There is a particular allure to the British summer in the "Garden of England." When the sun hits the rolling hills of the Weald or the coastlines of East Sussex, there is no better place to be than your own back garden. However, for many homeowners, that garden is missing one key element: a swimming pool.
While there are many methods to build a pool—from fiberglass shells to vinyl kits—the gold standard for durability, flexibility, and longevity remains the concrete block method. It is the method that allows for bespoke shapes, superior insulation, and a solidity that feels permanent.
At Fortify Construction Ltd, we believe that a pool is an investment in your property’s future. As a specialist local pool builder Kent trusts, we have mastered the art of block-and-liner construction. Below, we break down the rigorous process we follow to turn a patch of grass into a luxury oasis.
Why Choose Concrete Block Construction?
Before the first spade hits the ground, it is vital to understand why this method is preferred for Concrete pool construction Kent.
- Strength: Reinforced blockwork, often backfilled with concrete, creates a retaining wall capable of withstanding the immense pressure of the surrounding earth.
- Insulation: In the UK climate, heat retention is critical. Blockwork allows for the integration of high-performance insulation boards between the blocks and the liner, significantly reducing heating costs.
- Customization: Unlike a pre-molded shell, blocks can be laid to any dimension, depth, or design you desire.
Step 1: Design and Groundwork
Swimming pool construction Kent begins not with a digger, but with a plan. We assess the soil conditions—whether it is the chalk of the Downs or the heavy clay of the Weald. This dictates the drainage requirements. We also navigate the planning permission landscape; while many pools fall under "Permitted Development," listed buildings or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Kent require special attention.
Once the design is locked, we mark out the site. Precision is key here; if the angles aren't perfectly square (90 degrees) at this stage, the entire project will be compromised.
Step 2: Excavation and Drainage
This is the heavy lifting phase. We excavate the pool shell, typically digging one meter wider than the finished pool size to allow workspace for plumbing and external blockwork.
- The Over-Dig: We dig deeper than the finished floor level to accommodate the sub-base and the concrete slab.
- Drainage: In wet clay soils common in East Sussex and parts of Kent, we install a perimeter drain and a sump pit to keep groundwater away from the pool structure during and after construction.
Step 3: The Slab (The Foundation)
A pool is only as good as its foundation. We pour a double-reinforced concrete slab, typically 200mm to 250mm thick. This isn't just concrete; it is an engineered raft containing two layers of steel mesh (A393 is common).
Crucially, at this stage, we install the "starter bars." These are steel reinforcing bars that stick up vertically from the wet concrete, marking exactly where the hollow block walls will go. This ties the floor and walls together into one monolithic structure.
Step 4: The Walls – The Art of Blockwork
This is where the skill of the local pool builder Kent truly shines. We use 7N dense concrete hollow blocks for the walls.
- Laying the Course: The blocks are laid over the starter bars.
- Reinforcement: As the wall rises, we insert vertical steel rebar down the hollow centers of the blocks and horizontal rebar every couple of courses.
- The Concrete Infill: Once the walls are built to height, we pour liquid concrete into the hollow cores. This solidifies the wall, essentially creating a solid concrete reinforced wall that is impervious to the pressure of the earth pushing in and the water pushing out.
Step 5: Plumbing and Skimmers
Before the walls are finished, we must install the "pool furniture." This includes the skimmers (which suck water off the surface), the inlet jets (which return clean water), and the underwater lights. These must be set flush with the finished wall surface. If they are even a few millimeters off, it can cause issues with the liner later.
Step 6: Rendering and Insulation
A concrete block wall is strong, but it is rough. To ensure a smooth finish for the liner (and to prevent it from puncturing), the internal walls must be rendered.
- The Render: We apply a sand and cement render to create a perfectly flat, smooth, and vertical surface.
- The Floor: A screed is applied to the floor to create the desired profile (e.g., a "hopper" deep end or a constant slope).
- Insulation: We often apply high-density insulation boards to the walls and floor before the liner goes in. This acts as a thermal break, keeping the warmth in the water where it belongs.
Step 7: The Lining
For Concrete pool construction Kent, the most popular finish is a heavy-duty vinyl liner.
This liner is made to measure in a factory based on the exact dimensions of our finished render. It is essentially a giant waterproof bag. We vacuum it into place to remove all wrinkles, then fill the pool with water. The weight of the water presses the liner against the walls, creating a seamless, watertight seal.
Alternatively, for a more premium finish, we can apply specialized waterproof tanking systems and finish the pool with glass mosaics or porcelain tiles.
Step 8: Coping and Landscaping
The final stage is framing the picture. We install coping stones—the border that sits on top of the pool wall. These must be non-slip and comfortable to sit on.
Finally, Fortify Construction handles the surrounding landscaping. Whether it is Indian Sandstone paving, composite decking, or a lush lawn, we integrate the pool into your garden so it looks like it has always been there.
Conclusion: Professional Build vs. DIY
While the steps above might sound straightforward on paper, Swimming pool construction Kent is a complex engineering challenge. One mistake in the levels, a failure in the concrete mix, or a poorly glued pipe joint buried underground can lead to catastrophic leaks and thousands of pounds in repairs.
At Fortify Construction Ltd, we take the risk out of the equation. We bring the excavators, the laser levels, the skilled block layers, and the plumbing experts to your doorstep. We manage the mud, the logistics, and the technical details, leaving you with just one job: choosing which swimwear to buy.
If you are considering adding a pool to your property in Kent or East Sussex, do it once and do it right.
Contact Fortify Construction today to discuss your project and start planning your summer.