How to Build a Hay Bale and Tarp Pool
You can build a
refreshing above-ground pool in just one afternoon by simply using hay bales
and a tarp.
Nothing beats a cool
pool when you want to cool off, relax with friends or simply float in warm
water with a frosty cold one in hand and let all the tensions of the day slip
out of your body.
Unfortunately, you may not have a
pool, and the cost of building one can be prohibitive, not to mention the time,
noise and hassle of pool construction. Plus, it’s a well-known fact that the
cost of building a pool adds little or no value to the equity in your house.
Fortunately, there’s an alternative
to traditional in-ground and above-ground pools that’s simple, cheap, environmentally
responsible and — best of all — lots of fun for you, your family and friends.
You can build a refreshing, attractive above-ground pool in just one afternoon
simply using hay bales and a tarp.
Before you begin, you need to think
about a few things. First, you’ll have to decide how many hay bales you’ll
need. Generally, about 80 bales of hay will be sufficient for a 30 foot by 40
foot tarp.
Next, you’ll need to pick a tarp.
Many different colors, styles and materials are available for tarps. Polyethylene
and vinyl are two popular materials, for instance. Whichever material you
choose, however, make sure it’s waterproof. In this case, of course, you want
the tarp to hold water in rather than keep it out.
You’ll also need a way of keeping the
bales in place solidly and keeping the tarp on the bales and the ground. There
are a few ways to accomplish these tasks. To keep your hay bales stable, you
can simply tie a rope very tightly around the bales once you've arranged them.
This will ensure that the pressure of the water won’t push them outward.
Another option is to drive stakes through the bales to anchor them in the
ground.
You also have a few options for
keeping the tarp on the bales. Some people simply use large staples to attach
the tarp to the underlying bales. Others use an even simpler method, just
putting weights such as sand bags on top of the tarp and bales.
Sand bags also work perfectly as
weights to keep the bottom part of the tarp solidly on the ground. If you don’t
have sand bags readily available, other inexpensive options are possible. Jugs
filled with water, for instance, are heavy and will do the job.
Once you've made your plan and
assembled all your materials, it’s time to get started. All you really have to
do is find a flat, level place for your pool. Then, you’re ready to get to
work. Although building your custom hay bale and tarp pool will only take a few
hours, consider inviting friends and neighbors over. Instead of an old-fashioned
barn-raising, think of this as a new-fashioned pool raising. Sooner than you
know it, you’ll be hosting your own pool parties.
