Creating a round pool is a thrilling way to bring luxury to your backyard.
While professional installation is the safest route, many homeowners are discovering that a round pool can be built successfully with a DIY approach.
Below is an easy‑to‑follow guide that walks you through every phase of the process—from preparation and excavation to finishing touches—so you can enjoy a beautiful, functional pool without breaking the bank.

Understand Your Site and Legal Requirements

1. Check Local Construction Codes. Before you start digging, confirm that your local municipality permits residential pools. You’re likely to need a permit, and there may be setbacks, fencing, and safety requirements you must comply with.
   
   
2. Examine the Terrain. Flat ground is ideal. If your yard slopes, you’ll need to level it or select a spot that naturally suits a round shape. Check for underground utilities—call local utility companies to identify lines.
   
   
3. Choose Size and Depth. Decide on a diameter that fits your space and needs. Typical sizes range from 12 to 20 feet across. For depth, a shallow zone (3–4 ft) for lounging and a deeper area (5–7 ft) for swimming or diving provides versatility.
   
   

Assemble Materials and Tools

Excavator or backhoe (or a sturdy rented mini‑excavator for smaller pools)

Shovels, wheelbarrows, and a sturdy tarp for debris

A steel frame or wooden rim to shape the pool edge

Reinforcing steel bars (rebar) or a prefabricated concrete ring

Waterproofing membrane (polyethylene liner or epoxy)

Pool plumbing kit (pump, filter, skimmer, return jets)

Pool tiles or coping stones for the lip

Concrete or plaster for the interior finish

Safety fence and gate (if required)

Having a clear inventory list will help you avoid costly last‑minute purchases.

Step‑by‑Step Guide

1. Sketch the Pool Outline. Use a garden hose or string to circle the ground. Secure the ends with stakes. Measure the diameter using a tape measure. This ensures the pool remains perfectly round.
   
   
2. Dig the Site. Remove soil to the required depth, ensuring a smooth, even slope from shallow to deep. The bottom should be level, especially in the shallow area. With a concrete or plaster finish, a level base is essential.
   
   
3. Build the Perimeter Frame. Erect a sturdy ring around the excavation’s edge. For a concrete pool, a steel rebar circle or a prefabricated ring is ideal. Choosing a vinyl liner, lay it over the excavated area and secure the edges with a rim or a sand ring.
   
   
4. Add the Waterproofing Layer.
   

Concrete Pools: Pour a concrete footing around the perimeter and embed rebar for reinforcement. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 28 days.

Vinyl Liner: Place the liner over the bottom and sides, smoothing wrinkles carefully. Secure the edges with a rim or a sand ring, ensuring the liner remains taut.

1. Install Plumbing. Set up the skimmer, return jets, and filter. Thread the plumbing lines through the rim of the pool. Embed plumbing before the concrete sets for concrete pools. For a vinyl liner, use a pre‑cut inlet to avoid cutting the liner.
   
   
2. Apply Interior Treatment.
   

Concrete: Once cured, apply a cementitious plaster or a specialized pool plaster. This delivers a smooth surface for swimming.

* Vinyl: No additional finish is needed; the liner itself is the interior surface.

1. Apply Coping or Tiles. Install coping stones, concrete coping, or decorative tiles around the lip. This not only looks polished but also protects the rim from erosion.
   
   
2. Fill with Water. After all components are set and plumbing is tested, fill the pool. Verify for leaks. If leaks occur, patch them promptly.
   
   
3. Start the Filtration System. Turn on the filter and pump for 24 hours to circulate water. Add chlorine or another sanitizer to maintain water quality.
   
   
4. Inspection before Use. Check that all safety requirements—fencing, gate, and any required signage—are satisfied. If a professional inspection is required by local code, schedule it before using the pool.
   
   

DIY Pool Success Tips

• Plan for Drainage. Ensure proper grading around the pool so water doesn’t pool around the foundation. A gentle slope away from the pool keeps the area dry.
  
  
• Frequent Level Use. A level detects uneven spots early, saving you time and money. Check the bottom, walls, and coping for squareness.
  
  
• Keep the Liner Flat. Do not cut the liner when working with vinyl. Use gentle, aufstellpool groß even pressure to lay it out and a roller to flatten it instead.
  
  
• Safeguard Your Tools. Keep all equipment in a dry place and maintain them regularly. A well‑kept shovel and wheelbarrow will last years.
  
  
• Plan for Extras. Unexpected costs—like extra sand, a small concrete patch, or a replacement liner—can sneak up. Set aside a contingency of 10–15% of your estimated budget.
  
  

Pool Maintenance After Installation

• Test the pH and chlorine levels at least twice a week during heavy use.
  
  
• Keep the filter clean; run the pump for 8–12 hours daily.
  
  
• Inspect the coping stones and liner for cracks or wear.
  
  
• Perform a full water change every 3–4 months, or when the water looks cloudy.
  
  

Enjoy Your Pool

A DIY round swimming pool is a labor of love that rewards you with a personal oasis. By following these steps, checking the local regulations, and staying diligent with maintenance, you can enjoy a safe, beautiful pool for years to come. Dive in and make a splash!