DIY Inground Pool: Complete Guide to Building Your Own Backyard Oasis

By Christopher TaylorLast Updated May 22, 2025

DIY in-ground pool: is it right for you?

Build your own in ground pool might seem like an ambitious project, but with proper planning, research, and determination, it’s an achievable goal that can save you thousands of dollars compare to professional installation. Before grab a shovel, you need to understand what you’re got into.

A DIY in-ground pool project require significant time commitment, physical labor, and technical knowledge. Most homeowners who successfully complete this project dedicate several weeks to months of consistent work. The reward? A custom swimming pool at a fraction of contractor prices and the immense satisfaction of create your own backyard oasis.

Plan your DIY in-ground pool

Research local regulations

Before plan your pool design, check with local authorities about:

Building permits require for in-ground pools
Setback requirements from property lines
Fencing regulations for pool safety
Depth restrictions
Utility line considerations

Most municipalities have strict codes regard residential pools. Failure to comply can result in fines and force removal of your pool, so this step is crucial.

Choose the right location

The perfect spot for your in-ground pool should be:

Level ground or an area that can be moderately level
Outside from trees (to minimize debris and root interference )
Clear of underground utility lines
In a sunny location
Visible from the house for safety monitoring
Accessible for construction equipment

Will consider how the pool will integrate with your will exist landscape and outdoor living spaces. The pool should enhance your property’s flow instead than disrupt it.

Determine pool size and shape

When decide on dimensions, consider:

Available space in your yard
Primary use (lap swimming, family recreation, relaxation )
Number of regular users
Budget constraint

Rectangular pools are the easiest for divers to construct, while curved or free-form shapes require more advanced skills. For first time pool builders, a modest rectangular design( 16′ x 32′ or smaller) offer the best balance of usability and construction simplicity.

Choose your pool type

Vinyl liner pools

The virtually DIY friendly option, vinyl liner pools typically involve:

Excavation of the pool area
Installation of wall panels (steel, polymer, or composite )
Pour a concrete floor or use sand
Install acustom-madee cut vinyl liner

Pros: lower initial cost, smooth surface, comparatively simple installation, and flexibility in shape.

Cons: liners need replacement every 7 10 years, can be punctured by sharp objects, and broadly have lower resale value than other pool types.

Fiberglass shell pools

These pre form shells are delivered to your property aninstallal in a prepared hole:

Excavation accord to shell dimensions
Prepare a sand or gravel base
Crane placement of the fiberglass shell
Backfill and finish the surroundings

Pros: fastest installation, smooth surface, durability, and low maintenance.

Cons: limited size and shape options, higher initial cost, and require professional delivery and crane rental.

Concrete / unite pools

The virtually permanent but besides virtually complex DIY option:

Excavation of the pool area
Installation of steel rebar framework
Application of unite or sconcrete
Plaster and finishing

Pros: unlimited customization options, highest durability, and best property value enhancement.

Cons: virtually expensive, longest construction time, require specialized skills, and equipment rental.

Budget for your DIY pool

A DIY in-ground pool isn’t cheap, but it can save 30 50 % compare to professional installation. Typical costs include:

Permits: $500 1,500
Excavation equipment rental: $1,000 3,000
Pool kit or materials: $5,000 15,000
Plumbing and electrical: $1,000 3,000
Filtration system: $500 2,000
Decking / patio: $2,000 10,000
Additional features (steps, lighting ) $ $500,000
Tools and miscellaneous: $500 1,000

Total DIY costs typically range from $12,000 30,000 depend on size, materials, and features, compare to $$35000 100,000 for professional installation.

Essential tools and equipment

You will need access to:

Excavator or backhoe (rental )
Laser level
Transit level
Tamper
Wheelbarrow
Shovels and rake
Measure tape
Power tools (drill, see )
Plumbing tools
Concrete tools (if applicable )

For specialized tasks like unite application, you may need to hire professionals eventide in a mainly dDIYproject.

Step-by-step construction process

Step 1: layout and excavation

Begin by mark your pool’s perimeter use stakes and string. Add 1 2 feet to all dimensions to allow work space. Before excavation:

Call utility companies to mark underground lines
Arrange for soil removal
Secure necessary permits
Plan access routes for equipment

Excavate to the appropriate depth, typically 6 8 feet at the deep end and 3 4 feet at the shallow end. Create a slight slope for drainage during construction. Use a laser level to ensure accurate depth end to end.

Step 2: install plumbing and electrical conduits

Before wall construction, install:

Main drain lines
Skimmer and return line plumbing
Electrical conduits for lighting

All electrical work should comply with local codes and may require a licensed electrician for final connections. Use schedule 40 PVC for all plumbing and ensure proper slope for drainage lines.

