7 Best Inground Pool Builders in Northern Virginia to Compare

The best inground pool builders in Northern Virginia include Premier Pools & Spas, Town & Country Pools, Beltway Pools, Anchor Poolscapes, Hearthstone Design Build, ASP of Springfield, and Canadian Waters Construction.

Each company has its own strengths, whether you’re looking for a custom gunite pool, a fiberglass installation, a complete outdoor living space, or long-term pool maintenance and renovations. You can also go straight to our own Northern Virginia pool builders page.

This guide compares these builders side by side so you can see what each one specializes in, what to look for beyond project photos, and how to weigh proposals, permitting support, warranties, and construction services before you decide. 

Quick Comparison of Northern Virginia Inground Pool Builders

Each builder offers a different mix of pool types, outdoor living services, and expertise, so comparing them side by side can help you narrow down the best fit for your backyard project.

Note: Google ratings above were pulled on September 26, 2026, and can shift over time. Check each builder’s Google Business Profile for the most current numbers. 

7 Best Inground Pool Builders in Northern Virginia

The right pool builder is not simply the one with the most impressive photos. It is the one whose experience, services, and project style match your vision, budget, and property.

1. Premier Pools & Spas of Northern Virginia

Google Rating: 4.4 (31 reviews)

Premier Pools & Spas is one of the largest pool builders in the country, with a Manassas-based team serving homeowners across Northern Virginia.

The company builds both custom gunite and fiberglass pools, giving homeowners more flexibility than builders who specialize in only one pool type.

Beyond the pool itself, Premier Pools & Spas designs complete outdoor living spaces that can include spas, outdoor kitchens, fire features, water features, hardscaping, and landscaping.

This makes it a strong choice if you want a single company to manage your entire backyard project rather than coordinating multiple contractors.

Best for: Homeowners seeking custom gunite or fiberglass pools, plus a complete backyard transformation.

2. Town & Country Pools

Google Rating: 4.4 (17 reviews)

Town & Country Pools has been building luxury custom pools in Northern Virginia since 1977. The company focuses exclusively on custom gunite pools, emphasizing unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship.

If you are planning a premium outdoor living space, Town & Country Pools offers design-build services that integrate pools, spas, and landscaping into one cohesive project. Their award-winning portfolio reflects a strong focus on custom residential work.

Best for: Homeowners investing in a high-end custom gunite pool with distinctive architectural design.

3. Beltway Pools

Google Rating: 4.9 (126 reviews)

Beltway Pools serves homeowners across Northern Virginia, including Arlington, McLean, Vienna, and Fairfax Station, offering new construction, renovations, repairs, inspections, and maintenance.

The company’s builders hold GENESIS Master certification, one of the highest credentials in the industry and still rare in the DMV market, underscoring its focus on technical expertise alongside custom pool design and outdoor improvements.

If you already own a pool or want one company to handle future service, Beltway Pools is worth considering.

Best for: Homeowners who want a builder that can also handle maintenance, repairs, and renovations.

4. Anchor Poolscapes

Google Rating: 4.0 (8 reviews)

Anchor Poolscapes is a family-owned company specializing in custom gunite and shotcrete pools throughout Northern Virginia. In addition to new construction, the company performs renovations, maintenance, inspections, and leak detection.

Its team also builds retaining walls, masonry features, and other backyard improvements, allowing homeowners to complete multiple outdoor upgrades through a single contractor. This full-service approach can also simplify future maintenance.

Best for: Homeowners who want a locally owned builder that offers both construction and ongoing pool services.

5. ASP of Springfield

Google Rating: 4.8 (209 reviews)

ASP of Springfield is well known for pool maintenance and repairs, but the company also offers inground pool installation and remodeling services across Springfield, Burke, Fairfax, and McLean.

Many homeowners appreciate having one contractor available for future cleaning, equipment repairs, and seasonal service after construction. Weigh those plans against typical pool maintenance cost.

Its maintenance plans and remodeling services also make ASP a practical option if you’re updating an existing pool instead of starting from scratch.

Best for: Homeowners who value ongoing pool maintenance and long-term service support.

