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 de- 
sign. 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 gal- 
vanized iron forms, all readily bent to the desired shape. Sloping sides are often 
built by plastering a stiff concrete in place using wire mesh reinforcement. Natural 
rock may be set in the concrete to create a natural, informal effect. Plants, con- 
tained 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 thor- 
oughly. 
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 gar- 
den hose, or through a built-in drain. Make all plumbing connections before the 
concrete is poured. The Portland Cement Association recommends a concrete mix- 
ture 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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“Building Concrete Lily Pools,” 

