My first job was building swimming pools The technique we used was very similar, however with your build I am very impressed with your forward thinking and the fact that you only called in help for the important finish technique, Very well done indeed something to be proud of and also share and enjoy.
I have no idea why I found this so fascinating, but I did. Thank you for sharing! It looks fantastic, and so inexpensive. I bet a dip in the pool feels extra good because of that.
Uh, he had someone do it for him. I only see him in the chair enjoying the finshed product. Never do I see him working on or building the pool. We only some guys with a really good tan working on the pool. More neighbors?
Jimmy, not correct. I spent months doing 95 percent myself, doing a little at a time. Think what you like. I had several neighbors help me on several occasions.
When I first saw the title to your video, I though "yeah right, it'll look cheap too." But I am wrong. You did a great job and it looks amazing. Very impressive!!!
Beautiful Job Gerry. It was certainly a pleasure to watch your video on how you did your project, especially with the budget cost involved. Thank you very much for this. Cheers, Matt
Here are the most asked (repeatedly asked) questions: 1. Where did you find a backhoe for only $45/hr? Answer:. In Costa Rica $45/hr rental is the normal price. No delivery charge either. 2. Did you hire Mexicans to do the labor? Answer:. No, I hired Costa Ricans employed from the local pool company to install the Marcite. All other labor was myself and my neighbor (he is Costa Rican) not Mexican! 3. Did you need permits to build the pool? Answer;. No, the rule is a small pool that is under a particular size does not require permits in Costa Rica. Mine is just small enough. 4. Is the pool heated? If so, where is the heater? Answer:. No the water is plenty warm from the hose. In fact, I need to drain the pool once a month as the water get way too warm. 5. Have you had any leaks? Answer;. Only one, right after I completed the pool I had a tiny pinhole size leak in one of the steps. I used a leak finder kit solution to find it, and plugged it with silicone putty. 6. What is the size of the pool? Answer;. 12x20 feet. Deep end is 5ft 7. What about earthquakes? Answer; Yes we had a big one just over a year ago. No damage to the pool.
is it ok to drain a cement pool.I know a liner pool the liner can move and if it moves to much you cant use the pool and you need a new liner.I also know a fibreglass one the whole pool drained can cause the pool to lift out of the ground.I like to put fresh water in the pool begining of the season would this be ok to do in a cement pool with vinyl paint
Simone Oconnell Draining the pool can present a problem with the pool wanting to "float" if the ground around it is saturated. This could cause the pool to lift above ground. My pool is built on a hill side, so draining it is no problem with it floating. I am not familiar with fiberglass or liners. I chose to use marcite coating, as it is a standard pool coating. Thanks for the post.
This was a very well-done, informative video. Those of us contemplating an upgrade such as this, will appreciate your attention to detail, and your sourcing of materials and labor. You put it together very nicely -- congratulations.
Ive built quite a few pools and your pretty bang on buddy and for under 3k you should be applauded. I would suggest people to not to dig footings if they are going for blocks and just lay you concrete base and insert reed bar and build up from there. We use polystyrene blocks which slot over reed bar which is 25cm apart then you fill with concrete (not cement) this is so strong that when we were back filling a fully loaded 5 tone dumper fell onto the edge of the pool and there was absolutely no damage, plus using this method your pool will retain its heat as polystyrene is a great insulator and is extremely easy to cut and handle, but fair play to you because I know the work that actually goes into a swimming pool and you pretty much nailed it.
Chris, thanks for your input and comments. This was my first attempt to build a pool, I never owned one before this. I hope your comments will be helpful to others.
wow you did a fantastic job. That's a lovely pool. and under 3000 that's amazing. I bet you're wife is well proud of the workmanship you did. making that pool. I would love to build my own pool. but the weather in the uk. is not perfect at most times and the cost heating it. would be probably high. but have to say you done a cracking job of it. excuse the pun. thanks for the upload really appreciate it.
