How to Build a Besser Block

Swimming Pool
Adbri has developed a system of using concrete
blocks to build a pool. There is virtually no limit to
what shape or size that can be built. This brochure
describes typical procedures for building domestic
swimming pools including 'wet edge' pools with
Adbri concrete masonry. Because site conditions
vary, it is recommended that professional design
advice be obtained from an engineer.

Besser blocks, as well as being an advantage in the An important part of this construction method is that
construction of swimming pools can also be used the floor slab should be poured and the walls filled with
in the construction of a screen wall if required. concrete in one continuous operation so that the floor
and walls become a single reinforced concrete structure.
In swimming pool construction it is important for the
walls and floor to be structurally integrated to ensure The techniques described in this brochure are suitable
maximum strength and a permanently water-tight structure. for domestic swimming pools, either totally inground,
The combination of a reinforced concrete floor and with coping beams not more than 500mm above ground,
reinforced Besser Block walls achieves these objectives. or completely out of ground with a cantilevered walkway
or a 'wet edge'.
The pool walls are constructed with Besser hollow
blocks and reinforced with steel rods placed in the
cores, which are then completely filled with concrete.
The finishing touch to your pool... Adbri pavers.
Choose from our wide range of shapes and fashion colours.

Wall Construction The suction line from the main drain should pass under the bottom
After excavation, the walls can be set out to approximate course and rise to the skimmer box outside the wall. Never install
dimensions in the normal way for blockwork. Conventional footings pipes in the cores of the blocks as a weakness in the wall will
are not required, but a firm and level base is necessary so that result. The water line to the pool should be located so as to impart
walls will be plumb and straight. This is easily provided by placing a circular flow to the water in the pool or as recommended by the
a concrete pad 50mm to 75mm thick and 220mm wide on which equipment supplier.
the bottom course is laid (figure 1). Please note detailed plumbing design should be sought from the
The first course consists of 20.45 blocks with mortar between pool contractor and that information could replace above details.
foundation and blocks. The blocks are placed together without mortar
in the 'perps'. A sloping floor can easily be achieved by providing Steel Reinforcement
200mm steps in the first course (figure 2). After blockwork and plumbing are complete the foundation is
trimmed to shape and bedding sand placed about 50mm to 75mm
Subsequent courses are laid using 20.48 blocks with mortar in the bed thick. A vapour barrier is then placed and the mesh reinforcement
joints only, and one 20.21 block at each corner with the appropriate for the floor laid. Starter bars are then placed in the walls in
end and side knocked out. Horizontal steel reinforcement is placed in accordance with the design and tied to the floor mesh (figure 1).
accordance with the designs as shown in the following general Vertical steel is then placed into the wall, lapping the starter bars
specification as the walls are built up. as shown in the wall detail sketch.
The top course consists of 20.61 blocks laid with open ends facing out
for coping beams or cantilevered walkways. These are then 'stack- Concrete
bonded' together to the 20.48 blocks using a waterproof adhesive. Rapid placement of floor and wall concrete in a continuous
Formwork is then used to provide a coping or walkway of the desired operation is important and it is recommended that concrete be
width. Between the blocks in the top course, use a small amount of pumped into place, starting with the floor (figure 3). Note: When
waterproof adhesive to glue them together. Some formwork will be ordering pre-mixed concrete it is very important to tell the supplier
necessary for pouring the coping beam or suspended cantilevered that the concrete will be pumped. Concrete for the floor should
walkway. Curved walls can be built if required. 20.48 blocks are used have 75mm to 150mm slump and be vibrated into place. The
in the top course for decking walkways or 'wet edge' construction. bottom course of the walls must be completely filled with concrete.
The floor is screeded and a curve formed at the floor wall junction.
Plumbing - General Information Guide Only As soon as the floor concrete is in place, fill the walls with
Installation of filtration plant and pipe work should be carried out in 125mm to 150mm slump concrete. Concrete in the walls is rodded
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The skimmer box to ensure that no air pockets remain. Concrete in the walls must
should be installed in the top course at the end of the pool facing the NOT be vibrated. Concrete must be correctly cured to avoid
direction of prevailing winds. A small amount of timber formwork may cracking. The pool is then ready for finishing trades ie: plastering,
be necessary to retain concrete around the skimmer box (figure 2). tiling or painting.
The main drain complete with hydrostatic pressure relief valve should
be placed at the lowest point of the floor (figure 2). In clay or other
heavy soils, a pit approx. 500mm square x 500mm deep should be
dug where the main drain is to be placed and filled with coarse gravel.
Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Block Types:
20.45 20.48
Only 4 block types are required: 20.45, 20.48, 20.21 and 20.61. For the 190 190
Special Cleanout “H” Block
bottom course, a 20.45 block is used to avoid a mortar joint through the wall.
(ex-Brisbane)
The body of the wall is built using 20.48 blocks layed in running bond. 390 390
As these blocks have open ends, they form large cavities down which 190
190
concrete can be easily poured into. Also, as there are no mortar joints
continuous from inside face to outside face, there is minimal chance of leaks.
The corners of the pool are constructed with 20.21 blocks, which are
required in each corner. Removal of knock-out sections allows horizontal 20.21 20.61
190 190
steel to continue around the corners. The top course is formed using Corner Bond Pier
the 20.61 block for both coping and cantilever walkways and 20.48 Beam
blocks for decking and 'wet edge' construction. 390 390
190
190
Adbri Masonry For more information call: 1300 365 565
AB Commercial Retaining Wall Adbri Masonry Pty Ltd
1st Edition ABN: 31 009 687 521
© June 2009 - Adbri Masonry Pty Ltd www.adbrimasonry.com.au

Typical inground Besser Block pool details (not to scale) NOTE

The details shown are typical only and
are provided to assist pool owners,
contractors and designers in the
general structural use of Besser blocks
for swimming pools. Mandatory
requirements for submission to council
are the responsibility of the pool owner.
General Specification
1. All design, workmanship and
materials shall be in accordance with
Australian Standards.
AS 3600 Concrete Structures
AS 3700 Masonry Structures
AS 2783 Reinforced Concrete for
small swimming pools
AS 1170 Loading Code
2. Block types used are 20.21, 20.45,
20.48 and 20.61 by Adbri Masonry.
3. Characteristic compressive strength
of concrete to be N20 at 75mm to
150mm slump for floor and 125mm
to 150mm slump for walls.
4. Floor concrete to be vibrated and
wall concrete to be rodded only.
5. Floor concrete to be 125mm thick.
6. Reinforcement shall be as indicated
on cross sections.
Coping / Walkway Detail Decking Walkway Detail
7. Starter bars, vertical and horizontal
reinforcement to be placed every
200mm centres for walls over
1200mm high and 400mm for walls
under 1200mm high. Lap to floor
Typical out of ground Besser Block pool details (not to scale) mesh to be 600mm. Lap to wall
steel to be 450mm. Lap for
horizontal bars to be 450mm and
stagger every alternate course.
Increase lap to 600mm at corners.
Note: Wet Edge reinforcement to be
as shown in 'Wet Edge' details for all
wall heights. Lap Bars as above.
8. Cover to reinforcement. Place all
steel in centre of floor slab and wall
blocks.
9. Suitable for site classifications Class
M or better. Seek professional
engineering advice for other site
classifications.
10. Minimum bearing capacity of
foundation material to be 100kPa.
11. Earthquake design has not been
considered. Seek advice from council
if required.
12. Out of ground designs are suitable
for length of side not greater than
12 metres. Seek professional
engineering advice for larger pools.

Coping / Walkway Detail Infinity Pool Edge Detail