SBMS Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 We're currently considering a (probably crazy) idea of sinking an 8m long x 3m wide x 1.5m swim spa as part of our self build. We've been looking at ones that are entirely self contained, and just 'pop' into a hole in the ground, with a bit of access either end to change pumps etc. The supplier has sent some construction details which basically outline: - a 215mm block retaining wall - a 100mm reinforced concrete slab - a soakaway and sump pump I asked whether any form of waterproofing would be required, and was told generally no. Likewise no shuttering etc. Am I missing something, or being incredibly naive to think we just dig a hole, build a wall and pour a reinforced slab? This is indoors. I've attached the details sent by the supplier. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 I really really like ! . Haven’t got a clue - but it’s not crazy - just awesome ( until it gets wee’d in ) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 Just now, Pocster said: I really really like ! . Haven’t got a clue - but it’s not crazy - just awesome ( until it gets wee’d in ) . Thanks @Pocster. I got a quote for a pool and fell off my chair. Then found this which is a fraction of the price... Its just the groundworks I'm clueless about. The builder can't believe it's as straightforward as they suggest (he keeps asking what's keeping the water out - whatever that means) and he's asking if it's not more like a 'mini basement' (which is £££).. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 Just now, SBMS said: Thanks @Pocster. I got a quote for a pool and fell off my chair. Then found this which is a fraction of the price... Its just the groundworks I'm clueless about. The builder can't believe it's as straightforward as they suggest (he keeps asking what's keeping the water out - whatever that means) and he's asking if it's not more like a 'mini basement' (which is £££).. Well ! My house is underground and indeed I dug a big hole . Concrete slab and retaining walls . When it rained , it held water like a (expletive deleted)ing swimming pool ! I assume you want heated though ? So some insulation and ‘waterproofing’ of some kind surely ? . Entertain me - what was the quote for a ‘proper’ pool ? 😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 I cheated and googled ! . Basic fibre glass ‘pool’ similar size - 20k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 6 minutes ago, Pocster said: Well ! My house is underground and indeed I dug a big hole . Concrete slab and retaining walls . When it rained , it held water like a (expletive deleted)ing swimming pool ! I assume you want heated though ? So some insulation and ‘waterproofing’ of some kind surely ? . Entertain me - what was the quote for a ‘proper’ pool ? 😊 8m x 4m was £117k... without a cover and 1 light. This is an 8x3 with an electric roller cover, heat pump, a proper swim turbine and 20 odd jets (hot tub style) as well for £41k... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 (edited) 1 minute ago, SBMS said: 8m x 4m was £117k... without a cover and 1 light. This is an 8x3 with an electric roller cover, heat pump, a proper swim turbine and 20 odd jets (hot tub style) as well for £41k... (expletive deleted) me ! (expletive deleted) me !!!!! 117k Edited December 8 by Pocster In shock 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 4 minutes ago, Pocster said: I cheated and googled ! . Basic fibre glass ‘pool’ similar size - 20k Yeah I looked at these, but I think this is just for the shell? Then there's all the filters, pump equipment, cover, installation, heat pump, swim turbine etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 1 minute ago, Pocster said: (expletive deleted) me ! (expletive deleted) me !!!!! 117k To be fair that included all the groundworks but still crazy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 Just now, SBMS said: Yeah I looked at these, but I think this is just for the shell? Then there's all the filters, pump equipment, cover, installation, heat pump, swim turbine etc Yeah it is just the shell . When I think what they do abroad ( like in Spain ) is just a concrete pour and then tiled - admittedly that is outdoors - just thinking of a potential leak ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 Just now, Pocster said: Yeah it is just the shell . When I think what they do abroad ( like in Spain ) is just a concrete pour and then tiled - admittedly that is outdoors - just thinking of a potential leak ! I was thinking of concrete retaining wall, lined with maybe 150mm PIR, and then a concrete base - not sure if PIR in the base would make much difference to heat loss? Any engineers out there? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 Just now, SBMS said: I was thinking of concrete retaining wall, lined with maybe 150mm PIR, and then a concrete base - not sure if PIR in the base would make much difference to heat loss? Any engineers out there? Proper help will be along soon 😊 I just saw you pop up in ‘new posts’ and thought it was cool as (expletive deleted) . It undoubtedly can be done for a lot less than those mental ‘proper’ pools . Might be a nice learning curve . Naive is good . It means you don’t understand the implications and do it anyway . Speaking from experience here ! 