What a wonderful feeling this guy must get when he grabs a beer at the end of the day and sits out by the pool that he built himself! Respect!

I dont know how I got here but I stayed for all of it. Awesome Job!!!

@PRIU5

8 жыл бұрын

id have to agree with you good sir.

@aaron2414

8 жыл бұрын

No joke, it showed up in my recommended feed... only because I wanted to build a custom raised garden. now I want to build a pool lol

@smarkies

8 жыл бұрын

Same here, just randomly recommended feed, but I have in mind also for DIY pool. At least i learn something more. :)

@monicamccarthy93

7 жыл бұрын

I was looking at how to install astroturf and BAM....I am memorized by a 3000 dollar pool! Awesome job!

@soratwin

7 жыл бұрын

AGREE!!!!

Honest videos like this are the best ones on KZread.

I don't get the dislikes on the video. It must be pool installers. Great Job!!!

@claudionational620

8 жыл бұрын

I completely agree. There is no reason not to like the video

I have no idea why I found this so fascinating, but I did. Thank you for sharing! It looks fantastic, and so inexpensive. I bet a dip in the pool feels extra good because of that.

When I first saw the title to your video, I though "yeah right, it'll look cheap too." But I am wrong. You did a great job and it looks amazing. Very impressive!!!

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply. It is going on to 3 years and still looks great, no problems whatsoever.

My first job was building swimming pools The technique we used was very similar, however with your build I am very impressed with your forward thinking and the fact that you only called in help for the important finish technique, Very well done indeed something to be proud of and also share and enjoy.

Well done. You saved a ton of money and have the satisfaction of saying "I built that!" ;-)

Doesn't matter how much it costs him. He did it himself. Half the population these days can't even jump thier own car.

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

+GrouchyMunchkin Well said! Thanks for your support.

@touna911

7 жыл бұрын

nicest comment i saw since a long time

@marianevels5041

7 жыл бұрын

awesome job!

@jimmyjames6318

7 жыл бұрын

Uh, he had someone do it for him. I only see him in the chair enjoying the finshed product. Never do I see him working on or building the pool. We only some guys with a really good tan working on the pool. More neighbors?

@gerrywilson6630

7 жыл бұрын

Jimmy, not correct. I spent months doing 95 percent myself, doing a little at a time. Think what you like. I had several neighbors help me on several occasions.

Beautiful Job Gerry. It was certainly a pleasure to watch your video on how you did your project, especially with the budget cost involved. Thank you very much for this. Cheers, Matt

Here are the most asked (repeatedly asked) questions: 1. Where did you find a backhoe for only $45/hr? Answer:. In Costa Rica $45/hr rental is the normal price. No delivery charge either. 2. Did you hire Mexicans to do the labor? Answer:. No, I hired Costa Ricans employed from the local pool company to install the Marcite. All other labor was myself and my neighbor (he is Costa Rican) not Mexican! 3. Did you need permits to build the pool? Answer;. No, the rule is a small pool that is under a particular size does not require permits in Costa Rica. Mine is just small enough. 4. Is the pool heated? If so, where is the heater? Answer:. No the water is plenty warm from the hose. In fact, I need to drain the pool once a month as the water get way too warm. 5. Have you had any leaks? Answer;. Only one, right after I completed the pool I had a tiny pinhole size leak in one of the steps. I used a leak finder kit solution to find it, and plugged it with silicone putty. 6. What is the size of the pool? Answer;. 12x20 feet. Deep end is 5ft 7. What about earthquakes? Answer; Yes we had a big one just over a year ago. No damage to the pool.

@zyanhd1892

7 жыл бұрын

+Gerry Wilson Awesome job!

@reef4hmmm

7 жыл бұрын

Well done Sir.. Stop telling folks about costa rica.. Keep the gringos out... well thats too late anyhow.

@1.123

7 жыл бұрын

Gerry Wilson how does a leak finder work? does it tint the water and when you drain it it leaves a painted mark at the leak hole?

