assemble, it will withstand frost. It does not need to be disassembled for the winter and assembled in the spring. Also, its design is durable and will last for many years. These models are supplied by the manufacturers with a filtration system. They can be used in winter, after a bath, as a plunge pool or as an ice skating rink, which will delight not only adults, but also children.
ADVICE! This option is better suited for large areas. What types of winter frost-resistant pools are there? There are several types of frost-resistant pools:
- Frame
- Plastic
- Steel
All of these types of frost-resistant pools can withstand the cold perfectly. They differ in the material from which they are made. Of course, plastic and steel types are more durable than frame ones, but they are also much higher in price, and when buying a pool for a summer residence, this plays an important role. They already come with a filter (in most cases sand), nozzles, a ladder, and a set of necessary chemical hoses for maintenance. Also, equipment may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Kinds
Among the frost-resistant types, the following types are distinguished:
- frame - a sheathing or structure made of a metal profile is installed, for this purpose stainless steel is used, and additional reinforcement of the structure is provided by stiffening ribs;
- steel - assembled from solid sheets of metal with anti-corrosion coating;
- plastic - a solid container made of high-strength plastic.
Each of them has high resistance to low temperatures. Steel or plastic pools are considered the most durable, but their price is very high. The frame is highly mobile. In any situation, it can be quickly dismantled and then installed in a new location.
Frost-resistant ones are different in shape, they are distinguished:
- Round ones are most often bought for families with children, as well as for holidays in the countryside; they are easy to wash and clean from dirt by hand;
- Oval ones are purchased for large areas because of its convenience; it is also easy to clean when dirty;
- Rectangular ones are convenient to place, but cleaning the corners is problematic;
- Non-standard ones add originality to the site, but require a lot of space; they are made with the letter “G” or in the shape of an 8. They are more expensive than standard ones.
What is better than a prefabricated one?
Everyone decides for themselves what type of pool they need. The good thing about the collapsible type is that it can be easily disassembled and moved to different places and reassembled. However, we must remember that frequent dismantling harms the structural parts. They start to fail. When buying prefabricated models, you need to immediately prepare for additional expenses. It is necessary to purchase various equipment and accessories for comfortable use and care of the pond. It should be remembered that most models cannot be completed to your liking. The disadvantages of prefabricated structures include their fragility and fragility. The walls of such pools are unreliable and it is better not to lean on them, especially for an adult.
One of the advantages of a frost-resistant type is that it does not need to be assembled in the summer and disassembled for the winter, as is the case with prefabricated structures. Frost-resistant models include all the necessary equipment for maintenance and comfortable use. Also, in prefabricated models, you will have to change the PVC film several times during its entire service life; in frost-resistant pools, the film is already designed to withstand freezing of water. Another advantage of a frost-resistant pool is its wear resistance; it is not constantly disassembled, as a result of which the parts will be less susceptible to damage during their constant dismantling. The frost-resistant type lasts longer than the seasonal one. There is also no need to look for a place to store the entire structure for the autumn-winter period.
Methods of water filtration and purification
Install a filter unit. Its functions:
- ensuring water circulation;
- removal of contaminants;
- drain water if necessary.
Such devices can self-clean. This makes it easier to maintain the structure. Filters make it possible to use the pool throughout the day, as they pass water through them many times. They are selected according to the volume of the bowl. Main types:
- sand;
- containing cartridges;
- diatomaceous.
The last option belongs to a higher price category; it captures microscopic contaminants. Cartridge models are the most popular, and the sand filter is affordable and simple, but ineffective. The elements of the system are laid into the concrete structure at the stage of preparation for pouring the formwork.
Which one to choose for your dacha?
When choosing an artificial reservoir, first of all, a person determines his financial capabilities, the installation area of the future water feature, as well as its service life. Everyone wants to have a quality product for less money. Also, when choosing a pool model, be sure to remember that certain maintenance will be required, which will bring additional costs. So which pool should you choose?
Before you start choosing the type and model of the future pool, you need to determine where it will be located, who will swim there and in what quantity. This is important information that buyers miss. But in vain, because in the end you may choose something that is not what you wanted.
The seasonal, collapsible type can be easily installed anywhere and assembled after the end of the swimming season. It consists of a frame consisting of pipes and connecting elements and a bowl made of PVC film of varying strength. This strength depends on whether the pool is seasonal or frost-resistant. The seasonal look is designed for fewer people of a certain weight. There are also reinforced frame models, in which part of the wall is made of steel. They support more weight. The shape of such pools can be round, oval, rectangular or figure eight.
The frame frost-resistant type does not differ much in design from the reinforced seasonal type. The difference lies in the thickness of the coating on the wall of the pool bowl. Accordingly, it is stronger compared to the seasonal type. A frost-resistant pool does not need to be disassembled for the winter. In this regard, you will spend less effort and money on assembling and disassembling the structure.
The plastic frost-resistant pool is a solid container made of durable plastic.
Frost-resistant pools are more expensive than seasonal types, but they have a more durable structure and do not need to be dismantled for the winter. If you want a quality pool, then you should look at the frost-resistant type.
Only you can choose the option that suits you best, but before that, carefully consider what you will get as a result of your purchase, constant hassle with installation and storage, or install and enjoy your personal pond once.
Installation of a concrete pool
If you are deciding how to make a bowl correctly, you must first draw up a sketch of the future structure. Determine the main dimensions of the structure. You need to think about the location of communications and filters. Only after this can work begin, since the concrete structure is monolithic, and it will not be possible to rebuild it after hardening.
Pit and sand and gravel pad
Step by step instructions:
- The site is being marked.
- A pit is being dug. Moreover, its dimensions should exceed the dimensions of the pool bowl. This need is due to the fact that it is necessary to install formwork, which will be filled with concrete, and a sand and gravel cushion will be installed at the bottom. If these nuances are not taken into account, the finished bowl will be 40 cm smaller in width, length and 20 cm smaller in depth than the original structure according to the project.
- The digging is done from the edges towards the center. A slight slope of the walls is made in relation to the ground surface, which will avoid backfilling the pit.
- A small hole (drainage) is prepared in the center.
- The soil must be compacted.
- A layer of sand is formed, then gravel (15 cm each). Moreover, each of them is rammed.
Pool bottom concreting
Waterproofing material is laid on top of the sand and gravel cushion. It should be characterized by moderate strength, so the film is not considered for this purpose. Ruberoid should be used. When in contact with reinforcement, this material performs better and lasts longer. When building a pool with your own hands, you need to remember the need to protect the joints. For this reason, when laying, the waterproofing should extend onto the walls (20 cm on each side).
Then another layer of roofing material is laid. This will better protect the concrete from moisture in the soil. The fittings are being installed. The rods are connected so as to form cells, the recommended dimensions of which are 15x20 cm. The reinforcement is tied with wire. Welding should not be used at this stage. Then communications are laid that will drain water from the drain hole outside the site. At the last stage, the base is filled with solution.
The duration of the period during which the concrete will dry is 1.5 weeks. During the specified period of time, it is necessary to moisten the surface with water. Communications should be laid to drain wastewater around the perimeter of the base.
Formwork and wall filling
The panel structure is being erected. First, the beams are driven in, then the boards are fastened. A sewer pipe will run through the bottom of the walls. The formwork is protected with polyethylene. To strengthen the structure, a frame of steel rods is installed. After this, the solution is poured. At the stage of preparing the pool walls, the necessary embedded elements are installed. When the concrete has dried, they move on to finishing work.
Waterproofing and finishing
Considering that concrete is a hygroscopic material, it must be protected from moisture. Regardless of what type of finishing material will be used (mosaic, tile, PVC film), the surface should be leveled. For this, plaster and reinforcing mesh are used. To waterproof the pool bowl, only coating compounds (mastics) are used, since this is the most reliable option for such a structure.
If necessary, a perimeter overflow system is provided. In this case, it is important to lay communications responsible for draining excess water. When designing a pool, consider installing a ladder if the walls of the concrete bowl rise above the soil surface.
When it is planned to build an indoor pool, this possibility is provided for at the design stage. A simpler option is to install a structure made of polymer glass. You can build a combined building: brick + glass. However, in this case, it is impossible to do without a foundation around the perimeter and design of the foundation inside the building.
Prefabricated version
Preparation and installation of the structure will not require special knowledge, nor the availability of special tools. However, during installation it is necessary to remember important conditions that are best observed.
You need to choose a location for the pool. It is better that it is not under trees and on the sunny side. The water will warm up well, and leaves falling from the trees will not pollute the water.
general description
An in-ground pool is a swimming container, which can be of any size, previously dug into a hole in the ground. The shape of the recess and size depend on the selected tank.
