Summer has been really hard on us this year, right? I mean, the temperature’s already playing games on us, the kids are bored, the community pools are full of chlorine and umm well, child pee probably? Grossss! How I wish we had some DIY swimming pool ideas to the rescue!
Now, building your own private pool back home sounds amazing, but that budget just laughs in the face of pool floats, isn’t it? Hold on, friend! This blog by the Archwhispers Team unlocks 12 DIY swimming pool ideas that are cool, creative, and won’t break the bank! Dive in for backyard bliss!
PSSTTTT!!!! This post may contain affiliate links. Basically, a win-win for you (awesome product) & us (a lil’ coffee fund). ☕️
Top Insights
It’s not that you have to build DIY swimming pool ideas from scratch every time; even ready-made inflatable & kiddie pools, stock tanks & repurposed water tanks do the trick!
Wood pallet, hay bale, timber & tarp and concrete-block based pools are some DIY swimming pool ideas you can try in tropical climates.
All the following DIY swimming pool ideas need a pool barrier, a pump, silicone sealant & a caulk. You can buy them from my affiliate link for a special price!
- Top Insights
- 1. DIY Swimming Pool Ideas Using A Stock Tank
- 2. Craft Some Shipping Container Plunge Pools!
- 3. Kiddie Pool – One of the Easiest DIY Swimming Pool Ideas
- 4. DIY Swimming Pool Ideas Using Pallets
- 5. Get a Spool
- 6. Using Hay for Your DIY Swimming Pool Ideas
- 7. Inflatable Pool – The Cheapest Swimming Pool Alternatives Out There!
- 8. Repurposed Water Tank Pool
- 9. Truck Carrier DIY Swimming Pool Ideas
- 10. DIY Swimming Pool Alternatives using Milk Crates
- 11. DIY Tarp & Timber Swimming Pools for Your Backyard
- 12. Concrete Block-based Swimming Pool Alternatives
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Hand-picked Products for You:
1. DIY Swimming Pool Ideas Using A Stock Tank
Average Price: Around $150 – 600 for a normal, good-quality tank.
In simple terms, stock tanks are large, 100–1500 gallon metal tanks used to water the livestock. These often have thin galvanized steel walls with flexible polyethylene plastic sheets that help users convert them to DIY swimming pool alternatives.
The process is simple! Start with a flat, leveled location for your swimming pool, then add a pool liner and drill in the holes for your inlets & outlets. You can also use a marine grade sealant or silicone caulk for a tight, water-resistant seal around the hose.
Now, simply fill the stock tank with water, attach the filter pump and drop in your favorite pool accessories. You can also attach a canopy or umbrella above it for some shade. Alternatively, check out this bamboo-based stock pool design by cuckoo4design for some inspiration.
Here are some more reasons why stock tank DIY swimming pool ideas are better than regular swimming pools:
2. Craft Some Shipping Container Plunge Pools!
Estimated Cost: Over $1500 – 3000 for used intact cargo containers
Just as the name says, shipping container pools are modified cargo pools with pool equipment, filters & pumps. These are usually rectangular and deep, say over 1-2 m as the ones from Aqua pools. You can also weld stairs, ladders or steps directly onto them.
The deets are simple; Deep clean any used shipping container and spray it with high-quality epoxy paint. Then install a pool liner & a pool filtration system – pump, filter & piping for optimal performance. You can also ask your electrician to fix in underwater LED lights for a clean effect.
One more option is to add aluminum pool decking and steps beside the shipping container pool for a chic, farmhouse look.
Below are some more shipping container pool benefits that you should DEFINITELY consider:
Bonus Tip: We, at Archwhispers suggest lining your shipping container pool with shortcrete (sprayable concrete) for long-lasting absorption & climatic resistance.
3. Kiddie Pool – One of the Easiest DIY Swimming Pool Ideas
Buying Price: Over $10 – 70 depending on the size & quality
Despite their size and depth limitations, kiddie DIY swimming pool ideas are a fantastic option for kids and pets to splash around in. In fact, you can purchase one for less than $20 at Target or Walmart!
So, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to inflate it, set up a sprinkler system, line the PVC, attach the tarp, and voilà! Your DIY plunge pool is good to go! For some extra shade during the summer, you can also use shade sails, popup tents, or umbrellas to cover your DIY kiddie pool.
