Constructing a circular pool is an exciting way to add a splash of luxury to your yard.
Despite professional installation being safest, many homeowners discover that a round pool can be constructed successfully with a DIY approach.
Here is a simple guide that takes you through each step—from preparation and digging to final touches—so you can enjoy a beautiful, functional pool without spending a fortune.

Know Your Site and Legal Requirements

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

Gather Materials and Tools

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

Shovels, wheelbarrows, and a robust tarp for debris

A steel frame or wooden rim to define the pool perimeter

Reinforcing steel bars (rebar) or a pre‑made concrete ring

Waterproofing membrane (polyethylene liner or epoxy coating)

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)

A clear inventory list will help you avoid expensive last‑minute buys.

Installation Guide

1. Mark the Pool Outline. Use a garden hose or string to circle the ground. Fasten the ends securely. Measure the diameter using a tape measure. This guarantees a perfectly round pool.
   
   
2. Remove Soil from the Site. Dig to the required depth, maintaining a smooth, even slope from shallow to deep. The bottom should be flat, especially in the shallow area. With a concrete or plaster finish, a level base is essential.
   
   
3. Install the Perimeter Frame. Assemble a sturdy ring along the excavation’s edge. For a concrete pool, a steel rebar circle or a prefabricated ring is best. Choosing a vinyl liner, lay it over the excavated area and secure the edges with a rim or a sand ring.
   
   
4. Apply the Waterproofing Layer.
   

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

Vinyl Liner: Lay the liner over the bottom and sides, smoothing wrinkles carefully. Fasten the edges with a rim or a sand ring, ensuring the liner stays taut.

1. Set Up the Plumbing System. Set up the skimmer, return jets, and filter. Thread the plumbing lines through the rim of the pool. For a concrete pool, embed the plumbing before the concrete sets. For a vinyl liner, use a pre‑cut inlet to avoid cutting the liner.
   
   
2. Finish the Interior.
   

Concrete: After curing, apply a cementitious plaster or a special pool plaster. This delivers a smooth surface for swimming.

* Vinyl: The liner acts as the interior surface; no extra finish is needed.

1. Add the Coping or Tiles. Install coping stones, concrete coping, or decorative tiles around the lip. It gives a polished look and shields the rim from erosion.
   
   
2. Fill the Pool. After all components are set and plumbing is tested, fill the pool. Check 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 keep water quality.
   
   
4. Inspection before Use. Confirm that all safety requirements are met—fencing, gate, and any required signage. If your local code requires a professional inspection, schedule it before you start using the pool.
   
   

DIY Pool Success Tips

• Drainage Planning. 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 finds uneven spots early, saving time and money. Check the bottom, walls, and coping for squareness.
  
  
• Maintain Liner Flatness. Avoid cutting the liner when working with vinyl. Instead, use gentle, even pressure to lay it out and use a roller to flatten it.
  
  
• Protect Your Tools. Keep all equipment in a dry place and maintain them regularly. A well‑kept shovel and wheelbarrow will last years.
  
  
• Set Aside 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.
  
  

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.
  
  
• Do a full water change every 3–4 months, or when the water looks cloudy.
  
  

Enjoy Your Creation

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