HomeBuilt DIY Concrete Block Swimming Pool

I built this pool with concrete block in our backyard. Hope it gives other people some ideas for their own project. Liner and coping were purchased from www.pooldeals.com.

[@Dagnabit888]

This is the 5th pool built I've watched. I live in an apartment

[@essentials1016]

Same

[@GediSpock]

Me too 👊😂

[@castaluminiumindustries7875]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWG8hHZ5adOqeq8

[@Electroneer0]

mee too ._.

[@richardkillin1856]

This is gold!!🤣🤣

[@timanddeana]

$3200 total cost, but I did the labor. Took me 2 weeks to build. Working 3-4 hours every evening and 10-12 hours on weekends.

[@kenzme1]

Where and what company did you buy your pool liner? how do you attach your liner to the side of the pool?

[@marcos22571]

Do you have a video how you attached the bead track to the wall? Please say you do.

[@timcrabtree3525]

@@marcos22571 Sorry No, but I drilled holes in the liner track (Cinderella CPHM2C2040) and fastened it with masonry Tapcons. Then laid the pavers in a bed of mortar on top.

[@busybizconsultingllc3493]

awesome!

[@erinhoyle4645]

Did you pass inspections with this method?

[@jpegg1208]

I'd be proud to own that pool my friend. Good job.

[@timanddeana]

8 years and still cleaning the pool EVERY weekend.

[@hardwired39466]

That's great! Ever thought about doing a followup video showing the pool and answering all the questions that you keep getting asked?

[@timanddeana]

I will try this weekend. That is a good idea.

[@SimoneOconnell]

hi how deep was your footing on this pool .do you think a pool 18 feet by 10 feet [thats the swimming area]blocks on the outside of that and footing.do you think a footing of 12 inches is enough or should it be 18 inches.[you say 8 by 8 by 16.so is that 8 inches deep footing or 16 inches ?we have dug to 12 inches ,the pool is going to be 4 feet high.Part in the ground and part out.my dads not here at the moment and he is desperate for some advice he has done brickwork built a wall before but never a pool.rather nervous as people keep saying it will not work.The soil is clay at below 18 inches we will hit the water table[thats why we were doing part above the ground..have you ever taken the water out of your pool would this be possible or because of the water table you cant .have you put a valve in the bottom to release water pressure anything like that.do you think that 3 or 4 concrete blocks out of the ground with rebar would hold water or the water pressure would be to much .That why I am worried about the footing as theres no soil to support it out of the ground.did you just dig below the water table .I have heard a pool can lift out of the ground with to much rain or if you empty it.These pools are complicated things.

[@SimoneOconnell]

also would love to see your pool now that would be great to see a video

[@hardwired39466]

Tim Crabtree excellent!!! I will be looking forward to it! Don’t have to rush to make the video. Just whenever is convenient for you. Thanks!

[@bearlake8128]

I went back through the comments and Tim says the cost was $3200. Apparently, that would have been in 2011. Cool pool.

[@timanddeana]

No Leaks thus far, and it has been 2 winters and almost 3 summers now. I mixed the concrete myself. 1 part portland cement, 2 parts sand, and 3 parts stone. Standard Quikrete ready mix would have been expensive.

[@timanddeana]

Not harsh at all. You are totally right. I plan to update to concrete. At the time of construction I was mostly experimenting and so I went the cheap route. It would be very nice to avoid the worries assciated with a vinyl liner. (dog and jewelry)

[@sz8558]

Thanks for documenting the build. What its missing is you narrating the process, materials you used etc...Would make ur life easier as we would have to ask questions. Great job on the pool mate.

[@timanddeana]

Between the block and vinyl pool liner I used standard 1/4" pool wall foam. I hired out the excavation for $450 and the rest I did myself. 8x8x16 footer, dry stacked block, filled block with concrete, 3/8" rebar every 4 feet, 3" sand in bottom, I purchased pump and filter used for $150, Plan to upgrade later, beaded liner was ordered to fit for $600. Total cost was $3200. When liner needs changed I plan to concrete bottom and plaster walls. Thank You and good luck. It has been well worth it.

