A flexible pool system from Doughboy

What Makes Hydrosphere Different?

Hydrosphere pairs a 52-inch steel wall system with a flat-bottom design and two installation configurations. Its construction and finishing components are selected for the way the pool will be installed.

01

Installation flexibility

Semi-inground or fully inground

Hydrosphere can be set at least 24 inches into the ground or installed fully inground. It uses installation-specific bracing and edge components:

  • Semi-inground: buttress braces and liner track, with an optional top rail.
  • Fully inground: adjustable braces and coping selected for the planned deck finish.

This gives homeowners more choice in how the pool meets a slope, patio, or deck.

02

52-inch wall system

Flat-bottom design with usable water depth

Doughboy says the taller 52-inch walls allow Hydrosphere to use a flat-bottom liner while retaining usable water depth. Pool depth and finished water level depend on the selected size and installation details.

Hydrosphere is a flat-bottom pool; it does not have a deep-end floor option. For a Doughboy inground pool with a deep end, DB Trimax is the separate line to explore.

03

Steel construction

Protected panels and installation-specific braces

Doughboy identifies Hydrosphere wall panels as galvanized 14-gauge steel and describes its walls, floor, and braces as American-made steel with Poly Shield protection.

  • Bracing is designed to support the wall system for the chosen installation.
  • Doughboy states the 52-inch Hydrosphere structure is ICC-ES evaluated.
  • The manufacturer lists resistance to impact, chemicals including salt, and UV exposure.
04

Backyard layout choices

Five shapes and multiple size options

The series includes round, oval, rectangle, Grecian, and freeform pools. Dimensions vary by shape, and rectangular models are offered with different corner radiuses.

Choosing the shape and size early helps with site planning, excavation, access, deck layout, and selecting the correct specification sheet.

Plan the pool around your yard

Choose Your Hydrosphere Installation Type

Hydrosphere is Doughboy’s 52-inch-wall, flat-bottom pool series. It is designed for semi-inground installation, with at least 24 inches of the pool set into the ground, and can also be installed fully inground. The installation type determines the supporting components and how the pool edge is finished.

Hydrosphere and DB Trimax are different pool lines. Hydrosphere offers semi-inground or fully inground installation with a flat bottom. DB Trimax is Doughboy’s separate true inground line, with deep-end options.
Hydrosphere’s primary installation

Semi-Inground

Set the pool partially into the ground, with at least 24 inches of the wall below grade.

Add a semi-inground Hydrosphere photo

How the edge is finished

The semi-inground configuration uses Double F-Track at the top of the pool. A decorative top rail is available for this installation style.

Consider this option when

  • You want the pool partially recessed into the yard.
  • You are planning landscaping or a deck around part of the pool.
  • You want flexibility to work with a sloped yard or an existing deck layout.
Also available

Fully Inground

Install the Hydrosphere pool fully below grade and finish the pool edge with coping and a surrounding deck or patio.

Add a fully inground Hydrosphere photo

Choose an edge finish

  • CP2 Bullnose: used with a poured concrete deck.
  • Flat Track Cantilever: used for a cantilevered concrete edge, pavers, or stone.

The fully inground setup uses a wall-mounted skimmer. The pool remains a flat-bottom Hydrosphere; for a Doughboy inground pool with a deep end, explore the DB Trimax line.

Find a footprint that fits your yard

Explore Hydrosphere Shapes & Sizes

From a classic round pool to a more defined Grecian or freeform design, Hydrosphere offers five shapes. Available dimensions depend on the shape you choose.

Check the exact specification before planning the site. Doughboy’s dimensions and installation drawings vary by shape, size, and installation type. Confirm the matching specification sheet for excavation, access, deck layout, and equipment planning.

Understand the package before you choose

What Comes in the Kit—and What Can Be Added?

A Hydrosphere pool can be sold as a structural base kit or as a more complete package. The exact contents depend on the seller’s package and whether you choose a semi-inground or fully inground installation.

The base kit is the foundation

Doughboy’s installation guides identify these as the core structural components. The edge and bracing parts change to match the installation type.

  • 52-inch wall panelsThe Hydrosphere steel wall system.
  • Installation-specific bracesButtress braces for semi-inground; adjustable braces for fully inground.
  • Top track or copingDouble F-Track for semi-inground; coping for fully inground.
  • Structural hardware and safety signageBolts, rebar, fasteners, and required safety signs.

Build out the system for your project

These components may be included in a package or selected as add-ons. Confirm the exact contents before ordering.

01

Liner and water fittings

Pool liner, skimmer, return fittings, and the plumbing connections required for the chosen installation.

02

Steps or ladder

Entry choices can include a fiberglass step system or a ladder setup, with the appropriate deck anchors and handrail components.

