Inground Pool Builders in Dallas, TX
We build custom gunite pools in Dallas and the surrounding North Texas communities. Our team knows Dallas’ building codes, the expansive clay and rock conditions that define this part of Texas, and what it takes to engineer a pool that holds up for decades in this soil.
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 Dallas
Most homeowners in Dallas start their pool budget around $75,000, with most custom projects landing between $90,000 and $120,000 or more depending on design and features.
We build custom gunite pools exclusively in Dallas-Forth Worth. It’s the only pool type we offer.
| Pool Type | Typical Cost Range | Timeline (Dig to Swim Day) |
|---|---|---|
| Gunite (Concrete) | $75,000 to $200,000+ | 2 to 3 months |
Where you land in that range also depends on:
- Design and features: A custom spa adds $15,000 to $25,000. Smart automation runs $2,500 to $4,000. Ozone water treatment systems add around $2,500 to $3,500. Premium water features, sheer descents, and specialty lighting all contribute to the final number.
- Tiles and finishes: Premium pebble finishes are the standard here. They outperform basic plaster on durability and stain resistance, and the color payoff in the water is noticeably better. The gap between plaster and a full pebble finish is real, and worth understanding before you set your budget.
- Decking: Travertine and natural stone pavers are popular in this market because they stay cooler underfoot during Texas summers than standard concrete. Broom-finish concrete is also common. Both are solid choices and both affect your overall project cost.
- Soil and excavation: DFW has highly expansive clay soil across much of the metroplex. In some pockets, particularly further out from the urban core, you hit rock. Clay requires robust steel reinforcement and drainage engineering. Rock requires specialized breaking equipment and adds a few days and a modest upcharge to excavation.
- Lot conditions: Sloped lots, tight equipment access, or properties with septic systems can all affect scope. We map all of this during the initial site survey before quoting anything.
For a full breakdown, see our Inground Pool Cost guide.
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Why We Build Gunite and Nothing Else
Most pool builders in this area offer both gunite and fiberglass. We don’t. Here’s the honest reason.
Dallas sits on some of the most expansive clay soil in the country. This soil shifts with moisture, expanding when wet and contracting in dry conditions. A properly engineered gunite shell, built with heavy steel reinforcement and site-specific structural design, handles that movement. A pre-molded fiberglass shell doesn’t give you the same engineering flexibility to account for what’s below grade on your specific lot.
Beyond the structural argument, gunite is the only way to get a fully custom pool. Shape, depth, finish: every detail is designed around your yard and your vision, not around what fits a manufacturer’s mold.
Every pool we build gets a site-specific engineering plan. The reinforcement schedule, drainage design, and shell specifications are based on what we find at your address, not a standard template.
Our Pool Installation Process
Here’s the process from first conversation to first swim.
- Site visit and 3D design: Every project starts with an in-person site survey. We walk your property, assess soil conditions, map utility locations, and note any setback requirements before we design anything. From there, we build a photorealistic 3D rendering using professional design software so you can take a virtual walkthrough of your new pool and outdoor space before a single shovel hits the ground. Most designs are turned around within a few days of the site visit.
- Permits: We handle 100% of the permitting process, building, electrical, and plumbing permits across all local municipalities. If your city requires arborist plans for tree protection during excavation, or has specific equipment sound setback rules, we navigate all of that. Depending on your city, permit approval takes 2 to 4 weeks. We keep you updated throughout.
- HOA approval: Most HOAs in Dallas welcome pool additions but require architectural committee approval before construction can begin. We provide full 3D renderings and professional plans you can submit directly to your HOA. Starting this process at the same time as permitting avoids unnecessary delays.
- Excavation and construction: Once permits are in hand, active construction runs 2 to 3 months to completion. If we encounter rock during excavation, we bring in heavy-duty breaking equipment. It adds a few days to the dig but doesn't derail the schedule. We keep you informed at every phase so you always 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. You'll leave knowing how to run your equipment, balance your water chemistry, and who to call if something comes up.
For a complete phase-by-phase breakdown, see our Inground Pool Installation Process guide.
Pool Installation Timeline
These timelines run from breaking ground to first swim. Permitting and design happen before that clock starts.
- Gunite: 2 to 3 months
- Fiberglass: 2 to 4 weeks before breaking ground
Dallas allows for construction year-round. The main interruptions are heavy spring thunderstorms, which can pause work for a few days, and the occasional winter freeze. Neither stops a project outright. Summer’s dry Texas heat actually accelerates certain construction phases.
The best time to start is now, or in fall and winter if you want to be swimming by spring. Homeowners who start the conversation in fall finish just in time for the best swimming weather. Those who wait until spring are often looking at a summer or fall completion.
We’ll give you a realistic timeline during your consultation, not a best-case scenario.
Popular Pool Features in Dallas
These are the features and trends we see most often across Dallas.
- Complete outdoor living destinations: Dallas clients aren't typically asking for just a pool. They want the pool as the centerpiece of a full backyard design, custom pavilion, outdoor kitchen, fire features, and covered seating all built together. It's the dominant trend we see across the market right now.
- Tanning ledges and sun shelves: Expansive shallow shelves where you can set up a chair or lounge in a few inches of water are one of the most requested features we build. Families with young kids especially, but honestly most homeowners regardless of age.
