Can a DIY build a small in-ground swimming pool?

zel

We went on our honeymoon to Sandals Grande in St. Lucia. We stayed in a suite that had its own small private pool. It was only about 4-5' deep in the deep and was only big enough for 2 people comfortably. It was tiled throughout the whole pool with small mosaic tiles. Heres a small picture of it. I am wondering if its possible for someone (me) to build this and what the approximate cost is? We dont have much room in the yard for anything bigger. We have an odd shaped lot and can only do something small. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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Tscarborough

I would say no. I would not feel comfortable doing it for myself with 20+ years of concrete, tile, and masonry experience, including dozens of ponds. The plumbing alone would drive you insane.

zel

Thanks for the response. This pool had very simple plumbing. It had basically what most above ground pools have, a strainer/pump inlet and a pressurized outlet that kept the water moving. It also had another outlet that fed the waterfall on the right in the picture.

I once found a website for a company that sold small fiberglass pool shells that came in sizes similar to these. Are these as simple as they seem, dig a hole and place the shell in the hole (level)?

Sammy

Take a look at Viking Pools.. All fiberglass, one piece, low maint.
Easy installation, [watching them!] but I would have them do it.
They can do all kinds of customized designs to mimic tile etc.

Its what alot of the hotels/resorts use.

They lifted a 24 foot long kidney shaped pool over my house with a crane. Dig time to water going in was only three days. With concrete and all was about three weeks but thats less than a conventional liner type pool.

Tscarborough

There is no such thing as a very simply plumbed pool. Remember that any mistake could require a total tearout and redo.

POOLMANinCT

from the pic I think I see a zero depth entry. such entry is an advanced construction technique.

zel

Yes, you are correct about the zero depth entry.

Can anyone give me a rough estimate of what it would cost to have something like this built, using both a cement tiled surface or with a fiberglass shell?

POOLMANinCT

id be suprised to see a replica for less than 15k

hubbard53

looks like a nice pool... perfect size. I've tried to convince myself that we could use a pool but can never justify the cost vs. time of use (ohio swim season isnt too long). Now if i could build that small of a pool in an enclosed glass addition that doubles as a greenhouse? that would be doable. . .hmmm...

rodsteryz

This is more of a hot tub/spa but it might help. www.custombuiltspas.com
I was thinking of trying something like this myself

troubleseeker

I would not recommend an in ground pool as a DIY project, unless you are looking for a sure fire life time maintainence project. Even installing a fiberglass shell is not as simple as it appears. If you really want a pool, I'd save for a couple of years and get a reputable builder to install one. Get the pool plumbed with QUALITY equipment, not bottom end stuff, and save the fancy decking for later , when money is available. The fancy decks will look a lot more enticing in the sales portfolio than buying higher priced equipment, but remember that you will expect this stuff to run for 10 to 14 hours per day, seven days a week, for many years.