[@tammachin2141]

Hi Tim, we live in State College PA, our wilkes pool collapsed last summer and you have given a lot of inspiration for us to build a new pool using your Technique. As gunite and shotcrete are not so readily available in our area, and fiberglass pools this size can run 14k plus it is definitely an affordable option.I hope to be starting on our project within the next 3 weeks ready for summer. thankyou again for a great post.

[@timanddeana]

Yes, rebar in corners and every 2 feet. Thanks.

[@timanddeana]

Thank You. Corners are square and coping just butts into each other. I purchased liner lock bead also but never used it.

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

Wow good job I was doubting it till the pool liner ,I figured out a long time ago you don't need mortar between the blocks as long as you fill them with concrete and rebar. I myself would have just waterproofed and plastered the walls but it looks fine.

[@JoshBoisTV]

Now that looks like a fun project to really amp a home's value up! The piping looked legit with the rubber exterior and all. Nice work

[@strong4865]

problem is : Unfortunately most REALTORS do not know the value of an in-ground pool and are still relying on old data and false perceptions!

[@chilogutierrez4558]

+Josh Bois TV pools dont add value

[@austinyoung4890]

+Chilo Gutierrez yes they do. That's like saying a house without a backyard doesn't decrease value.

[@chilogutierrez4558]

If you build a pool it cost more to build it than it adds to the house. THEREFORE you lose money

[@raymondminor3515]

Chilo Gutierrez it only cost him $3200. He will not lose money. He did not do it to sell his house.

[@timanddeana]

No building permits are required where I live, only zoning permits so that was easy. Cost $65. Liner is beaded on top edge. Coping is under the pavers at the top of pool edge (White). Cinderella is the name of it. If I did it again I would have laid blocks with mortar and put in a Floor drain.

[@crickettu80]

Hi, I want to say this video is awesome. And it seems to be way cheaper . I think my husband and I will do this as we have 4 kids and we could benefit from it too. Thanks so much for sharing . :)

[@timanddeana]

Skimmer and return are for a vinyl liner. Used plywood to make forms around light and fittings then poured concrete. Pooldeal and Specialty Pool Products have everything. Insulation board and sand work great for the vinyl liner, but with concrete and plaster instead of a vinyl liner the worries of my dog tearing the liner would be gone. Your probably right on the floor drain I just wonder if it would help keep the bottom of the pool clean. Vaccuming is the worst part.

[@Redrum215_]

I did something similar. If you didn't use foam on the walls and floor I would add that. Your liner would last longer and use a salt chlorinator instead of chlorine. It's better and keeps pool cleaner plus it doesn't eat up the liner.

[@SimoneOconnell]

could you help on a pool that has a concrete bottom if you cant complete the pour in one day.should you do each section or bottom half and then the top half ,doing it by wheelbarrow 2 people with 1 cement mixer pool 20 by 10

[@timanddeana]

Yeah, You are completely right about the ladder. LOL!!! I was still debating on what exactly to use at the time. I ended up just using the standard stainless ladder with plastic steps.

[@sizedoctor]

That is great Tim, You did put a lot of work into it, Congrats

[@AveIvy]

You're THE man! This looks amazing!

[@MeMe-wt2le]

I have the materials to build a pool. Now all I need is a house 😂 😂 😢

[@castaluminiumindustries7875]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWG8hHZ5adOqeq8

[@jeanjacque1577]

Great job ! I plan to try and do something like this but 18x30 and 4 feet deep on the shallow end and 8 feet on the deep end. I will not be paying 50k to a pool company when I think I can do it for less than 5-7k. The biggest expense will probably be the pool liner I dont plan to use a concrete floor either just sand

[@timanddeana]

Pool Update. Pool has held up extremely well. We had a very cold winter in Ohio last year and no damage yet. Please feel free to share any negative thoughts or new ideas so others may benefit. I have since upgraded the cheapo ladder to a set of stairs. When I have to change the liner I would like to add a floor drain to aid in cleaning. I have never drained any water though. Pool was built in spring of 2011. Thanks.

