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.
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 Regulations

1. Confirm Local Building Codes. Before you touch a shovel, verify that your local municipality allows residential pools. You’ll probably need a permit, along with setbacks, fencing, and safety requirements to satisfy.
   
   
2. Assess the Terrain. Flat ground is ideal. If your yard slopes, you’ll need to level it or choose a location that naturally accommodates a round shape. Check for underground utilities—call local utilities to mark lines.
   
   
3. Set Size and Depth. Decide on the diameter that fits your space and needs. Common 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.
   
   

Collect 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 outline the pool perimeter

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)

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

Step‑by‑Step Installation

1. Sketch the Pool Outline. Use a garden hose or string to circle the ground. Stake the ends securely. Check the diameter with a tape measure. This ensures the pool remains perfectly round.
   
   
2. Dig the Site. Excavate to the required depth, keeping a smooth, even slope from shallow to deep. The bottom must be flat, particularly in the shallow zone. A level base is essential for concrete or plaster finishes.
   
   
3. Erect the Perimeter Frame. Build a sturdy ring along the edge of your excavation. For a concrete pool, a steel rebar circle or a prefabricated ring is ideal. 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. Add the Waterproofing Layer.
   

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

Vinyl Liner: Position the liner over the bottom and sides, smoothing wrinkles carefully. Secure the edges with a rim or a ring of sand, making sure the liner is taut.

1. Install Plumbing. Install the skimmer, return jets, and filter unit. Thread the plumbing lines through the rim of the pool. Insert the plumbing before the concrete sets for concrete pools. Use a pre‑cut inlet for vinyl liners to avoid cutting the liner.
   
   
2. Finish the Interior.
   

Concrete: After curing, apply a cementitious plaster or a special pool plaster. This provides 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. With everything in place and plumbing tested, fill the pool. Check for any leaks. If any leaks appear, patch them promptly.
   
   
3. Operate the Filtration System. Turn on the filter and pump for 24 hours to circulate water. Add chlorine or another sanitizer to maintain water purity.
   
   
4. Final Inspection. Check that all safety requirements—fencing, gate, and any required signage—are satisfied. Should local code require a professional inspection, arrange it before using the pool.
   
   

DIY Pool Success Tips

• Plan for Drainage. Make sure the surrounding area has proper grading so water doesn’t pool around the foundation. A gentle slope away from the pool helps keep the area dry.
  
  
• Frequent Level Use. A level detects uneven spots early, saving you time and money. Inspect the bottom, walls, and coping for aufstellpool angebote squareness.
  
  
• Maintain Liner Flatness. When working with vinyl, avoid cutting the liner. Lay it out with gentle, even pressure and a roller to flatten it instead.
  
  
• Protect 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. Set aside 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.
  
  
• Check 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 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!