Do It Yourself: Fiberglass Pool Kit

Consult with local authorities to ascertain what permits you need to install a pool. Permit requirements vary by region, and the office of building and new construction, or something similar, is generally in charge of permits. Also check whether additional steps are required, such as constructing a fence around the pool.

Mark the spot for the pool. Consider things such as where trees are located that may shed leaves in the fall, where the sun shines each day and traffic patterns throughout the yard. The contour outline of the fiberglass pool you choose can be marked with spray paint.

Excavate the hole where the pool will be located. Using a sub-contractor for this step is often a good idea, although you can do it yourself. Rent a skid loader if you choose to excavate yourself. Be sure to use a builder's level or laser level frequently while digging to be certain the pool is level. The depth to which you dig varies depending on the pool you ordered.

Compact the dirt once you are finished digging. You can generally rent a dirt compactor from a local hardware or building supply store. Compacting simply requires you to pass back and forth over the dirt until it is smooth, flat and level.

Take delivery of the pool. The dealer will deliver the pool, and lower it into the ground using a crane. As the pool is lowered, you must continue to check to make sure it is level. Adjustments are made by the crane operator until the pool is level.

Drill holes for the final plumbing. Drill 2-inch holes for the water returns, light and/or automatic cleaner.

Fill the pool with water. Refer to the pool manufacturer's guidelines to determine how high the pool can be filled before the backfill is completed.

Backfill the hole once the pool is level. This is done by filling in around the pool with the dirt that was originally excavated from the hole.

Connect the plumbing and electrical components. What needs to be connected varies by pool; however, plumbing may be as simple as gluing PVC pipe together using PVC cement.

Finish the backfill once all the plumbing and electrical components are connected. As a general rule, you want a 2-inch to 6-inch rise at the pool's edge, allowing the ground to slope away from the pool.