It’s summertime which means warm weather, beaches, and lots of fun in the water! Whether you are a professional sports team or an avid fan, getting in the water is always a good idea. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a trip to a nearby pool, or even just a lazy day at home, there are plenty of ways to get wet!
This article will teach you how to make a Barbie doll swimming pool at home so you can play in the water with your friends. It is not meant to be taken too seriously. You are of course encouraged to have fun and create various pools of different styles and colors for your Barbie dolls.
Table of Contents
First, Collect Some Materials
If you want to make a Barbie doll swimming pool, you will need several items of basic construction equipment along with some other household items to make it authentic. These items can be purchased at any hardware store for around $40 and should be sufficient to build the pool you need. It is a good idea to purchase an adjustable ladder so you can reach whatever height you need when filling the pool with water.
To create the illusion of depth and make the swimming pool look more realistic, you will need to paint the inside walls of the pool black. A quick Google search will yield dozens of online resources offering tips on how to paint plaster surfaces for an authentic look. Follow the instructions carefully and enjoy the finished product.
Next, Cut Large Pieces Of PVC To Shape The Pool Deck And Skateboard
Once you have your materials, you can start cutting. Use a sharp metal knife to make precise cuts and avoid using a cutting tool such as a Sawzall. It is also important to wear safety goggles when cutting to prevent eye damage.
Your first step is to cut the large pieces of PVC to shape your pool deck and skateboard. In the image above, you can see my cut pieces lined up on my workbench. It is a good idea to cut these pieces before you assemble the rest of the equipment as it will be easier to line up the pieces once they are all cut to size.
Cutting the pool deck and skateboard pieces allows you to maneuver them easier when constructing the rest of the pool. You will have to slide them in place to cut the last bits of vinyl because the power tools you will be using are quite large. Try as much as possible to keep the cuts aligned so you can fit the entire thing back together without any problems.
Now, Assemble The Rest Of The Pool Equipment
With your pool deck and skateboard cut, you can start assembling the rest of the pool equipment. Make sure you have all the necessary parts before starting to connect them with the included hardware. When you are finished, you can test the depth of your pool by dropping a large wooden spoon in it. If the spoon sinks to the bottom, your pool is too deep and needs to be shallower.
It is a common issue for people to underestimate the power of the wooden spoon when it comes to testing the depth of a swimming pool. So, before you estimate how deep your pool is, test it with a wooden spoon. If the spoon floats, your pool is probably too shallow.
It is also important to use the proper type of pliers when assembling parts of the pool. For example, to connect the PVC pipes, you will need wire cutters or pliers that are specific for cutting PVC. When it comes to soldering, you can use normal household pliers. As you can see in the image above, I made use of the offset shoulder of the pliers to achieve a precise cut without any problems. When soldering, it is important to use proper ventilation as the moisture content in the air will increase the chance of oxidation.
Lastly, Install Windows And Deck Covers
Once you have all the pieces of the pool in place, it’s time to cover it up. Installing windows is a good idea since it provides natural light without the need for a lot of bright bulbs and it can also be used to keep an eye out for children or pets that may fall in.
You can use one-inch PVC plumbing connectors to connect the adjacent windows. These connectors are designed to be coupled with complementary connectors on the opposite sides for a water-tight seal. To finish it off, you can apply a clear coat of acrylic or varnish to protect the surface from water damage and promote longevity of the finished product.
To install the windows, you will need to remove some of the decking along the outer edges so you can fit them in. You can use a cordless drill with an assorted pack of screw drivers to make the process faster and less strenuous. Alternatively, you can use some hacksaw and clamps to cut the PVC. Don’t forget to wear safety goggles when cutting the PVC so you don’t get eye damage.
Once the windows are fitted, it’s time to cover them with decking along the outer edges so it looks like an actual swimming pool. To match the color of the vinyl, you can use a black acrylic paint as a stencil to mark the edges of the wood. You can also use a white acrylic paint to mark the center area so it will look like a shallow pond in the middle of an otherwise black expanse.
To promote air circulation and prevent the surface of the pool from overheating, you can install a number of small air vents on the surface around the edges of the pool. These vents are made of plastic and have the same general appearance as the decking around the pool. You can connect them with the included clips or nails to keep them in place throughout the year.
To keep an eye out for children and pets, it is a good idea to put up a deck cover made of hard plastic. This will protect the surface of the pool from accidents and the general wear and tear caused by kids and pets. You can also put up some gates to deter other animals from entering the pool area.
To make it easy to maintain your pool, you can outfit it with an automatic pool cleaner. These cleaners are readily available for purchase and they will operate on a timed schedule or when they come into contact with water. They are designed to move through the water smoothly without excessive clogging. So, it is important to periodically clean them to ensure the proper functioning of the pool.
At this point, you should have a functioning swimming pool that looks like it belongs in a magazine. Of course, you can always add more features to it such as lighting or an inflatable toy to really set it apart from any other homemade pool. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and have fun!