New DIY IG Pool Build Pittsburgh PA

Friday was go-time for the concrete collar. I ordered 8.75 yards, based on my calculations that got me right around 8'' all the way around. I'll summarize my experience on pouring the concrete collar in a little bit. It was hot as heck and I did it all by myself. Hardest I've physically worked in a long time.

Finally documenting my footer pour.

I had a few large gaps at the base of my pool walls that I was nervous of concrete getting underneath and flowing into the pool. I added some bracing, added additional bracing to support the bracing, and then added spray foam. It was probably overkill, however I've never poured concrete before so I was erring on the side of caution.

I also had a large rock come out in the deep end during excavation, so I had to build some bracing to ensure the concrete would not flow into the deep end. My supports looked like Crud, but in the end it did its job.

I did add fiberglass rebar for the collar which may not have been needed, but its a small expense in the grand scheme.

For the concrete pour, the way that my pool was situated, he could only get the truck/chute on to basically two sides of the pool. I had to 'pull' the concrete to get it to reach the back wall. I had the driver thin the concrete three times, and near the end of the pour I was exhausted and simply ran out of steam. It was hot af, that coupled with me already being tired was almost a recipe for disaster. If you are by yourself and the truck cant reach all sides, rent a pump truck or get a friend or two.

It's been a bit since I provided an update. Mainly due to lack of significant progress. Continuing to put the time in, but results are slowing a bit. The weather has been so hot and I'm a one man band..



Main drain installed. I dont have a picture, but I did set the base of the drains in concrete and gravel.



Main drain pressure test went well. Pressure media was water, and I used a small amount of air to build pressure.



I was a little bit annoyed that after I poured the concrete collar, 2 sections of the walls moved in by roughly 1/4". They bowed inbetween the "A" frame turnbuckles that came with the pool kit, in the middle of two of the 8' wall panels. When you looked down the wall from one end to the other you could easily see it. I made a custom turnbuckle and brace to pull them back in line. Not sure how that happened.



Two skimmers installed. 2.5" skimmer lines. What a pain finding a place that could get me 2.5" in a reasonable amount of time.




Almost done sculpting the tapered portion of the deep end. As you can see, its almost all rock. Not fun.

Hoping to get the poolcrete in the next week or two and get that installed. Then get the liner ordered. While I'm waiting for the liner I can finish up the plumbing and pour the patio. I am doing concrete coping, so I have to do the patio first, then install the liner.

Shallow End is Leveled!


Deep end is leveled! Some of the larger gaps where rocks came out, I will fill with concrete or dirt.

I need to address the area where a big rock was pulled out, once that is complete I will be ready for vermiculite.

Got the corner benches for the deep end fabricated and installed. I wasn't exactly sure how to make these, I kind of just winged it.









I also filled in the big hole in the deep end with concrete that was caused by a big rock falling out.

Tanning ledge steps are done.



I also installed two corner steps in the tanning ledge. I'm ready to measure for the liner. The company selling me the liner said they can measure without the poolcrete installed. I still have some work to do before the liner is ready to be installed.