Phase 1
Layout & Planning
Properly position your pool, establish elevations, verify setbacks, and prepare your project before excavation begins.
The complete journey
How DIY Pool School Works
From your first backyard idea to your completed swimming pool, we'll guide you through every step of the journey.
Building a swimming pool doesn't have to mean paying a traditional pool builder tens — or even hundreds — of thousands of dollars in markup.
DIY Pool School gives homeowners the education, engineering, professional guidance, and project management needed to confidently manage their own swimming pool construction.
Many homeowners save $30,000–$40,000 on average by managing their own projects. For larger custom pools, savings can often exceed $100,000–$150,000, depending on the size and complexity of the build.
Instead of paying for unnecessary overhead, you're investing in knowledge, expert support, professional engineering, and a proven process.
Step One
Meet Your Dedicated Design Partner
This is where the relationship begins. Every client is paired with a dedicated Pool Design Specialist who becomes their primary point of contact throughout the design phase.
Your Design Partner works with you to understand your vision, answer questions, coordinate revisions, and ensure your project is moving in the right direction.
This isn't simply customer service — it's a collaborative design partnership.
- Vision & scope alignment
- Design revisions coordinated for you
- One primary point of contact
- Guidance through every design decision
After-hours AI support
A premium AI Assistant beside you 24/7
In addition to your dedicated Design Partner, you'll receive access to our custom AI Assistant — trained on more than twenty years of swimming pool construction knowledge and our proprietary educational content.
Interact by text or voice to get answers anytime. The AI helps explain construction methods, terminology, equipment, sequencing, planning, budgeting, permitting, and troubleshooting whenever your Design Partner isn't available.
A premium benefit that complements — not replaces — your human relationship.
Step Two
Master Every Phase of Construction
Members receive lifetime access to the DIY Pool School curriculum. Each lesson follows the same order professional builders use.
Phase 2
Excavation & Steel
Excavation techniques, structural steel placement, bonding requirements, inspections, and proper prep before the shell is installed.
Phase 3
Concrete Pool Shell
What separates a quality gunite or shotcrete shell from a poor installation — and how to prepare for this critical phase.
Phase 4
Pool Plumbing
Master suction lines, returns, hydraulics, equipment sizing, and plumbing inspections before concrete placement.
Phase 5
Tile, Coping & Decking
Finish materials, waterline tile installation, coping systems, expansion joints, and deck preparation.
Phase 6
Electrical
Bonding, grounding, automation wiring, lighting systems, equipment connections, and electrical inspections.
Phase 7
Equipment Installation
How pumps, filters, heaters, automation, sanitizers, and plumbing equipment are properly installed and commissioned.
Phase 8
Interior Finish
Plaster preparation, curing, startup requirements, and protecting your investment during the first thirty days.
Phase 9
Pool School & Water Chemistry
Startup procedures, balancing water chemistry, equipment operation, preventative maintenance, and long-term ownership.
Step Three
We Connect You With Qualified Professionals
Homeowners don't have to search blindly for subcontractors. DIY Pool School helps connect members with experienced professionals for every major phase of construction.
Excavation
Steel
Shotcrete / Gunite
Plumbing
Tile
Coping
Decking
Electrical
Equipment Installation
Interior Finish
Subcontractor availability depends on region — introductions are provided where available.
Construction timeline
See the Professionals Behind Every Phase
Every stage of your swimming pool is completed by experienced professionals. DIY Pool School helps introduce you to trusted subcontractors while teaching you exactly what to expect before, during, and after every phase of construction.
As you progress through the course, you'll understand each trade, know what quality workmanship looks like, and confidently manage your project from start to finish.
Phase 1 — Excavation
Excavation & Site Preparation
Your project begins with professional layout, excavation, grading, and preparation of the pool footprint according to the engineered plans.
Phase 2 — Shotcrete / Gunite
Structural Pool Shell
Professional shotcrete or gunite crews install the structural shell, transforming steel reinforcement into a permanent concrete structure built to last.
Phase 3 — Pool Plumbing
Hydraulics & Plumbing
Experienced pool plumbers install suction lines, return lines, water features, drainage systems, and equipment connections to maximize efficiency and performance.
