A commercial pool volleyball net can cost anywhere from $80 to $400 or more. A DIY pool volleyball net can cost you $20 to $60 in materials and an afternoon of your time. If you are handy (or even if you are not), building your own net setup is a straightforward project that saves money and gives you a custom fit for your specific pool.
This guide walks through three different DIY approaches for building a homemade pool net, from the simplest rope-and-PVC setup to a more permanent wood-post system. Pick the one that matches your budget, skill level, and how often you plan to play.
Why Build Your Own Net?
Before we get into the build instructions, here is why a DIY approach makes sense for a lot of pool owners.
Custom fit. Commercial nets come in standard sizes. Your pool might not be standard. A DIY net lets you build to the exact width and height that works for your space. This is especially relevant if you have an oddly shaped pool, an above-ground pool, or limited deck space on one side.
Cost savings. The materials for a basic PVC net setup run about $25-40. Even a nicer build with proper netting and sturdy posts stays under $60-75. Compare that to commercial options that start around $80 for a low-end set and climb well past $200 for anything durable.
Easy to remove and store. Many DIY designs break down quickly for storage, unlike some commercial nets that require permanent anchoring or complex disassembly.
Satisfaction. There is something genuinely satisfying about playing a game over a net you built yourself. Plus, you can customize it with features commercial nets do not offer, like adjustable height settings or removable net sections.
If you would rather just buy something ready to go, our water volleyball nets guide covers the best commercial options at every price point. But if you want to build, keep reading.
Option 1: PVC Pipe Net (Easiest Build)
This is the most popular DIY pool volleyball net design. It uses PVC pipe for the posts and crossbar, with a simple net or rope mesh stretched between them. Most people can build this in 1-2 hours with no special tools.
Materials Needed
- 2 pieces of 1.5-inch or 2-inch PVC pipe, each 6 feet long (for the vertical posts)
- 1 piece of 1.5-inch or 2-inch PVC pipe cut to your desired net width (for the crossbar, typically 12-20 feet depending on pool width)
- 2 PVC T-connectors (matching pipe diameter)
- 2 PVC elbow connectors (matching pipe diameter)
- 4-6 pieces of PVC pipe, each 18-24 inches (for the base supports)
- PVC cement or heavy-duty adhesive (optional for permanent joints)
- Volleyball net, badminton net, or nylon mesh netting
- Zip ties or rope for attaching the net to the frame
- Pool sandbags or water-filled base weights
Step-by-Step Build Instructions
Step 1: Build the base supports. Each post needs a stable base so it does not tip over. Create a T-shaped or cross-shaped base using the T-connectors and short PVC pieces. Each base should extend at least 18 inches in two directions to provide stability on the pool deck or inside the pool.
Step 2: Attach the vertical posts. Insert the 6-foot PVC pipes into the T-connectors on your bases. These are your uprights. If you want adjustable height, do not cement these joints. Instead, drill matching holes through the connector and pipe, and use a pin (a bolt or a cotter pin) to hold them at your desired height.
Step 3: Add the crossbar. Connect the top crossbar to the uprights using elbow connectors. The crossbar should span the width of your playing area. For pools wider than 15 feet, you may need to join two PVC pipes with a coupling connector. Support the middle of long crossbars with a rope tied to a deck anchor above to prevent sagging.
Step 4: Attach the net. Drape your netting over the crossbar and secure it with zip ties every 12-18 inches. Pull the net taut at the bottom and attach it to a bottom rope or a second horizontal PVC pipe to keep it from billowing.
Step 5: Weight the bases. Place sandbags or water-filled jugs on the base supports to keep the posts stable. Each base should have at least 15-20 pounds of weight to resist the force of balls hitting the net and players bumping into the posts.
PVC Net Tips
- Schedule 40 PVC is stronger than Schedule 20 but also heavier. For a pool net, Schedule 40 is worth the extra cost because it will not flex as much when the ball hits it.
- White PVC can be spray-painted with plastic-compatible paint if you want a cleaner look.
- Pre-drill holes in the PVC before cementing anything. Dry-fit the entire setup first to make sure everything aligns.
- If your pool has a deck on both sides, you can mount the PVC pipe bases on the deck with the posts extending over and into the water, rather than placing the bases in the pool.
