Designing a circular pool is an exciting way to add a splash of 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.
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.

Understand Your Site and Legal Requirements

1. Check Local Construction Codes. Before you start digging, confirm that your local municipality permits residential pools. A permit will probably be required, along with setbacks, fencing, and safety requirements you must meet.
   
   
2. Examine the Terrain. Even ground is ideal. If your yard slopes, you’ll need to level it or find a spot that naturally allows a round shape. Check for underground utilities—contact local utility services to locate lines.
   
   
3. Choose Size and Depth. Decide on the 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 will give you versatility.
   
   

Acquire Materials and Tools

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

Shovels, wheelbarrows, and a strong tarp for debris

A steel frame or wooden rim to define the pool perimeter

Reinforcing steel bars (rebar) or a prefabricated 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)

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

Installation Guide

1. Sketch the Pool Outline. Use a garden hose or string to outline the circle on the ground. Stake the ends securely. Measure the diameter with a tape measure. This confirms the pool will be perfectly round.
   
   
2. Remove Soil from the Site. Dig to the required depth, maintaining a smooth, even slope from shallow to deep. The bottom must be flat, particularly in the shallow zone. If you’re using a concrete or plaster finish, a level base is essential.
   
   
3. Construct 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 best. If you choose a vinyl liner, simply lay the liner over the excavated area and secure the edges with a rim or a ring of sand.
   
   
4. Install 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: Position 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. Install Plumbing. Install the skimmer, return jets, and filter unit. Route the plumbing lines through the pool rim. 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. Apply the Interior Finish.
   

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

* Vinyl: The liner is the interior surface; no further finish is required.

1. Install Coping or Tiles. Place coping stones, concrete coping, or decorative tiles around the lip. This not only looks polished but also protects the rim from erosion.
   
   
2. Water the Pool. With everything in place and plumbing tested, fill the pool. Inspect for leaks. If leaks occur, patch them promptly.
   
   
3. Run the Filtration System. Run the filter and pump for 24 hours to circulate the water. Add chlorine or another sanitizer to preserve water quality.
   
   
4. Final Safety Check. Confirm that all safety requirements are met—fencing, gate, and any required signage. Should local code require a professional inspection, arrange it before using the pool.
   
   

DIY Pool Success Tips

• Drainage Tips. Make sure 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.
  
  
• Level Frequently. A level catches uneven spots early, saving time and money. Check the bottom, walls, and coping for squareness.
  
  
• Keep the Liner Flat. Avoid cutting the liner when working with vinyl. Lay it out with gentle, even pressure and a roller to flatten it instead.
  
  
• Protect Your Tools. Keep all equipment in a dry place and maintain them regularly. A well‑kept shovel and wheelbarrow will last years.
  
  
• Budget for Extras. Unexpected costs—such as extra sand, a small concrete patch, or a replacement liner—can sneak up. Allocate a contingency of 10–15% of your estimated budget.
  
  

Post‑Installation Maintenance

• 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 aufstellpool groß 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!