The backyard wave pool has become a sort of Holy Grail for many backyard water enthusiasts. Creating an artificial, man-made surfing wave in one’s own backyard is the ultimate dream for most people who live near a body of water and have an interest in surfing.
Luckily, it’s also not that hard to make! With the right tools and a little bit of knowledge, almost anyone can create their very own backyard water park with a built-in wave pool. It requires some planning, preparation and legwork before you get to the hands-on part of things; but as long as you keep that end goal in mind and don’t let anything deter you from your ultimate goal, it’s all pretty simple! Here are some helpful tips on how to build your own DIY wave pool!
Research and Planning
The first step of creating any DIY project is research and planning. This is true for your backyard wave pool, too! Before you get started, you’ll need to find the right location for your pool, decide on the size and shape of your pool, and plan out the type of surface you’ll use in the pool. The first of these is finding the right location for your pool. You’ll want to find a spot that has access to a large body of water as well as plenty of room around the water to create an adequate-sized pool.
You’ll also want to consider the level of sunlight at the proposed location of your pool. A shaded area is advised, as it will help with the water temperature on hot days. Areas with ample foot traffic and public visibility are advised against, as this could attract trouble in the form of vandals and thieves. You’ll also want to keep in mind noise pollution. Some areas are known for being quite noisy and having lots of foot traffic. You’ll want to find a spot that is relatively quiet and has little to no foot traffic.
Finding the Right Location
You’ll want to make sure you’re picking a good spot for your backyard wave pool. You’ll want to select a location that has water flow that will be helpful for creating a wave. You’ll also want to select a spot that has enough space around that area for safety, as well as enough space to add necessary accessories like a filter, pump, or water heater. If you have a river or stream nearby, you may want to look into ways to redirect the water flow. If that’s not an option, you may want to consider raising your pool to slow down the water flow. If you have a lake nearby, you can take advantage of the water flow from the lake. However, lakes are often are full of algae and bacteria, so you’ll want to take precautions to keep the water clean.
Defining Your Pool’s Shape and Size
When it comes to construction, you’ll want to think about the shape and size of your pool. A rectangular shaped pool is optimal for creating a wave, but you can also create a wave with a round pool. You’ll want to make sure the pool is wide enough for a wave and deep enough for your desired water level. For example, if you want the water level to be chest-high on an average-sized person, you’ll want the pool to be at least six feet deep. A good starting place for the width of your pool is 10 feet, but you can adjust this as necessary.
Creating the Bottom Layer
The first layer of your pool’s bottom will determine how the rest of your pool will be built. For example, if your bottom layer is made of sand, you’ll want to make sure to create a sturdy base before you add any additional layers. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the types of materials you’re using in your bottom layer. For example, if you’re using cement in your bottom layer, you’ll want to make sure it is completely dry so you don’t end up with a cementitious top layer. If you’re using concrete, you’ll want to make sure it has enough time to cure and dry before you continue building the rest of your pool.
Building The Walls
Many different types of materials can be used in the walls of your pool. For example, you can use a concrete wall, a wooden wall, or a plastic wall. You’ll want to consider the materials and how they will affect the flow of water in the pool. You’ll also want to think about the weight of each material, as this will affect the stability of the overall structure. Concrete and wooden walls may be a bit more challenging to work with, but they are also very sturdy and provide excellent stability. Plastic walls may be easier to work with, but they may not be as stable or long-lasting as the other materials.
Adding the Surface Layer
The surface of your pool is perhaps the most important part. It will control the flow of water and it will determine the feel of your wave. There are a variety of different materials you can use for the surface of your wave pool. For example, you can use a concrete surface, a sandy surface, or even a wooden surface.
The main thing to consider when using these materials is how they will affect the flow of water in your pool. You’ll also want to think about the weight of each material, as this will affect the stability of the overall structure. Concrete and wooden surfaces may be a bit more challenging to work with, but they are also very sturdy and provide excellent stability. Sand may be easier to work with, but it may not be as stable or long-lasting as the other materials.
Creating a backyard wave pool is not an easy task, but it can be done! You’ll need to do some research and planning before you get started, but the hard part is worth it, as you’ll have a great water park to play in with family and friends. With the right equipment and materials, you can create a backyard wave pool that’s just as good as the ones you would pay big bucks to go to!