Phase 4 — Pool Startup
Startup & Water Preparation
After construction is complete, the pool is filled, equipment is commissioned, water chemistry is balanced, and your new backyard is officially brought to life.
Excavation → Structural Shell → Plumbing → Startup
You Never Build Alone
DIY Pool School combines professional education with trusted industry relationships.
You'll understand every phase before work begins, know exactly what to inspect during construction, and have experienced professionals available whenever you need them.
This is what makes DIY Pool School different from simply hiring a contractor.
Step Four
Permit-Ready Engineering
Every project receives professionally prepared, permit-ready engineering documents designed to satisfy local jurisdiction requirements.
Structural Engineering
Engineered pool shell, structural details, and specifications for your build.
Signed & Sealed Plans
Provided where required by your local jurisdiction.
Site Layout
Property, setbacks, and precise pool placement documented for the permit office.
Equipment Schedule
Pumps, filters, heaters, and automation specified for your design.
Construction Details
Every critical section drawn to support each phase of the build.
Permit Documentation
A complete package prepared for submission to your building department.
Revisions requested by the permitting authority are supported through the engineering process when applicable.
Step Five
DIY Pool Elite™
For members enrolled in the DIY Pool Elite™ Concierge Program: a dedicated Project Manager remains involved throughout construction.
Project Scheduling
Phase Coordination
Contractor Communication
Inspection Preparation
Remote Progress Reviews
Google Meet Consultations
Construction Guidance
Equipment Startup Assistance
Final Pool School Walkthrough
Confidence guarantee
We're So Confident In Our Process…
The DIY Pool Elite™ concierge project management fee is not due until your project is completed and passes final inspection, according to the client agreement.
A reflection of our confidence in our process — and our commitment to helping homeowners succeed.
The finish line
You're Ready To Build
By this point, homeowners have everything they need to confidently manage the construction of their own swimming pool.
Their education
Their engineering
Their design
Their community
Their subcontractor introductions
Their project manager (Elite)
Their AI assistant
Their support team
Choose your level of support
Four elegant ways to build with us
From a single 3D concept to a full concierge build alongside your dedicated project manager — choose the experience that matches your ambition.
3D Concept Design
$500
Perfect for homeowners wanting to visualize their dream backyard before construction begins.
- Professional 3D Rendering
- Personalized Design Consultation
- Revision Process
- Luxury Backyard Visualization
Design + Engineering Package
$1,250
For homeowners ready to move beyond concepts and into construction.
- Professional 3D Rendering
- Design Revisions
- Signed & Sealed Engineering Plans (where required)
- Permit-Ready Construction Drawings
- Complete Permit Package
- Jurisdiction-Specific Engineering
- Engineering Support Throughout the Permitting Process
- Revisions Required by the Building Department (when applicable)
Complete DIY Builder Package
$1,499
Everything you need to confidently design, permit, and manage your own pool project.
- Everything in Design + Engineering
- DIY Pool Builder Course
- Lifetime Course Access
- BuddyBoss Community Access
- Quizzes
- Certification
- Downloadable Worksheets
- Construction Checklists
- Budget Planning Tools
- Scheduling Resources
- Ongoing Community Support
DIY Pool Elite™
$2,499
Your Personal Pool Building Team — our most comprehensive concierge experience for homeowners who want seasoned professionals beside them through every phase.
- Everything in the Complete DIY Builder Package
- Dedicated Project Manager
- Google Meet Consultation Before Every Construction Phase
- Google Meet Consultation After Every Construction Phase
- Remote Visual Progress Reviews
- Construction Sequencing Guidance
- Excavation Coordination
- Steel Inspection Preparation
- Plumbing Review
- Shotcrete / Gunite Preparation
- Tile Installation Review
- Coping & Deck Review
- Electrical Coordination
- Equipment Installation Guidance
- Interior Finish Preparation
- Startup Guidance
- Final Pool School Orientation
- Assistance Coordinating Qualified Subcontractors
- Inspection Preparation Throughout Construction
We're so confident in our project management process that the concierge project management fee is not due until your project is completed and passes final inspection, according to the client agreement.