Clever DIYers Use Concrete Blocks For A Durable Alternative To A Swimming Pool

Do you dream of taking a relaxing dip in your backyard, but buying and installing a swimming pool is out of your budget? The cost of adding a pool is often thought to be astronomical, but building your own swimming pool could be a much more economical option. YouTube creator couple Maria and Max posted an awe-inspiring tutorial for constructing a DIY above-ground pool on their channel, Confused But Excited. By stacking cinder blocks and mixing some cement, the DIYers constructed a simple yet sturdy pool. To make the walls of the pool strong, Max and Maria reinforced the blocks with rebar rods. Chlorinated rubber paint will help to seal the concrete blocks and make your swimming hole water-tight.

Most above-ground pools are temporary installations, and aren't usually very stylish. Instead, this unique, concrete pool will be a more permanent yard fixture with a sleek, stone finish. This is also a fun and sustainable way to get rid of cinder blocks from other projects. However, buying the supplies should still be more affordable than paying for an in-ground concrete pool, which can cost thousands of dollars. The DIYers spent less than $500 on this project in 2022, though it's fairly labor intensive. To make your water feature functional, you'll also need to set up a pool pump. Since you'll design the layout of your pool block by block, the size, depth, and shape are completely customizable. Add features like steps or seats to create the perfect backyard oasis.

Max and Maria created a rectangular pool with a step and a ledge inside, as well as two steps outside to make climbing in easy. Lay out a single layer of cinder blocks, forming the outline of your pool and its features. Orient the blocks so that the holes are facing upward. Cut rods of rebar to the height you'd like for your pool walls and stick them vertically into the blocks. With some cinder block shapes, the rebar may fit horizontally, too.

The DIYers combined three parts of sand with one part of cement mix to create mortar, though concrete mix should work as well. Fill the blocks with the wet stone to hold the metal bars upright. Pour concrete in the center of your frame for the flooring. Continue stacking blocks over the rods and pouring the concrete around them, forming the pool walls layer by layer. Max and Maria left two small gaps in the top row to allow space for pool pump pipes. Drill holes into the cinderblocks for more precise placement and size.

Cover the interior walls with concrete, sealing the cinder blocks together. The DIYers applied several coats with increasingly finer grits. Finally, brush rubber paint onto the floor and walls. The couple set a pump into a bucket outside of the pool, adding an intake and outtake pipes. Fill the structure with water and add a floating chlorine dispenser. To further dress up your above-ground pool, consider building a deck or placing foliage around it.