Wow! Dunno how I got here, but it was fascinating. Loved watching you demystefy this entire process. Dunno if I'll ever build my own in-ground pool, but at least now I have a tested blueprint of how it can be done frugally if I wanted to attempt it. Thank you
Fantastic job you have given me the inspiration that I needed to give it a try, your pool is beautiful All the very best for the rest of the year from NZ
Dude, you are awesome! I used to build pools in Florida during the summers in high school...not easy work. Your pool turned out great; very impressive.
I get most responses regarding the cost of excavation being much more expensive than what it cost me. I was fortunate to have a neighbor having backhoe work, and I had asked the operator to spend one hour excavating for my pool. He only charged me $45. Yes I got a good deal, but even if I had spent $500 or so, I still could have kept the cost a $3000.
If someone wanted to do the work themselves, they could rent a small Kubota from Home Depot. They charge about $230 a day (if you can get the work done in 4 hours, it's about $150). That's still more than the $45 you paid, however, it's not a tremendous cost when you consider how much you are saying by doing it yourself. Also, I think it's the perfect size pool. Great to take a dip to cool off without all the hassles of a larger pool. Well done sir!
Thanks Sooner Keith for your input. In costa rica, backhoe is easily hired for $45 hr. No delivery charge either. Pool is small and cutout dirt was displaced nearby, not needed to be hauled away.
As I stated the cost was under $3k, I showed a budget as $2600. Leaving room for error, I rounded the cost to Approx $3k plus or minus. Prices of supplies vary by country or region, as well as any labor. Take my costs as a reasonable example of what it cost me. I did not include the cement slab around the pool, or pump house construction. Adjust your costs accordingly as to prices in your area. I did receive one reply indicating they could purchase block, cement etc much cheaper than mine. Different countries, different prices. Enjoy
awesome job! I'm getting inspired to start my own pool from this video! People don't understand that you can do almost anything yourself with basic knowledge and the right tools.
Great job Mr. Wilson and great diy. Will be doing the same very soon already dug out the hole for my pool. Will only pay a plumber for the plumbing and will do everything else myself.
This was great to watch, I really appreciate the time you put into it. I have no plans to build a pool, just doing a mental walkthrough with you because someday I will own a house and will want to have a general idea of what kind of work is required for this stuff. When you try to price things out online (as I tried recently for a backyard office) you know you're only getting part of the bigger picture.
Great job. Thanks for sharing. It's helping me cope with building a pool myself. I might go with the DIY skid steer rental route. First need to buy the house!!
impressed, I am going to build a pool very similar with a resistance motor / blower at one end to create a current to swim against as an exercise. I think your process is pretty good and will consider what you have done for my project. good job and great documentation. congrats
my Dad use to build pools all over our country but he never tells me the secret of doing it :( Unfortunately he passed away without having have the chance to discuss this with him. Thanks for the video I get the next step to live his legacy. BTW: he doesn't want us to pursue his career because of how hot our country is and building pools requires you to be under the sun. Thanks for the vid
Great job Gerry! Thanks for posting. I've been trying to build a DIY small plunge pool hear in sothern California but the pool guys are very tight lipped about things like marcite! Much needed and appreciated info.
Thanks for the comment. We all learn from others who post useful info. I have several followers who have built my design. Good luck, and feel free to contact me.
thank you your creative idea it has made me start building my pool in my farm in kenya due to your motivation my village neighbouring kids will have fun and all for free,great.
I wanted to see how you were going to sealed it and you hired proffesionals! I think it is great and truly admire you, especially the fact that even if we have to hire professionals to do the critical part, pool assembly can be mostly done by a regular handy person. Congratz!! btw, I don't plan on building a pool,, heck, I don't even own a house, howerver I find it very inspirational.
+Esteban Franco Thanks for the comment. I had to learn from other you tube videos before attempting to build my own. I just wanted to share my info with others thinking of building a pool. We all learn from each other.....
