Swimming pool construction methods vary. This page deals with pools that are constructed from concrete. Liner Pools and Fibre Glass Pools are dealt with else where.

Remember that you will need planning permission for constructing a new swimming pool as it is a permanent fixture. Ensure that your contractor has the permissions before work starts because in most places you will be liable, not the constructor.

These videos show the 2 most common methods of pool construction. In some areas the method may vary by say using a brick built outer wall as the shuttering and then using wooden shuttering boards on the inside. In both of these construction methods, the concrete its self is the waterproofing of the pool. Tiles and Paint are purely cosmetic finishes.

When the concrete is poured it must be vibrated and poured in one go, this ensures layers bond together and that all air is removed form the concrete to make it denser.

Concrete Poured pool

This pool constructed with Steel reinforcing then the concrete is sprayed over the top. This type of sprayed concrete is called Gunite and is extremely hard and dense (even compared to normal concrete)

When the tiles are applied, they are stuck with tile adhesive and grout as in any traditional tiling situation, the difference is that the adhesive and grouts are classed as waterproof. The popular misconception is that this means they make the pool waterproof - THEY DO NOT. What this means is that they are designed to be used underwater. Normal grout and adhesive is NOT and the tiles and grout will fall off.