03

Pump and filter

Filtration packages may pair a Doughboy Silen S or Silen Plus pump with a Ranger sand filter.

04

Lighting, plumbing, and insulation

Optional package components may include an LED light and transformer, flex PVC plumbing, and an R-10 insulation kit.

05

Top rail and finish details

A top rail is a semi-inground option. Fully inground pools use coping selected to suit the planned concrete, paver, or stone finish.

A little planning makes the next steps clearer

Plan the Hydrosphere Project

Before choosing a package or starting excavation, line up the pool configuration, site plan, local requirements, and delivery details.

01

Choose the pool configuration

Decide on the shape, size, semi-inground or fully inground setup, edge finish, and entry location. These choices affect the plan and selected components.

02

Review the yard and ground conditions

Check available space, slope, drainage, and access for excavation. Doughboy’s guide calls for a level base and notes that high water conditions may require water management before installation.

03

Confirm local requirements and installation help

Ask your local building department about permits, barriers, setbacks, and inspections. Decide whether an experienced installer or contractor will handle excavation, construction, and finishing.

04

Plan equipment and delivery

Confirm which liner, entry system, skimmer and return, pump and filter, plumbing, lighting, and insulation are part of your package. Plan a clear route for freight delivery and a place to receive and stage the pallets.

Before you request a price or consultation

Have these details ready

  • Your preferred shape and approximate size
  • Semi-inground or fully inground preference
  • Yard measurements, slope, and a few site photos
  • Deck or patio plans and delivery access notes

Answers before you plan your pool

Hydrosphere Frequently Asked Questions

Key details about installation, pool options, and what to confirm when planning a Hydrosphere project.

52″wall system
5available shapes
24″+semi-inground install

01 Pool & installation

How far into the ground can a Hydrosphere pool be installed?

Doughboy lists Hydrosphere for semi-inground installation beginning at 24 inches into the ground, through fully inground installation. Use the specification sheet and installation guide for the selected pool and installation type.

What changes between the semi-inground and fully inground configurations?

The Hydrosphere pool structure remains the same, while selected components change to suit the installation. These include the braces, top liner track or coping, and skimmer and return configuration.

What edge finish is used for each installation?

Semi-inground installations use Double F-Track; a top rail is available for this setup. Fully inground installations use coping: CP2 Bullnose for a poured concrete deck or Flat Track Cantilever for a cantilevered concrete edge, pavers, or stone.

Does Hydrosphere have a deep end?

No. Hydrosphere uses a flat-bottom design. Doughboy’s separate DB Trimax line is the inground option with deep-end configurations.

What shapes and sizes are available?

Doughboy lists round, oval, rectangle, Grecian, and freeform shapes. Available dimensions vary by shape; rectangular pools also have two corner-radius options. See the Explore Shapes & Sizes section above for the published size list.

Do I need a permit or a safety barrier?

Doughboy advises that permits and fencing are required for semi-inground and inground pools. Requirements vary by location, so confirm permits, barriers, setbacks, and inspections with your local building department.

02 Packages & ownership

What comes in a Hydrosphere package?

Package contents vary. The structural base kit includes the wall system, installation-specific braces and top edge components, hardware, rebar, and safety signage. A more complete package may include a liner, skimmer and return, steps or ladder, and other equipment. Ask for an itemized list of what is included.

Can I install the pool myself?

Doughboy describes Hydrosphere as suitable for experienced DIY homeowners and contractors. The installation guide covers pool assembly; excavation, electrical work, and the surrounding deck or finish may require qualified professionals. Pool package pricing does not include installation.

Can I use saltwater with a Hydrosphere pool?

Doughboy says a saltwater system can be used, but recommends chlorine. Salt can be harsh on pool equipment and may make water balance more difficult. Confirm compatibility for each piece of equipment in your system.

Can I add a pool heater?

Doughboy says heaters can be used with Hydrosphere pools, though a heater may need to be sourced separately. Confirm heater sizing, plumbing, electrical or gas requirements, and compatibility with your chosen equipment.

What warranty comes with the pool?

Doughboy states that the Hydrosphere pool structure has a limited lifetime warranty. Other components have their own written warranty terms. Review the current warranty documents for the exact parts in your package.

Can a dealer help with installation?

Doughboy may be able to connect homeowners with a participating dealer for an installation estimate or consultation. Dealer availability depends on your area, and installation is separate from the pool package.

Have a question specific to your yard?Use the inquiry form below and include your preferred shape, approximate size, installation type, and location so we can follow up with more relevant guidance.

Tell us what you’re planning

Ask Us About a Hydrosphere Pool

Share a few project details and we’ll call you back to talk through your questions.

We’ll use your details to follow up about this Hydrosphere inquiry.