Thanks ,Gary for the info! Oh if only we had your problem , of the water getting to warm here in Missouri,USA ! We are always just trying to figure out how to warm the water so we can swim a couple of weeks longer , or earlier in the season ! Great job on the pool thanks for sharing !
My pool is already too warm for comfort. This time of year I have to drain it once a month and add cooler fresh water. Too bad we cant swap water!!! Thanks for the blog.
Hi Gerry, I also built my own (but much larger) pool. A few comments... 1) Congrats, it's a big job. 2) Re Excavating costs...I rented one and learned to drive it. Takes about an hour to get the hang of it. 3) Nice how you thought to slope your surround down and away so rain doesn't overfill the pool. 4) Your entry to the steps is a little hokey. 5) Great that electrical costs were free. 6) Congrats again....its a big job. Like me, I'm sure you revel in the accomplishment when you look at what you did. Congrats.
+Martin Air Thanks for you thoughts. Yes I agree that my entry to the steps could have been better, I am still learning! I used to be an electrician years ago and opted to run the wiring for the pump from the garage. I placed the 12 gauge wire in PVC pipe in the ground, keeping it simple to run a 1/2hp pump. No lights in the pool, its just for the pump. The wire and PVC pipe distance is 60ft. The cost was very minimal.
+Gerry Wilson with your electrician background, do you see any increased dangers with no established grounding field? In the US, you would be required to have grounding rods driven 8-10' deep in a grid surrounding the pool. I'm not an electrician, so can you enlighten me as to the purpose of that in our codes? When I asked pool contractors, they said it was due to the risk of electrocution from the pumps and lights. Does that sound logical?
+Makingthepush Yes I am always concerned, as lightning sometimes strikes the nearby power lines as well. I normally don't run the pump while in the pool, I tend to run it overnight for the filter, and while I sweep the bottom. That is also why I avoided installing a light in the pool. A GFI (ground Fault Interupter) circuit breaker is also a necessary choice to protect your safety as well as the wiring going to the pool. Whoever builds their own pool should have a qualified electrician to install or at least inspect the work performed.
I was watching Harley Davidson videos and somehow got here. You did an amazing job in your quest to build this pool. I have been in the masonry and granite trade for almost 20 years now and know first hand the labor involved in a project like this. How many blocks did you use for the walls ? Pool builders are gonna hate this video as it shows how much they really make on a homeowner....... Thanks for taking the time to post this.
I'm also in Costa Rica (five years now) and I've been thinking of adding a pool. This has greatly inspired me to build mine. I'm in Sarchi, where are you? I have zero building experience and but your video makes it seem simple enough. I'd love to pick your brain a little more about the finer details. Also I'm not worried about a pump system, because I pay a month rate for water, no meter, which is great!
Chris, I am about a hour south of Tamarindo on the pacific. I had never owned or built a pool before this. I just watched lots of youtube videos and compiled a formula from that. Not much else to add, I did have a mistake in the mounting of the cleanout, as mentioned in the video. Otherwise I am still very happy with the results. I have decided to add tile to the bottom, its been about 3 years from the start, This is a small improvement that I simply could not afford during the time it was constructed. The tile and grout will cost about $375. I will put this up on youtube sometime in August.
I am noticing same questions asked repeatedly, and answered repeatedly. Please look at existing posts for answers to your questions. I appreciate your concern and wonderful comments.
Sir, How has it held up over the last 3 years. Thanks so much for this inspiring video on how real people can achieve cool things with hard honest work. Very interested in the pros of block or any cons. Thanks so much. Juston. Great Video.