Estimated Cost: $25-45
Option 2: Rope and Eyebolt Net (Most Permanent)
If you play water volleyball regularly and want a net that sets up in seconds, this approach uses permanent eyebolts on your pool deck with a rope or net that clips on and off.
Materials Needed
- 4 stainless steel eyebolts (3/8-inch or 1/2-inch, rated for at least 100 lbs)
- Stainless steel washers and nuts for each eyebolt
- A concrete drill bit (masonry bit) sized for your eyebolts
- Expansion anchors if drilling into concrete deck
- 1 volleyball net or badminton net
- 2 carabiner clips or snap hooks (stainless steel)
- Nylon rope (1/4-inch or 3/8-inch) for a top line and bottom line
- A turnbuckle for tension adjustment (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Build Instructions
Step 1: Determine anchor points. Identify where on your pool deck you want the net posts. You need two points on opposite sides of the pool, directly across from each other. Mark the spots at net height (typically 3-4 feet above the water line, depending on water depth and desired net height).
If your deck does not have a raised surface (like a fence post, wall, or pillar) at net height, you will need to install vertical posts first. Use 4×4 treated lumber or galvanized steel pipe mounted to the deck with flange bases.
Step 2: Install the eyebolts. Drill holes at your marked locations and install the eyebolts. For concrete decks, use expansion anchors. For wood decks, drill a pilot hole and thread the eyebolt directly. Install two eyebolts per side: one at the top of the net height and one at the bottom.
Step 3: String the top line. Run a nylon rope through the top two eyebolts (one on each side) and tension it with a turnbuckle. This is the top edge of your net. It should be tight enough that it does not sag when a ball hits it.
Step 4: Hang the net. Attach the volleyball net to the top rope using zip ties, rope ties, or the built-in loops that most nets have along the top edge. Let the net hang down toward the water.
Step 5: Secure the bottom. Run a second rope through the bottom eyebolts and attach the bottom edge of the net to it. Tension this line so the net hangs flat and does not billow in the wind or water movement.
Step 6: Add quick-release clips. Install carabiner clips or snap hooks at the connection points so you can remove the net in seconds when you are done playing. The eyebolts stay permanently installed and are unobtrusive when the net is not up.
Rope Net Tips
- Use stainless steel hardware exclusively. Regular steel will rust in the pool environment within weeks.
- If you are mounting into concrete, use a hammer drill. Regular drills struggle with masonry and will burn through bits.
- A turnbuckle on the top rope lets you adjust tension easily. Over time, nylon rope stretches slightly, and you will need to re-tension it.
- This system also works for mounting on a fence, wall, or the side of a building adjacent to the pool.
Estimated Cost: $30-60
Option 3: Wood Post Net (Sturdiest Build)
For players who want a semi-permanent, professional-looking setup, wood posts provide the most stability and durability. This is the most involved build but produces the best result.
Materials Needed
- 2 pressure-treated 4×4 posts, each 8 feet long
- 2 post base brackets (galvanized or stainless steel, designed for deck mounting)
- Lag bolts or concrete anchors for the base brackets
- 1 volleyball net with top and bottom ropes
- Screw-in eyebolts or cleats for attaching net ropes
- Exterior wood stain or sealant
- A level, drill, and basic hand tools
Step-by-Step Build Instructions
Step 1: Mount the post bases. Secure the post base brackets to your pool deck at the desired locations. For concrete decks, use concrete wedge anchors. For wood decks, use lag bolts that penetrate at least 3 inches into the underlying structure. The bases need to be rock solid because the posts will act as levers when the net is under tension.
Step 2: Install the posts. Slide the 4×4 posts into the base brackets and secure them with the bracket’s bolts. Use a level to make sure each post is perfectly vertical. Shim if necessary.
Step 3: Mark and install net attachment hardware. Measure your desired net height from the water line and mark each post. Install eyebolts or rope cleats at the top and bottom of the net zone on each post. If you want adjustable height, install multiple sets of hardware at different heights (for example, at 36 inches, 40 inches, and 44 inches above water level).
Step 4: Hang the net. Thread the net’s top rope through the top eyebolts and tie it off or clip it with carabiners. Do the same with the bottom rope. Tension the net so it hangs flat.
