Inground Pool Builders in Richmond, VA
We build custom inground pools across Richmond and Central Virginia. Our team knows the local building codes, Virginia’s construction season, and what it takes to build right in the clay-heavy soil common across the Richmond area.
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 Richmond
Most homeowners in the Richmond area budget somewhere from $55,000 to $200,000+ for a custom inground pool. Pool type is the biggest deciding factor.
| Pool Type | Typical Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Gunite (Concrete) | $80,000 to $200,000+ | 3 to 4 months |
| Fiberglass | $55,000 to $150,000+ | 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. Some are worth every dollar. Some aren’t. We’ll tell you which is which.
- Tiles and finishes: Gunite pools require a surface finish like plaster, quartz, pebble, or full 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: Richmond’s clay-heavy soil is a common variable we work with in this market. Clay expands and contracts with moisture, which affects excavation, drainage, and shell engineering. It’s manageable, but make sure you choose a pool builder with strong earthwork experience.
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 Richmond
We build two types of inground pools: gunite and fiberglass. Both work well in Virginia’s climate. The right one depends on your design goals, how you plan to use the pool, and your budget.
Gunite (Concrete)
Gunite is built custom on-site from scratch. You control the shape, size, depth, and every design detail. If you want a freeform pool, an infinity edge, or something 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 it lasts 50+ years with proper care and holds its value well.
Richmond homeowners tend to go all-in on design. Larger lots in areas like Midlothian, Chesterfield, Manakin-Sabot, Mechanicsville, New Kent, and Short Pump give you the space to create something that truly stands out. Gunite is usually the best fit for those projects.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a pre-molded shell that installs in one piece. The main advantages are speed and lower short- and long-term maintenance costs. Most installations are completed in 4 to 8 weeks, though timelines can vary depending on retaining walls and the size of the deck area. The smooth gelcoat surface is often a major selling point for homeowners. It’s easier to maintain and requires fewer chemicals over time.
The trade-off is that you’re choosing from available shapes and sizes rather than something fully custom.
We don’t build vinyl liner pools. They’re common in other parts of Virginia, but they’re not a fit for the luxury market. If you’re investing $80,000 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
- Planning and design: Every project starts with an in-person site visit. We won’t quote anything without walking your yard first. After the visit, 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 Virginia locality. In the Richmond area, permitting runs through Henrico, Chesterfield, the City of Richmond, Powhatan, Hanover, or New Kent County, depending on where you live. Each has its own process and review timeline. We handle all permitting for you, but plan for anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. It’s the one phase we don’t have much control over.
- Construction: This is the longest phase. Excavation, plumbing, shell, tile, decking, and equipment all happen in sequence. Richmond’s clay soil requires careful excavation and drainage planning. Our crews have worked in this market long enough to know what to expect. 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
- Gunite: 3 to 4 months
- Fiberglass: 4 to 8 weeks
Richmond’s climate means some phases take longer in winter. Freezing temperatures, wet weather, and occasional frozen ground can affect excavation, concrete work, and curing times. We build year-round, but winter conditions can slow things down.
The most common advice we give Richmond homeowners: don’t wait until spring to start planning. By the time you’ve had a consultation, finalized a design, and cleared permitting, spring is already here. Start the conversation in fall so you’re ready to break ground during the winter and be swimming by summer.
We’ll give you a realistic timeline estimate during your consultation, not a best-case scenario.
Popular Pool Features in Richmond
Richmond homeowners tend to invest a lot in their outdoor spaces. These are the features we build most often in this market.
- Spa and hot tub integration: An attached spa is one of the most popular upgrades we see in Virginia. Unlike Florida, Richmond’s cooler fall and spring seasons mean a heated spa gets used well outside the swimming season. Homeowners who add one rarely regret it.
- Covered outdoor living areas: Pergolas, covered patios, and outdoor kitchens are common additions in this market. Richmond summers are warm and humid, so shade makes the difference between a backyard you use and one you avoid from June through August.
- Sun shelves: A shallow tanning ledge where you can sit in a few inches of water is popular with families and anyone who wants a gradual entry. They also work well for young kids.
