In the summer of 2020, Alex Dodman from Essex, UK, embarked on an ambitious project: building a swimming pool in his garden. He and his partner, Sarah, had recently moved into a new home, which needed a lot of attention and a keen hand to make improvements. To cut costs, Alex sourced most of the materials through Facebook, saving himself thousands compared to hiring professional contractors.
Alex took full control of the entire process. From hauling the materials to renting a digger and excavating the ground, he handled it all. He even completed the tiling and plumbing himself, managing to keep the overall cost to around $10,000—significantly lower than if he had hired professionals for the job. His hard work and determination ultimately resulted in a beautiful, private oasis for his family to enjoy.
After this success, Alex’s passion for DIY grew. His latest challenge is even more ambitious: he is now rebuilding the family home. Having moved in with Sarah, a human resources manager, and their two children, Allie and Eddie, Alex has proven time and again that he’s more than capable. In fact, he previously saved £75,000 by building his own home theater and gym, further cementing his reputation as a dedicated do-it-yourselfer.
Now, he’s working on something even more significant—creating the perfect home for his family. Alex had long dreamed of having a swimming pool, and when he saw an underutilized part of his garden, he decided to tackle the project himself. He researched extensively to understand the entire process, ensuring that every aspect of the build was done correctly.
Driven by a YouTube video of a woman constructing her own pool in Holland, Alex felt confident in his abilities. During his lunch break, he watched a tutorial that pushed him to take immediate action. By the end of the day, he had already made plans to rent a mini digger. However, as soon as he started the work, he realized that building a pool was much more challenging than he initially anticipated.
The project required not only time and effort but also a great deal of problem-solving to overcome unexpected hurdles. Despite the complexities, Alex remained determined. His persistence paid off, and today, his family enjoys a stunning backyard retreat.
Even with delays caused by the pandemic, Alex remained undeterred. He collected all the materials himself, leveled the ground, and carried out the construction with his own two hands. Through sheer hard work and determination, Alex achieved his goal, proudly stating that he “did every last part of it all by himself.” His unwavering commitment is a testament to what can be accomplished with perseverance and a willingness to learn.