6. Canadian Waters Construction

Google Rating: 4.6 (9 reviews)

Canadian Waters Construction is a Loudoun County-based builder known for tackling difficult terrain, from steep slopes to major elevation changes, and turning it into award-winning infinity-edge and gunite pool designs.

Founder Bryan Arnold personally oversees every project from design through completion, and the company intentionally keeps its annual project count small to maintain that level of hands-on attention.

Its focus on cohesive outdoor spaces, rather than the pool as a standalone feature, makes it a strong option for homeowners with challenging lots who still want a polished, resort-style result.

Best for: Homeowners with sloped or difficult terrain who want a custom infinity-edge or gunite pool with hands-on builder involvement.

7. NVPools, Inc.

Google Rating: 3.9 (28 reviews)

NVPools has been designing and building pools in Northern Virginia since 1999, working across residential backyards, community pools, and municipal facilities. That range is unusual for a builder this size, and it shows in the scope of what they handle beyond just construction.

Custom gunite design and construction is the core of their residential work, alongside pool renovations and long-term maintenance contracts. They also build fountains and other water features, which is worth knowing if you’re planning something beyond a standard rectangular pool.

One detail that sets them apart: NVPools also trains lifeguards and manages pool operations for communities and swim schools, not just individual homeowners. That kind of operational experience can be a useful signal if you’re weighing builders on more than just how a finished pool looks in photos.

Best for: Homeowners who want a builder with deep operational pool experience, not just a construction crew, and who are open to a company that also handles ongoing pool management.

What Makes Choosing a Pool Builder Different in Northern Virginia

Building an inground pool in Northern Virginia involves more than picking a design. Local regulations, property conditions, and neighborhood requirements can affect how smoothly your project moves from planning to construction.

• HOA approvals are common: Many planned communities require homeowners to submit pool plans, fencing details, landscaping, and other design documents before construction begins. Getting HOA approval early helps prevent delays.
• Permit requirements vary by county and city: Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, and Prince William each run their own permitting processes, so your builder should know the specific rules and paperwork for your location.
• Fairfax County requires permits for swimming pools: New inground pools are considered permit-required work, and inspections are part of the construction process to verify compliance with local building codes.
• Loudoun County has multiple approval requirements: Your project may require building and zoning permits, approved plats, setback verification, fence acknowledgment forms, and separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, or gas work.
• Limited backyard access can affect excavation: Many older Northern Virginia neighborhoods have narrow side yards, mature trees, or existing structures that make it harder to access the backyard for excavation. Your builder should evaluate access before construction begins.
• Sloped lots require proper grading and drainage planning: Hillside properties often need retaining walls, grading, or drainage improvements to create a stable foundation for the pool and protect the surrounding landscape.
• Luxury neighborhoods may have architectural design reviews: Some communities have additional review boards that evaluate how a new pool, patio, fencing, and outdoor living space fit with the neighborhood’s overall appearance.
• Automatic covers and pool heaters can extend your swim season: Northern Virginia has a shorter outdoor swimming season than warmer parts of the country. Adding a heater or an automatic safety cover helps homeowners enjoy their pool earlier in spring and later into fall.

How to Compare Pool Builders Beyond the Photos

A beautiful portfolio is a good starting point. Still, the real differences between pool builders become clear when you compare what is included in their proposals and how they manage the project from start to finish.