- Automation systems: Control your pool’s pump, heater, lights, and spa from your phone. It’s particularly handy in the fall when temperatures start to fluctuate. You can adjust water temperature remotely without walking outside to the equipment pad.
- LED lighting: Good pool lighting extends the hours you actually use the space. Richmond evenings in late spring and early fall are some of the best weather of the year. Lighting means you’re out there enjoying them.
- Fire features: Fire bowls, fire pits, and integrated fire features are more popular in Virginia than in Florida. They extend the outdoor season into fall in a way that makes the whole space feel intentional and designed.
- Auto covers: Automatic pool covers are highly valued in Virginia. 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 from early spring to late fall. In fact, some homeowners combine an automatic cover with a natural gas heater to keep their pool open year-round.
Ready to Start Planning Your Pool?
Areas We Serve
We serve Richmond and the surrounding areas, including:
- Richmond
- Midlothian
- Tuckahoe
- Henrico
- Ashland
- Chesterfield
- Mosely
- Manakin-Sabot
- Goochland
- Powhatan
- Glen Allen
- Mechanicsville
- New Kent
- Short Pump
- Bon Air
What Homeowners Are Saying
We had a fantastic experience with Premier Pools and Spas. Trey and Beau were wonderful to work with from start to finish. They helped us design the stamped concrete exactly how we envisioned it and took the time to teach us everything we needed to know along the way. Communication was excellent—they were always very responsive and easy to reach. The entire project was completed in just 10 weeks, which exceeded our expectations. We’re extremely happy with the results and would highly recommend Premier Pools and Spas to anyone looking for quality work and great service.
As a family, we always wanted a pool & pool house in our backyard but we didn’t want all the headaches that typically come with dealing with the contractors. But let me tell you from experience, Premier Pools & Spas made our dream come true without the worrying, stress, or headaches.
Trey helped us with the design and blew it out of the water. He listened to what we wanted and made the design better than we could’ve imagined. He was creative, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in making sure the final design was both functional and beautiful — not just something that looked good on paper.
Logan, Beau, & Mike took the beautiful design & made it a reality — I can’t help but look out the window and be amazed.
Betsy & her entire team deserves special recognition for being truly amazing. She runs the entire team, and it shows. The organization, communication, and professionalism throughout the project were unmatched.
What really sets Premier Pools & Spas apart is that they CARE! & not just about the finished product — but about the entire experience & the customers being happy. We always felt informed, respected, & confident that our project was in the best possible hands. It never felt chaotic or disjointed like you hear about with so many pool companies.
All in all, they completely transformed our backyard & exceeded what we thought was possible.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Richmond?
Yes. Pool construction in Virginia requires a building permit regardless of where you live. In the Richmond area, the process is handled by the local building department based on your address. We take care of permitting as part of the project, so you don’t have to manage it yourself.
How long does it take to get a pool permit in Henrico or Chesterfield County?
Review times vary by locality and time of year. In our experience, plan for anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. Spring is the busiest period for permit submissions in this market, which is another reason to start planning in fall or winter rather than waiting until the ground thaws.
How does Richmond’s clay soil affect pool construction?
Clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, which can affect excavation, drainage, and pool-shell engineering. It’s a common condition in the Richmond area and something builders account for during site preparation and design.
When is the best time to build a pool in Richmond?
We build year-round, but winter conditions can slow certain phases down. The best time to start planning is the fall. We can get through the consultation, design, and permitting process during the slower months so you can hit the ground running in winter and be swimming by summer.
What’s the difference between gunite and fiberglass?
Gunite is built custom on-site and gives you complete design flexibility. You can choose virtually any shape, size, or feature. Fiberglass is a pre-molded shell that installs faster and requires less long-term maintenance. Both hold up well in Virginia’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 Richmond?
It depends on the neighborhood and the design. In established Richmond-area communities like Chesterfield, Henrico, and the Short Pump corridor, a well-built pool can add meaningful resale value. Build it because you’re going to use it, but don’t be surprised if it moves the needle on your home’s appeal.
While not exact, research shows a pool can add $60,000 to $100,000 to your home value, so based on your pool price, 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 well-being by having a pool.
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 clearer picture 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
Get a Personalized Inground Pool Estimate