Inground Pool Builders in Wilmington, NC

We build custom inground pools across Wilmington. Our team knows the local building codes, coastal construction requirements, and what it takes to build in the sandy soil and high water table conditions common along the Cape Fear coast.

1,100+ luxury inground pools built every year | Serving 11 cities across FL, VA, NC, SC, TX, AZ & CA

What It Costs to Build a Pool in Wilmington

Most homeowners in the Wilmington area budget somewhere between $65,000 and $175,000 for a custom inground pool. Pool type is the biggest deciding factor.

Pool Type	Typical Cost Range	Timeline
Gunite (Concrete)	$80,000 to $175,000+	3 to 4 months
Fiberglass	$65,000 to $130,000+	4 to 8 weeks

Where you land in that range also depends on:

Pool size: A standard rectangle costs less than a freeform design with an attached spa and water features.
Features: Automation systems, LED lighting, spillover spas, and outdoor kitchens all add to the number.
Tiles and finishes: Gunite pools require a surface finish like plaster, quartz, pebble, or tile. The difference between basic plaster and a full pebble or glass tile finish can be $10,000 to $25,000+ on its own. Worth knowing before you set your budget.
Yard conditions: Sandy soil and a high water table are facts of life along the Cape Fear Coast. They don’t make building impossible, but they require the right site prep and engineering approach. Lots close to the water in areas like Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach have additional considerations around elevation, drainage, and sometimes CAMA permitting requirements.
Lot size and access: Some beach community lots are narrow with limited side yard access. This affects what equipment can get in and how excavation is managed. We assess all of this during the site visit.

For a full breakdown, see our Inground Pool Cost guide.

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Pool Types We Build in Wilmington

We build two types of inground pools: gunite and fiberglass. Both work well in North Carolina’s coastal climate. The right one depends on your lot, your design goals, and your budget.

Gunite (Concrete)

Gunite is built custom on-site. You control the shape, size, depth, and finish. If you want a freeform design, a vanishing edge, or a pool that integrates with a larger outdoor living space, gunite is the way to get there.

Gunite takes longer to build, typically 3 to 4 months from breaking ground, and costs more upfront. With proper care, it lasts 50 or more years.

Larger lots in areas like Porters Neck, Hampstead, and Leland give you the space to do something that really fits the property. For those projects, gunite usually makes the most sense.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a pre-molded shell installed in one piece. It goes in faster than gunite. Some installations wrap up in 4 to 8 weeks, and the smooth surface can be a key homeowner preference, along with lower short- and long-term maintenance requirements.

In a coastal market where salt air and humidity are constant, lower maintenance is a real consideration. The trade-off is that you’re choosing from existing shapes and sizes rather than something fully custom.

On narrower beach community lots where design flexibility matters less than fit and speed, fiberglass is the practical choice.

One thing we don’t build: vinyl liner pools. They’re common in other parts of the country, but they’re not a fit for the luxury market. If you’re spending $80,000+ on a pool, vinyl liner isn’t where that money should go.

Not sure which type is right for you? Our Pool Type Quiz can help.

Our Pool Installation Process

Here’s how a pool build works with us, from first conversation to first swim.

Planning and design: Every project starts with an in-person site visit. We won't quote anything without walking your yard first. Coastal lots in this market have site-specific factors like water table depth, drainage, elevation, and access that can't be assessed remotely. After the visit, we put together a 3D design based on your actual backyard dimensions, usually within 48 to 96 hours.
Permits: Pool construction in North Carolina requires a building permit. Depending on your address, permitting runs through New Hanover County, Brunswick County, or the local municipality. Some coastal zones may also require CAMA permits, which follow a separate timeline. We handle permitting for you, but approval can take 2 to 8 weeks.
Construction: Excavation, plumbing, shell, tile, decking, and equipment all happen in sequence. Sandy soil and high water table conditions along the Cape Fear Coast require careful dewatering and site management during excavation. Our crews have worked in this market long enough to know what to expect. We keep you updated throughout so you know where things stand.
Startup and handoff: Once the pool is filled and equipment is running, we walk you through everything in a 60 to 90 minute Pool School session at your home. You’ll leave knowing how to run your equipment, balance your water chemistry, and who to call if something comes up.

For a full breakdown of every phase, see our Inground Pool Installation Process guide.

Pool Installation Timeline

These timelines run from breaking ground to first swim. Permitting is separate and adds 2 to 20 weeks depending on your county and whether CAMA permits apply.

Wilmington’s mild climate means construction is possible year-round, which is an advantage over markets further north. Summer brings humidity and occasional storms, and hurricane season runs June through November, but active construction rarely stops except for extreme weather.