Thanks for your comment. Pool has held up very well for over 3 years. Using block with lots of metal rebar seemed to hold everything solid, even during two earthquakes. Dont know about pros or cons of block, it just made sense to me.
awesome job! I live in Canada and the quote I got was 45k-65k for a 20ft x 40ft pool. I been thinking about building one and your video is the best. thinking of going smaller now that I saw yours. 18ft by 30ft. what additional wall strength you would add if you were to build it this big? thanks a lot
fabulous job i would recommend this man to anyone because he start it by him self and almost to the end he hired professional to finish the job by making the pool look like he didn't build it but you know he didn't matter what the cost was but once you tell your self that you wanna build a pool never tell yourself said you can't once you put your mind to it you won't have any issues I wanna say good job well done am so jealous of your luxurious pool
Gerry Wilson yah and i love how you explain while gathering your material together but the most important part about the starting i love how you start it and at the end i also too gerry wilson am jealous of your pool
I dont know how I got here but I stayed for all of it. Awesome Job!!!
id have to agree with you good sir.
No joke, it showed up in my recommended feed... only because I wanted to build a custom raised garden. now I want to build a pool lol
Same here, just randomly recommended feed, but I have in mind also for DIY pool. At least i learn something more. :)
I was looking at how to install astroturf and BAM....I am memorized by a 3000 dollar pool! Awesome job!
AGREE!!!!
I don't get the dislikes on the video. It must be pool installers.
Great Job!!!
I completely agree. There is no reason not to like the video
Honest videos like this are the best ones on RUclips.
What a wonderful feeling this guy must get when he grabs a beer at the end of the day and sits out by the pool that he built himself!
Respect!
My first job was building swimming pools The technique we used was very similar, however with your build I am very impressed with your forward thinking and the fact that you only called in help for the important finish technique, Very well done indeed something to be proud of and also share and enjoy.
I have no idea why I found this so fascinating, but I did. Thank you for sharing! It looks fantastic, and so inexpensive. I bet a dip in the pool feels extra good because of that.
Doesn't matter how much it costs him. He did it himself. Half the population these days can't even jump thier own car.
+GrouchyMunchkin Well said! Thanks for your support.
nicest comment i saw since a long time
awesome job!
Uh, he had someone do it for him. I only see him in the chair enjoying the finshed product. Never do I see him working on or building the pool. We only some guys with a really good tan working on the pool. More neighbors?
Jimmy, not correct. I spent months doing 95 percent myself, doing a little at a time. Think what you like. I had several neighbors help me on several occasions.
When I first saw the title to your video, I though "yeah right, it'll look cheap too." But I am wrong. You did a great job and it looks amazing.
Very impressive!!!
Thanks for the reply. It is going on to 3 years and still looks great, no problems whatsoever.
Beautiful Job Gerry.
It was certainly a pleasure to watch your video on how you did your project, especially with the budget cost involved.
Thank you very much for this.
Cheers,
Matt
Here are the most asked (repeatedly asked) questions: 1. Where did you find a backhoe for only $45/hr? Answer:. In Costa Rica $45/hr rental is the normal price. No delivery charge either. 2. Did you hire Mexicans to do the labor? Answer:. No, I hired Costa Ricans employed from the local pool company to install the Marcite. All other labor was myself and my neighbor (he is Costa Rican) not Mexican! 3. Did you need permits to build the pool? Answer;. No, the rule is a small pool that is under a particular size does not require permits in Costa Rica. Mine is just small enough. 4. Is the pool heated? If so, where is the heater? Answer:. No the water is plenty warm from the hose. In fact, I need to drain the pool once a month as the water get way too warm. 5. Have you had any leaks? Answer;. Only one, right after I completed the pool I had a tiny pinhole size leak in one of the steps. I used a leak finder kit solution to find it, and plugged it with silicone putty. 6. What is the size of the pool? Answer;. 12x20 feet. Deep end is 5ft 7. What about earthquakes? Answer; Yes we had a big one just over a year ago. No damage to the pool.
+Gerry Wilson Awesome job!
Well done Sir.. Stop telling folks about costa rica.. Keep the gringos out... well thats too late anyhow.
