Our Backyard Pool Project: From Slope Removal to Plumbing

We decided to build a pool in our backyard. One reason we bought this home was its large lot—over a quarter of an acre—making it perfect for a pool with plenty of space.

Our first challenge was removing a slope (berm) that limited our usable space. We removed it by hand, gaining about nine more feet of depth. This took about two weeks.

Next, we built a small retaining wall to prevent soil from sliding into the pool area. A machine dug the footing, and we added rebar for strength. Concrete was pumped in through a long hose since the mixer couldn't access the backyard.

The wall was built by Silverstone Contracting in Las Vegas. While we’re not endorsing any business, they did a great job. After pouring the concrete, the first layer of bricks was carefully leveled, followed by corner sections built up to four layers.

Drainage holes with PVC pipe were added between the first and second brick layers, spaced every eight to nine feet. On day two, the crew continued layering bricks and waterproofed the wall with black tar, plastic sheeting, and rocks.

We backfilled the wall using dirt from the removed slope—hot weather stretched this to a two-day task. Then we landscaped with decorative plants, irrigation, and ¾" Vista Gold rock to match the rest of the yard. Doing landscaping early avoided a mess after pool installation.

The pool design was marked on the ground with spray paint. Ours is 36 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 5.5 feet deep. Initial digging went smoothly—until we hit caliche, a tough soil common in Las Vegas. It required a special bit and broke two machines during the dig. Caliche removal added two extra hours of labor at $135/hour.

The excavation eventually reached 6.5 feet at the deepest point. Plumbing followed: PVC pipes, actuators, and a layout marked with spray paint. Our pool features include an 8-foot waterfall, a bubbler, and an in-floor cleaning system—all routed through a central actuator.

They used a blow torch to heat and shape the PVC pipes. Once shaped, water cooled the plastic to solidify. Sand was poured over the pipes for stability, and everything was connected, including drains and skimmer lines. The drain level was double-checked before backfilling.

The crew then dug a trench for pipes leading from the pool to equipment on the house’s side. The trench held six PVC pipes laid flat. During trenching, an irrigation line was hit, briefly flooding the area.

That wraps up Part 1 of our backyard pool build. Part 2 will include rebar, electrical, and gunite. Thanks for watching—subscribe and stay tuned!