Step 3: wall construction

For vinyl liner pools:

Assemble wall panels accord to kit instructions
Secure panels to each other and brace them
Install cope along the top edge

For concrete pools:

Install steel rebar grid for walls and floor
Apply unite or sconcrete( (tentimes require professionals )
)
Allow proper curing time (typically 7 10 days )

For fiberglass shells:

Prepare level sand or gravel base
Coordinate crane delivery and placement
Level the shell before backfill

Step 4: floor installation

For vinyl liner pools:

Install sand or vermiculite base
Tamp and smooth the floor material
Create the appropriate slope from deeply to shallow end

For concrete pools:

Pour concrete floor over rebar
Smooth and finish to desire texture
Allow proper curing time

Step 5: liner or finish installation

For vinyl liner pools:

Install foam padding on walls if desire
Cautiously place the vinyl liner
Use a vacuum to draw liner against walls
Secure liner at the top edge

For concrete pools:

Apply finish coat (plaster, aggregate, or tile )
Install waterline tile if desire
Allow proper curing time

Step 6: equipment installation

Set up your filtration system, include:

Pump
Filter
Heater (if applicable )
Chlorinator or salt system
Control panel

Connect all plumbing to equipment and test for leaks before backfill and finish the pool area.

Step 7: backfilling and deck construction

Once the pool structure is complete:

Cautiously backfill around the pool walls
Tamp soil in layers to prevent settle
Install drainage systems if you need
Construct your pool deck or patio

Popular decking options include concrete, pavers, stone, or composite decking. Ensure proper slope outside from the pool for drainage.

Step 8: final details

Complete your pool with:

Safety fence installation
Ladder or steps
Diving board or slide (if applicable )
Landscape around the pool area
Lighting installation

Fill and start your pool

When fill your new pool:

Use a garden hose place in the deep end
Fill endlessly to prevent liner wrinkles (for vinyl pools )
Add initial chemicals as the pool fill
Run the filtration system ampere shortly as water cover the skimmer

Initial water balancing is crucial. Test and adjust:

Ph (ideal range: 7.2 7.8 )
Alkalinity (ideal range: 80 120 ppm )
Calcium hardness (ideal range: 200 400 ppm )
Chlorine level (ideal range: 1 3 ppm )

Maintenance considerations

Your DIY journey doesn’t end with construction. Ongoing maintenance include:

Daily: skim debris
Weekly: brushing walls, vacuuming, test water chemistry
Monthly: check equipment, clean filters
Seasonally: opening / closing procedures in seasonal climates

Budget for regular maintenance costs:

Chemicals: $20 50 monthly
Electricity: $30 150 monthly depend on pump size and runtime
Water: additional costs for top off and seasonal refills
Equipment maintenance: filter replacements, pump servicing

Common DIY pool challenges and solutions

Uneven excavation

Problem: irregular depths or slopes in excavation.

Solution: use a laser level systematically and correct with additional digging or fill material before proceed.

Wall settling or movement

Problem: pool walls shift during construction.

Solution: ensure proper bracing during construction and careful, flush backfill in 6 inch layers, tamp between layers.

Plumbing leaks

Problem: hide leaks in bury plumbing.

Solution: pressure test all plumbing before cover. Use high quality fittings and pipe cement, allow proper dry time.

Liner wrinkles

Problem: vinyl liner develop wrinkles during installation.

Solution: use a shop vacuum to draw liner tight against walls and cautiously adjust during fill. Fill endlessly instead than stop and start.

Time saving tips for DIY pool builders

Schedule construction during dry seasons to avoid weather delays
Rent equipment for the shortest necessary timeframe
Have all materials deliver before start each phase
Enlist friends and family for labor-intensive days like excavation and concrete work
Consider a pool kit preferably than source individual components
Don’t rush critical steps like cure concrete or testing systems

When to call the professionals

Evening in a DIY project, some tasks may warrant professional help:

Unite / sconcreteapplication
Complex electrical work (oftentimes require by code )
Gas line installation for heaters
Crane operation for fiberglass shell placement
Structural engineering if you have unusual soil conditions

Budget for targeted professional assistance in these areas can prevent costly mistakes while ease allow significant overall savings.

Final thoughts on DIY in-ground pools

Build your own in-ground pool is a challenging but rewarding project that can create a lifetime of enjoyment for your family. The key to success lie in thorough research, careful planning, attention to detail, and patience throughout the process.

By understand the scope of the project before begin, will secure proper permits, will follow construction best practices, and will maintain your pool decent after completion, you will create a backyard oasis that will add value to your property and will provide years of recreation and relaxation.

Remember that while the DIY approach save money, the true value come from create incisively the pool you want, build with your own hands. The pride of ownership in a self build pool add an intangible benefit beyond the financial savings.