Step 5: Seal the wood. Apply exterior wood stain or sealant to the entire post, especially the bottom 2 feet that will be exposed to splash water. Reapply annually to prevent rot.
Wood Post Tips
- Pressure-treated lumber is essential. Untreated wood will rot within a season or two from constant water exposure.
- Consider adding a small hook or holder on each post for hanging a towel, score sheet, or drink holder. It is a small touch that makes the setup more enjoyable.
- If your pool deck cannot support post bases (for example, a thin poured concrete slab), consider using ground sleeves installed next to the deck. Dig a hole, set a pipe sleeve in concrete, and drop the post into the sleeve.
- Wood posts can be painted to match your deck or house exterior for a clean, integrated look.
Estimated Cost: $50-75
Above-Ground Pool Options
Above-ground pools present unique challenges for volleyball net installation because there is no pool deck at water level and the pool walls are not strong enough to support mounted hardware.
Inflatable or Weighted PVC Net
The PVC pipe net (Option 1 above) works well for above-ground pools. Place the bases inside the pool on the pool floor and weight them with sandbags. The posts extend up and over the pool walls.
Over-the-Wall Clamp System
Some DIY builders create clamp systems that attach the net posts directly to the top rail of the above-ground pool. Use padded C-clamps or custom brackets that grip the pool wall without damaging it. Wrap the contact points with pool noodle material or rubber padding to protect the pool liner.
Freestanding Frame
Build a wider PVC or wood frame that stands outside the pool on the ground, with the net portion spanning across the pool. The frame supports are weighted on the ground outside the pool walls. This approach works well because it puts no stress on the pool walls at all.
For more on setting up volleyball in above-ground pools specifically, see our detailed guide on above-ground pool volleyball net setups.
Anchoring Methods
No matter which build option you choose, anchoring the net securely is critical. A net that falls during play is annoying. A heavy post that falls during play is dangerous.
Deck-Mounted Anchors
Bolting post bases directly to the pool deck is the most secure anchoring method. Use stainless steel or galvanized hardware rated for outdoor use.
Weighted Bases
For portable setups, fill PVC base pipes with sand or attach sandbags to the base structure. Each side needs at least 15-20 pounds of weight. More is better.
Ground Sleeves
For grass or dirt areas around the pool, ground sleeves (PVC pipe set in concrete below ground level) provide a solid anchor point. Dig a hole 12-18 inches deep, set a PVC pipe sleeve vertically, fill around it with concrete, and let it cure. Drop your post into the sleeve when you want to play.
Rope Tie-Offs
Tie guy wires or ropes from the top of each post to anchor points on the deck, fence, or nearby structures. This prevents the posts from tipping forward or backward under net tension. Use ratchet tie-downs for easy tensioning.
DIY Net vs. Commercial Net: Cost Comparison
Here is how the DIY options compare to buying a commercial set:
DIY PVC net: $25-45. Lasts 1-3 seasons with proper care. Easy to repair and replace parts. Takes 1-2 hours to build.
DIY rope/eyebolt net: $30-60. Lasts 3-5+ seasons because the hardware is permanent. Net portion may need replacement every 2-3 seasons. Takes 2-3 hours to install.
DIY wood post net: $50-75. Lasts 5+ seasons with annual sealing. The most durable DIY option. Takes 3-4 hours to build and install.
Commercial basic set: $80-150. Includes net, ball, and basic mounting hardware. Lasts 1-3 seasons depending on quality.
Commercial mid-range set: $150-250. Better materials, more stable. Lasts 2-4 seasons. Check out the best water volleyball sets guide for top recommendations.
Commercial premium set: $250-400+. Stainless steel hardware, UV-resistant netting, professional-grade construction. Lasts 5+ seasons.
The DIY approach saves the most money at the entry level. At the premium end, the cost difference shrinks, and you are also paying for engineering and materials testing that a DIY build cannot match.
Choosing the Right Net Material
The net itself is a critical component regardless of which post system you build.
Badminton net: The cheapest option ($10-15). Works fine for casual play. Not as tall as a volleyball net, so you may need to add extra netting below it. Holds up okay to water exposure for a season or two.
