Inground Pool Builders in Myrtle Beach, SC
We build custom inground pools across Myrtle Beach. Our team knows the local building codes, HOA requirements across the area’s golf and gated communities, and what it takes to build in the sandy soil and high water table conditions common along South Carolina’s 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 Myrtle Beach
Most homeowners in the Myrtle Beach area budget somewhere between $60,000 and $150,000 for a custom inground pool. Pool type is the biggest deciding factor.
| Pool Type | Typical Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Gunite (Concrete) | $65,000 to $150,000+ | 3 to 4 months |
| Fiberglass | $55,000 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 finish can be $10,000 to $20,000+ on its own. Worth knowing before you set your budget.
- Yard conditions: Sandy soil and a high water table are common across the Grand Strand. Lots close to the water or in low-lying areas have additional drainage and elevation considerations. Further inland in Conway and Carolina Forest, conditions are more varied but still require a proper site assessment before quoting anything.
- HOA requirements: Myrtle Beach has many golf and gated communities with active HOAs and their own approval process for pool construction. This runs parallel to county permitting and needs to be started early. It’s a common source of delay in this market.
For a full breakdown, see our Inground Pool Cost guide.
Not Sure What a Pool Would Cost on Your Property?
Pool Types We Build in Myrtle Beach
We build two types of inground pools: gunite and fiberglass. Both hold up well in South 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. It takes longer to build, typically 3 to 4 months from breaking ground, and costs more upfront. But with proper care, it can easily last 50+ years.
Larger lots in areas like Murrells Inlet, Carolina Forest, and Conway give you the room to design something that genuinely fits the property. For those projects, gunite makes the most sense.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a pre-molded shell installed in one piece. It goes in faster than gunite. Some installs 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 year-round realities, lower maintenance is worth factoring into your decision. The trade-off is that you’re choosing from existing shapes and sizes rather than something fully custom.
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 or more 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
- Planning and design: Every project starts with an in-person site visit. We won’t quote anything without walking your yard first. Lot conditions, HOA setback requirements, water table depth, and access all affect design and price in ways 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 and HOA: Pool construction in South Carolina requires a building permit. In the Myrtle Beach area, permitting runs through Horry County, Georgetown County, or the relevant municipality depending on your address. Properties in coastal zones may have additional review requirements through the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). We handle all permitting for you, but plan for anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks.
- Construction: Excavation, plumbing, shell, tile, decking, and equipment all happen in sequence. Sandy soil and high water table conditions along the Grand Strand require careful dewatering and site management during excavation. Further inland, soil conditions vary and the site visit tells us what to expect before construction starts. 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 learn how to run the 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 and HOA approval are separate and can add anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks depending on your county and association.
- Gunite: 3 to 4 months
- Fiberglass: 4 to 8 weeks
Myrtle Beach’s mild climate means construction is possible year-round, which is a real advantage over markets further north. Summer brings heat, humidity, and occasional storms, and hurricane season runs June through November, but active construction rarely stops completely for weather alone.
One thing that does affect timelines in this market more than most: HOA approval. The Grand Strand has hundreds of HOA-governed communities, and association review timelines vary widely. Some move in a few weeks. Others take months. Start that process early and run it parallel to permitting, not after.
If you want to be swimming by summer, start planning in fall or winter. Factor in design time, permitting, and HOA review, and you want all of that moving well before spring.
We’ll give you a realistic timeline estimate during your consultation, not a best-case scenario.
Popular Pool Features in Myrtle Beach
- Automation systems: This is the most practical upgrade we recommend in the Myrtle Beach market. If you’re managing a rental property or a second home and you’re not always on-site, being able to control your pump, heater, lights, and spa remotely from your phone changes how ownership works. You can monitor equipment, adjust settings, and keep an eye on your pool without being there.
- Resort-style designs: Myrtle Beach buyers, especially those with rental properties, tend to invest in pools that look the part. Beach entries, tanning shelves, waterfalls, and clean finishes are all common requests. A pool that photographs well matters in a rental market.
- Spa and hot tub integration: An attached spa is one of the most common additions we see. Even in a warm coastal market, Myrtle Beach evenings in winter and early spring are cool enough that a heated spa extends the outdoor season noticeably.
- 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 the hottest months and makes the whole space more usable year-round, which matters whether you’re living there or renting it out.
- Vanishing and infinity edges: On properties with water views or elevated lots along the Grand Strand, a vanishing edge pool works with the landscape in a way that’s hard to achieve with a standard design.
- LED lighting: Good lighting extends the hours the pool gets used and makes a real difference to how the space photographs and feels at night. In a rental market, that matters.
- Fire features: Fire bowls, fire pits, and integrated fire features are popular across this part of South 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, as well as debris from the windy coast.
Ready to Start Planning Your Pool?
Areas We Serve
- Myrtle Beach
- North Myrtle Beach
- Little River
- Marion
- Conway
- Lake City
- Poston
- Carolina Forest
- Socastee
- Surfside Beach
- Garden City
- Murrells Inlet
- Litchfield
- Georgetown
- Earle
FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Myrtle Beach?
How long does permitting take in Horry County?
It varies based on volume and time of year. Plan for anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. We build buffer time into every project schedule and will tell you upfront if there’s a known backlog when your project is starting.
How does HOA affect the process?
Start the HOA approval process immediately after signing your contract. The Grand Strand has a large number of active HOAs, particularly in golf and gated communities, so review timelines vary widely. Some associations move quickly. Others take months. Running HOA approval parallel to county permitting is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.
How does sandy soil and the high water table affect construction?
Can I build a pool year-round in Myrtle Beach?
What’s the difference between gunite and fiberglass?
Gunite is built custom on-site and can be designed with virtually any shape, size, or feature. Fiberglass is a pre-molded shell that installs faster and requires less maintenance. Both hold up well in South Carolina’s coastal 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 Myrtle Beach?
It depends on the neighborhood and the design. In many Grand Strand communities, a pool feels like a natural fit for the property and can make it more appealing to future buyers.
While not exact, research shows a pool can add $50,000 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 one purely as an investment. Build it because you’re going to use it.
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
Get a Personalized Inground Pool Estimate