Gerry Wilson how does a leak finder work? does it tint the water and when you drain it it leaves a painted mark at the leak hole?
is it ok to drain a cement pool.I know a liner pool the liner can move and if it moves to much you cant use the pool and you need a new liner.I also know a fibreglass one the whole pool drained can cause the pool to lift out of the ground.I like to put fresh water in the pool begining of the season would this be ok to do in a cement pool with vinyl paint
Simone Oconnell Draining the pool can present a problem with the pool wanting to "float" if the ground around it is saturated. This could cause the pool to lift above ground. My pool is built on a hill side, so draining it is no problem with it floating. I am not familiar with fiberglass or liners. I chose to use marcite coating, as it is a standard pool coating. Thanks for the post.
This was a very well-done, informative video. Those of us contemplating an upgrade such as this, will appreciate your attention to detail, and your sourcing of materials and labor.
You put it together very nicely -- congratulations.
Ive built quite a few pools and your pretty bang on buddy and for under 3k you should be applauded. I would suggest people to not to dig footings if they are going for blocks and just lay you concrete base and insert reed bar and build up from there. We use polystyrene blocks which slot over reed bar which is 25cm apart then you fill with concrete (not cement) this is so strong that when we were back filling a fully loaded 5 tone dumper fell onto the edge of the pool and there was absolutely no damage, plus using this method your pool will retain its heat as polystyrene is a great insulator and is extremely easy to cut and handle, but fair play to you because I know the work that actually goes into a swimming pool and you pretty much nailed it.
Chris, thanks for your input and comments. This was my first attempt to build a pool, I never owned one before this. I hope your comments will be helpful to others.
this is the best movie/instruction regarding "build your own pool" I've seen so far!! Good job!! :-)
wow you did a fantastic job. That's a lovely pool. and under 3000 that's amazing. I bet you're wife is well proud of the workmanship you did. making that pool. I would love to build my own pool. but the weather in the uk. is not perfect at most times and the cost heating it. would be probably high. but have to say you done a cracking job of it. excuse the pun. thanks for the upload really appreciate it.
I was expecting something that looked shabby and wrong, this seems very well done and must say im impressed!
Well done. You saved a ton of money and have the satisfaction of saying "I built that!" ;-)
Wow! Dunno how I got here, but it was fascinating. Loved watching you demystefy this entire process. Dunno if I'll ever build my own in-ground pool, but at least now I have a tested blueprint of how it can be done frugally if I wanted to attempt it.
Thank you
Fantastic job you have given me the inspiration that I needed to give it a try, your pool is beautiful
All the very best for the rest of the year from NZ
Glenn, thanks for the nice remark. Good luck on your projects.
Dude, you are awesome! I used to build pools in Florida during the summers in high school...not easy work. Your pool turned out great; very impressive.
I get most responses regarding the cost of excavation being much more expensive than what it cost me. I was fortunate to have a neighbor having backhoe work, and I had asked the operator to spend one hour excavating for my pool. He only charged me $45. Yes I got a good deal, but even if I had spent $500 or so, I still could have kept the cost a $3000.
Good looking pool, and yes you got a heck of a deal on the excavation.
If someone wanted to do the work themselves, they could rent a small Kubota from Home Depot. They charge about $230 a day (if you can get the work done in 4 hours, it's about $150). That's still more than the $45 you paid, however, it's not a tremendous cost when you consider how much you are saying by doing it yourself.
Also, I think it's the perfect size pool. Great to take a dip to cool off without all the hassles of a larger pool. Well done sir!
Thanks Sooner Keith for your input. In costa rica, backhoe is easily hired for $45 hr. No delivery charge either. Pool is small and cutout dirt was displaced nearby, not needed to be hauled away.
Gerry Wilson That certainly makes it much easier. Thank you for the video! I'm inspired to do my own pool!
that was exactly what I was going to post. $45 for excavation? but good planning and good job. unconventional to be sure. Any leaks yet?
i know youve heard this thousands of times but i must say, you rock!! you really did a superb job on this- truly exquisite..
Somehow ended up on this video but I'm glad I watched it till the end. I'm impressed! Good job!
he did his pool under 3000 that great let the guy be and good job on the pool it's been 2 years and it is still going solid so good job keep it up
Excellent work! I admire your ingenuity and thought of each phase. looks great!
