Perfect Plunge Pool

I have wanted a pool since shortly after buying this house.  We were pricing hot tubs, but decided they were out of our price range because I was determined to have one with a cooling feature to use in the summer months.  

So once I decided to build my own plunge pool, the challenge was finding the perfect spot for it.

I used my tape measure to scope out the perfect 8 foot spot with the least obstructions. (Take note of the stump in the corner)

Beside the house

So I grabbed my measuring tape and started plotting out 8 foot sections of the yard where the 8' stock tank might fit.  The space near the carport had the greatest obstruction, but was really the best space for the pool.
Because I always put the cart before the horse, I decided to buy the pump and filter for my pool.  I found just the right system, because I want saltwater and not chlorine, I found right product at the right price on amazon.   I also purchased plunger adaptors for the inlet and outlet fittings  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PHWUIJY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So the next logical step was to get a stump grinder to come remove the tree stump that was in my way.  

My brother came first to drop it lower to the ground and saved me a few hundred dollars.

Then the stump grinder came... and made a huge mess!

not the best picture, but this man worked on this stump for 2.5 hours to get it all out.

Free Mulch!!

I had no idea that a short stump could leave this much mulch behind. 

While waiting for the cleanup and ground prep, I made a trip to Tractor Supply and picked up my stock tank.   I was able to rent a trailer there and bring the tank home. 

Then I went to the pool store and picked out pool paint. I painted the inside of the tank with 3 coats of paint after preparing the surface following the packaging instructions.

Now on to the dirty work... the paint has to cure for 4 days before adding water.

Cleanup was no easy feat, these are contractor bags.  Very big, very heavy.  The mulch had to be removed to we could prepare the ground, to level it for the tank.

 I am not up to this kind of labour, but my friend Josh agreed to do this.  First we had to see what level looked like.  We decided we would have to create barriers to make level, and then add gravel to create our base.

Did I mention that I am in Texas, and it is July?  It is hot y'all, so we created shade so work could continue.  We were able to find railroad ties at Lowes for $20 each, and they were perfect for this project.

Next we rented this ground prepping tool (no idea what it is called) but this tool pounded the ground to compact the soil to prepare it for the next step, which was to add gravel.I Love Living in East Texas! I went to the rock yard, they helped me determine how much, and what to use, then they offered to deliver the 3 yards of gravel we needed that afternoon.  We actually opted to start fresh the next morning.

Once the gravel was in place and tamped down, we put mulch over the gravel.  Sand was recommended, but I had mulch on hand, it was free, and I was having trouble with getting sand delivered.

using a 10' 2"x4" and a level we were able to check the level on the stock tank.

Once satisfied with the level of the tank, I went back to the rock yard, and got 1/2 yard of 1"-2" river rock for just $33.00

My friend Alan showed up as I was shoveling rocks out of the trailer and helped me to spread it around.

The rock looked so pretty when we wet it down and cleaned it off.

The most intimidating part of this project was the idea of drilling holes in the sidewall for the water inlet and outlet.  

I was so worried about leakage.

The gasket that came with the Intex 1.5 Inch Above Ground Pool Inlet & Outlet Strainer Fittings Set  just didn't seem thick enough to create a seal on this uneven surface.So, I went on walkabout at Home Depot to try to find what I needed, as well as purchase a 2-3/4" hole saw (the only size I didn't own already).  I found this toilet gasket, and although it was much thicker that I needed, I decided to give it a go.  I sliced it down the middle with a razor knife, and made 2 gaskets.  They worked PERFECTLY!!!!

I cannot express how glad I am that this project has come together so well, and was not a Pinterest fail.

The grandkids could not wait to get in the minute there was water inside!

I added bamboo fencing and lights to create a barrier from the carport.

I added pool noodles to the edge of the pool to protect from bumps, bruises and scrapes!

Next I went to the nursery and picked up these Majestic palms (50% off!!!!)

Next I created a changing room in the carport, complete with a camping toilet to keep people from peeing in my pool, or from dripping on my floors.

Finally, my offset umbrella arrived (after multiple shipping delays)

yesterday, the ambient temperature was 103F and the water was 76 degrees when I was installing the umbrella.  Today this was my view as I sat in the water.  It was a refreshing 68F.  The umbrella has been great and keeping the pool cool.

Side note: I have been taking water samples to Leslie Pools and they have helped me to add the correct stuff to keep the water sparkling clear.

TFL