@SimoneOconnell

7 жыл бұрын

is it ok to drain a cement pool.I know a liner pool the liner can move and if it moves to much you cant use the pool and you need a new liner.I also know a fibreglass one the whole pool drained can cause the pool to lift out of the ground.I like to put fresh water in the pool begining of the season would this be ok to do in a cement pool with vinyl paint

@gerrywilson6630

7 жыл бұрын

Simone Oconnell Draining the pool can present a problem with the pool wanting to "float" if the ground around it is saturated. This could cause the pool to lift above ground. My pool is built on a hill side, so draining it is no problem with it floating. I am not familiar with fiberglass or liners. I chose to use marcite coating, as it is a standard pool coating. Thanks for the post.

Ive built quite a few pools and your pretty bang on buddy and for under 3k you should be applauded. I would suggest people to not to dig footings if they are going for blocks and just lay you concrete base and insert reed bar and build up from there. We use polystyrene blocks which slot over reed bar which is 25cm apart then you fill with concrete (not cement) this is so strong that when we were back filling a fully loaded 5 tone dumper fell onto the edge of the pool and there was absolutely no damage, plus using this method your pool will retain its heat as polystyrene is a great insulator and is extremely easy to cut and handle, but fair play to you because I know the work that actually goes into a swimming pool and you pretty much nailed it.

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

Chris, thanks for your input and comments. This was my first attempt to build a pool, I never owned one before this. I hope your comments will be helpful to others.

this is the best movie/instruction regarding "build your own pool" I've seen so far!! Good job!! :-)

This was a very well-done, informative video. Those of us contemplating an upgrade such as this, will appreciate your attention to detail, and your sourcing of materials and labor. You put it together very nicely -- congratulations.

wow you did a fantastic job. That's a lovely pool. and under 3000 that's amazing. I bet you're wife is well proud of the workmanship you did. making that pool. I would love to build my own pool. but the weather in the uk. is not perfect at most times and the cost heating it. would be probably high. but have to say you done a cracking job of it. excuse the pun. thanks for the upload really appreciate it.

As I stated the cost was under $3k, I showed a budget as $2600. Leaving room for error, I rounded the cost to Approx $3k plus or minus. Prices of supplies vary by country or region, as well as any labor. Take my costs as a reasonable example of what it cost me. I did not include the cement slab around the pool, or pump house construction. Adjust your costs accordingly as to prices in your area. I did receive one reply indicating they could purchase block, cement etc much cheaper than mine. Different countries, different prices. Enjoy

@crabjoe

8 жыл бұрын

$45 for excavation? I think you got a major discount from a friend or something. You can't even rent skidsteer for a day @ that price.

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

In Costa Rica $45 is normal for rental. I stand by my cost.

@formula7708

8 жыл бұрын

as a mason i def can say this is possible especially if you dig it yaself

@shotgunman432

7 жыл бұрын

i rented a backhoe for 20 bucks a day in kentucky. Cost maybe 20 bucks to fill the tank back up though

@gerrywilson6630

7 жыл бұрын

Papa, it sounds like a bargain in your area. Thanks

I was expecting something that looked shabby and wrong, this seems very well done and must say im impressed!

Somehow ended up on this video but I'm glad I watched it till the end. I'm impressed! Good job!

Fantastic job you have given me the inspiration that I needed to give it a try, your pool is beautiful All the very best for the rest of the year from NZ

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

Glenn, thanks for the nice remark. Good luck on your projects.

Dude, you are awesome! I used to build pools in Florida during the summers in high school...not easy work. Your pool turned out great; very impressive.

Wow! Dunno how I got here, but it was fascinating. Loved watching you demystefy this entire process. Dunno if I'll ever build my own in-ground pool, but at least now I have a tested blueprint of how it can be done frugally if I wanted to attempt it. Thank you

I get most responses regarding the cost of excavation being much more expensive than what it cost me. I was fortunate to have a neighbor having backhoe work, and I had asked the operator to spend one hour excavating for my pool. He only charged me $45. Yes I got a good deal, but even if I had spent $500 or so, I still could have kept the cost a $3000.

@dontuoharris2362

8 жыл бұрын

Good looking pool, and yes you got a heck of a deal on the excavation.

@BoomerKeith1

8 жыл бұрын

If someone wanted to do the work themselves, they could rent a small Kubota from Home Depot. They charge about $230 a day (if you can get the work done in 4 hours, it's about $150). That's still more than the $45 you paid, however, it's not a tremendous cost when you consider how much you are saying by doing it yourself. Also, I think it's the perfect size pool. Great to take a dip to cool off without all the hassles of a larger pool. Well done sir!