Volleyball net (nylon): A standard volleyball net ($15-30) is the right size and mesh. Standard nylon nets degrade in chlorine and sunlight over 1-2 seasons but are easy to replace.
Marine-grade netting: Netting designed for marine or outdoor use ($20-40 for a section) resists UV and water damage much better than standard volleyball nets. Cut it to size and attach it to your frame with rope or zip ties.
Rope net (handmade): You can make a net from nylon rope by tying a grid pattern between a top and bottom rope. This is the cheapest option (a roll of nylon rope costs $5-10) but the most time-consuming to build. The result looks rustic but works fine for casual play.
For tips on choosing between net types and what to look for in a good net, see our water volleyball equipment guide.
Maintenance and Care
A DIY net requires some maintenance to last more than one season.
Rinse after every use. Chlorine and saltwater degrade nylon, rope, and even PVC over time. A quick rinse with the garden hose after each session extends the life of your setup significantly.
Store out of direct sunlight. UV damage is the number one killer of DIY nets. When not in use, take the net down (or at least the netting portion) and store it in a shed, garage, or covered area.
Check hardware regularly. Bolts loosen. Rope stretches. PVC joints can crack. Before each playing session, give the setup a quick once-over to make sure everything is secure.
Replace rope and zip ties annually. These are the weakest links in any DIY setup and also the cheapest to replace. Fresh zip ties and rope keep the net tight and safe.
Re-seal wood components. If you built the wood post option, apply a fresh coat of exterior sealant or stain before each season.
Safety Considerations
A few important safety points for any DIY net:
Sand sharp edges. Cut PVC and drilled holes can have sharp edges. Sand or file everything smooth, especially on parts players might contact during play.
Pad the posts. Wrap pool noodles or foam padding around the base and midsection of each post. Players will bump into them, and padding prevents bruises and worse.
Test stability before play. Push on each post firmly and pull on the net from different angles. If anything moves, add more weight or additional anchoring.
Keep the area clear. Make sure the net setup does not create a tripping hazard on the pool deck. Route ropes and guy wires away from walkways or mark them clearly.
For a complete walkthrough on installing and using pool volleyball nets safely, our guide on how to set up a pool volleyball net covers best practices for both DIY and commercial systems.
FAQ
How long does a DIY pool volleyball net last?
A well-maintained PVC net lasts 1-3 seasons. Rope and eyebolt systems last 3-5+ seasons because the permanent hardware does not degrade, though you may need to replace the netting every 2-3 years. Wood post systems last 5+ years with annual resealing. The key to longevity is rinsing after use, storing out of sunlight, and replacing worn rope and zip ties annually.
What PVC size should I use for a pool volleyball net?
1.5-inch or 2-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe is ideal. It is rigid enough to support the net without excessive flexing when the ball hits it, yet light enough to handle and store easily. Avoid Schedule 20 PVC, which is thinner and will bend under net tension.
Can I build a net that works in both above-ground and inground pools?
Yes. The PVC pipe net design (Option 1) is portable and works in either pool type. Build the bases wide enough to sit on the pool floor or pool deck, and use sandbags for weight. The same frame can move between pools as long as you adjust the crossbar width for the different pool sizes.
Is a DIY net as good as a commercial one?
For casual play, a well-built DIY net performs just as well as a mid-range commercial set. The main differences are aesthetics and setup convenience. Commercial nets often look more polished and include quick-connect hardware for faster assembly. A DIY net may take a few extra minutes to set up but plays the same once it is in the water.
What is the cheapest possible DIY net I can build?
A rope stretched between two points (fence posts, deck railings, or even two chairs) with a towel or sheet draped over it costs essentially nothing. It will not win any style points, but it creates a functional center line for casual games. For a proper net that looks and plays well, budget $25-40 for the PVC pipe option, which is the best balance of cost and quality.
Do I need any special tools to build a DIY net?
For the PVC option, you need a PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw, a measuring tape, and a drill if you want adjustable height pins. For the eyebolt option, add a masonry drill bit if you are drilling into concrete. For the wood post option, add a level and a socket wrench for lag bolts. None of these builds require specialized tools that a typical homeowner would not already have.