Content
Fonts of a collapsible type in the country are good because of their mobility. However, the bowl standing in the middle of the courtyard, like an old trough, spoils the whole view. Another thing is a pool for a summer residence, dug into the ground. The stationary hot tub harmoniously fits into the landscape design, organizing an excellent resting place.
Varieties of dug-in fonts
The stationary pool in the ground is constantly on the street in all weather conditions. The bowl is affected by severe frost, soil pressure, and the upper layers of groundwater. In order for the hot tub to serve for many years, special requirements are imposed on the material and installation technology.
Polypropylene hot tubs
One of the most popular materials for a drop-in pool is polypropylene. Elastic properties allow you to give the bowl to any shape. The material does not decompose in the ground, is environmentally friendly, is characterized by low weight and high strength. Temporarily, a polypropylene pool can be installed on a flat area, but usually it is dug in, and a concrete base is poured under the bottom.
The advantage of polypropylene hot tubs is as follows:
- Flexible polypropylene sheets allow you to create a bowl of any shape.
- The hot tub will fit into the landscape design, decorate the site. If desired, the bowl can be disguised by hiding it away from the eyes.
- Polypropylene walls do not require additional sealing. Once installed, the bowl is ready for use.
- Polypropylene has anti-slip properties. The person stands steadily in the water. The smooth surface can be easily cleaned with a brush or vacuum cleaner without the use of chemicals.
- Polypropylene retains heat well, while fungus does not multiply on the surface.
- Pools made of polypropylene are characterized by a long service life and do not fade under the sun.
Polypropylene sink-in pools have drawbacks, but they are more often noticed by fastidious users:
- Over time, scratches appear on the surface of the bowl. Often this happens due to the fault of the owners due to negligence, as well as violation of the rules for caring for the pool.
- Installation of a polypropylene hot tub provides for soldering with an extruder. If the technology is violated, noticeable sheet joints will remain on the bowl.
- Solid colors are not to the liking of lovers of mosaics or border designs.
- Owners of high-end concrete pools find polypropylene bowls to look cheap.
Despite the small list of disadvantages, polypropylene pools are easy to install and are the best solution for summer cottages.
Concrete hot tubs
Concrete pools for summer cottages, dug into the ground, are considered the most reliable. Various options for finishing with decorative materials allow you to create a real architectural work of art. The problem lies only in the laboriousness of the process, and if the installation technology is violated, the concrete bowl can crack.
Concrete pools have the following undeniable advantages:
- The concrete is resistant to low temperatures. In winter, an excellent ice rink can be organized in the pool.
- A reinforced concrete bowl will last at least 20 years. In case of mechanical damage, the walls can be repaired.
- The use of decorative stone and other finishing materials can give the pool a luxurious look.
- When pouring a concrete bowl, you can make differences in depth, steps and other elements for comfortable bathing.
Among the shortcomings, the following points stand out:
- Concrete pool construction is expensive. In addition to the cost of materials, employees will have to pay extra. It is impossible to pour tens of cubic meters of concrete alone.
- Reinforced concrete construction requires strict adherence to the installation technology. An improperly fitted pillow will cause the bottom to sag. Poor quality concrete or a weak reinforcing frame will cause the font to crack.
- Concrete pools occupy a large area and are not suitable for small summer cottages.
Having decided on the construction of a concrete structure, it is better to turn to specialists for help.
Composite bowls
A built-in composite pool meets all modern requirements. When making a bowl, 6 to 9 layers of material are used. You can order a hot tub only at the factory, and the choice of shapes and sizes is limited to standard offers. The cost of a composite pool, together with installation work, is equivalent to reinforced concrete hot tubs.
The advantages are:
- A specialized team performs assembly work in a short time. It takes a maximum of a week to equip the pit and install the bowl.
- The dug-in hot tub made of composite materials is resistant to mechanical damage, as well as to the effects of aggressive chemicals.
- The bowl has a perfectly smooth surface without seams.
Any material has disadvantages, and the composite is no exception:
- A composite pool is an oversized one-piece bowl. To deliver the hot tub to the site, you will need specialized equipment.
- The cost of a composite font is not available to an ordinary summer resident.
- The consumer does not have the opportunity to purchase an exclusive bowl. The manufacturer only offers standard options.
- Self-assembly is not possible. A team with specialized equipment is hired for the work.
A composite pool is very expensive. However, such a dug-in hot tub is not installed for one year.
Self-installation of a polypropylene font
If there is a desire to independently install a dug-in pool, it is better to make a choice in favor of a polypropylene hot tub.
Arrangement of the pit
A pit will be required for a dug-in pool. The dimensions depend on the dimensions of the bowl, plus they add 1 m in width on each side and 0.5 m in depth. Large gaps are needed for ease of installation, connection of communications and pouring a concrete base.
In the finished pit, it is important to properly equip the bottom. The soil is leveled and thoroughly compacted. In the foreseen margin of depth of 0.5 m, a concrete base is equipped. First, sand and gravel are poured into the bottom layer by layer. A reinforcing mesh is laid on top and a concrete solution is poured. Further work is performed at least two weeks later.
Bowl assembly
There are two options for installing a polypropylene pool: the bowl can be ordered at the factory or you can solder it yourself from sheets. In the second case, you will need equipment for soldering, as well as several trainings on pieces of polypropylene to get the skill.
The installation of the pool begins with the arrangement of the bottom. The solidified concrete slab is covered with geotextiles. Sheets of expanded polystyrene are used as insulation.
Place the finished bowl on the prepared base. If the decision is made to make the pool independently, then first the polypropylene sheets of the bottom of the font are soldered. Seams are welded double: inside and outside. After the bottom is made of polypropylene sheets, the sides are soldered.For strength, the finished structure is equipped with stiffeners.
Connecting communications
The full functioning of the dug-in pool is impossible without the connection of communications. After soldering all polypropylene sheets, holes are cut out in the finished bowl for drainage and water supply pipes.
The entire pipeline is protected with thermal insulation and connected to the bowl through the bottom and supply nozzles. A filter with a pump and a skimmer are cut into the system. Additionally, you can install a device for heating water. After installation, a little water is poured into the pool, the bowl is checked for leaks and the equipment is working.
Bowl concreting
After successful testing, the bowl is concreted from the outside. The process is carried out simultaneously with the filling of the pool with water. It is important to equalize the pressure difference on the inside and outside to avoid deformation of the walls.
Formwork is installed around the bowl, a reinforced frame is equipped. The sides are covered with expanded polystyrene. Plates will play the role of insulation and prevent concrete damage to polypropylene sheets. Concreting is carried out in layers. 30 cm of water is collected into the pool and a layer of concrete is poured into the formwork of a similar thickness. After the solution has solidified, the cycle is repeated until it reaches the top.
After removing the formwork, there will be a gap between the concrete walls and the foundation pit. The voids are covered with soil or a dry mixture of sand and cement. In the final, decorative arrangement of the site around the dug-in pool is carried out.
The video shows an example of installing a fiberglass pool:
Conclusion
Before deciding to install a pool, you need to carefully calculate the estimated costs. This will help you to correctly determine the type of bowl and bring the job started to the end.
