My DIY inground pool project saved me over $41,000 compared to professional installation quotes. Professional contractors wanted nearly $80,000 for my dream pool, but I built the whole thing for just $38,915.
The project helped me save money by a lot and gave me full control over every detail of the build. Most homeowners can save $6,000 to $10,000 or more when they choose to build their own inground pool. The project took about 3 months to finish, and the investment proved worthwhile – especially since a properly maintained inground pool can last 30-50 years.
Let me walk you through my journey of building an inground swimming pool in this piece. You’ll learn about the original planning, final touches, challenges faced, complete cost breakdown, and practical tips that will help you decide if this project suits your needs.
Update: I did not know about the DIY Pools and Spas program that helps homeowners to build their own pools. Their program claims to save you $20k minimum and have your pool finished within 8-12 weeks. I wish I had known about it!
Why I Chose to Build My Own Inground Pool
The steep prices in contractor quotes for my inground pool project left me stunned. Professional pool builders asked for between $50,000 to $100,000 for a standard-sized pool. Contractors in metropolitan areas charged way more than their suburban counterparts – prices ranged from $52,000 to $79,000 in Vermont compared to $34,000 to $55,000 in Alabama.
Original contractor quotes
My review of the quotes revealed some concerning patterns. Several contractors gave me generic construction blueprints that only looked at minimum material sizes and dimensions. These simple plans didn’t account for significant factors like specific site conditions and soil types. Some quotes came in way below market rates – a red flag that Forbes Home warns about.
A side-by-side comparison of multiple quotes helped me analyze the costs for:
- Filtration system equipment specifications
- Quality of materials and plaster
- Warranty coverage details
- Post-construction maintenance support
Detailed pool cost quotes showed that beyond base costs, I needed money for permits, inspections, fencing, decking, and ongoing maintenance averaging $80-150 monthly. The contractors’ packed schedules, especially during peak seasons, meant we might face delays of several months before work could start.
Research and preparation time
My research into do-it-yourself pool options took quite some time. The investigation showed that building my own inground pool could save between $6,000 to $10,000 compared to professional installation. Notwithstanding that, mistakes during DIY construction could get pricey down the road.
Local regulations and permit requirements became my next focus. Most cities require licensed builders to supervise pool construction to meet code requirements. My applications included both a residential building permit and an electrical permit. The approval process took 2-6 weeks, based on my project’s complexity and local authority requirements.
This phase required me to:
- Study different pool types and their installation requirements
- Learn about local zoning laws and building codes
- Review setback requirements and drainage regulations
Choosing between hiring professionals for certain aspects versus handling everything myself became a significant decision. To cite an instance, see my choice about excavation – I planned to manage it myself but ended up hiring professionals. The cost stayed under $1,000, and it saved me from potential mistakes with unfamiliar heavy equipment.
The preparation phase turned out to be a great way to get insights and avoid common pitfalls. My focus shifted to creating detailed plans that covered significant elements like equipment access paths and material storage instead of rushing into construction. The advice from people without recent pool-building experience, though well-meaning, needed careful filtering.
My research showed how proper planning affects both timeline and costs. Ordering pool materials during fall or winter could save up to $10,000 by avoiding seasonal price increases. Putting off certain features like heaters and safety covers until after the first season could reduce initial costs by about $10,000.
Planning the DIY Pool Project
Good planning is the life-blood of any successful DIY inground pool project. My research showed that careful preparation can make the difference between a smooth build and a project that gets pricey.
Choosing the pool type and size
My first big decision was picking between concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools. Each option had its own benefits – concrete pools let you customize everything, fiberglass pools go in faster and need less upkeep, and vinyl liner pools turned out to be the most budget-friendly option though you need to replace them every 7-10 years.
I went with a vinyl liner pool after thinking it over. This choice worked great because vinyl pools let you customize the shape and size while staying affordable. It also has a smooth surface that makes swimming comfortable, but you need to be careful with pool toys and cleaning equipment.
The size decision came down to several things:
- Available backyard space
- Local setback requirements
- Expected usage patterns
- Long-term maintenance costs
Getting permits and approvals
Getting the right permits turned out to be trickier than I thought. Most cities want residential building permits for inground pools, and some areas need extra permits for stormwater, electrical, and plumbing work.