Really cool. Thank you for sharing this. I never would have guessed it was possible. Now I can formulate my own plan for a budget pool.
As I stated the cost was under $3k, I showed a budget as $2600. Leaving room for error, I rounded the cost to Approx $3k plus or minus. Prices of supplies vary by country or region, as well as any labor. Take my costs as a reasonable example of what it cost me. I did not include the cement slab around the pool, or pump house construction. Adjust your costs accordingly as to prices in your area. I did receive one reply indicating they could purchase block, cement etc much cheaper than mine. Different countries, different prices. Enjoy
$45 for excavation? I think you got a major discount from a friend or something. You can't even rent skidsteer for a day @ that price.
In Costa Rica $45 is normal for rental. I stand by my cost.
as a mason i def can say this is possible especially if you dig it yaself
i rented a backhoe for 20 bucks a day in kentucky. Cost maybe 20 bucks to fill the tank back up though
Papa, it sounds like a bargain in your area. Thanks
Thanks Gerry for sharing this breakdown of costs!
awesome job! I'm getting inspired to start my own pool from this video!
People don't understand that you can do almost anything yourself with basic knowledge and the right tools.
This is excellent! I knew this could be done !! Thank you for making this video!!
Great. I love people that do things with their own hands!!
Well I don't care what anyone says. I enjoyed the video and presentation so thank you for posting. Have a nice day.
Wow! Gerry I'm impressed!!! Very nice! You must be proud!
Great job Mr. Wilson and great diy. Will be doing the same very soon already dug out the hole for my pool. Will only pay a plumber for the plumbing and will do everything else myself.
Wow. I'm speechless I'm a pool guy great job.!!!!!
This was great to watch, I really appreciate the time you put into it. I have no plans to build a pool, just doing a mental walkthrough with you because someday I will own a house and will want to have a general idea of what kind of work is required for this stuff. When you try to price things out online (as I tried recently for a backyard office) you know you're only getting part of the bigger picture.
Thanks Marc for your comments
I never realized all the steps involved in this.
Very interesting!
Cool Pool!
Great job. Thanks for sharing. It's helping me cope with building a pool myself. I might go with the DIY skid steer rental route. First need to buy the house!!
impressed, I am going to build a pool very similar with a resistance motor / blower at one end to create a current to swim against as an exercise. I think your process is pretty good and will consider what you have done for my project. good job and great documentation. congrats
you sir, are a trooper, great job! i really hope our clients don't watch your video, :) lol.
my Dad use to build pools all over our country but he never tells me the secret of doing it :( Unfortunately he passed away without having have the chance to discuss this with him.
Thanks for the video I get the next step to live his legacy.
BTW: he doesn't want us to pursue his career because of how hot our country is and building pools requires you to be under the sun.
Thanks for the vid
I loved this video. Might not ever "dive in" and do this, but thanks so much for putting the information out!
Great Job! And cool on having guts to start and finish it!
Awesome job, beautiful pool.
Great job Gerry! Thanks for posting. I've been trying to build a DIY small plunge pool hear in sothern California but the pool guys are very tight lipped about things like marcite! Much needed and appreciated info.
Thanks for the comment. We all learn from others who post useful info. I have several followers who have built my design. Good luck, and feel free to contact me.
Freaking AWESOME! What a beautiful project! GREAT WORK!
You can be very proud of yourself. Not even 1 out 1000 man can build a pool like you did. Greetings from France
Great, now I want to do it... Always some project that pops up that I see that I feel I have to do! Awesome video, it looks amazing
thank you your creative idea it has made me start building my pool in my farm in kenya due to your motivation my village neighbouring kids will have fun and all for free,great.
Good luck on your project, glad I was able to offer some suggestions and possibly some motivation.
You're pool and garden looks amazing, great job.
For real, just by how you set up this video, I am subscribing. I am building my own house, and all of these videos help. :)
Impressive, thanks for the video with detailed explanation. Costa Rica, perfect place for enjoying the pool.