But that’s not all! Below is a list of some more DIY swimming pool ideas using Kiddie pools that you MUST know:
4. DIY Swimming Pool Ideas Using Pallets
Market Cost: Over $10 – 60 as per the size & quantity
If you have any leftover wooden pallets from your fencing or gardening work, you can make yourself a large swimming pool in less than 5 hours (quite less than a typical RCC pool, right?)
To do so, secure your pallets as close as possible, say at a distance of about 0.5m, using zip-ties, screws and reinforcing bars. Then, simply spread a pool liner on the assembled pallets, tuck it in to make a box and fill it with water & other pool toys of your choice.
You can also add a sand or gravel base layer for extra stability. However, remember that this one’s a temporary plunge pool, and you’ll need to drain it after every use to prevent foul smell & algae growth. You can also protect the pallets from the sun by staining or painting them.
But are there any more reasons why DIY Swimming Pool Ideas with a pallet are more useful than normal RCC pools? Let’s check:
5. Get a Spool
Average Installation & Construction Cost: $4,000–6,000 as per the design
Conventional swimming pools can be expensive and take up a lot of room, right? That’s why you guys can definitely go in for smaller alternatives like spools aka cocktail pools!
So, spools aka swim spas are compact, DIY swimming pool ideas with powerful, built-in jets that allow you to swim in one place comfortably. So, these don’t need a lap space and offer various benefits like hot tubs, hydrotherapy & spa all in one place.
But that’s not all! Spools come in so many shapes – rectangular, square, circle, L-shaped, you name it and you have it! So, you can freely pick one that suits your yard and add in some decking, stairs and canopies to make it even more comforting.
Now, let’s see why a spool is better than other conventional swimming pool ideas:
Caution: Avoid using wood, stone, plastic or metal walls to build your spool as those might rot, warp or discolor with sun & pool chemicals.
6. Using Hay for Your DIY Swimming Pool Ideas
Material Cost: Almost Free or Around $12 for a box
Ready to take your DIY skills to the next level? If yes, then hop on to see how Kyra Christmas, a national Water Polo player (PC: leahhennelphoto) used regular hay stacks to build in a comfy DIY pool in her parents’ backyard.
In fact, the hay bales already level & cushion the rough, uneven terrain. So, you just have to secure them with a strong rope and spread a large tarp on top. You can even place a weed barrier or mat to keep the straw blades from tearing your pool liner.
One more option is to slide pillows or pool noodles along the top rim of the hay bale walls. Trust me, it’ll add more padding and save you from all the nasty straw bugs & thorns.
Here are some more hay pool benefits that you should definitely consider:
Insider Note: Please note that hay bales might leech methane, vapor or organic matter if not replaced immediately. So, avoid using your hay pools for more than 10 hours at a stretch.
7. Inflatable Pool – The Cheapest Swimming Pool Alternatives Out There!
Inflatable Pool Cost: $20 – 150 on Amazon, Target, Walmart & other e-commerce platforms
I’m pretty sure everyone in the USA has used an inflatable pool when they were young! Well, it’s about time we bring them back, considering the less land & high pool maintenance costs we have nowadays.
Here, you have the option to go with a big 42” inflatable pool for the whole family, or mix it up with stock tank pools for kids and adults to have their own space. You can also turn an inflatable pool into a hot tub by adding portable hydrojets and massagers for a DIY spa day.
Below are some more reasons why you should use an inflatable pool instead of a normal swimming pool:
8. Repurposed Water Tank Pool
Water Tank Price: $90 – 200 as per the size, material & capacity.
“This one needs more space, but is easy to level & refurbish,” says Ar.Ruchika, our lead architectural advisor & strategist. It costs around $200 – 300 for a 100-gallon tank only if you wash, clean and tape the joints yourself at home.
Start by cutting the tank’s lid and then run a candle over the edges to soften them a bit. Next, mark the pump’s inlet & outlet locations, drill them and attach the hoses rightly. Once the sealant cures, fold the lining over the tank’s rim and secure it with tape.
Just remember that water tank DIY swimming pool ideas are a bit deep and narrow; So avoid using them for kids & beginner-level swimmers altogether. Instead, you can use them for a quick plunge, ice bath, hot spas & other leisure activities.
But are such repurposed DIY swimming pool ideas really better than traditional RCC? Let’s find out!
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9. Truck Carrier DIY Swimming Pool Ideas
Average Cost: Literally FREE if you own a truck yourself!
Have a pickup or carrier truck? Then you should definitely give this special truck carrier swimming pool idea a try!
