BUILDING A SECRET POOL!
Look, I’m not saying I’m the next great pool architect, but when your best friend takes the fall and does jail time for you, a "welcome home" card just isn't going to cut it. I decided to turn his overgrown backyard into a full-on resort while he was away.
Check the timelapse—it’s mostly just me, a shovel, and a dream (and a lot of Advil). I’m not even kidding, I almost lost it when I watched the video back and saw a literal bear watching me work from the background. 🐻 I was already stressed about getting the kidney shape right, but having a grizzly supervisor definitely made me dig a little faster.
How I pulled this off without going broke:
• Sweat Equity: I did the excavation by hand. If you want to save $10k, pick up a shovel and say goodbye to your lower back.
• Materials: Stuck to the basics—gravel base, rebar, and a concrete pour.
• The Deck: Built the frame with pressure-treated lumber and topped it with composite boards. It looks high-end, but doing the labor myself kept it cheap.
• The Finish: Did the plumbing and that blue-speckled coating solo to avoid the "pro" markup.
Loyalty like that is rare. He had my back when it mattered most, so now he’s got a place to chill for the rest of the summer. Welcome home, man.#DIYPool #BackyardTransformation #BudgetBuild #Friendship #Timelapse
Building a secret pool in your backyard might sound like an impossible dream, but trust me, with determination and some elbow grease, it's totally achievable. When I took on this project, the biggest challenge was doing most of the excavation by hand. It’s definitely a workout and requires patience, but it’s one of the best ways to keep costs low. Plus, being careful with the kidney shape is key—this form not only looks great but creates a natural flow for swimming and chilling. Having a gravel base laid properly is essential for pool durability, so I made sure to follow best practices even though I wasn’t a pro. The rebar reinforcement helped solidify the concrete pour and prevent cracking. I learned that using pressure-treated lumber for the deck frame and topping it with composite boards not only looks sleek but also resists weather damage, making it a smart long-term investment. A lot of the professional pricing comes down to labor, so doing it yourself means you save a ton. One unexpected and hilarious moment was spotting a bear observing me while I was digging—definitely added an adrenaline rush to the work! In addition to the physical labor, I handled the plumbing installation and applied a blue-speckled pool coating myself. This finish gave the pool a unique and refreshing look that really sets it apart from basic designs. If you’re considering a similar project, my advice is to embrace the DIY spirit and do as much yourself as you can safely manage. Not only will this save you money, but it also makes the final pool more meaningful. It’s a perfect way to show appreciation for someone special—in my case, my best friend who went through a tough time, and now has his own backyard oasis to enjoy all summer long.
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