The luxury of a back yard pool is a dream for many people, but there may also be many elements that hold them back. In addition to the cost, there is the constant upkeep required and the harsh chemicals.
A family in Switzerland dreamed of a more eco-friendly option, and what they ultimately built in their back yard is amazing. Online, there are a number of do-it-yourself pool and pond enthusiasts, and this community can be a valuable resource for anyone who has a similar dream.
This family began in 2011 by outlining the area where the pool would go. There would be a deeper area for swimming and a wading pool area. Next, a bulldozer was brought in to excavate the area. The plan was to put the filter system in the garage, so once the excavation was finished, pipes were installed.
The excavated areas were lined with felt, and a pool liner was placed on top. The next step was building the walls of the pool with stone and gravel. This took five men working hard for eight hours. The floor had to be built as well.
Finally, the pool was filled. The deeper area was allowed to spill over into the shallow wading pool area.
The entire project took over a year, and during the cold Swiss winter, construction was paused. The family cat enjoyed playing on the iced-over pool. When spring arrived, construction resumed.
Bins in the garage were used to filter the water, passing it through finer and finer gradations of material. An eco-friendly chemical compound and UV light inhibited algae and bacterial growth.
Now it was time for the finishing touches. This included lights in the deep pool, some artistically placed driftwood, and a small fountain that helps keep the water moving.
The family then built a wraparound deck on three sides of the pool so that those who didn’t feel like taking a dip could enjoy the pool anyway.
One of the best things about this project is that the family did it in a very small back yard. It does not require a lot of space, and much of it can be done by enthusiastic beginners. The result is a beautiful, natural-looking pool that costs less than a traditional pool and doesn’t harm the environment.