- Integrated spas: A raised, custom spa connected to the pool's equipment system is near the top of most Dallas wishlists. Gas heaters heat the water fast, which matters when you want a spontaneous evening soak on a cool Texas night.
- Sheer descent waterfalls: Clean, modern waterfalls that sheet water into the pool are popular across the geometric and contemporary pool designs common in newer Dallas neighborhoods.
- Smart automation: Hayward automation systems are what we install. A reliable app, straightforward controls, and the ability to turn on your spa or adjust temperature before you step outside. At this price point, it's a standard addition.
- Ozone water treatment: More DFW homeowners are upgrading to ozone systems instead of traditional salt or chlorine. Ozone dramatically reduces chemical demand, produces noticeably clearer water, and avoids the corrosive wear that salt can cause on equipment and natural stone over time.
- Natural stone decking: Travertine and marble pavers are a popular choice here because they stay cooler underfoot than concrete during Texas summers. We recommend sealing natural stone to protect it from long-term exposure, which is a straightforward maintenance step.
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Areas We Serve
We serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding North Texas communities, including:
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Prosper
- Westlake
- Parker
- Rowlett
- Weatherford
- Plano
- Frisco
- McKinney
- Allen
- Southlake
- Colleyville
- Grapevine
- Arlington
- Irving
- Mansfield
- Rockwall
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.
What Homeowners Are Saying
As first time pool owners, we had plenty of questions and anxieties, but Sean made all the difference once construction began - walking us through the process and maintaining constant communication no matter how early or how late.
Thankful we trusted our gut in choosing Pinnacle Pools. We absolutely love our pool and can’t wait to enjoy it for years to come. Would recommend!
Our custom in-ground pool turned out absolutely incredible. The water features add such a relaxing and high-end feel, the tanning ledge is perfect for lounging, and the exterior paver decking really ties everything together beautifully. The craftsmanship and attention to detail exceeded our expectations.
A huge shoutout to Mason who was incredibly communicative, responsive, and helpful throughout the entire process. He made sure all of our questions were answered and really helped bring our vision to life.
Sean, our project manager, was just as impressive—extremely organized, proactive, and informative every step of the way. We always knew what to expect next, and he kept everything running on schedule while maintaining top-notch quality.
If you’re considering building a pool, I highly recommend Pinnacle Pools and Spas. They deliver not only a stunning final product but also an exceptional customer experience from beginning to end!
Our 13 x 34 in-ground pool with two bubblers and a waterfall turned out exactly how we pictured it. The quality and attention to detail really stand out.
Best part it was all done in just 7 weeks, which was awesome. We’re really happy with how it all turned out and would definitely recommend Pinnacle Pool and Spas.
Now that construction has started, Sean has been great on the build side. He’s been communicative, professional, and on top of everything as the work moves along. It’s been reassuring to have someone who clearly cares about the details.
Overall, we’re really happy with how things are going and would definitely recommend Pinnacle Pool to anyone looking to build a pool.
Here are some dig pictures, and I will update the pictures as the construction process moves along.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Dallas?
Yes. Building, electrical, and plumbing permits are required across all Dallas and DFW municipalities. We handle the entire permitting process for you, including pulling all permits and scheduling mandatory city inspections. You don’t need to figure out which permits apply to your address.
How long does permitting take in Dallas?
Depending on your specific city, permit approval typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Some cities move faster, some slower. We build that time into your project schedule and keep you updated throughout.
Why do you only build gunite pools in Dallas?
North Texas sits on some of the most expansive clay soil in the country. It shifts with moisture, which puts real stress on a pool shell over time. A properly engineered gunite shell with site-specific steel reinforcement handles that movement. A pre-molded fiberglass shell doesn’t give us the same flexibility to engineer around what’s below grade on your specific lot.
How does Dallas clay soil affect pool construction?
Every pool we build in this area gets a site-specific engineering plan based on the soil conditions at your address. The reinforcement schedule, drainage design, and shell specifications are all tailored to your lot. It’s not a standard template, because standard templates don’t account for what DFW soil actually does.
What if excavation hits rock?
It happens in certain pockets of the metroplex, particularly further out from the urban core. When we hit rock, we bring in specialized heavy-duty breaking equipment. It adds a few days to the dig timeline and a modest excavation upcharge, but we handle it as part of the project.
Can I build a pool on a sloped lot in Dallas?
Yes, and sloped lots produce interesting designs. Raised infinity edges, tiered retaining walls, and cascading water features all work well on properties with grade change. We handle all the structural engineering required to make those designs work properly.
What if my property has a septic system?
There are strict setback rules about how close a pool can be to a septic tank and lateral lines. We map all of this out during the initial site survey to make sure your pool layout is fully compliant before we finalize anything.
How much does a pool add to home value in Dallas?
It depends on the neighborhood and the design. In higher-end communities like Westlake, Prosper, and Southlake, a well-built pool with full outdoor living features is an expected part of what premium properties offer. In more standard suburban areas, it depends more on whether pools are common in that specific neighborhood. Build it because you’ll use it, and the resale case tends to follow in most of this market.
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