Inground Pool Builders in Jacksonville, FL
We build custom inground pools across Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Northeast Florida. Our team knows Jacksonville’s building codes, year-round construction climate, and what works in sandy Florida 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 Jacksonville
Most homeowners in Jacksonville budget somewhere between $70,000 and $150,000+ for a custom inground pool. That’s a well-designed gunite or fiberglass pool with solid equipment, a clean finish, and maybe a spa or sun shelf.
Pool type is the major deciding factor. Here’s how much it costs to build a pool depending on the pool type:
| Pool Type | Typical Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Gunite (Concrete) | $70,000 to 150,000+ | 3 to 5 months |
| Fiberglass | $65,000 to $130,000+ | 4 to 8 weeks |
Where you land in that range also depends on:
- Pool size: A 16×32 rectangle costs less than a freeform pool with an attached spa.
- Features: Water features, LED lighting, automation systems, and outdoor kitchens all add to the number. Some are worth it. Some aren’t. We’ll tell you which is which.
- Tiles and finishes: Gunite pools require a surface finish like plaster, quartz, pebble, or tile. The difference between a basic plaster finish and a full pebble or glass tile finish can be $7,000 to $20,000 on its own. It’s one of the most common surprises in a pool budget, so worth knowing upfront.
- Yard conditions: Sandy soil, high water tables, or unstable ground, which are common in parts of Northeast Florida, can require extra prep work before the shell goes in. Tight side yards or difficult equipment access can add labor costs too.
For a full breakdown, see our Inground Pool Cost guide.
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Pool Types We Build in Jacksonville
We build two types of inground pools: gunite and fiberglass. Both are solid choices in Jacksonville’s climate. The right one depends on your design goals, how long you plan to stay in the home, and your budget.
Gunite (Concrete)
Gunite is what most people picture when they think “luxury pool.” It’s built custom on-site, which means you have complete control over shape, size, depth, and finish.
If you want a freeform design, an infinity edge, or something that wraps around an existing structure, gunite is the way to go. It takes longer to build, typically 3 to 5 months from breaking ground, and in Florida it can be more economical than fiberglass. But it can last 50+ years with proper resurfacing and holds its value well.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a pre-molded shell that gets dropped in. The main advantages are speed (some installs wrap up in 4 to 8 weeks) and lower long-term maintenance. Another key item is the surface is smoother than gunite and less prone to algae than plaster.
The trade-off is that you’re picking from a catalog of shapes and sizes rather than building something truly custom.
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. And frankly, if you’re investing $70,000 or more in a pool, you deserve something that lasts longer and holds its value better.
Not sure which type is right for you? Our Pool Type Quiz can help you figure it out in a few minutes.
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. From there, we put together a 3D design based on your actual backyard dimensions, usually within 48 to 96 hours.
- Permits: Pool construction requires a building permit in every Florida county. We handle all permitting for you, but permit review timelines in the Jacksonville area can range from 2 to 6 weeks. It’s the one phase that we don’t have much control over, but we’re well versed in working with local municipalities.
- Construction: This is the longest phase. Excavation, plumbing, shell installation, tile work, decking, and equipment installation all happen in a sequence. We keep you updated throughout so you’re never left wondering 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 pool, balance your water, 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 6 weeks depending on your county.
- Gunite: 3 to 5 months
- Fiberglass: 4 to 8 weeks
In Jacksonville, the most common reasons a timeline stretches are weather and soil conditions. We build year-round here, but rain delays do happen.
We’ll give you a realistic timeline estimate during your consultation, not a best-case scenario.
Popular Pool Features in Jacksonville
- Spa and hot tub integration: An attached spa that shares the pool’s equipment system is one of the most popular upgrades we see. It doesn’t add as much cost as people expect, and it gets used constantly.
- Sun shelves: Sun shelves, also called tanning ledges or Baja shelves, are a shallow, flat section of the pool where you can set a lounge chair and sit in a few inches of water. Families with young kids especially love these.
- Water features: Deck jets, bubblers, waterfalls, and scuppers. Some are purely visual. Others add a sound element that makes the backyard feel like a different place.
- Automation systems: Control your pool lights, pump, heater, and spa from your phone. If you’re spending $100,000+ on a pool, automation is worth it. It makes ownership noticeably easier.
- LED lighting: Color-changing LED lights in the pool and around the deck transform the space at night. Jacksonville evenings are warm enough to swim after dark for most of the year. Good lighting makes it worth doing.
- Enclosures: Almost every customer in the Jacksonville area selects a pool enclosure for safety and to protect against local wildlife.
- Outdoor kitchens and hardscaping: We handle more than just the water. Many of our Jacksonville projects include surrounding patio work, pergolas, and outdoor kitchen builds that tie the whole backyard together.
