Pools & Outdoor Living
Pool & Spa Construction
New pools, spas and hot tubs built by licensed pool contractor partners, coordinated with the deck, enclosure, landscape and the rest of the property.
Overview
A new pool or spa is a structure, a plumbing and electrical system and a major landscape element at the same time. It has to suit the lot, meet setback and barrier requirements, connect to equipment that runs reliably and sit comfortably with the house, deck, screen enclosure and planting around it.
Pool construction is performed and permitted by an appropriately state-licensed pool and spa contractor. We coordinate that contractor’s work with everything else on the property – survey and site plan, drainage, decking, enclosure, outdoor kitchen, lighting and landscaping – so the pool is planned as part of the whole site rather than added on afterward.
Who it’s for
- Homeowners adding a pool or pool and spa to an existing backyard
- Owners building a new home who want the pool designed with the house
- Households adding a spa or hot tub, freestanding or integrated with a pool
- Communities, hospitality and commercial properties planning a pool, which is subject to additional public-pool review
What’s included
Typically included
- Site review with the survey: setbacks, easements, utilities, drainage and access for equipment
- Coordination of pool and spa design – shape, depth, steps, benches, sun shelf, spa placement and water features
- Excavation, steel reinforcement, shell construction, plumbing and equipment by the licensed pool contractor
- Equipment planning: pump, filtration, heating, sanitation, automation and the equipment pad location
- Electrical service and bonding by licensed electrical contractor partners
- Interior finish and waterline tile selections
- Pool barrier planning to meet Florida residential pool safety requirements
- Coordination of the pool deck, screen enclosure, drainage and landscape around the pool
- Permit and inspection coordination and final startup and orientation by the pool contractor
Common exclusions
- Screen enclosures, outdoor kitchens and extensive landscaping, which are scoped and priced as their own items
- Removal of rock, buried debris or unsuitable soil discovered during excavation, unless defined in the scope
- Electrical service or panel upgrades at the house beyond the pool circuits
- Ongoing pool maintenance and chemical service
- Fencing beyond what is defined for the pool barrier
Every proposal lists its own inclusions and exclusions in writing.
Materials, design options & upgrades
How pricing works
Pools and spas are priced per project. The estimate is based on the pool design – size, shape, depth profile and features – the equipment package, the interior finish, site access and conditions, and the barrier and deck scope. The licensed pool contractor’s price is incorporated with the related site, deck and landscape work so you see the full cost of the finished area.
If the pool is part of a new home or larger outdoor project, it is priced within that project’s budget.
What changes the cost
- Pool and spa size, depth and complexity of shape
- Water features, sun shelf, benches and lighting
- Equipment package, heating and automation
- Interior finish and tile selections
- Site access for excavation equipment and soil conditions
- Deck size and material, and screen enclosure if included
- Barrier requirements and fencing
- Commercial pool design and review requirements
If this work is part of a larger project, it’s priced within that project’s budget — please don’t add separate estimates together. Read the pricing guide.
Typical stages
Site review and concept
We review the survey, setbacks and access and develop a concept for the pool and surrounding area.
Design and engineering
The licensed pool contractor prepares the pool design and any required engineering; we coordinate it with the site plan.
Permits and approvals
Permits are applied for, along with HOA approval where required.
Excavation and shell
The pool is laid out, excavated, reinforced, plumbed and the shell is constructed, with inspections at required stages.
Equipment, deck and enclosure
Equipment and electrical are installed, then the deck, coping and enclosure are built.
Finish and startup
Tile and interior finish go in, the pool is filled and started up, and the barrier is completed for final inspection.
What affects the schedule
- Permit review and HOA approval
- Inspections required at each construction stage
- Weather, especially heavy rain during excavation and shell work
- Equipment and finish material availability
- Coordination with deck, enclosure and landscape trades
Questions & answers
What are the pool barrier requirements in Florida?
Florida requires new residential pools to have safety features, such as a qualifying barrier and door or window alarms, that limit unsupervised access. The approved options and details are set by code and confirmed through your building department. We plan the barrier with the pool design so it is not an afterthought.
Does the pool need to be built before the screen enclosure?
Usually. The shell and deck establish the footing locations and elevations the enclosure is built on. We sequence the trades so the enclosure footings and deck work together.
Can a pool go anywhere in the yard?
No. Setbacks from property lines and the house, easements, septic systems, utilities and drainage all limit placement. We review these against your survey early.
Is a commercial pool different?
Yes. Commercial and community pools are generally treated as public pools, with additional health-department review and operating requirements beyond the building permit.
Start here
Planning pool & spa construction?
A short form — three steps, a few minutes. Share plans or photos if you have them. We’ll review it and follow up using the contact details you provide.