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sooner Keith for your input. In costa rica, backhoe is easily hired for $45 hr. No delivery charge either. Pool is small and cutout dirt was displaced nearby, not needed to be hauled away.

@BoomerKeith1

8 жыл бұрын

Gerry Wilson That certainly makes it much easier. Thank you for the video! I'm inspired to do my own pool!

@keith0677

7 жыл бұрын

that was exactly what I was going to post. $45 for excavation? but good planning and good job. unconventional to be sure. Any leaks yet?

he did his pool under 3000 that great let the guy be and good job on the pool it's been 2 years and it is still going solid so good job keep it up

i know youve heard this thousands of times but i must say, you rock!! you really did a superb job on this- truly exquisite..

Well I don't care what anyone says. I enjoyed the video and presentation so thank you for posting. Have a nice day.

Really cool. Thank you for sharing this. I never would have guessed it was possible. Now I can formulate my own plan for a budget pool.

Excellent work! I admire your ingenuity and thought of each phase. looks great!

Thanks Gerry for sharing this breakdown of costs!

This is excellent! I knew this could be done !! Thank you for making this video!!

I loved this video. Might not ever "dive in" and do this, but thanks so much for putting the information out!

Great. I love people that do things with their own hands!!

awesome job! I'm getting inspired to start my own pool from this video! People don't understand that you can do almost anything yourself with basic knowledge and the right tools.

you sir, are a trooper, great job! i really hope our clients don't watch your video, :) lol.

Great job Mr. Wilson and great diy. Will be doing the same very soon already dug out the hole for my pool. Will only pay a plumber for the plumbing and will do everything else myself.

Great job. Thanks for sharing. It's helping me cope with building a pool myself. I might go with the DIY skid steer rental route. First need to buy the house!!

Freaking AWESOME! What a beautiful project! GREAT WORK!

Wow! Gerry I'm impressed!!! Very nice! You must be proud!

I never realized all the steps involved in this. Very interesting! Cool Pool!

Wow. I'm speechless I'm a pool guy great job.!!!!!

You can be very proud of yourself. Not even 1 out 1000 man can build a pool like you did. Greetings from France

Great job Gerry! Thanks for posting. I've been trying to build a DIY small plunge pool hear in sothern California but the pool guys are very tight lipped about things like marcite! Much needed and appreciated info.

@gerrywilson6630

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. We all learn from others who post useful info. I have several followers who have built my design. Good luck, and feel free to contact me.

Great, now I want to do it... Always some project that pops up that I see that I feel I have to do! Awesome video, it looks amazing

my Dad use to build pools all over our country but he never tells me the secret of doing it :( Unfortunately he passed away without having have the chance to discuss this with him. Thanks for the video I get the next step to live his legacy. BTW: he doesn't want us to pursue his career because of how hot our country is and building pools requires you to be under the sun. Thanks for the vid

Great Job! And cool on having guts to start and finish it!

impressed, I am going to build a pool very similar with a resistance motor / blower at one end to create a current to swim against as an exercise. I think your process is pretty good and will consider what you have done for my project. good job and great documentation. congrats

This was great to watch, I really appreciate the time you put into it. I have no plans to build a pool, just doing a mental walkthrough with you because someday I will own a house and will want to have a general idea of what kind of work is required for this stuff. When you try to price things out online (as I tried recently for a backyard office) you know you're only getting part of the bigger picture.

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks Marc for your comments

Nice! Good explanation and I especially like the cost breakdown.

Great job Gerry. And very inspiring, thanks.

Impressive, thanks for the video with detailed explanation. Costa Rica, perfect place for enjoying the pool.

For real, just by how you set up this video, I am subscribing. I am building my own house, and all of these videos help. :)

Great job, impressive!

Awesome job, beautiful pool.

thank you your creative idea it has made me start building my pool in my farm in kenya due to your motivation my village neighbouring kids will have fun and all for free,great.

@gerrywilson6630

7 жыл бұрын

Good luck on your project, glad I was able to offer some suggestions and possibly some motivation.

You're pool and garden looks amazing, great job.

I'm really impressed. You did a great job! Now I have a goal for our next big home project. ;)

Looks beautiful and very inviting!! Great job!!

