Cross section through pool 
SHOVING CONSTRUCTION DETAILS 
How to Build a Pool 
I N the drawing shown above, details of 
construction of a simple pool are shown. 
The size of the basin and the shape 
are matters which must be decided upon to 
suit the convenience of the owner. 
Half of the enjoyment comes from building 
the pool and while it requires a little pains¬ 
taking effort, almost anyone with a little help 
can build a small pool. After the site has 
been selected, small stakes can be used to 
outline the general shape of the pool. Exca¬ 
vating can then be done, digging down two 
feet or two and one-half feet. Coarse gravel 
or cinders should then be thrown in the hole 
and evenly distributed to a depth of about 
six inches. This should be firmly tamped 
solid to form the base for the concrete. In 
climates where there is considerable frost, we 
recommend laying a piece of rather heavy 
woven wire fence, or iron rods, or some other 
reinforcement in the concrete which will help 
prevent cracking or damage from severe 
freezing and thawing. 
Before mixing the concrete, all outlets and 
drains must be provided for as shown in 
sketch, and you should make certain that the 
various edges of the pool are level. An easy 
way to insure level edges is to drive stakes at 
various points at the edge of the pool. With 
an ordinary carpenter’s spirit level on a 
straight edged board, establish the correct 
level and mark it on the stakes. Then you 
are ready to mix and lay the concrete. 
The following proportions in the mixing of 
concrete will be found entirely satisfactory 
for making a pool. One part cement, two and 
one-half parts sand and five parts gravel. 
For an extra nice finish which will make the 
pool waterproof, a top dressing 
of one part cement and two or 
three parts sand will give a fine 
finish. 
Thorough mixing is very im¬ 
portant in concrete work. If the 
cement shows in streaks, the mix¬ 
ing has not been well done. Do 
not mix a larger batch than can 
be quickly put into the forms. 
Sometimes a very naturalistic 
effect can be carried out by em¬ 
bedding stones or coarse gravel 
loosely in the concrete, after it is 
laid, to take away the artificial 
appearance. 
42 