Just make sure to level the ground and place a cleaned & painted carrier directly on it! Now, you have two options.
- Option A: Wrap the carrier in a pool barrier sheet and fill it with water.
- Option B: Place an inflated pool inside the carrier and add some makeshift metal desks and tables for a mini cocktail party extravaganza!
Either option works equally well! You can also paint it in cool colors – say Orange & Teal or Gray & Neon to make it even more eye-catching!
Below are some more reasons why you should build a truck carrier swimming pool right away!
10. DIY Swimming Pool Alternatives using Milk Crates
Estimated Price: Literally Free of Cost if you store all your milk crates rightly!
I know, milk crates are not that strong & sturdy these days, but hey! They are one of the top-most options if you are looking for to create a temporary plunge pool for an hour or so in your backyard. To do so, gather over 60–100 milk crates, some zip-ties, a pool barrier, gravel and simply follow the steps below:
- Arrange the milk crates in a rectangular, box-like pattern and secure them tightly with hard-wound wires & zip ties. You can also glue them with a superior silicone sealant or caulk for maximum adhesion.
- Now, put a 1-2 inch river landscaping rock layer on the ground. This will help level the ground and provide cushioning against the rough terrain.
- Next, spread a pool barrier sheet inside your crate pool, secure it with tape, fold and glue the rims properly and fill it with water. Your DIY milk crate pool is ready to use!
Now, let’s check why milk crate pools are actually better than conventional RCC:
Note: Keep in mind that milk crates can be quite delicate and may not hold up water themselves. To ensure better stability, we suggest filling them with sand, paper mache, or pea gravel instead.
11. DIY Tarp & Timber Swimming Pools for Your Backyard
Estimated Price: Around $500 per thousand board feet, or literally free of cost if you collect them yourselves.
If milk-crate DIY swimming pool ideas look too small and fragile, then you can try a sturdier timber or firewood swimming pool. It’s a bit stronger and can easily hold water for over 3–4 hours at a stretch.
The construction steps are simple; Just stack the timber posts at a distance of 2-3m center to center on the ground. Now, screw some horizontal planks on them, just like a fence. Once done, line the box with a pool tarp, fill it with water and jump in right away!
Here are some reasons why DIY Tarp & Timber pools stand out from the conventional ones:
Quick Tip: You can also sandwich a thin layer of wool, cellulose or blankets between the wood frame & the tarp for more cushioning.
12. Concrete Block-based Swimming Pool Alternatives
Average Cost: Roughly $1-4 per block, depending on the size
So, here’s a cool DIY swimming pool alternative that we came up with at Archwhispers. You see, we had a bunch of bricks and concrete blocks left over from our office extension project back in February.
Hence, we made a tiny, durable composite wall box with concrete, cement, and lime water, covered it in pool tarp, used mosaic tiles for the base, and then filled it with water!
Now, I get it that this pool isn’t ideal for doing laps, but it’s perfect for taking a refreshing dip and unwinding for like 2–3 hours. Just remember to empty it out completely after each use (you can also leave the drain outlet into your garden).
We definitely don’t want those bricks getting all slimy with algae, right?
Here are some more reasons why concrete block pools are better than our regular in-ground pools:
FAQs
It isn’t really difficult to build your own swimming pool. You just need to arrange the right materials – maybe pallets, timber, shipping containers, stock tanks, etc., cover them with a pool tarp and fill water. You can also put a gravel or landscaping rock layer for more cushioning below.
Well, a pool must be at least 8–10 feet away from the exterior walls of the house to avoid any wall damage & moisture seepage. But if you are using any DIY swimming pool alternatives, say a kiddie or inflated pool for example, then you can place them closer at around 3–4 feet with the right decking.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got these creative DIY swimming pool ideas for yourself, you don’t need a fortune to make a splash! Simply choose from the wood pallets, shipping containers, stock tanks & more and convert all your boredom cries to united giggles this summer!
And don’t forget that we’re really waiting for all your pictures! So do comment them down (we might feature the best ones on Pinterest!)
But hey! You just can’t keep your DIY swimming pool like that only, right? You’ll obviously need some plants, canopies and landscaping rocks to go with it! So do check out our landscaping blogs for more backyard inspo!
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About the Author:
ArchWhispers Team
We, at ArchWhispers are a team of passionate storytellers with 5+ years of experience weaving tales through architecture and interiors. We translate complex design concepts into engaging narratives, making architecture accessible and inspiring for everyone.
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