I wanted to see how you were going to sealed it and you hired proffesionals! I think it is great and truly admire you, especially the fact that even if we have to hire professionals to do the critical part, pool assembly can be mostly done by a regular handy person. Congratz!! btw, I don't plan on building a pool,, heck, I don't even own a house, howerver I find it very inspirational.

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

+Esteban Franco Thanks for the comment. I had to learn from other you tube videos before attempting to build my own. I just wanted to share my info with others thinking of building a pool. We all learn from each other.....

Good for you sir , ignoring all these dislikers at the end of the day you get to enjoy something you created . I enjoyed the video thanks

I am noticing same questions asked repeatedly, and answered repeatedly. Please look at existing posts for answers to your questions. I appreciate your concern and wonderful comments.

@edgyjeans88

8 жыл бұрын

Great Job Gerry!! You're quite the handyman!! Im sure your wife LOVES you being in her life!! Take care!

This is awesome. Great job man.

Fantastic job. Sincerely exceeded my expectations.

Wow!! Thanks so much for sharing!! I think I'm gonna do this!!

WOW! Really incredible work.

now i know how to make me a pool.. thanks .very 👍 job... dislikes are just jealous or pool contractors lol

Man! i wish you were my friend!People like you would make the world turn faster and make a lot of people of lesser means happier.

Great and helpful video Gerry! thank you sir

Dude you are AWESOME! !! Great job !

Just to say; you can do anything when put determination, dedication, mind, and heart into it....and of coarse patience...

Thanks ,Gary for the info! Oh if only we had your problem , of the water getting to warm here in Missouri,USA ! We are always just trying to figure out how to warm the water so we can swim a couple of weeks longer , or earlier in the season ! Great job on the pool thanks for sharing !

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

My pool is already too warm for comfort. This time of year I have to drain it once a month and add cooler fresh water. Too bad we cant swap water!!! Thanks for the blog.

I'm gonna save this video and when I buy a home in a couple months I'm gonna build me a kick ass pool from this here video. Thanks buddy

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

+Kevin Everson Thank. I really enjoy our pool. Good luck

Incredible, thanks for sharing !

Well done, pool and video ! I mean i got here from looking up how to clean a split unit a/c, but hey! now i also know how to build a pool XD

Very inspiring Gerry! kudos to men like you

My hat is off to you hope you are enjoying the fruits of a job well done!

Very nice work. Appreciate the details.

I was watching Harley Davidson videos and somehow got here. You did an amazing job in your quest to build this pool. I have been in the masonry and granite trade for almost 20 years now and know first hand the labor involved in a project like this. How many blocks did you use for the walls ? Pool builders are gonna hate this video as it shows how much they really make on a homeowner....... Thanks for taking the time to post this.

@ChrisGenovese

8 жыл бұрын

Ok that's what I figured around by what your price breakdown showed. Really glad I found this video and I will keep u posted when I start mine. Enjoy

thanks for sharing nice pool I think I wish I had one like that maybe I'll build one .

beautiful job I hope when I buy my homestead I'm Gonna build my own pool!

watched all the way through looks great

very Impressive Gerry !! We want one but cannot afford a complete professional install so this def gives me some ideas !! Thanks for sharing !!

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

Good luck, and thanks for the reply.

Great Pool and Great Video. Thanks.

Hi Gerry, I also built my own (but much larger) pool. A few comments... 1) Congrats, it's a big job. 2) Re Excavating costs...I rented one and learned to drive it. Takes about an hour to get the hang of it. 3) Nice how you thought to slope your surround down and away so rain doesn't overfill the pool. 4) Your entry to the steps is a little hokey. 5) Great that electrical costs were free. 6) Congrats again....its a big job. Like me, I'm sure you revel in the accomplishment when you look at what you did. Congrats.

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

+Martin Air Thanks for you thoughts. Yes I agree that my entry to the steps could have been better, I am still learning! I used to be an electrician years ago and opted to run the wiring for the pump from the garage. I placed the 12 gauge wire in PVC pipe in the ground, keeping it simple to run a 1/2hp pump. No lights in the pool, its just for the pump. The wire and PVC pipe distance is 60ft. The cost was very minimal.

@makingthepush2313

8 жыл бұрын

+Gerry Wilson with your electrician background, do you see any increased dangers with no established grounding field? In the US, you would be required to have grounding rods driven 8-10' deep in a grid surrounding the pool. I'm not an electrician, so can you enlighten me as to the purpose of that in our codes? When I asked pool contractors, they said it was due to the risk of electrocution from the pumps and lights. Does that sound logical?

