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| How to construct a Concrete Pool |
A glance at the various pools illustrated in this chapter and in the
preceding one will show you many designs from which to choose. Some
are simple, straight-sided affairs without any fixed arrangements for
planting; others are a bit more elaborate with plant receptacles built
into the concrete. Some are sunk into the ground; others are raised above
ground level or are only partly submerged. I prefer a raised pool. The
rim of it makes such a nice place to sit while you enjoy the water-lilies
and goldfish.
As for planting arrangements, I do not advise permanent, built-in
receptacles. Planting boxes of wood, which can be moved around as
you wish, are superior in many ways. I will tell you more about them
in Chapter 8.
Building a Typical Pool
It is unnecessary, I am sure, for me to outline construction procedures
for all the different kinds of pools. Directions for the basic types will
suffice, since these include all the know-how needed for any pool you
may have in mind. Let us consider first a simple, straight-sided pool of
average size for the back or side yard, say a pool 8 feet wide, 10 feet
long, and 2 feet deep, with floor and walls 6 inches thick.
It is a good idea, here in the beginning, to decide whether you will
use ready-mixed concrete or mix it yourself. In most localities, concrete
already mixed costs very little more than the separate ingredients. If
you count your own labor as worth anything, the ready-mix is far
cheaper, for manhandling concrete is a job that is even harder than it
looks. Two cubic yards of concrete, says a friend of mine who is in the
business, is all a good man can mix and pour in a full day of work.
If you decide on the ready-mix, give your dealer the dimensions of
your pool. Then he can determine the amount you need.
Estimating the Materials
If you plan to mix and pour the concrete yourself, first figure the
cubic feet of fill required for your forms, and then divide by 27 to see
how many cubic yards you need. A cubic yard of concrete consists of
seven sacks (7 cubic feet) of cement, 14 cubic feet (0.52 cubic yard)
of sand, and 21 cubic feet (0.78 cubic yard) of gravel. Allow some margin. It isn't too expensive a proposition to have some sand and gravel
left over, and you can get a full refund for every unbroken bag of cement
you don't use.
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