Mistakes When Building a Pool: How to Avoid Them

Building a pool is an investment that adds value, comfort, and enjoyment to your home. However, many projects end up costing more time and money than expected due to mistakes that could have been avoided with proper planning.

Understanding the most common mistakes when building a pool is key to making smart decisions from the start and ensuring a durable, functional structure.

1. Skipping Soil Studies Before Construction

One of the most frequent errors is omitting a preliminary soil study.

Why it’s a problem:
The ground may have movements, leaks, or unstable layers that compromise the structure. Over time, this leads to cracks, unevenness, or even sinking.

How to avoid it:
Request a geotechnical study before starting. This analysis determines soil resistance and stability, allowing the design and foundation to be adapted to real conditions.

2. Choosing Materials Based Only on Aesthetics

Many homeowners focus solely on appearance without considering material durability.

Why it’s a problem:
Low-quality finishes or seals can cause leaks, premature wear, and high maintenance costs.

How to avoid it:
Select materials resistant to chemicals, humidity, and sunlight, such as:

• Quartz finishes

• Certified quality tiles

• Hydraulic equipment meeting safety standards

3. Not Planning for Ground Drainage

A common mistake is thinking only about the water inside the pool, ignoring external water management.

Why it’s a problem:
Rainwater or groundwater can accumulate around the pool, creating external pressure, leaks, and even structural lifting.

How to avoid it:
Include a perimeter drainage system in the project to channel water away from the pool. This protects both the structure and surrounding soil.

4. Starting Without an Integral Plan

Many pools are built without a detailed design or long-term vision.

Why it’s a problem:
Lack of planning leads to unexpected costs, delays, and unsatisfactory results.

How to avoid it:
Work with specialized professionals who develop a complete plan that includes:

• Soil study

• Choice of durable materials

• Outdoor space distribution

• Installation of modern filtration and safety systems

FAQs About Mistakes When Building a Pool

1. Is a soil study mandatory before building a pool?
Not always, but it is highly recommended to prevent cracks and sinking.

2. What is the most expensive mistake when building a pool?
Usually ignoring drainage or using poor-quality materials that cause leaks.

3. Can a poorly built pool be repaired?
Yes, but repairs are usually costly. It’s better to invest in planning from the start.

4. What materials are most recommended for finishes?
Quartz and high-quality tiles, as they provide resistance and durability.

5. Is drainage necessary in all pools?
Yes, especially in areas with heavy rain or a high water table.

6. Why hire a professional instead of doing it yourself?
Specialists ensure compliance with standards, proper material selection, and fewer risks of costly mistakes.

Building a pool shouldn’t be a leap into the unknown. With soil studies, quality materials, proper drainage, and an integral plan, you can avoid costly problems and enjoy a safe, durable, and functional pool.

Investing in prevention and professional advice helps you avoid these common mistakes when building a pool so that it not only looks spectacular but also retains its value and performance for many years.