Why We Cost a Little More (And Why It’s Worth It)

Around Central Texas, you’ve probably heard the stories — cracking shells, ASR showing up early, plumbing issues, shifting decks… and homeowners stuck rebuilding a pool they just paid for. Suddenly that “cheap bid” turns into the most expensive problem on the property.

We don’t want that happening to anyone we build for.
So we build differently — with intention, experience, and craftsmanship.

We’re a small, family-run boutique builder with over 50 years of combined knowledge in the pool industry. We’ve seen every type of construction, every shortcut, and every horror story — especially the recent wave of ASR issues in Central Texas. When you’re taking on a project as big and meaningful as a backyard makeover, you want to know the thing you’re building is built right. Here’s the simple, straightforward breakdown of what sets us apart.

What Makes Us Different

1. We Build a Stronger, Thicker Pool Shell

We don’t build to minimum standards — we build to last in Texas.

  • 4000 PSI gunite in the pool shell

  • 12-inch-thick floors and walls

  • ½-inch rebar throughout

  • 4.5-inch spacing on the floor

  • 9-inch spacing on the walls

This creates a dense, durable structure that doesn’t flinch at heat, clay soil, or time — and helps you avoid the nightmare scenarios you’ve heard about.

2. Our Rebar Is Shaped With Craftsmanship — Not Shortcuts

Some other builders do the bare minimum with their steel.

Straight sticks, quick cuts, nothing shaped to match the pool’s design. It’s technically “acceptable,” but it’s not strong — and it’s not how we build.

We bend full pieces of ½-inch new steel to follow the exact curves, benches, and contours of your pool.

It takes more effort, but this steel framework is the backbone of your entire structure, and we treat it with the level of care it deserves.

And it’s not just how we shape the rebar — it’s how we space it:

  • 4.5 inches on center on the floor slope

  • 9 inches on center for the rest of the floor and walls

  • A 4-bar beam for added strength and rigidity around the top of the shell

This layout creates a tighter, stronger, more supportive cage than what most builders install. The result is a pool that holds its shape, resists movement, and stands up to Texas soil for decades.

If you want your pool’s bones to be strong, this is exactly how you build it.

3. Our Decking Is Built to Handle Texas

Deck cracking is one of the most common issues in poorly built pools — so we overbuild it from day one:

  • 3500 PSI concrete decking

  • 18 inches on center spacing

  • 4.5–5 inches thick

  • 3/8” rebar

  • Turn-down beam around the perimeter

  • Poly plastic vapor barrier underneath

A stable deck is a long-lasting deck.
We build it to stay put.

4. We Keep Plumbing Outside the Pool Shell

One of the biggest differences between us and other builders.

Many companies run plumbing under the floor or inside the walls because it’s quicker and cheaper. The issue is:

  • Thins out the gunite

  • Creates voids

  • Weakens the shell

Failures inside the shell are rare — but if they ever happen, repairs require cutting into the gunite and rebuilding an entire section.

We avoid that completely by keeping all plumbing outside the shell.
Your gunite stays full-thickness and strong, exactly as it should.

5. We Build Faster Because We Don’t Overload Ourselves

We’re a boutique builder — not a volume shop.

Some big-box pool companies take on 150–200 builds at once, which leads to long delays, rotating crews, poor communication, and projects that drag on for up to a year.

We only take on a handful of pools at a time, which means:

  • We’re hands-on

  • We’re on-site regularly

  • Your project gets attention

  • Your timeline stays tight

Most of our builds finish in 6–10 weeks, start to swim.

6. We Take Care of the People Who Build the Pool

Some builders squeeze contractors on pay and materials, and that leads to rushed work and cut corners.

We don’t operate like that:

  • We pay fairly

  • We pay on time

  • We work with the same trusted teams

  • We make sure people have what they need

Happy crews build better pools. It’s that simple.

7. Every Pool Comes With Premium Inclusions

These aren’t upgrades — they’re standards, because they’re what we would want for our own families.

Irrigation Rerouting & Repair

We include it with every build.
Most companies don’t — and leave you to figure it out.

Mineral Cartridge System

Less chlorine, less maintenance, softer water, healthier swim.
Crystal clear, sparkling water — the good stuff.

Jandy Equipment

We only use Jandy because it lasts.
It’s the best warranty, best support, and best long-term value.
No “designed to fail in a year” equipment here.

Superior Circulation Systems

We go above and beyond with pump size and plumbing design to keep your water moving — cleaner, cooler, and clearer, even during pollen season.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison: two pools, both running — one built with intention, the other by a big-box outfit. The contrast? Pure night and day.

One thing most homeowners never think about — but absolutely should — is how well does your pool circulate. It’s one of the biggest factors in how clean, safe, and easy-to-maintain your pool really is.

We design our plumbing and pump systems so your pool turns over water faster and more efficiently.
Why does that matter?

Because the faster your water turns over:

  • The less bacteria has time to grow

  • The cleaner and clearer the water stays

  • The safer it is to swim in

  • The cooler and fresher the water feels

  • The less work your chemicals have to do

  • The less chance your pool has of going greenor even going green at all if you keep your levels checked

Better Circulation = Better Water

A lot of builders size their plumbing and pumps to the bare minimum. We don’t. We design systems that actually move water the way it should move. When your water is constantly circulating, it can’t stagnate, and algae doesn’t stand a chance.

You get a pool that stays clean, clear, and healthy — just like a pool should.

8. Our Plaster Is Above Industry Standard

We use a 100% Quartz sand pre-blend with abalone shell Plaster, not big, rough pebbles.

  • Smooth on your feet

  • Gorgeous sparkle

  • Longer lifespan

It’s harder to install, which is why most builders avoid it — but it creates a far better finish.

We also add Set & Cure to the mix, which:

  • Cuts brushing time in half

  • Makes startup easier

  • Helps protect the color

  • Reduces the early plaster dust issue

Your pool is easier to care for and looks better, longer.

9. Financing That Doesn’t Hurt Your Wallet

We have strong relationships with lenders who specialize in pool financing.

  • Fast approvals

  • Competitive rates

  • Low upfront cost

  • Trusted pool-specific lenders

  • Simple, stress-free process

Most homeowners can finance a full backyard makeover for around: You can expect to pay about $900–$1,000 per month on a $140K project (Depending on credit) We help you avoid overpaying, avoid predatory lenders, and get a rate that keeps the project comfortable.

10. We Stand Behind What We Build

  • Lifetime warranties on most phases

  • We have NO Concreate Cancer (ASR) cases

  • 50+ years combined experience

  • Local, family-run, and personal

  • We answer our phone

  • We don’t disappear or change names

We stay accountable because we build pools meant to last.

The Simple Summary Is :

Build thicker, stronger pool shell

More Gunite, more steel, more long-term stability.

Use ½-inch steel with tighter spacing

Built to resist movement, pressure, and time.

Shape rebar correctly

Your design deserves craftsmanship, not shortcuts.

Build stronger decking

Better structure, better durability.

Keep plumbing outside the gunite

Stronger gunite + easier lifetime maintenance.

Include premium items automatically

Irrigation rerouting, mineral systems, Jandy equipment — all standard.

Stay small and hands-on

Better communication, faster builds, better quality.

Offer smart financing options

Making your dream backyard achievable and affordable.

We Stand behind our work

Zero ASR, Real Warranties, and Decades of Experience.

If you want a pool built right the first time — one that lasts decades in Texas — you’ll be glad you chose us.

Let's Talk
Previous
Previous

Step-by-Step: How We Build a Custom Pool

Next
Next

Pool Construction Timeline: Start Planning by the Holidays