Bowls that are dug into the ground require separate functional and structural elements for water treatment and drainage. They allow you to quickly fill the container and drain water from it. These tanks are universal and suitable for use by both children and adults. They can be closed or open to sunlight.
Plastic version
A plastic frost-resistant pool is easy to install, but it is difficult for one person to handle, since it is not collapsible, but one-piece. And if such a pool is large, then you cannot do without special construction equipment. The bowl is placed in a pit filled with sand or crushed stone. The bottom of such a pit should be perfectly flat; it is better to fill it with concrete. After the pool itself is placed, to secure the bowl, it is necessary to fill the distance between the walls of the pool and the walls of the pit with insulating material. Such pools are quite durable and can withstand heavy loads well.
As you can see, the process of installing a frost-resistant structure itself does not take much time. It all depends on the size, the pool being installed and its type.
Construction of a wooden pool with a bowl on the surface
For work you will need waterproofing material, boards, beams. A sketch is created: the height of the structure, width, length are determined. Based on this, the dimensions of the boards are calculated. The recommended dimensions of the timber are 60x60 mm. The wood must be treated with a primer. This will increase its service life. If you plan to build a wooden pool with your own hands, you should use wood that minimally absorbs moisture.
Base and frame
In order for the structure to serve for a long time, it is necessary to prepare a solid foundation. Its differences: high reliability, immunity to significant loads, temperature changes, and moisture. The best solution is concrete. A monolithic site is being built.
The basis is the same principle as when arranging the bottom of a concrete pool. Only in this case, communications are not provided, and the surface is made without a slope. To obtain smooth base walls, low formwork is installed. If you plan to make the structure flush with the soil surface, dig a pit. In this case, the formwork should not rise above the ground.
Installation of the frame begins by gaining height using boards. Preference is given to the polygonal shape of the structure. It resists loads better. Wood screws are used for fastening. Nails should not be used in this case; the level of reliability of this method of fixing wood is low. Technological holes are cut out in the finished frame. Through them, communications are provided to fill and empty the pool bowl.
Frame waterproofing
A wooden structure is protected from water in various ways. The finished frame is covered with waterproofing liquid compounds. Additionally, a film is placed on top. The first option cannot be used as a primary protective measure. This is due to the fact that liquid insulating materials are designed to protect the wood. To ensure the tightness of the bowl, dense film coatings are used.
Connecting communications
A small box is being erected next to the wooden structure. It can be built from the same boards as the main frame. The purpose of such a building is to install a pump and filters. It is necessary to ensure that the walls and roof are protected from leakage, which will allow the equipment to be operated without failures for a long period.
Winter storage
After summer is over and you can no longer swim in the pool, it needs to be prepared for winter. Despite the fact that it is frost-resistant, it is necessary to take a number of measures to preserve it for the winter so that temperature changes do not destroy the structure. The main danger to the structure is in the soil, which when frozen puts pressure on the structure, which is why it is not necessary to completely drain the water from the pool. The principle of conservation of various types of frost-resistant pools (frame, plastic, metal) is similar and differs only in the presence of additional devices and accessories. Therefore, we will consider general conservation rules that apply to all species.
Tips for choosing a location for a pool
To create the most comfortable conditions for the operation of such structures, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors:
- Shaded area. In this case, it is not recommended to start arranging the pool, since the root system will gradually spread. The closer the tree is to the walls of the structure, the faster the waterproofing deforms, which will lead to the destruction of the supporting structures. Leaves will constantly fall into the pool bowl. If you do not remove it in a timely manner, the water may bloom.
- Soil type. Clay is the preferred option because it does not allow water to pass through. Sandy soils contribute to deformation of the structure due to flowability. In this case, the pool must be well reinforced.
- Possibility of connecting communications to the water supply system. To avoid having to dig a long trench, you should try to place the bowl as close as possible to the water supply pipe.
- Direction of the wind. It is much more comfortable to be in the water when there is no wind. In addition, in an open area, the pool becomes clogged faster. For these reasons, it is better to choose an area protected from the wind.
Is it possible to buy cheap or is it better not to save?
When choosing a pool, you want to buy a high-quality model at a lower cost. Of course, the frost-resistant model is significantly more expensive than its counterparts, but it also lasts longer, at least 10 years, if used correctly and preserved for the winter.
