Planning a round swimming pool is an exciting way to bring a splash of luxury to your backyard.
Although professional installation is the safest option, many homeowners find that a round pool can be built successfully using DIY.
Below is a user‑friendly guide that covers every stage—from preparation and excavation to finishing touches—allowing you to enjoy a beautiful, functional pool without overspending.

Know Your Site and Legal Requirements

1. Check Local Building Codes. Before you touch a shovel, verify that your local municipality allows residential pools. You’ll likely need a permit, and there may be setbacks, fencing, and safety requirements that you must meet.
   
   
2. Assess the Terrain. Level ground is ideal. If your yard slopes, you’ll need to level it or pick a spot that naturally fits a round shape. Check for underground utilities—contact local utility services to locate lines.
   
   
3. Decide on Size and Depth. Decide on 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.
   
   

Collect Materials and Tools

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

Shovels, wheelbarrows, and a robust tarp for debris

A steel frame or wooden rim to outline the pool perimeter

Reinforcing steel bars (rebar) or a pre‑formed concrete circle

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)

Keeping a detailed inventory list will help you avoid pricey last‑minute buys.

Installation Guide

1. Mark the Pool Outline. Use a garden hose or string to circle the ground. Stake the ends securely. Use a tape measure to gauge the diameter. This ensures the pool will be perfectly round.
   
   
2. Remove Soil from the Site. Excavate to the required depth, keeping a smooth, even slope from shallow to deep. The bottom must be level, especially in the shallow zone. With a concrete or plaster finish, a level base is essential.
   
   
3. Install the Perimeter Frame. Construct a sturdy ring along the excavation’s edge. For a concrete pool, a steel rebar circle or a prefabricated ring is ideal. If using 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, then embed 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. Secure the edges with a rim or a sand ring, ensuring the liner remains taut.

1. Set Up Plumbing. Install the skimmer, return jets, and filter unit. Route the plumbing lines through the pool rim. Embed plumbing before the concrete sets for concrete pools. Use a pre‑cut inlet so the liner isn’t cut for vinyl liners.
   
   
2. Apply Interior Treatment.
   

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

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

1. Install Coping or Tiles. Install coping stones, concrete coping, or decorative tiles around the lip. It looks polished and protects the rim from erosion.
   
   
2. Fill with Water. Once everything is in place and plumbing is tested, fill the pool zum aufstellen winterfest. Check for any leaks. If any leaks appear, patch them promptly.
   
   
3. Operate the Filtration System. Run the filter and pump for 24 hours to circulate the water. Add chlorine or another sanitizer to keep water quality.
   
   
4. Final Safety Check. Ensure all safety requirements are met—fencing, gate, and any required signage. If local code mandates a professional inspection, schedule it before using the pool.
   
   

DIY Pool Success Tips

• Plan for Drainage. Ensure the surrounding area has proper grading so water doesn’t pool around the foundation. A gentle slope away from the pool keeps the area dry.
  
  
• Use a Level Frequently. A level will catch uneven spots early, saving you time and money later. Check the bottom, walls, and coping for squareness.
  
  
• Keep the Liner Flat. 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. Store all equipment in a dry place and maintain them regularly. A well‑kept shovel and wheelbarrow will last years.
  
  
• Budget 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 each day.
  
  
• Check 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 local regulations, and staying diligent with maintenance, you can enjoy a safe, beautiful pool for years to come. Dive in and make a splash!