I wanted to see how you were going to sealed it and you hired proffesionals! I think it is great and truly admire you, especially the fact that even if we have to hire professionals to do the critical part, pool assembly can be mostly done by a regular handy person. Congratz!! btw, I don't plan on building a pool,, heck, I don't even own a house, howerver I find it very inspirational.
+Esteban Franco Thanks for the comment. I had to learn from other you tube videos before attempting to build my own. I just wanted to share my info with others thinking of building a pool. We all learn from each other.....
Great job Gerry. And very inspiring, thanks.
Nice! Good explanation and I especially like the cost breakdown.
Great job, impressive!
Man! i wish you were my friend!People like you would make the world turn faster and make a lot of people of lesser means happier.
Just to say; you can do anything when put determination, dedication, mind, and heart into it....and of coarse patience...
Good for you sir , ignoring all these dislikers at the end of the day you get to enjoy something you created . I enjoyed the video thanks
I'm really impressed. You did a great job! Now I have a goal for our next big home project. ;)
Thanks ,Gary for the info! Oh if only we had your problem , of the water getting to warm here in Missouri,USA ! We are always just trying to figure out how to warm the water so we can swim a couple of weeks longer , or earlier in the season ! Great job on the pool thanks for sharing !
My pool is already too warm for comfort. This time of year I have to drain it once a month and add cooler fresh water. Too bad we cant swap water!!! Thanks for the blog.
Looks beautiful and very inviting!! Great job!!
Fantastic job. Sincerely exceeded my expectations.
This is awesome. Great job man.
Hi Gerry, I also built my own (but much larger) pool.
A few comments...
1) Congrats, it's a big job.
2) Re Excavating costs...I rented one and learned to drive it. Takes about an hour to get the hang of it.
3) Nice how you thought to slope your surround down and away so rain doesn't overfill the pool.
4) Your entry to the steps is a little hokey.
5) Great that electrical costs were free.
6) Congrats again....its a big job. Like me, I'm sure you revel in the accomplishment when you look at what you did.
Congrats.
+Martin Air Thanks for you thoughts. Yes I agree that my entry to the steps could have been better, I am still learning! I used to be an electrician years ago and opted to run the wiring for the pump from the garage. I placed the 12 gauge wire in PVC pipe in the ground, keeping it simple to run a 1/2hp pump. No lights in the pool, its just for the pump. The wire and PVC pipe distance is 60ft. The cost was very minimal.
+Gerry Wilson with your electrician background, do you see any increased dangers with no established grounding field? In the US, you would be required to have grounding rods driven 8-10' deep in a grid surrounding the pool. I'm not an electrician, so can you enlighten me as to the purpose of that in our codes? When I asked pool contractors, they said it was due to the risk of electrocution from the pumps and lights. Does that sound logical?
+Gerry Wilson very nice job btw, and your video and narration were excellent. Thank you for sharing your experience.
+Makingthepush Yes I am always concerned, as lightning sometimes strikes the nearby power lines as well. I normally don't run the pump while in the pool, I tend to run it overnight for the filter, and while I sweep the bottom. That is also why I avoided installing a light in the pool. A GFI (ground Fault Interupter) circuit breaker is also a necessary choice to protect your safety as well as the wiring going to the pool. Whoever builds their own pool should have a qualified electrician to install or at least inspect the work performed.
+Makingthepush Thanks for your positive feedback, especially about the electrical, as I responded in the other post.
That laser level stick marking...nice.
WOW! Really incredible work.
I'm gonna save this video and when I buy a home in a couple months I'm gonna build me a kick ass pool from this here video. Thanks buddy
+Kevin Everson Thank. I really enjoy our pool. Good luck
My hat is off to you hope you are enjoying the fruits of a job well done!
Wow!! Thanks so much for sharing!! I think I'm gonna do this!!