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Areas We Serve
- Jacksonville
- Orange Park
- Fleming Island
- Mandarin
- Ponte Vedra Beach
- Nocatee
- Atlantic Beach
- Neptune Beach
- St. Johns
- St. Augustine
- Jacksonville Beach
- Green Cove Springs
- Middleburg
- Fernandina & Amelia
- Fort George
- Arlington & Fort Caroline
What Homeowners Are Saying
I’ll admit that I have high standards and know exactly what I want. I pay attention to details and like things done a certain way, and they were patient, professional, and willing to work with me every step of the way. I truly appreciated that they never made me feel like my concerns didn’t matter.
In the end, we have a beautiful pool that our family loves, and I’m grateful for the team’s dedication, communication, and commitment to customer satisfaction. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to build a pool. Outstanding job guys!!!
Joe did an outstanding job overseeing the construction of our pool. He was honest, reasonable, always available, and kept us informed every step of the way. He took the time to thoroughly explain the process and made sure our questions were always answered.
Lee consistently went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience. His commitment to customer satisfaction was evident from start to finish, and he was always easy to work with.
The finished pool exceeded our expectations, and we couldn’t be happier with the final product. If you’re looking for a company that’s professional, responsive, and genuinely cares about its customers, I highly recommend Premier Pools & Spas. Thank you, Joe and Lee!
From start to finish, Joe was outstanding. His attention to detail was driven by quality, not quantity. If something didn’t look right or wasn’t perfect, he had it fixed. No shortcuts, no settling. He wanted to build a perfect pool, and that is exactly what he delivered.
The design process was just as impressive. Huge credit to Lee Harris for taking our ideas and turning them into a truly custom design. The walkthrough video brought everything to life before construction even started, and the final product looks just as incredible in real life.
The quality of the subcontractors was also top tier. One company that deserves a standout shoutout is Troy Tracwick Plumbing. Some of the nicest and most detail oriented guys we have ever met. The spa, especially the tile work, came out next level. Major credit to Mr. Harris for that out of this world finish.
Like most custom projects, the build took a little longer than expected, but we added high end features like upgraded tile and big fire features. At no point did it feel like corners were being cut. The extra time reflected the craftsmanship.
Building a pool can feel overwhelming, but Premier Pools made it smooth, transparent, and actually enjoyable.
The end result speaks for itself. Our pool turned out incredible, and we are beyond excited to enjoy it with our family for years to come. Highly recommend!
The project stayed on track, communication was consistent, and everything was completed in a timely manner. We especially appreciated how they took time to walk us through how to use and maintain the pool once finished.
Overall, the team delivered exactly what they promised, we’re very happy with the results. We would confidently recommend Premier Pools to anyone considering a pool project.
A special thank you to Joe and Tim, who went above and beyond at every step. Their communication, reliability, and genuine care for our vision made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. They took the time to listen, problem-solve, and ensure everything was done right, never cutting corners and always holding themselves to the highest standard.
This was a big investment for our family, and we are thoroughly impressed with the result. The quality of work speaks for itself, and we are forever grateful for the dedication and heart that went into creating something so special for our home. If you’re looking for a company you can trust—one that delivers exceptional results while making you feel supported every step of the way—Premier Pools and Spas is it. Highly, highly recommend!
FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Jacksonville?
How long does it take to get a pool permit in Duval County?
Duval County processes a high volume of permits, so review times can vary. It can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, and the timeline isn’t always predictable. In fact, we use expedited permitting service in many of our counties to improve the timeline. We build realistic buffer time into our project schedules. If there’s a known backlog when we’re starting your project, we’ll tell you upfront.
What type of pool works best in Florida’s soil?
Both gunite and fiberglass can be built successfully in Northeast Florida. Sandy soil is common in this market, and the key is proper site prep and engineering before the shell goes in. At times, unforeseen soil or water conditions do arise after excavation starts, and we are equipped to handle them quickly and keep you informed of any changes.
Can I build a pool year-round in Jacksonville?
Yes. Jacksonville’s mild winters are one of the reasons this is one of the strongest markets for pool construction. There’s no hard stop in the colder months the way there is in other parts of the country. Winter is actually a reasonable time to start. You’re more likely to be swimming by summer.
What’s the difference between gunite and fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a pre-molded that installs faster and requires less long-term maintenance. Both are good options depending on your goals.
See the Pool Types We Build section above, or take our Pool Type Quiz if you want a recommendation based on your situation. Gunite is built custom on-site and gives you complete design flexibility. Fiberglass is a great choice for a smoother surface and less maintenance.
How much does a pool add to home value in Jacksonville?
There’s no single answer. It depends on the neighborhood, the design, and the market. Generally speaking, a well-built pool in a Jacksonville-area neighborhood where pools are common tends to add meaningful resale value.
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 one purely as an investment. Build it because you’re going to use it.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re ready for a real conversation, not a sales pitch, let’s talk about what a pool could look like on your property and what it would cost.
Your consultation is free, with no obligation and no pressure to move forward. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what’s realistic for your budget, your yard, and your goals.
| 1,100+ luxury inground pools built every year | Serving 11 cities across FL, VA, NC, SC, TX, AZ & CA