Focus on concrete shuttering blocks for pools
A masonry pool built with hollow blocks is only suitable for building a traditional pool with small skimmers and cannot accommodate all types of linings. We are referring to pools constructed with concrete blocks filled with poured concrete. You can find more information about pool linings in our guide to choosing a swimming pool lining.
Formwork blocks are made of factory-moulded concrete. Unlike hollow blocks, they have holes at the base and are assembled with dry cement. Each block has one or two cells for passing steel reinforcement, which is necessary to construct reinforced concrete pool walls.
The blocks are used as lost formwork and filled with concrete delivered by lorry or mixed on site. The concrete must be fluid enough to be pumped down through the interconnected cavities in the blocks.
In this way, the concrete is poured smoothly, forcing out air and eliminating segregation, resulting in walls that are extremely strong in both compression and lateral resistance.
The construction is similar to concrete forming panels, but does not require any expensive equipment — no metal or wood panels, and no concrete sprayer is needed. The choice of construction material is the first decision that determines everything that follows.”
Note: Polystyrene blocks for swimming pools have been developed as an alternative to concrete shuttering blocks. While this formwork is lighter, it requires a PVC reinforced membrane or a liner to ensure waterproofing. If you are considering this option, we recommend consulting a specialist before making a decision.
Using concrete shuttering blocks to build an overflow pool
This method can be used to construct rectangular as well as free-form pools. A pool built with these materials will last longer and be more durable than a masonry pool. This approach reduces construction costs without compromising on durability — leaving full budget for the finishing touches that define the pool’s character: decking, coping, and surface treatments. Swimming pools can also be refurbished with this method. A regular pool can also be converted into an infinity or zero-deck pool using concrete formwork blocks.
Owners’ experiences with block-built infinity pools
There are advantages and disadvantages to building an infinity pool from concrete blocks.
The benefits
- Walls can be erected by an experienced masonry contractor, making this method accessible for a wide range of construction teams.
- This concrete structure can be used to build any type of pool, swimming corridor, or relaxation and bathing area — including infinity pools.
- All pool coatings are permitted, including liners, mosaics, and glass fibre reinforced resins.
- There is no limit to the shapes that can be created. Custom pools with rounded forms require additional plastering work.
- Cutting out the blocks and inserting the components required for the filtration system — bottom drain, projectors, suction nozzle, or delivery nozzle — is straightforward.
- Construction costs are significantly lower than concrete forming panels or shotcrete. Pool construction costs are discussed in our infinity pool cost guide.
The disadvantages
- Handling the blocks is demanding due to their weight.
- A waterproofing coating must be applied before tiling.
Case study : Nouakchott – Mauritania
This project illustrates the self-build model that Morana Water Design supports internationally — where a client manages the construction with local teams, and MWD provides the full technical package and on-site presence when needed.
Project characteristics
This project consisted of a 16 x 3.70 m infinity pool, with a depth ranging from 1.30 to 2.00 m. A massage bench for six people is integrated along one side of the pool, separated from the main swimming area by stepping stones.
The pool was built with 27 cm-wide concrete shuttering blocks, with a technical room and balancing tank adjacent to the basin. Two filter groups provided a combined filtration rate of 40 m²/h, with salt electrolysis treatment. The interior was finished in glass fibre reinforced resin by a local company.
From the outset, space was tight and local teams were unfamiliar with this construction method. Every piece of equipment — pumps, filtration systems, fittings — was imported from Europe. Precise coordination was essential to keep the work on schedule and ensure each stage met international standards.
Before construction began
From the first site photographs, we developed the preliminary design and the final technical plans, including:
- General and sectional drawings.
- Detailed overflow edge design and step configuration.
- Piping diagram showing connections and underfloor routing, and technical room layout for filtration, heating, and control systems.
The build
Unlike shotcrete or panel pools, where floor and walls are poured in one go, block pools follow a step-by-step method:
- Cast the concrete floor over the reinforcement mesh.
- Assemble shuttering blocks, inserting steel reinforcement vertically.
- Pour fluid concrete down the cavities, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Level and smooth surfaces before applying waterproofing, if required by the chosen lining.
Despite the constraints, the result exceeded expectations. The pool became a focal point of the property — a place for gatherings, celebrations, and moments of calm in the heart of Nouakchott.
Building an infinity pool with concrete blocks — our approach
Concrete shuttering blocks are a proven, versatile construction method — but building an infinity pool with them requires precise technical planning from the outset. The hydraulic layout, the overflow edge geometry, the waterproofing sequence and the filtration sizing all need to be resolved on paper before the first block is laid.
Morana Water Design provides the full technical framework for this type of project: from preliminary design and sectional drawings to hydraulic plans, overflow edge detailing, and construction supervision. The result is a structure that performs as well as it looks — wherever in the world it is built.