Who doesn’t love the idea of taking a dip in their own crystal blue back yard swimming pool? When you factor in sky-high construction costs, pool chemicals and upkeep, the dream can quickly begin to fade. However, a family in Switzerland tackled those obstacles head on by designing and building their own DIY all-natural swimming pool.
VonBubenberg, a Reddit user, shared a series of photos spanning the entire process of building this amazing, unique swimming pool. What started as a non-descript patch of back yard grass magically transformed into a beautiful pool the whole family can enjoy.
Since the family undertook all of the work themselves, the project took over a year to complete. You’ll be shocked at what they accomplished. First, they designed the pool to have a deep, rectangular end that gently morphed into a curved, shallow wading area. The overall concept was for the pool to resemble a natural pond.
After excavation began, they placed the channels and piping necessary for the water to travel to the garage for filtration. They covered the excavated area with felt and topped it off with a pond liner that kept the water from soaking into the soil.
Heavy lifting was next in the process as VonBubenberg and four helpers built up the steep walls with stones. He purchased all of his building materials in Germany where DIY swimming pools are a popular project.
After filling the bottom of the pool with gravel and stones, it was time to fill up the pool. Instead of stopping the water at the edge of the deep rectangle, the water was allowed to flow over the walls into the circular enclosure that serves as a wading area. The dramatic effect gives the illusion of a natural pond.
Although a harsh Swiss winter halted the project, it didn’t stop the family cat from playing on the icy pool. The family used the off-season to complete the all-natural filtration system. The water from the pool filters through three different bins that contain fine particles, from gravel to foam, to purify the water. There’s also a special UV light, chemical-free additives, and a fountain to further sanitize the water.
When spring arrived, the family put the finishing touches on the delightful pool by installing lights in the deep end and planting attractive flowers and shrubs to give the pool a more natural look. A wraparound porch and sunroom add to feeling of a lovely oasis.
So, what are you waiting for? If you have a big imagination and a passion for DIY, you can make your dreams of owning a gorgeous swimming pool come true.