[@altf113]

Thanks for the update, I am going to do this back Home in dominican republic, can you please tell me if you poured concrete on the pool floor? or did you just leave it as is when you made the hole? could there be any problems if you do not pour concrete on pool floor? please reply and thank you so much for making this video

[@timanddeana]

Stanley zorrilla No concrete. Just 3 inches of sand. Thanks

[@altf113]

Thanks!

[@MsNumber1rider]

Tim Crabtree same question as ReviewAssUSA . how much was the materials cost ? thanks

[@skeetajohnson]

+Tim Crabtree, I have one negative thought. This just plain pisses me off not to have one.

[@1SeanBond]

Way2cool nicely done appreciate your efforts and posting this awesome build!

[@bubbaz6218]

Wow!...what a totally neat concept. I think there are 2 of us that are going to build one like this. I will help him first and when we finish his, he'll help me to do mine.He plays guitar and wants to know what your music is...Thank you so much for posting this

[@timanddeana]

Yes, It is 52" all the way across.

[@Aroraez10]

Thx 4 the video wow you must and really enjoy the pool right tim and deana!

[@abelincolnparth]

If you want to try the "cement pond" option, you can let the chlorine and algaecide dissipate and then stock it with a few minnows, they live on eating algae and any bugs that fall into the pool. You still need to keep water circulating in it so it maintains a good oxygen content for the fish.

[@timanddeana]

I never had standing water before the pool so I did not bother to waterproof, but a little roof cement and felt paper would have been cheap insurance. Mortared block joints would have made filling the cores easier. Next time I would definitely do that. Bond Beam would probably save the hassle of filling the cores altogether. I pulled back the liner for inspection last month and there were no cracks. So I think rebar and filling every core was overkill. Bond beam in middle and top should be good.

[@1badkins]

Thanks for the reply Tim! I apologize, IF I had read EVERBODIES questions, some of mine were already answered, but thanks for replying anyway. :) Love it!

[@castaluminiumindustries7875]

How to protect your pool kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWG8hHZ5adOqeq8

[@mrssmurf55]

wow amazing job wish I knew someone who could build me one so jealous of your amazing skills;)

[@castaluminiumindustries7875]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWG8hHZ5adOqeq8

[@danielash4702]

That pool is Awsome good job

[@sechkar]

How do you drain the pool? Your pool looks great. I'm going to try and replicate it this summer.

[@timanddeana]

Have to be careful not to move blocks while filling. Footer under blocks is 8" deep x 16" wide. I pushed first course of block about 1-1/2" into footer while concrete was still wet. Good Luck! Stick with and you will have years of enjoyment.

[@audi4ever7]

great job worth every penny

[@HRMcKee]

yea u the man and thats gonna be my pool also, absolutely sweet!

[@az09747]

Thanks. Again it was a great job. Just have to make the time to do it.

[@lowellanderson7760]

My review for Tim is five stars for a great job. I would stay with the blocks and liner.

[@guammike]

This is really impressive. Thanks for sharing.

[@1keykneedeep]

Wow. Nice pool. well done.

[@RomeJunior310]

Wow Tim that looks great! enjoy it buddy

[@timanddeana]

14 feet x 28 feet and 52 inches deep. That was a standard size liner. Thank You.

[@timanddeana]

Holding up great. Looks as good as day one. Grand total was about $3200 for material only. Thanks.

[@castaluminiumindustries7875]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWG8hHZ5adOqeq8

[@lowellanderson7760]

I would go the same route as Tim, blocks and liner. Concrete without weight on it (like a building) can crack and has cracked.

[@timanddeana]

14 feet x 28 feet and 52 inches deep. About 450 Block. OSB was just to keep rain water out of the block cores until I filled them with concrete. Thanks.

