BUILD 
A POOL 
Sd 
INFORMAL CONCRETE POOLS 
The most popular and inexpensive pool is the informal or irregularly 
shaped pool, because it offers the gardener more opportunity to exercise 
his own tastes in design. Lay a garden hose around the proposed spot 
until the size and shape are what you want. Excavate to the desired 
depth (include the thickness of the floor and walls). A water depth of 
24” is desirable to keep water lilies and goldfish in your pool the year 
around. Vertical sides are built with plywood or 20 gauge galvanized 
iron forms, all readily bent to the desired shape. Sloping sides are often 
built by plastering a stiff concrete in place using wire mesh reinforce- 
ment. Natural rock may be set in the concrete to create a natural, in- 
formal effect. Plants, contained in planting boxes, may be placed to suit. 

FORMAL CONCRETE POOLS 
Rectangular, square, round, or oval pools with vertical sides are used 
for formal arrangements, Excavate the soil to 28” or 30”. This provides 
a 24” water depth plus 4” to 6” for floor. Side walls should be at least 
6” thick. Forms may be built of plywood, boards, or galvanized iron. 
Brick and cut flagstones make good finishes for the top edges and border. 
This should be decided upon before construction is started, for they must 
be set in the concrete as soon as it is poured to set thoroughly. 
WATER SUPPLY 
You can fill your new pool with the garden hose or through a connection 
with the regular water supply. It may be emptied by siphoning the water 
out with a garden hose, or through a built-in drain. Make all plumbing 
connections before the concrete is poured. The Portland Cement Asso- 
ciation recommends a concrete mixture of 1 part Portland Cement, 2 
parts sand, 3 parts crushed stone or gravel. 
If you have any unusual problems or questions please feel 
free to call on us. 
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