The permit application needed:
- Detailed plot plans showing pool location
- Structural plans
- Electrical and plumbing specifications
- Water circulation system details
Permit approval times changed by a lot depending on location, usually taking 2-6 weeks. Some cities approved permits in two weeks, while others needed multiple approvals, planning board meetings, and engineers to look things over, which could stretch the timeline to several months.
Creating a realistic timeline
My research helped me create a detailed timeline for each construction phase. A DIY inground pool usually takes 10-12 weeks to build after permit approval. I learned to plan for delays from:
- Weather problems
- Material shortages
- Surprise site conditions
- Required inspections
Digging usually takes two days, and the first permit processing takes a week. Putting in plumbing, with all the electrical and plumbing permits, takes about a week. Tile and decking needs another week, though this changes based on how complex the design is and how much space you’re covering.
Building in autumn often means you get more attention from professionals and better prices. This timing helps you avoid the busy season when pool contractors have too many projects.
I managed to keep close contact with local building departments and inspectors throughout the planning. This helped prevent delays and made sure everything met safety rules. Inspectors came at key points: after digging, during plumbing work, and after concrete was done.
One big lesson I learned was about weather planning. Places like Florida, where rain can pop up unexpectedly, can really affect your construction timeline. So I added extra time to my schedule just in case.
Essential Tools and Materials
Building a DIY inground pool works best when you have the right tools and materials ready. My experience taught me that picking the right equipment makes all the difference between smooth construction and getting hit with pricey delays.
Must-have equipment
You’ll need several types of tools to build your own pool. Let me start with the simple hand tools that I couldn’t live without:
- Adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, and socket sets
- Utility knives and tape measures (25′ and 100′)
- Levels (4ft and 6ft) and carpenter’s squares
- Channel-lock pliers and pipe cutters
Power equipment is a vital part of quick construction. A commercial shop vacuum with 2HP 130 CFM capacity turned out to be a great way to get the cleanup done. These power tools helped optimize various tasks:
- Drills with assorted bits for multiple applications
- Hacksaws for precise cutting needs
- Hole saws (2″ and 3″) for plumbing work
The big dig needs heavy machinery. I rented a trackhoe (excavator) that cost about $2,000 per week. This machine moved roughly 60 tons of dirt to create a standard 15’x30′ pool.
The pool itself needs specific equipment:
- Pool pump and filtration system
- Skimmer and main drain components
- Valves, fittings, and pool lights
Where to source materials cheaply
Smart planning helps you find materials at good prices. The basic equipment costs between $700-$1,200 for pool equipment alone. Without doubt, plumbing materials add another $300-600 to your budget.
You can save money by buying during off-season. Pool equipment prices drop by a lot in fall and winter. Local masonry and cement supply houses often beat retail store prices.
Here’s what you’ll spend on construction materials:
- Backfill material: $1,000-$2,000
- Water delivery: $700-$1,200
- Miscellaneous plumbing components: $300-$600
Your rental costs need careful planning. Besides the excavator, you’ll need:
- Cement mixer/plaster mixer (available for rent)
- Transit laser level
- Bobcat for material handling
Some tools are worth buying outright:
- Pool trowels (14-inch)
- Grade stakes and string lines
- Tampers and wheelbarrows
Safety gear deserves your attention. Leather gloves, safety glasses, and proper work boots protect you from common construction hazards. Extension cords, duct tape, and silicone RTV sealant also became must-have supplies.
Plumbing work needs specific materials:
- PVC pipes and fittings
- Teflon tape for threaded connections
- Pipe primers and cement
- Vermiculite or grout: $800-$2,500
You can find some materials through different channels. Local concrete suppliers beat retail prices. Pool supply warehouses give bulk discounts on chemicals and equipment.
Don’t forget your testing gear:
- Water testing kits
- Electrical testing meters
- Leak detection tools
Step-by-Step Construction Process
We started the actual construction after completing all preparations. I had to mark the pool’s layout on the ground with exact dimensions so the excavation team could begin their work.
Excavation phase
A significant soil test kicked off the excavation process to check ground conditions. The soil composition looked good, so I called the national Call Before You Dig line (811) to identify underground utilities. This service saved us from potential disasters that could happen from hitting buried power or water lines.