The most common advice we give Wilmington homeowners: if you want to be swimming by summer, start planning in the fall or winter. Factor in design time and permitting, especially if your property requires CAMA review, and you want that process moving well before spring.

We’ll give you a realistic timeline estimate during your consultation, not a best-case scenario.

Popular Pool Features in Wilmington

These are the features we build most often in this market.

Spa and hot tub integration: An attached spa is one of the most common additions we see. The cooler evenings that come with Wilmington's shoulder seasons make a heated spa useful well beyond the summer months.
Automation systems: Control your pump, heater, lights, and spa from your phone. For second-home owners and seasonal residents who aren’t always on-site, being able to monitor and manage your pool remotely is genuinely useful, not just a convenience.
Vanishing and infinity edges: On properties with water views or elevated grade, a vanishing edge pool can work with the landscape in a way that’s hard to achieve with a standard design. We build these regularly in the Wilmington market.
Outdoor kitchens and covered areas: Most of our projects in this market extend beyond the pool itself. A covered outdoor kitchen or pergola adds shade during Wilmington’s warm summers and makes the whole backyard more usable.
Sun shelves: A shallow tanning ledge where you can sit in a few inches of water is a popular addition across this market. It’s a favorite with families and anyone who wants a gradual entry point.
LED lighting: Wilmington evenings are warm for a long stretch of the year. Good lighting means the pool gets used after dark, which in this climate is the best time to be outside.
Fire features: Fire bowls, fire pits, and integrated fire features are popular across this part of North Carolina. They extend the outdoor season into fall in a way that makes the backyard usable on evenings and highlights the coastal landscape.
Auto covers: Automatic pool covers can be a great addition. They not only serve as approved safety barriers under local building codes, but they are also excellent at retaining heat, which can reduce heating costs and comfortably extend your swimming season year-round. In addition, an automatic cover helps keep out wildlife and debris carried in by coastal winds.

Ready to Start Planning Your Pool?

We’ll visit your property and give you a detailed design and budget. No obligation.

Areas We Serve

We serve Wilmington and the surrounding Cape Fear Coast, including:

If your address isn’t on that list, reach out anyway. If we serve your area, we’ll tell you. If we don’t, we’ll tell you that too.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to build a pool in Wilmington?

Yes. Pool construction in North Carolina requires a building permit. In this area, permitting runs through New Hanover County or Brunswick County depending on your address. If your property is in a coastal zone, you may also need a CAMA permit through the NC Division of Coastal Management. We handle all permitting as part of the project.

What is a CAMA permit and do I need one?

CAMA stands for the Coastal Area Management Act. Properties within certain distances of coastal waters, estuaries, and wetlands in North Carolina can require a CAMA permit before construction can begin.

Whether your property falls within a CAMA Area of Environmental Concern depends on your specific location. We’ll determine this during the site visit and factor it into the project timeline. CAMA review runs on its own schedule separate from building permits, so it’s worth knowing about early.

How does the high water table affect pool construction near Wilmington?

It’s one of the more common variables we manage in this market. A high water table means water is close to the surface, which affects how excavation is handled and how the pool shell is engineered.

Proper dewatering during construction and the right backfill approach after installation are both important. It’s a known condition in coastal North Carolina and something our crews are well experienced in.

Can I build a pool year-round in Wilmington?

Yes. Wilmington’s mild climate means construction doesn’t stop the way it does in colder markets. Summer storms and hurricane season can cause occasional delays, but active construction continues through most of the year.

What’s the difference between gunite and fiberglass?

Gunite is built custom on-site and gives you complete flexibility over shape, size, or feature. Fiberglass is a pre-molded shell that installs faster and requires less maintenance. Both hold up well in coastal North Carolina’s climate.

See the Pool Types We Build section above, or take our Pool Type Quiz if you want a recommendation based on your situation.

How much does a pool add to home value in Wilmington?

It depends on the neighborhood and the design. In coastal communities like Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, and the Southport area, outdoor living is central to how homes are used and valued. A well-built pool in those markets tends to carry real weight. In suburban areas further inland, it depends more on the specific neighborhood.

While not exact, research shows a pool can add $60,000 to $80,000 to your home’s value, so depending on the cost of your pool, you can recoup well over half of your initial investment. But don’t build a pool purely as an investment. Build it because you’re going to use it, as research also shows that pool homeowners can enhance their social and mental health by having a pool.

Ready to Talk?

If you’re ready to have a real conversation about building a pool on your property, we’re available for a free consultation. No obligation, no pressure.

You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what’s realistic for your budget, your lot, and your timeline.

| 1,100+ luxury inground pools built every year | Serving 11 cities across FL, VA, NC, SC, TX, AZ & CA

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