DIY Network

Extras: Swimming Pool From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-210

In this final segment of the "Extras" episode, host Jeff Wilson discusses how the installation of a swimming pool can be a difficult home building assignment, but this segment will teach you how to jump into the pool without ending in a sea of debt.

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	The most refreshing "extra" you can add to your home is a swimming pool.
	Figure A

Swimming pools used to be a luxury item but are becoming more common. With the gain in popularity, it seems that the only limitations for this "extra" would be your budget and imagination. Not only can you have an outdoor pool -- or an indoor pool -- you can also have an indoor-outdoor pool (figure A).

When considering adding a pool to your plan, a major consideration to make is placement. The sighting of the pool is probably the key ingredient for the installation process, and the sun plays a positive role in keeping the water warm. So be sure to consider the sun positioning when you plan the pool placement. For example, you'll want to keep the pool on the south side for the southwest sun exposure.

Note: If you're planning to build a pool in your backyard, you'll want to make sure that you know where all the utilities are so you don't hit any lines.

Once you've figured out the placement of your pool, it's time to start the excavation. The "rough" excavation is what the excavator digs for and plus one foot to accommodate the walls and all the plumbing of the pool. Then the actual slope and contour of the pool are sculpted with rebar. Then the plumbing and electric are laid out.

Next is the pouring of the concrete and the finish around the pool area. Coping is the finished work on top of the pool wall. After it's laid the deck is poured. A couple of things to consider when planning a pool:

1. Is the surface "outside" the pool. Make sure that it's slip resistant and that it doesn't hurt your feet when the sun beats on it all day.

2. Is to make sure it drains to a drain and not into your pool because then you'll get all of the dirt into your pool.

In the next episode of Blueprint for Home Building, it's time to put your own stamp on the interior design of your new home!

GUESTS :

Fred Samuels
Homeowner
426 New Hope Rd.
Rockwood, TN 37854
Phone: 865-354-0477

Lynn Underwood
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Vail, AZ 85641
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Skip Weahunt
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Regina Zernay
CMTS, Inc.
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Bob Miller
CMTS
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Andy Beasly
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John Gilmore
President
Elite Custom Audio and Video
5505 Moreno St.
#104
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Website: www.elitecustomaudiovideo.com

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Mark Mardirossian
Genuine Construction Co.
1146 N. Central Ave.
#303
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Phone: 818-822-9677

Benjamin Clavan
Architect, AIA
E-mail: benjamic@earthink.net