Construct pools and water features

This standard is for those who construct pools and water features.

The typical materials and equipment you would use when constructing pools and water features include: rocks and concrete, plastic ridged or flexible liners, electrically powered pumps and filters.

Electrical work should only be completed by a competent and qualified electrician.

If you are working with machinery you should trained and hold relevant certification where required.

You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise the impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.

1. assess site conditions to establish suitability prior to commencing construction of pools and water features 

2. be aware of hazards associated with the site and the proposed work

3. carry out an environmental assessment of the site before starting work

4. identify and prepare the necessary tools, equipment and materials to carry out the work safely and correctly

5. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) 

6. prepare the site according to specifications

7. install and construct pools or water features safely in accordance with specifications 

8. install equipment according to manufacturers' instructions and relevant legal requirements 

9. select, prepare and use tools, plant and equipment safely and correctly

10. carry out all work in a manner which causes minimal impact on the surrounding area and to other users of the site 

11. check that the pool or water feature installation is working correctly

12. identify potential defects with the pool or water feature installation and take preventative or corrective action where required

13. restore the site to an appropriate condition following completion of the pool or water feature installation 

14. process waste safely and correctly in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational requirements

15. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by your work

16. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

1. hazards associated with constructing pools and water features

2. how to interpret risk assessments

3. the importance of carrying out an environmental assessment of the site before starting work and the findings which may affect proposed work

4. how to interpret specifications and the importance of following them

5. the types of tools, equipment and materials required for the installation of pools and water features and how to select, prepare and use these safely and correctly

6.  the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity 

7. the problems that may arise when constructing pools and water features and what action to take

8. how to minimise the impact of your work on the surrounding area and to other users of the site 

9. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment 

10. the conditions suitable to the construction of pools and water features

11. the features and application of the range of materials used in the installation of pools or water features

12. the principles and methods of pool and water feature construction 

13. the principles of pump power calculation, selection and positioning 

14. the safety requirements for pump systems

15. the methods used to check that that pool or water feature is functioning correctly after installation

16. the symptoms of the types of faults that may occur within pools or water features

17. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by your work and how this should be done

18. the relevant legal and organisational requirements for the handling, transporting and disposal of waste

19. your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

A.      construct the following types of pool or water feature:

1. streams

2. fountains

3. water falls
4. ponds

B.      select and use the following types of materials when constructing pools or water features:

1. puddled clay liners  
2. fibre glass in situ
3. concrete in situ
4. irregular shaped preformed or precast
5. butyl or PVC liner
6. flexible liners

C.      select and use the following tools or equipment:

1. powered
2. hand tools

D.      select and install the following equipment:

1. pumps
2. filters
3. electrical supply

Pools and water features could be ponds, streams, fountains and waterfalls.

Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies