Frequently Asked Questions

Anywhere from a minimum of 24" semi-inground to fully inground.

Only the braces, the liner track or coping, and the skimmer and return, chosen to suit each installation. The structure and everything else are the same. Learn More under Pool Type, when you build your pool, has the details.

Semi-inground pools use the Double F-Track. Fully inground pools use CP2 Bullnose for a poured concrete deck, or Flat Track Cantilever for a cantilevered concrete edge, pavers or stone.

No. The top rail is only available on semi-inground pools, with the Double F-Track. On a fully inground pool, the coping and deck finish the edge.

Pools are made to each order and ship within 7-10 business days. We ship by freight line (an 18-wheeler) and request liftgate/curbside delivery for every pool package. At minimum, the driver will use a hand truck to unload the pallets at the curb, where you can inspect and sign for them. The pallets can be broken down and the parts moved to the job site. It isn't guaranteed, but many freight drivers will use their hand truck to move pallets to a nearby spot if there's flat access (some pallets are quite heavy).

Yes. The Hydrosphere Series is DIY-friendly for experienced homeowners and contractors, and the Installation Guide walks you through installing the pool. Finishing the outside (a deck, pavers, stone or veneer) is up to you or your contractor. Our team is a message away if questions come up.

Yes. If there's a participating installing dealer near you, we can connect you for an installation estimate or consultation: choose a dealer near you when you build your pool. Installation isn't included in the price of the pool package.

Each set of components carries its own warranty. The Hydrosphere pool structure carries a limited lifetime warranty.

Yes, a saltwater system can be used with Hydrosphere Series pools, though we recommend chlorine. Saltwater chlorinators cost more than using chlorine, can be harsh and corrosive on pool equipment, and can make balanced water chemistry harder to maintain.

Yes, heaters can be used with Hydrosphere pools. We don't currently supply them, but some local dealers may have heaters available.

Yes. Permits and fencing are always required for semi-inground and inground swimming pools. Check your local code requirements and permitting office, and follow our pool safety guidelines to use your pool safely.

The walls and braces are 14 gauge USA steel with a proprietary galvanization and coating to protect it from the elements, built to last installed fully in the ground or semi-inground.

No. Each shape is individually engineered, with the bracing and components for its shape, size and options. Choose the shape that fits your style and yard best.

No. Exterior paneling was offered in the past but discontinued, so you can use the wider range of purpose-built finishing materials from local retailers and distributors.

Every kit starts with a 3′-4″ shallow end. The 12′ × 24′ and 14′ × 28′ go to a 6′ deep end hopper; the 16′ × 32′, 18′ × 36′ and 20′ × 40′ go to 8′ (the 16′ × 32′ with the Full Width Step with 6′ Sunledge is 6′ deep, to fit the step). You can also choose a 3′-4″ flat bottom.

The 42″ steel wall structure, coping, a vinyl liner in your pattern, your step, a handrail, a deep end ladder, a rope kit, 1 skimmer, 2 main drains and 3 returns. You can change the skimmer, main drain and return kit, and add a pump and filter, chlorinator, plumbing kit or LED light.

The Full Width Step, the Full Width Step with 6′ Sunledge and the Corner Step with Full Width Bench are steel steps covered by your liner. The 8′ fiberglass step comes in Bullnose or Cantilever, in white, blue or grey. Each size and step has its own spec sheet.

CP2 Bullnose coping (white or grey) is for a poured concrete deck. Flat Track Cantilever coping is for a cantilevered concrete edge, pavers or stone. With the 8′ Cantilever fiberglass step, the coping is Flat Track Cantilever.

DB Trimax kits ship within 7–10 business days.

Yes. DB Trimax kits are made for DIY installation. Many DIYers hire out the excavation and the concrete footer, and handle the rest themselves. Installation isn’t included in the price of the kit.

A very select few participating Doughboy dealers install DB Trimax pools. Email us and we’ll check whether there’s one near you.

Yes. Permits and fencing are always required for inground swimming pools: check your local code requirements and permitting office. Every DB Trimax pool ships with a Safety Packet, and the No Diving and other warning signs must be installed as the instructions show. See our pool safety guidelines.

DB Trimax is a true inground pool with 42″ steel walls and a deep end, in a rectangle. The Hydrosphere Series has 52″ walls and a flat bottom, installs anywhere from 24″ semi-inground to fully inground, and comes in five shapes.

By the square foot. Enter your pool’s length and width, or its total square feet, to see a price for each pattern. There’s a 100 square foot minimum. Some pool shapes and features add to the price, and the calculator shows them as you choose.

Use our Liner Measurement Form. Send it before or after you order: we check it against your order before your liner is made.

It can. Enter your length and width, or square footage, carefully. After you order, reply to your order confirmation email with a completed measurement form; your order total is subject to adjustment to the final dimensions on it.

Rectangle, Grecian, Oval, Round, single or double Roman, L-shapes and freeform pools, with wall heights from under 36″ to over 43″, depths up to 8-1/2′ and beyond, stepped bottoms or a constant slope, safety ledges and vinyl-over-step features. If your pool needs something more, we can put together a fully custom quote.

20 mil, the industry standard. Thicker liners don’t typically last longer, and can be harder to install or less conforming. Most inground liners average about 15 years of service life.

100% virgin vinyl, made in the USA, highly resistant to tearing, puncturing and cracking, and built to withstand sun, chemicals and temperature changes.

15. See them on the Custom Liners page, or as you price your liner.

Standard bead.

No. Custom items such as pool liners can’t be returned, so please measure carefully. See our Order Policies.