Do It Yourself Fiberglass Pools: The Ultimate DIY Project!

At River Pools, we manufacture fiberglass pools that are sold through a vast network of independent installers from around the country who have installed thousands of pools collectively. Our pools aren't available to homeowners for direct purchase, but we still get frequent questions about DIY fiberglass pool installations. 

We've called on today's author to help address many of these questions, and we'll also provide a resource that can help as you begin researching fiberglass pools. 

We do not recommend installing a fiberglass pool yourself due to the multitude of risks involved. This process is complex and requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and experience to ensure proper installation, safety, and longevity. We always recommend contacting a professional for this task; however, if you are determined to proceed with a DIY installation, this article will help you better understand what you should expect. 

If you're just starting your research, you're probably thinking: "Fiberglass pools are conceptually easy to install. You just dig a hole and set it in, right?"

Well, yes, although it may not be quite as simple as it seems at first glance.

However, fiberglass pools can be a Do-it-Yourself project, but you'll need excavation and plumbing experience, and of course, time. 

If you are considering a DIY fiberglass pool you probably have several questions like:

• How much money do I save with a DIY fiberglass pool?

• What resources do I need to provide that are not normally included with the fiberglass pool shell?

• What are some common problems associated with Do It Yourself fiberglass pools?

• Is there a comprehensive installation guide available that can walk me through every aspect of installing the fiberglass pool?

What should I know before I install a fiberglass pool myself?

You have to budget for expenses such as equipment, dirt hauling, plumbing, water, and more. If all goes well, you might save about $6,000 to $10,000 overall. The most common challenge with DIY fiberglass pools is getting the pool shell level. Give yourself plenty of time to set it. For linear or rectangular pools, you also have to make sure the pool walls stay straight.

How much money does a DIY fiberglass pool really save me?

This is a great question. 

Be careful not to get too excited after checking the initial price of the inground fiberglass pool shell. 

A lot of expenses are not covered in that price. (I'll discuss those below.)

You want to be thorough on the front end so your budget doesn't get obliterated by a surprise expense during the project. 

To answer the question of how much you might save, let's look at an example. 

Say you have an inground fiberglass pool around 30 ft. long without any concrete patio.

For a professional to fully install this, it might cost anywhere from $55k–$100k.

A DIY installation of the same fiberglass pool would probably equate to a savings of $6k–$10k. 

These savings are typically balanced out by the time and effort you'll have to personally expend on the project, particularly if you haven't installed any fiberglass pool shells on your own (or as part of a crew) in the past.

Many manufacturers no longer sell fiberglass pool shells directly to consumers, because the risks and drawbacks to DIY fiberglass pool installation projects will often outweigh any cost savings you'll get from doing it all yourself.

For these reasons, the best recommendation will always be to work with a reputable installer who has the experience and expertise necessary to install your fiberglass pool quickly and safely. You can see what a done-for-you installation might cost with all the options and add-ons you may desire through this Design and Price tool. Just click the button below to start creating your perfect pool:  

What do I need to purchase that is not normally included in the fiberglass pool shell price?

These expenses are usually separate from the shell purchase:

• the equipment to complete the excavation
• a crane to set the pool if needed
• water to fill the pool
• the backfill material
• any necessary plumbing fittings and pipe
• filtration equipment if not included

This is a very rough pricing guide to give you some concept of the expense of these items.

• Equipment rental (one week): $2,000
• Crane: $1000/day is typical
• Water (trucked in): $700–$1,200
• Backfill material: $1,000–$2,000
• Miscellaneous plumbing: $300–$600
• Pool equipment: $700–$1,200

Please note that these are averages and may vary dramatically depending on location and equipment size.

What are some common challenges associated with Do-It-Yourself fiberglass pools?

The most common challenge associated with DIY fiberglass pool installations is getting the pool level.

For a first timer, this can be a frustrating experience. The key is to stick with it until you get it right. 

A bit of advice here: give yourself plenty of time for pool leveling. 

If you're having water delivered, build in a couple extra hours before they arrive and budget some extra time for the crane to sit on site while you work on getting the pool level. 

Few things are more stressful than re-setting a pool over and over while everyone's standing around waiting on you. 

These situations can lead you to compromise and settle for a pool that's not as level as you would like. Don't do it. You'll kick yourself later. 

Another common challenge with straight-wall pools is keeping those rascals straight. This requires constant monitoring while filling the pool and placing backfill. 

As soon as you set the pool, run a string line from corner to corner and keep it spot on until the pool is full. 

If the wall bows in or out, the pool will probably be fine, but you'll have to do some digging to get it straight again.  

It is important to keep in mind that the cost of your DIY pool doesn't stop after installation. Maintaining your pool is another layer of expenses you must factor in when deciding if a fiberglass pool is right for you. You can learn more about life after installation here. 

The best advice bares repeating, it's always better to hire a professional installer, but if you choose to tackle the ultimate DIY project and install your own fiberglass pool we wish you the best of luck!

Up Next:

7 Pool Extras That Won't Break the Budget

DIY Inground Pools: Costs, Types, and Problems to Consider

Inground Pool Shopping: Can You Buy a Pool Online?

Editor's note: This article was originally written by Jason Hughes and was updated on December 13, 2024, with current information. River Pools is a brand of inground fiberglass pools produced in a manufacturing facility in Fortville, IN. While our expertise is in manufacturing fiberglass pools, we have access to a network of installers with expertise relating to project design, installation, and pool service. We often tap into this knowledge base and share information freely with homeowners, just like you, considering installing a swimming pool in your backyard.