[@CrazyTheySaid]

I got estimates on having a pool installed. The estimates ranged from $15,000-$20,000 for a tiny 10 x 10 pool. INSANITY! So, for the past 5 years I've been thinking about building my own. I wish you had explained the process step by step but I like your video nonetheless.

[@frenchiedekent8572]

Sorry... nothing to do with the swimming pool, but the music made me smile 😊 Is that Daan ???

[@jillserviss5848]

It’s been a while how well has this pool held up what have you had to do to maintain it

[@unclebuckstoys8907]

Has anyone else attempted this? It looks great, Wasnt sure if you have a magic touch or if this is something that we all could do?

[@oscarsantos2608]

Good job, but I would leave the lawn level with the pool or vice versa, would look better

[@timanddeana]

I dry stacked the blocks and filled with concrete and rebar, because most of the info I could find said that was the preferred method. However, I saw no benefit. If I were to do it again I would definetly have mortared them in place. As for plastering the walls, This project is a learning experience so I am curious to see if it will hold up. So far it has been 2 Ohio winters and no settling or movement at all.

[@anthonypazoz4323]

What is that sheet inside of the pool at 2:10?

[@billy-dt5mk]

wow good job! it looks great

[@timanddeana]

Floor is just about 3 inches of sand only. Liner is hung by coping called cinderella style that I bought online from pooldeals. Good Luck with your project.

[@sunreynyc]

Very nice, I can see you did much planning and research. I prefer for myself material for the cement type finish, what can be used? I build cars so I'm ok with fine tolerances, i just don't want to rent (other than a bobcat ) a concrete pump machine or some other thing that alters the budget possibilities.

[@scotttemple7844]

No re-bar ?

[@j2big]

This is effin amazing!!!!!

[@Charlotte_TSilva]

Congratulations on building a beautifully designed and functional pool. Lots of family time together outside, weather permitting. Forgot to ask, what is the music you play in this video? I know it's classical but I don't remember the composer or the name of the piece. I remember it was played in the movie Soilent Green. Blessings to all.

[@timanddeana]

Marion. GO BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@timanddeana]

I got the pool liner from pooldeals website ($450) They make the liner to your measurements and it takes about 7 to 10 days. I used 1/4" styrofoam insulation on both sides of the block and Liquid Nails to hold it in place. Then backfilled with stone. I only have the skimmer and no floor drain.

[@umuJG]

Nice video. Learnt a lot

[@dawgtv]

I really loved this video.

[@silentme6185]

Hi Tim, you did an amazing job! May I ask how is your pool now after all these years? How deep is it? It looks not very deep though. My family is thinking about build a pool. I'm actually thinking about an above ground pool, but hubby really wants to DIY a concrete one. My concerns are a concrete one is too much work and more expensive. But your video gave us a brand new thought! Thank you so much!

[@timanddeana]

The blocks are filled top to bottom and have 3/8" rebar every block.

[@timanddeana]

The coping I used to connect the liner is called Cinderella HM2 from pooldeals com. I used tapcons to fasten it to the block. Then I layed pavers directly over it. I filled every core with concrete and used rebar every 4 feet. I think it was overkill, but I was learning as I went. You can see the coping on the sides of the skimmer at 2.55. It is white. Thanks for the comment and I hope your project works out.

[@teehughey]

It's 2022, how long has this pool held up?

[@codycrusherr]

Can I have the list of the specific materials you used for everything and the names?

[@SVanTha]

great job!

[@beckyh8565]

Tim, How has the liner and block walls held up? Anything you would have done differently?

[@khalideisa5763]

Hey Tim thanks for the reply about the cinderella style coping one more question though, what was the radius of the corners, and what did you use to connect the corners together?

[@DanielPerez-ek9rr]

very good job props

[@martinemjt]

smart and beautiful.

[@Mrflashlite]

Great job, looks nice. Did you just dry stack the blocks and then insert rebar and fill all the holes with concrete?

