In cities with year-round warm weather, it's not uncommon to build swimming pools, a great way to cool off and relax in the sun. However, when planning a masonry pool project, there are some guidelines you need to consider to ensure the project's success.
Unlike fiberglass pools, masonry pools require more planning and care to maintain quality. The result is excellent-looking pools, especially with good finishes. All it takes is proper planning and the right construction materials.
Follow along and learn how to build a masonry pool!
The first step in any construction project is to assess the site. Depending on its conditions, specific preparation may be necessary to ensure the quality and safety of the construction. Here are the main points to consider.
Masonry pools can be built in different shapes and sizes, depending on the client's preferences and the available space. If the space allocated for construction is limited, you should estimate the length, width, and depth of your project based on your current limitations.
In addition to the final dimensions of the pool, it is essential to consider the space required for the construction. material The amount of space to be used also needs to be accounted for. If there isn't enough space to perform the work, safety issues may arise during construction.
The quality of any structure is directly related to its foundation and the ground it sits on. If the ground isn't solid enough, the excess weight of a building can damage it, causing instability.
When it comes to a pool, it's essential to remember the weight of the water. For construction, it's necessary to have a solid foundation to support it. security when it's full. Otherwise, the ground may subside, compromising its long-term integrity and functionality.
The best time to enjoy the pool is during sunny periods, when the heat helps you relax and dry off after a long day. However, many factors influence the amount of sunlight at different times, especially surrounding buildings, which can be quite disruptive.
Therefore, to ensure the best service for your client, it's recommended that a masonry pool be built in a location with plenty of sunlight, especially in the morning or afternoon. Discuss this with your client before construction and find the best location to maximize daylight.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the initial planning of a masonry pool project, it's time to learn the step-by-step process. Follow along and understand how it works.
As we mentioned in the previous topic, the prototyping The success of any project begins with a site assessment. Understanding the space limitations, terrain type, and other factors will give you a more complete perspective when discussing details with your client.
After analyzing the location, you can choose the one that offers the best conditions, making your work easier and ensuring the best results for your end client. It's worth taking the time to find the best position, as this is a factor that directly impacts the pool's usability.
Another decision the client must make before beginning construction is whether to choose an above-ground or in-ground pool. Both follow very different construction processes, with their own requirements and specificities.
An above-ground pool, as the name suggests, is located above ground level. This can mean it's installed on an upper floor of a building or its entrance is elevated from the rest of the house. An in-ground pool, on the other hand, is installed below ground level. The former requires an external structure to support the weight of the water, while the latter requires excavating the necessary space for its construction.
Speaking of excavation, the next step is to prepare the site for construction. This includes everything from clearing space for material to the excavation process or building a basic structure. This is where you begin modifying the space to accommodate the basic masonry components.
Considering the weight of the pool on the ground, especially when it's full, it's recommended to build a foundation to support it. This significantly reduces the risk of the bottom of the pool suffering any damage in the long term.
The property may already have a strong foundation, which reduces some of the work. However, it's crucial to consider this issue in advance, as it affects safety and increases the risk of cracks in the structure.
Now that you have a suitable space for your masonry pool, it's time to get started! The outer layers are made of reinforcing material, and there's also space for the water inlet, filters, and other features.
Next, the masonry is laid, which will serve as the foundation for its support. Walls are generally composed of structural blocks and steel frames made with annealed wire, which offer more resistance and flexibility, preventing long-term wear.
Under ideal conditions, all the materials used in the pool's base will never come into direct contact with water. To ensure this, you must ensure the entire surface is well waterproofed.
The recommendation is to use an asphalt blanket over the concrete, minimizing its exposure. If necessary, you can apply additional layers of different materials. Just be careful not to increase the pool's total weight.
Structurally, the masonry pool is already installed. All that remains is to install its lining and ensure the appropriate finish—both to maximize its preservation and to create the desired aesthetic effect.
Many pools of this type use tile or mosaic finishes, which are quite easy to install. Just be sure to use the right models, which can withstand water pressure, and are secured with waterproof material.
Waterproofing is one of the most important steps in building a masonry pool. Therefore, it's worth delving into it in more detail. Read on to see some points to consider.
The pool's concrete base is resistant to water pressure, but that doesn't mean it's completely waterproof, especially if it's exposed for several days in a row. This means you should always use other complementary materials to protect it.
As mentioned above, asphalt is a good example, as it reduces the passage of moisture through the soil. The same applies to mortar, tiles, and other components that come into close contact with the pool water. All should be as impermeable as possible.
After applying each layer of waterproofing, another factor to consider is proper sealing. Any cracks or inconsistencies in the surface can allow water ingress, causing damage to the surface and accelerating pool wear.
This is also important for the area surrounding the pool. Water ingress into the ground can also damage the outer layer of concrete that supports its weight, increasing the risk of cracks and leaks. It's better to invest in precautionary measures during construction than to deal with these complications.
Another simple and effective technique for sealing a masonry pool is to apply multiple layers of waterproofing materials. This way, even if a defect occurs in one layer, there will be others to contain the damage until maintenance can be performed.
We've already mentioned a few of them so far, which should be enough for simpler projects. However, if you feel more caution is needed, you can apply additional layers to ensure no leaks occur.
Regardless of the size or location of your pool, it's still essential to use high-quality materials. Here are some of the main reasons.
This is one of the most feared! Besides representing a huge waste of water for the end customer, leaks can cause structural problems in the land, especially in pipes, in the foundation, or even as part of a building.
This isn't limited to just the waterproofing material. Everything, including the trusses steel for supporting the concrete, impacts pool maintenance over time. When implemented properly, they prevent defects, cracks, and other problems, which is essential to ensuring end-customer satisfaction.
Just like any other project civil construction, the construction of a masonry pool also needs to follow certain safety standards. Its weight, layout, and other factors can pose risks to the user if not considered during construction.
Investing in quality materials makes the structure more durable. This is important both for its longevity and to ensure proper use of the pool over time.
Pool leaks can have serious consequences for the entire property. There's a risk of damaging the foundation, causing corrosion in plumbing or other underground components, and other issues.
The risk is even greater in the case of swimming pools in buildings, as water can leak to other floors and cause structural damage. Invest in resistant steel and high-quality masonry is the simplest and most accurate way to avoid long-term complications.
Masonry pools are primarily made of concrete, bricks, and tiles. However, steel is also a fundamental component of these structures. Aço Cearense and SINOBRAS offer a wide range of products. Check them out!
As mentioned, steel serves as a skeleton for the placement of concrete and masonry, giving the material greater flexibility and strength. truss A simple design already has a significant impact on construction quality, as it reduces the risk of ruptures due to pressure generated in specific locations. Therefore, it's ideal for ensuring the structure's longevity, in addition to being more affordable than a solid piece.
Many pool projects require structural reinforcement, either around the pool to prevent leaks, or below, as is the case with building projects. In either case, you can use reinforced steel parts to maximize support without adding too much to the overall weight or making handling difficult during construction. This is something you can achieve with SINOBRAS products, especially our rebars.
Although the pool construction is the main part of the project, it is very common for other structures to be built simultaneously, such as barbecue grills or shaded areas. These structures are constructed using supports and steel tiles It's practical, doesn't increase the final budget much and adds a lot of value to the project.
Now you have a better understanding of how to build a masonry pool. Considering this is a common request for many properties, it's worth preparing to meet it. If you take the necessary precautions and plan well, it won't be difficult to deliver a good service to your clients.
Want to find the materials you need for your construction? Then get in touch and check out our product catalog.