How to Build a Ceramic Tile Swimming Pool

Digging the Pool

• 1

  Use a rented excavator to dig a hole matching the design specifications (length, width and depth) of the pool. Create a panel shelf 42 inches deep and 2 feet wide the entire way around the pool where the pool panels will mount. Dump the excavated dirt and rock into a rented dump truck.

• 2

  Use a shovel to help shape the pool and remove smaller amounts of earth, rock and debris. Break tougher rocks and roots apart with a pickaxe.

• 3

  Shovel excess dirt and debris into a wheelbarrow and cart it to the dump truck. Rake the ground for a smooth finish.

• 4

  Once the dump truck is full, take the contents to a landfill or quarry.

Installing the Drainage

• 5

  Dig a hole from the deepest part of the pool to the pool's edge. The hole should be able to hold about a half bag of concrete.

• 6

  Lay PVC piping along the hole and up the side of the pool. Install a skyward-facing PVC elbow joint where the drain entrance will be.

• 7

  Attach the drain cover to the open PVC piping at the bottom of the pool using a waterproof plaster or epoxy. Allow several hours for the adhesive to dry.

• 8

  Attach the other end of the PVC piping to the pipe opening in the pool filtration system. Cover the coupling with a gasket to ensure a tight connection.

Installing the Panels

• 9

  Lay out the aluminum pool panels along the interior edge of the panel shelf to form the shape of the pool. Start in a corner first and work all the way around.

• 10

  Secure each panel together using heavy duty bolts, nuts and washers. These should be provided with the panels. Bolts will be about 3 1/4 inches long by 5/16 inches in diameter. Washers are about 3/4 inches in diameter and nuts are 1/4 inch.

• 11

  Bolt the pool filtration system securely to one of the pool panels.

• 12

  Use a level to ensure that all pool panels are balanced and aligned properly. If any panels are not level, unfasten them from their neighboring panels, pad their base with additional dirt until levelness is achieved, and then refasten them.

Pouring the Concrete

• 13

  Use a cement mixer to pour concrete into the pool. If the mixer cannot get close enough to the pool, use a wheelbarrow. Start by pouring into the deep end first, followed by the shallow end.

• 14

  Pour concrete into the collar of the pool, which is the space between the pool panels and the panel shelf's dirt wall. This creates the necessary support for the pool walls.

• 15

  Use concrete floats to smooth out the concrete. Ensure that the drain at the bottom of the pool is fully exposed and does not get any concrete in it.

• 16

  Let the cement dry overnight.

Laying the Ceramic Tiles

• 17

  Use a high pressure water blaster (34-54MPa) to remove any minor defects from the walls and ensure as smooth a finish as possible. Then remove all water with a water vacuum to ensure the pool is completely clean and dry.

• 18

  Apply direct bond waterproofing membrane to the swimming pool's surface.

• 19

  Use a trowel to apply latex fortified mortar to the membrane. Only use mortar suitable for continuous water submersion. Apply each tile directly to the mortar and allow several hours to dry. Start with a 3-foot by 3-foot section and repeat this process across the entire pool surface.

• 20

  Apply quick-drying pool grout to the spaces between the tiles.