Our excavation team brought in heavy machinery to dig roughly 16.5′ x 26.5′ for my 14′ x 28′ pool. We made sure to keep a 2-foot depth for plumbing lines to protect against ground movement and freezing temperatures. Here’s a helpful tip I discovered: asking the operator to dig a 2-foot wide trench from the pool to the equipment pad saved us lots of manual work later.
Installing plumbing
The plumbing system needed careful planning to ensure good water circulation. The setup included two main drains 3 feet apart, connected by a pipe and tee fitting in the middle. This dual-drain design met safety regulations and helped water flow better.
The skimmer’s position on the pool’s long side, away from widespread breezes, worked well. This smart placement naturally guided surface debris toward the skimmer. Return lines spread evenly eliminated dead spots in corners.
The plumbing configuration included:
- 2-inch Schedule 40 pipes for main circulation
- Dedicated lines for the pump and filter system
- Properly sized conduit for pool lighting
Setting up walls
Wall installation started with patio blocks placed at correct heights at each panel seam. This approach worked better than trying to shim walls later. Steel bolts secured steel walls while plastic bolts worked for polymer versions.
Each panel needed perfect alignment and leveling. The work involved:
- Connecting panels with non-corrosive nuts and bolts
- Attaching adjustable A-braces at specific intervals
- Installing wall braces at panel joints using thru-bolts
Concrete work
The concrete phase required careful attention to detail. We built a steel-reinforced rebar skeleton in a grid pattern first. Vertical bars went 18 inches apart while horizontal bars sat at 12-inch intervals. This framework gave vital structural support for the gunite application.
Spraying shotcrete or gunite onto the rebar frame came next. Shotcrete needed about a week to set, and we had to water it regularly during curing. Gunite pools needed a full month to set properly.
The last steps included installing the pool finish with stone or tile elements for the interior surface. A surface-level deck around the pool’s perimeter completed the project. Quality concrete work proved vital for lasting durability since small cracks could cause future leaks.
Dealing with Common Challenges
Building a DIY inground pool takes careful planning, but you’ll still face unexpected challenges. My project taught me valuable lessons about determination and creative problem-solving.
Weather delays
Rain turned out to be our biggest enemy during construction. A single rainy day could set us back several days. Pool construction needs bone-dry conditions – any moisture can weaken the structure.
The excavated pool hole became our weak spot after heavy rainfall. We had to wait days for the soil to dry enough before getting back to work. Different soil types reacted differently – clay held onto water longer while sandy soil dried faster.
The stability of our excavated pool hole gave us real headaches. Rain made the walls collapse and left us with a muddy mess at the bottom. We tackled this problem with two solutions:
- A thin gunite coating on interior walls
- Weighted tarps around the edges when light rain was coming
Wind caused more trouble than we expected, even on dry days. Strong gusts made it hard to apply the pool’s interior finish and install the patio decking. Debris would blow into fresh materials and leave permanent marks or weak spots.
Equipment issues
Equipment problems popped up all through construction. We dealt with breakdowns big and small that needed quick fixes and backup plans. Here’s what broke down most often:
- Hydraulic hoses
- Excavator tracks
- Fuel pumps
- Tensioners
These breakdowns hit us hard because repairs could take weeks. One time, our dump truck sat idle for six weeks waiting for parts. We had to get creative to keep things moving forward.
The plumbing system brought its own challenges:
- Pumps that wouldn’t prime
- Suction lines leaking air
- Clogged impellers
- Blocked filters
The right water level made all the difference for equipment to work properly. We got better at fixing problems by checking:
- Gas connections
- Thermostat settings
- Heater debris
- Chlorinator cell buildup
This project needed knowledge from almost every construction trade. Beyond the basics, we learned about:
- Water treatment chemistry
- Filtration systems
- Structural engineering basics
The human side of things proved just as challenging. Quality subcontractors preferred working with established pool companies over DIY projects. Those who did take the job charged extra because they spent more time explaining things and handling changes.
Soil testing became another crucial step. Some builders skip it to save money, but we learned it prevents:
- Cracking pools
- Shifting ground
- Flooding problems
- Downhill sliding
The hydraulics system needed special attention. People often make mistakes with:
- Pump sizes
- Skimmer locations
- Pipe dimensions
- Plumbing component placement
Final Costs Breakdown
My DIY inground pool project saved me a lot of money. The final costs were much lower than what professional installers quoted, thanks to smart planning and finding the right suppliers.