😂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 3 minutes ago, Pocster said: Proper help will be along soon 😊 I just saw you pop up in ‘new posts’ and thought it was cool as (expletive deleted) . It undoubtedly can be done for a lot less than those mental ‘proper’ pools . Might be a nice learning curve . Naive is good . It means you don’t understand the implications and do it anyway . Speaking from experience here ! 😂 Haha thanks - if it's a goer I'll put up some progress pictures and commentary (then everyone can laugh when the water table gets in and floats my pool out of its hole) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 Just now, SBMS said: Haha thanks - if it's a goer I'll put up some progress pictures and commentary (then everyone can laugh when the water table gets in and floats my pool out of its hole) Baggsy for 1st swim ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 2 minutes ago, Pocster said: Baggsy for 1st swim ! It's nice the first response was enthusiastic! I thought I might get a load of "don't do it it's a massive waste of money".. Am still not sure it's worth it! I've got young kids so just thought they'd love it (then they'll grow up, move out, and I'll fill it in 🤣) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 1 minute ago, SBMS said: It's nice the first response was enthusiastic! I thought I might get a load of "don't do it it's a massive waste of money".. Am still not sure it's worth it! I've got young kids so just thought they'd love it (then they'll grow up, move out, and I'll fill it in 🤣) I’m a (expletive deleted)ing idiot who built a non standard underground house on my own with zero knowledge or skill . 😂 So you are in the right company until the adults show up ! . You want it - you do it ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G and J Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 1 minute ago, SBMS said: and I'll fill it in Or fit one of those pump things so you can swim against a flow and live even longer. Marvellous. But say three Hail Marys every day and pay for two forests to be planted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G and J Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 PS the grown ups will be along soon lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 1 minute ago, G and J said: Or fit one of those pump things so you can swim against a flow and live even longer. Marvellous. But say three Hail Marys every day and pay for two forests to be planted. It's got that! Swim turbine included. and a harness to attach you (or something..) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 1 minute ago, G and J said: PS the grown ups will be along soon lol I know. Am waiting with bated breath for someone who knows what they're talking about to laugh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 A readymade tank is a good idea. It doesn't leak and doesn't crack. The slab and base need to be strong, and you need retaining walls for the pit. It's a basement though and will fill with groundwater. When you empty the pool it will float up so clever design needed. A concrete tank needs skilled design and construction or it will leak. In med spain the ground is hard and dry and doesnt move so they get away with rough concrete...most of the time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G and J Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 28 minutes ago, SBMS said: I know. Am waiting with bated breath for someone who knows what they're talking about to laugh How far are you from your nearest public swimming pool? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 24 minutes ago, saveasteading said: A readymade tank is a good idea. It doesn't leak and doesn't crack. The slab and base need to be strong, and you need retaining walls for the pit. It's a basement though and will fill with groundwater. When you empty the pool it will float up so clever design needed. A concrete tank needs skilled design and construction or it will leak. In med spain the ground is hard and dry and doesnt move so they get away with rough concrete...most of the time. “ An adult has entered the conversation “ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 8 Share Posted December 8 (edited) 1 minute ago, G and J said: How far are you from your nearest public swimming pool? Cheap skate ! . It might be next door - still want your own pool though . I’d have an electric solid cover that slides over it so it can have a pool table ontop ! Oh and a bar nearby obviously Edited December 8 by Pocster Beer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBMS Posted December 8 Author Share Posted December 8 (edited) 27 minutes ago, saveasteading said: A readymade tank is a good idea. It doesn't leak and doesn't crack. The slab and base need to be strong, and you need retaining walls for the pit. It's a basement though and will fill with groundwater. When you empty the pool it will float up so clever design needed. A concrete tank needs skilled design and construction or it will leak. In med spain the ground is hard and dry and doesnt move so they get away with rough concrete...most of the time. So the "build some retaining walls out of blockwork and reinforced base slab" doesn't cut it? If there's a sump pump pumping out the water would that do it? Or would you recommend a fully waterproofed design? Edited December 8 by SBMS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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