• Pool type offered: Ask whether the builder installs gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl liner pools. Some companies specialize in one type, while others offer multiple options so you can choose the best fit for your budget, maintenance preferences, and design goals.
• Pool-only or complete backyard design: Find out whether the builder can also install patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, landscaping, and other outdoor living elements. Working with one contractor can simplify scheduling and communication.
• Who handles the paperwork: Confirm whether the builder pulls permits and submits HOA paperwork on your behalf, or if that responsibility falls to you. Builders who manage this directly move projects along faster.
• Site access and excavation plan: Every property is different. Have the builder explain how equipment will reach your backyard, whether fences need to be removed, and how they plan to protect existing landscaping and hardscaping.
• Drainage, retaining walls, and grading: A quality proposal should address how water will drain around the pool and whether grading or retaining walls are needed to create a stable, long-lasting installation.
• Equipment and features included: Compare the brands and models of pumps, filters, automation systems, LED lighting, heaters, sanitizing systems, and automatic covers. Higher-quality equipment can improve performance and reduce maintenance over time.
• Payment schedule and deposit structure: Ask how payments are broken into milestones tied to project phases, and what portion is due upfront. A clear schedule protects you if a project stalls partway through.
• Warranty coverage: Read the warranty carefully so you understand what is covered, how long coverage lasts, and whether the builder or the equipment manufacturer handles future warranty claims.
• Change-order process: Ask how upgrades or design changes are handled after construction begins. A clear written process helps you understand how additional work is approved and how it affects the final cost.
• Project timeline and subcontractor management: Find out who oversees the project each day, coordinates subcontractors, schedules inspections, and serves as your main point of contact from excavation through the final walkthrough. Our pool installation process guide shows what each phase should involve.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Northern Virginia Pool Builder

The right questions can tell you much more than a gallery of finished pools. Ask these before signing a contract so you know exactly what to expect throughout the project.

• Can I see recent pool projects similar to mine? Ask for photos of completed projects with a similar size, style, or property layout. This gives you a better idea of what the builder can deliver.
• What is included in the quoted price? Make sure the proposal clearly lists excavation, permits, equipment, decking, fencing, drainage work, and cleanup so there are no surprises later.
• Are you licensed for pool construction in Virginia? Ask to see a current Virginia contractor license before work begins. This protects you if something goes wrong on the job.
• How many projects are you running at the same time? A builder juggling too many jobs at once may not be able to give your project consistent attention. Ask how many active projects they typically manage and how that affects your timeline.
• What happens if the project runs past the contracted timeline? Delays can happen, but a builder should be able to explain how they communicate schedule changes and whether any protections apply if the project runs significantly over.
• Can you provide references from recent customers? Speaking with past clients can give you valuable insight into communication, workmanship, jobsite cleanliness, and how the builder handled questions throughout the project.

FAQs

Who are the best inground pool builders in Northern Virginia?

Some of the best-known inground pool builders in Northern Virginia include Premier Pools & Spas, Town & Country Pools, Beltway Pools, Anchor Poolscapes, Hearthstone Design Build, ASP of Springfield, and Canadian Waters Construction. The right choice depends on your budget, preferred pool type, property layout, and whether you want a pool-only project or a complete backyard transformation.

How many pool builders should I compare before choosing one?

Comparing at least three pool builders is a smart approach. Work through our full list of questions to ask a pool builder at each meeting. Request detailed proposals, review past projects, compare equipment and warranties, and ask who will manage permits and construction. Looking beyond the price helps you understand the overall value and avoid unexpected costs later.

Are gunite pools popular in Northern Virginia?

Yes. Gunite pools are one of the most popular choices in Northern Virginia because they offer excellent durability and nearly unlimited design flexibility. Many local builders specialize in custom gunite construction, making it easier to create features such as tanning ledges, spas, waterfalls, and freeform designs.

Do Northern Virginia pool builders handle HOA approval?

Many established pool builders assist homeowners with HOA approval by preparing site plans, design drawings, and other required documents. HOA requirements vary by community, so ask your builder what is included and confirm whether you are responsible for submitting the application or if they will handle it for you.

Do I need a permit for an inground pool in Northern Virginia?

Yes. An inground pool requires permits in Northern Virginia, but the exact requirements vary by county and city. Your project may need building, electrical, plumbing, or zoning approvals before construction begins. An experienced pool builder can guide you through the permitting process and schedule the required inspections.

Ready to Compare Northern Virginia Pool Builders?

Every builder on this list can pour a pool. What separates them is how they handle Northern Virginia’s specific headaches, including HOA approval, county-by-county permitting, and a backyard that’s more likely to have a slope or a narrow side yard than not.

If you want one company that can manage the full project, from custom gunite construction through outdoor kitchens and hardscaping, Premier Pools & Spas of Northern Virginia is a solid starting point.