In the summer, when demand for such goods is high, the manufacturer inflates their prices. If you want to save on price rather than quality, then you need to buy a pool out of season. With the onset of autumn, the demand for this product decreases and sellers reduce prices. This is the most favorable period for buying it - there are sales, you will pay less, and you will have a deep frost-resistant pool for your garden.
You can also buy it cheaper in an online store. However, you must remember that there is a big risk of buying a low-quality product. Therefore, take a responsible approach to choosing the site on which you will order a purchase (do not forget to at least read reviews about the online store).
Of course, having thought through all the purchasing options, you can save on the price, and not on the quality of the pool. Also, in addition to the design itself, you can buy various types of accessories for decorating an artificial pond. And the same rules apply here as with the main purchase.
Improvement of the area around the country pool
It is not difficult to decorate a decorative pool. For this they use wild stone and plants that grow in water. To make the structure resemble a pond, its bottom is covered with black film. If a recreational pool is being built on the site, it is better to decorate the inner walls in white. This will add depth to the structure. You can make it more natural by covering the outer surfaces with brown paint. Alpine slides (in accordance with the landscape design), flower beds, and paths are being built around.
You can use decorative flowerpots. If you plan to equip a recreation area, there are sun loungers and garden furniture. A small children's playground is being created. It is important to perform zoning of the site. To do this, use low decorative fences or hedges. To make the area comfortable even in the evening, lighting is provided.
Is it possible to dig in a frame?
A frame pool can be installed above ground or buried in the ground. Both installation options are considered correct, provided that the decision is well thought out and the preparatory and installation work is carried out correctly.
The tank is dug into the ground if it is not planned to be moved and sent for wintering . If the owner has not yet finally decided on the location of the pool and plans to remove it for the cold season, then the classic type of installation of a frame pool will be more appropriate.
It is not advisable to dig into the ground those models that do not hold more than 500 liters of water. These types of reservoirs are usually moved from place to place. They are installed only for the swimming season with preliminary preparation of the surface. A special substrate should be laid under the soil.
Frame structures can be dug into the ground in a semi-buried way, when the bowl is not completely dug in, and in a deep way, when the frame goes completely underground. The most popular is partial recess . In this way, the tank can be stably and securely secured with a minimum amount of excavation work.
Cost of models, cost of digging, including turnkey
Price of a model with a diameter of 3 m and a capacity of about 7-8 thousand liters:
- from 25,000 rub. – for the domestic model Laguna pool LGF 30501 LA DOGA;
- up to 35,000 rub. – for brand Bestway 56563.
When building an all-season turnkey pool, you can rely on the following figures - an in-ground pool with dimensions of 5x3x1.5 m (quite large) is turnkey in the basic configuration:
- Frame sheet (quality) – 150,000 – 200,000 rubles.
- With a composite bowl – RUB 750,000.
- With a reinforced concrete bowl – 850,000 rubles.
For a pool measuring 5x3x1.5 m, you will need a pit measuring 6x4x1.8 m, that is, a volume of 43.2 m3. The cost of such a pit is about 43-45 thousand rubles.
How to make a dug pond with your own hands?
Before you start digging a pool, it is important to decide on its location. There should be no buildings, wells or communications nearby. The properties of the soil play an important role. It is better to give preference to untouched soil, that is, not bulk. Otherwise, damage to the tank may occur.
Tools and materials
Before starting work, it is important to prepare the necessary materials and tools:
- shovel;
- roulette;
- laser level;
- sand;
- gravel;
- wooden board for tamping;
- buckets;
- reinforcing mesh;
- concrete solution;
- expanded polystyrene boards;
- substrate;
- water supply pipes;
- skimmer;
- pump with filter;
- water heater;
- ready-made pool bowl.
You should also think in advance about finishing the exterior of the structure and the area around it.
Manufacturing process step by step
In order to dig a pool, you will need a pit. Its dimensions depend on the dimensions of the structure with the addition of 1 m on each side in width and 0.5 m in height. This way, it will be easier to install the bowl, connect communications, and fill the base.
What to consider at the very beginning
Before finding out how much it costs to build a pool on a turnkey plot, you need to analyze a number of points that directly affect the cost of the pool:
- what will be the functional purpose of the pool (decorative, children's, for adults);
An inflatable children's pool is the most inexpensive and simplest option for a summer cottage. Source walmart.ca
- will it be a stationary or collapsible pool;
- the possibility of deepening the structure from the point of view of the groundwater level;
- how and water treatment system
- how much is the free area suitable for placing the tank ;
- what shape the bowl have ?