[@cynthiajluciene9677]

I'm thinking a smaller version and adding water jets and a heater of course. In Las Vegas the sun will warm the water to 70 degrees, depending upon the depth of the water. During the Spring, Fall, and Winter months though, I'd have to heat the pool to be able to stick even my big toe in it. Brrrr. I imagine I can add a heater, right? It shouldn't be too much trouble - or would it???

[@serg-cd7yw]

I NEED this

[@tangledline]

I admire your work and determination. Aside from what you already stated..what changes or updates would you recommend?

[@adielawson6854]

I got my pool from carefully pulling a vinyl liner steel wall pool out of the ground.

[@jimcbroyles]

What's the reason for not using cement grout between the blocks? Why do you want replace the pool liner with some type of plaster walls and a concrete floor? Thanks!

[@pbiffy1535]

This looks so great , how is the pool holding up ?

[@spiritualwartv]

good job

[@troywade1368]

glad you posted this vid i knew it was possible just hadn't started the research yet but i am a diy guy and withnyour video enough said i have a couple of questions if you don't mind though. how long did the project take you and appx center block costs i plan to make mine 5-6 ft deep depending on the soil texture... by the way awesome job i really would like to know full costs though i have been dooing some calculations but i know that they are just calculations exacts would help me in my budget

[@hectorrb]

good idea sir but why you didn't put some cement on the borders of each block? also you must fill it with concrete (little rocks and cement).

[@timanddeana]

Cinderella style Coping tapconed to the top edge.

[@vaporbulerias]

I'm building my own pool the same way, I like the fact that the over cut in your your excavation was so tight. I am just a little concerned with moisture coming in through the wall. I was thinking about coating it with roof cement before backfilling. Do you think it's worth it ? I was also thinking about mortared joints and a bond beam what are your thoughts on this ? You did a great job. How long did it take ? Thanks so much for your advice !

[@kaylacass810]

I have a question is this a sand bottom in this pool?

[@davidchad77]

3 inches of sand on the bottom

[@castaluminiumindustries7875]

How to protect your pool kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWG8hHZ5adOqeq8

[@apage8944]

Awsome job , Does the filter pump area fill with water in rain storms? Again amazing job, well done reagrds, Chris

[@dia480]

this is awsome, is the bottom just sand base?

[@ianmacarthur1144]

Thanks. If you can remember, approximately how many cinder blocs and what size were they?

[@timanddeana]

Total pool cost was $3200. I used approx. 450 block (8x8x16) for the walls and 160 pavers (6x9) for top cap.

[@az09747]

Are the skimmer and return jet for a vinyl pool, because of the liner. Did you just pour concrete around the light and skimmer. Where did you get the light, return jet and skimmer (pooldeal.com ?). Why would you concrete the bottom. Just unhappy with sand. Why plaster the walls? Was the 1/4 in insulation board no good. Do you really feel a drain on bottom is that much better. Leaks from drain ??? future problem. Outstanding job on Pool and video. Thanks

[@joshuasoanes1938]

I like it & I'm sure it cost a lot.

[@ruthfannin5138]

did you put anything under the liner to make the bottom of the pool smooth and nice to stand on

[@timanddeana]

Yes. Thank You.

[@timanddeana]

Yes, The bottom is 3-4" of sand. Thank You.

[@Freedom-sg1bs]

Amazing

[@1badkins]

Hi Tim! Great Job! Thanks for the video! We want to build one just like it. Can you give us your demensions, how deep, length, how many blocks to order. Curious what the OSB was used for? Was it removed in between layers shown? Sorry for all the questions. Your family should be proud of you! :)

[@timanddeana]

Pool is holding up great. If I had to do it again I would have mortared the block to make pouring the concrete in the cores easier. Thank You.

[@patrickrogers1349]

What holds the liner in place

[@marciamariabressanelli7853]

Hi, lovely pool Can you please tell me the cost?

[@smericsson7815]

With what type of steps did you replace the ladder?

[@PaintSlinger99]

Wow what an inspiration. great job! How has it held up?