Crafts & DIY
Pallet pools are the easiest and most affordable way to cool off in the backyard this summer
The whole thing costs less than $80 to make and can last for years.
Laura Shallcross
06.22.21

When summer comes around, most of us wish for one thing, a pool.

Sure, that inflatable paddling pool does the job for your kids, and if you’re feeling really lazy, you could still cool yourself off by simply sticking your feet in a bucket of cold water. But it’s just not the same, is it?

There’s something really special about having your own backyard pool.

Dim Hou/ Unsplash
Source:
Dim Hou/ Unsplash

But with the average cost of an in-ground pool being $35,000, it’s no surprise if you can’t afford it, or you simply can’t justify the price.

Luckily, there’s a cheaper option and it gives you the chance to tackle a fun project.

Pixabay/ Pexels
Source:
Pixabay/ Pexels

You can make your own above-ground pool that looks just as professional as the real thing.

It costs far less than the price to buy and install a pre-made pool, and uses just one simple, low-cost material: pallets.

Facebook user Torben Jung was the first person to share this project on a now-viral Faceboo0k post in 2015.

Fast-forward a few years, and people around the country have taken inspiration from Torben’s idea.

It costs less than $80 to construct a pallet swimming pool. If you’re interested in learning the process, follow the steps below:

1. Create the base

Start by laying down a large tarp in the area you wish to construct the pool. Make sure you’re working on flat ground. Next, assemble down the wooden pallets and screw them together.

2. Line your pool

You’ll need plenty of waterproof lining for the inside of your pool, to protect the exterior and prevent leaks. You should be able to find this at your local DIY store or online. Add a final layer of lining to secure your pool.

3. Fill and enjoy

If you’re looking for the simplest option, that’s it. Your job’s done. Simply fill your pool and enjoy. Keep in mind, though, that you’d have to replace your water pretty regularly to keep it clean.

You could avoid this by installing a pool pump to do the hard work for you. This will cost more, of course; around $200-$300.

What are some things to consider when making a pallet pool?

The main objection is to prevent leaking. You can use plywood sheets to cover the interior of the pool to prevent anything from poking through the tarp.

You also need to make sure your pool has plenty of support. Water is very heavy, and the last thing you’d want is one of your pallet walls to collapse and flood your garden!

How long can you expect a pallet pool to last?

That depends on the quality of your job. If you can weather-proof your pool during the cooler months, it should last for many years. Making sure there’s no potential for major damage from the very get-go should help to ensure your pallet pool gives you plenty of years of enjoyment.

If you’ve never attempted a project of this scope before, don’t doubt yourself. There are plenty of video tutorials to follow if you’re in need of step-by-step guidance.

See the results you can achieve if you get creative with your pallet pool in the video below!

Who said only the pool itself could be made from pallets?

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