@makingthepush2313

8 жыл бұрын

+Gerry Wilson very nice job btw, and your video and narration were excellent. Thank you for sharing your experience.

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

+Makingthepush Yes I am always concerned, as lightning sometimes strikes the nearby power lines as well. I normally don't run the pump while in the pool, I tend to run it overnight for the filter, and while I sweep the bottom. That is also why I avoided installing a light in the pool. A GFI (ground Fault Interupter) circuit breaker is also a necessary choice to protect your safety as well as the wiring going to the pool. Whoever builds their own pool should have a qualified electrician to install or at least inspect the work performed.

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

+Makingthepush Thanks for your positive feedback, especially about the electrical, as I responded in the other post.

awesome job! you got a deal on the backhoe!

great job! great results!!

Looks awesome!

That laser level stick marking...nice.

Great Job Sir, Greetings Martin from Holland

awesome job! I live in Canada and the quote I got was 45k-65k for a 20ft x 40ft pool. I been thinking about building one and your video is the best. thinking of going smaller now that I saw yours. 18ft by 30ft. what additional wall strength you would add if you were to build it this big? thanks a lot

Sir, How has it held up over the last 3 years. Thanks so much for this inspiring video on how real people can achieve cool things with hard honest work. Very interested in the pros of block or any cons. Thanks so much. Juston. Great Video.

@gerrywilson6630

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. Pool has held up very well for over 3 years. Using block with lots of metal rebar seemed to hold everything solid, even during two earthquakes. Dont know about pros or cons of block, it just made sense to me.

You made my day,when budget will allow it ill do some copy paste swimming pool,thx

Great work. Should feel good about yourself for sure !

Impressive, nice work gerry

fabulous job i would recommend this man to anyone because he start it by him self and almost to the end he hired professional to finish the job by making the pool look like he didn't build it but you know he didn't matter what the cost was but once you tell your self that you wanna build a pool never tell yourself said you can't once you put your mind to it you won't have any issues I wanna say good job well done am so jealous of your luxurious pool

@gerrywilson6630

7 жыл бұрын

Trina, thanks for your reply. I admit that I had to learn how along the way. KZread videos got me motivated.

@trinasimmonds4313

7 жыл бұрын

Gerry Wilson yah and i love how you explain while gathering your material together but the most important part about the starting i love how you start it and at the end i also too gerry wilson am jealous of your pool

OUTSTANDING!! AND CONGRATULATIONS... YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD!! And thanks for sharing.

Really good job! Bravo

Brilliant. Very well done.

I'm also in Costa Rica (five years now) and I've been thinking of adding a pool. This has greatly inspired me to build mine. I'm in Sarchi, where are you? I have zero building experience and but your video makes it seem simple enough. I'd love to pick your brain a little more about the finer details. Also I'm not worried about a pump system, because I pay a month rate for water, no meter, which is great!

@gerrywilson6630

8 жыл бұрын

Chris, I am about a hour south of Tamarindo on the pacific. I had never owned or built a pool before this. I just watched lots of youtube videos and compiled a formula from that. Not much else to add, I did have a mistake in the mounting of the cleanout, as mentioned in the video. Otherwise I am still very happy with the results. I have decided to add tile to the bottom, its been about 3 years from the start, This is a small improvement that I simply could not afford during the time it was constructed. The tile and grout will cost about $375. I will put this up on youtube sometime in August.

Great video! Thank you!

Amazing Great Job Congrats!!!

you know, I have to give my respect to this guy for doing his best. I think that pool looks good, especially for the cost. I mean, it's not perfect, but I wouldn't mind getting a pool for that cost. and, for the comment below about this others interpretation of what excavation SHOULD cost and all this "experience", I would say to take your nonsense somewhere else. I've worked in construction for many years and some people (and excavators) do the same job for literally half the price sometimes- and I'm in California (unfortunatley). And it may be true that gerry isn't in the u.s. (and maybe he is, but who cares because if your the homeowner in California you CAN do your own work. yeah it may be more with permits of course, but you can save a lot of money doing it yourself if you are up for the work and willing to learn. good job gerry.