Dude you are AWESOME! !! Great job !
now i know how to make me a pool.. thanks .very 👍 job... dislikes are just jealous or pool contractors lol
Very inspiring Gerry! kudos to men like you
watched all the way through looks great
I was watching Harley Davidson videos and somehow got here. You did an amazing job in your quest to build this pool. I have been in the masonry and granite trade for almost 20 years now and know first hand the labor involved in a project like this. How many blocks did you use for the walls ? Pool builders are gonna hate this video as it shows how much they really make on a homeowner....... Thanks for taking the time to post this.
Ok that's what I figured around by what your price breakdown showed. Really glad I found this video and I will keep u posted when I start mine.
Enjoy
Incredible, thanks for sharing !
great job! great results!!
I'm also in Costa Rica (five years now) and I've been thinking of adding a pool. This has greatly inspired me to build mine. I'm in Sarchi, where are you?
I have zero building experience and but your video makes it seem simple enough. I'd love to pick your brain a little more about the finer details.
Also I'm not worried about a pump system, because I pay a month rate for water, no meter, which is great!
Chris, I am about a hour south of Tamarindo on the pacific. I had never owned or built a pool before this. I just watched lots of youtube videos and compiled a formula from that. Not much else to add, I did have a mistake in the mounting of the cleanout, as mentioned in the video. Otherwise I am still very happy with the results. I have decided to add tile to the bottom, its been about 3 years from the start, This is a small improvement that I simply could not afford during the time it was constructed. The tile and grout will cost about $375. I will put this up on youtube sometime in August.
Great and helpful video Gerry! thank you sir
I am noticing same questions asked repeatedly, and answered repeatedly. Please look at existing posts for answers to your questions. I appreciate your concern and wonderful comments.
Great Job Gerry!! You're quite the handyman!! Im sure your wife LOVES you being in her life!! Take care!
thanks for sharing nice pool I think I wish I had one like that maybe I'll build one .
Sir, How has it held up over the last 3 years. Thanks so much for this inspiring video on how real people can achieve cool things with hard honest work. Very interested in the pros of block or any cons. Thanks so much. Juston. Great Video.
Thanks for your comment. Pool has held up very well for over 3 years. Using block with lots of metal rebar seemed to hold everything solid, even during two earthquakes. Dont know about pros or cons of block, it just made sense to me.
Well done, pool and video ! I mean i got here from looking up how to clean a split unit a/c, but hey! now i also know how to build a pool XD
You made my day,when budget will allow it ill do some copy paste swimming pool,thx
Very nice work. Appreciate the details.
very Impressive Gerry !! We want one but cannot afford a complete professional install so this def gives me some ideas !! Thanks for sharing !!
Good luck, and thanks for the reply.
Brilliant. Very well done.
Great Pool and Great Video. Thanks.
Looks awesome!
awesome job! you got a deal on the backhoe!
awesome job! I live in Canada and the quote I got was 45k-65k for a 20ft x 40ft pool. I been thinking about building one and your video is the best. thinking of going smaller now that I saw yours. 18ft by 30ft. what additional wall strength you would add if you were to build it this big? thanks a lot
Impressive, nice work gerry
Really good job! Bravo
beautiful job I hope when I buy my homestead I'm Gonna build my own pool!
Great video! Thank you!
Great Job Sir, Greetings Martin from Holland
Great work. Should feel good about yourself for sure !
fabulous job i would recommend this man to anyone because he start it by him self and almost to the end he hired professional to finish the job by making the pool look like he didn't build it but you know he didn't matter what the cost was but once you tell your self that you wanna build a pool never tell yourself said you can't once you put your mind to it you won't have any issues I wanna say good job well done am so jealous of your luxurious pool
Trina, thanks for your reply. I admit that I had to learn how along the way. RUclips videos got me motivated.
Gerry Wilson yah and i love how you explain while gathering your material together but the most important part about the starting i love how you start it and at the end i also too gerry wilson am jealous of your pool
Amazing Great Job Congrats!!!
Thanks for the inspiration for my upcoming projects at home!
absolutely beautiful