Material expenses
The pool shell and main components made up most of the material costs. A vinyl liner pool kit with walls and basic equipment costs between $5,000 and $10,000. My 16×40 fiberglass pool shell plus the pump and filter system cost about $15,000.
The plumbing materials added $300 to $600 to the total cost. Here’s what other vital components cost:
- Backfill material: $1,000-$2,000
- Water delivery: $700-$1,200
- Pool equipment: $700-$1,200
- Vermiculite and grout: $800-$2,500
Of course, smart material choices affected the total investment. High-end materials lasted longer, and they still cost less than professional installation. Being my own contractor saved me $20,000 to $30,000 on materials and equipment.
Equipment rental
The equipment rental was a big expense but manageable. The excavator rental cost about $2,000 per week. The installation took 4-8 weeks, so good scheduling was vital to keep costs down.
We needed these rentals too:
- Concrete mixers: $550-$900 per day
- Crane service: $400-$800
- Additional tools and equipment: $500 minimum
Labor makes up 70% to 90% of what professionals charge for pool installation. The money I saved by doing the work myself covered the equipment rental costs.
Labor costs saved
The biggest savings came from cutting labor costs. Pool builders charge $20,000 to $50,000 for labor. In fact, labor is 25% to 50% of total pool construction costs.
Good planning helped me minimize hired help. Some jobs needed professionals:
- Excavation work: $400-$1,500
- Crane operation: $500 per day
- Electrical installations: Costs varied based on complexity
My approach to handling labor paid off. Even after paying professionals for specialized work, labor costs stayed nowhere near professional quotes. Labor is usually half the cost of a pool installation, so doing the work myself cut the price in half.
The project ended up costing about $38,915, including all materials, equipment rentals, and professional help. Professional quotes ranged from $65,000 to $120,000 for concrete pools, and $25,000 to $60,000 for fiberglass options. The DIY route saved me a lot of money.
Smart timing helped cut costs even more. Building during off-peak seasons meant better equipment availability and lower rental rates. Buying materials in fall or winter months led to more savings through seasonal discounts.
Conclusion
I built my own inground pool and learned a lot along the way. The project took three months of hard work, but I saved $41,000 in the process. My $38,915 investment gave me exactly what I wanted – a custom pool that matched my design perfectly.
Good research and planning made this project a soaring win. Bad weather, equipment problems, and technical issues tested my patience. Smart timing of material purchases and equipment rentals cut costs by a lot. I handled most of the work myself, which saved me even more money.
My story proves that homeowners can build their own pools if they put in the time and effort. A quality pool lasts 30-50 years, so the original work pays off for decades. This project taught me valuable lessons that help me save on maintenance costs. I now understand pool systems much better.
Note that your success depends on good planning, patience, and careful attention to details. Swimming in a pool you built yourself makes the whole experience worth it – especially when you’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars.
FAQs
Q1. How much can you save by building your own inground pool? Building your own inground pool can potentially save you 50% or more compared to professional installation. The exact savings depend on factors like pool size, materials used, and your DIY skills, but many homeowners report saving tens of thousands of dollars.
Q2. What are the main challenges of a DIY inground pool project? The main challenges include obtaining proper permits, ensuring structural integrity, installing plumbing and electrical systems correctly, dealing with weather delays, and managing equipment issues. Proper planning and research are crucial to overcome these obstacles.
Q3. How long does it typically take to build a DIY inground pool? The timeline for a DIY inground pool project can vary greatly, but it often takes several months to complete. Some homeowners report spending 3-4 months of dedicated work, while others may spread the project out over a year or more, depending on their schedule and budget.
Q4. What are the essential components needed for a DIY inground pool? Essential components include excavation equipment, pool shell materials (concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl), plumbing systems, filtration and pump equipment, electrical wiring, and safety features like fencing. You’ll also need various tools and supplies for construction and finishing work.
Q5. Is it legal to build your own inground pool? The legality of building your own inground pool varies by location. Many areas require permits and inspections, and some may mandate that certain aspects of the project be completed by licensed professionals. It’s crucial to check local regulations and obtain necessary approvals before starting a DIY pool project.
