Pool Construction & Restoration
Building a pool follows linked stages: a structural design approved by a licensed engineer, then excavation and a reinforced concrete shell, suction, return and filtration pipework, then waterproofing and a fill test before tiling and finishes. Restoring an old pool starts by locating the source of the leak or crack, then deciding between a local repair and full re-waterproofing and re-tiling, while checking the pump, filter and fittings.
When do you need pool construction & restoration?
- An old pool losing water faster than normal evaporation
- Cracks in the concrete shell or around steps and openings
- Falling tiles and mosaic or eroded tile joints
- A pump and filter that fail to keep the water clear and circulating
- A new pool project that needs coordination between design, structure, plumbing and waterproofing
Early warning signs
- The level drops more than normal in a bucket test
- Damp or salts on walls and rooms next to the pool
- Hollow or falling tiles and cracked joints
- A noisy pump or weak flow at the return inlets
Materials and systems we use
| Material / system | Use and advantages |
|---|---|
| Reinforced concrete shell | Cast to an approved structural design that sets thicknesses and reinforcement, with care for curing and construction joints. |
| Pipework and filtration equipment | Suction and return fittings, skimmers or an overflow channel, and a pump with a sand or cartridge filter sized to the water volume. |
| Flexible cementitious or crystalline waterproofing | Applied to the shell before tiling, with reinforcement at corners and around openings and pipes. |
| Immersion-rated adhesive and grout | Tiling materials made for pools; epoxy grout is a common choice for water and chemical resistance. |
| Tiles, mosaic and coping stone | Immersion-resistant internal finish, with slip-resistant copings and surrounding paving. |
How Azl carries out the work
- 1Survey the site and decide the pool size, type (skimmer or overflow) and plant room location
- 2Have the structural design approved by a licensed engineer and obtain the required permit via the Balady platform
- 3Excavate, level and cast the reinforced concrete shell while installing pipes and fittings
- 4Waterproof the shell, then carry out a fill test before any tiling
- 5Tile and finish, and install the pump, filter and lighting
- 6Commission the system, balance circulation and water, and hand over maintenance instructions
Saudi Building Code
A pool is a structural element that carries water and soil pressure, so its shell is designed by a licensed structural engineer in line with the Saudi Building Code, and the municipal permit required for construction or restoration is obtained via the Balady platform before work begins.
Reference: Saudi Building Code — National Building Code Center. Cited for reference only; it does not imply the body endorses Azl.
Warranty and compliance
You receive a written warranty whose period depends on the insulation type and surface condition, with a handover report documenting materials and tests (flood, adhesion, thickness).
Guides to read before you decide
Pool Construction & Restoration by city
Different technical recommendations for each city based on climate, groundwater and soil.
Riyadh Region
Makkah Region
Eastern Province Region
Tabuk Region
Hail Region
Jazan Region
Najran Region
Pool Construction & Restoration: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a skimmer pool and an overflow pool?
In a skimmer pool the water sits slightly below the edge and skimmer openings in the wall draw off surface debris; it is simpler and cheaper. In an overflow pool the water reaches the edge and spills into a perimeter channel and then a balance tank, giving a refined look and better surface cleaning, but it needs an extra tank, more equipment and more precise execution.
Does building a pool at a villa need a permit?
Yes, structural works such as adding a pool usually require a municipal permit and drawings from an engineering office, and applications are submitted via the Balady platform. Requirements vary with the type of work and location, so the engineering office should check the current requirements for the case before excavation starts.
Why is a pool waterproofed before tiling rather than after?
Because tiles and grout are not waterproofing, and water reaches the concrete through the joints. Waterproofing the shell directly and then running a fill test reveals any defect before tiling, whereas finding a leak after tiling means breaking the finish to repair it.
When is restoring an old pool better than demolishing and rebuilding it?
If the shell is structurally sound and the leak is confined to pipes, fittings, or the waterproofing and tiles, restoration is usually the better option. Through-cracks, settlement or widespread reinforcement corrosion need assessment by a structural engineer, which may end in rebuilding parts of the shell.
How long does building a new pool take?
It depends on size, pool type, site conditions and permits. Some stages should not be rushed, such as concrete curing, the fill test after waterproofing and the curing of tiling materials, so we provide a written schedule after the survey and design approval rather than a generic duration.
How do I know whether pool water loss is a leak and not evaporation?
With a bucket test: place a bucket of water on the pool step so both levels match, and compare the loss after 24 hours with the pump off and then with it running. If the pool drops clearly more than the bucket there is a leak, and repeating the test in both states helps distinguish the shell from the pipework.
Related services
Swimming Pool Waterproofing
Waterproofing for pools and fountains before tiling, plus leak repair for existing pools.
DetailsWaterproofing
Membrane, bitumen and liquid waterproofing systems for roofs, foundations and wet areas.
DetailsConcrete Repair: Honeycombing & Cracks
Treat the cause, not the symptom
Treating honeycombing, injecting cracks and repairing spalled concrete and corroded rebar with dedicated repair materials.
DetailsBook an inspection for pool construction & restoration
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