You transform your backyard by pairing a clear plan with a custom pool design that fits your space, budget, and routine, then building it the right way with a team that knows the local rules and soil. If you live in or near The Woodlands, working with The Woodlands Pool Company means one team can handle design, permits, construction, and care after the build. That is the shortest path. Less guessing. Fewer handoffs. A better result.
What a pool changes in your daily life
A good pool does more than look nice. It changes how you live at home. You spend more time outside. You host more. You move more. The yard stops being a pass-through and becomes the place you choose to be.
– Morning swims before work in custom spas The Woodlands.
– Kids outside without a screen
– Small gatherings that feel easy
– A place to relax after a long day
I like numbers, but this part is simple. If you use it three days a week for nine months a year, that is not a luxury. That is routine. The design just needs to match your habits. Not your neighbor’s.
Design to how you live 90 percent of the time, not for the one big party you host each year.
Pick one primary use and back it up with two secondary goals
You might want laps. Or you want shallow play space for kids. Or a spa for recovery. Choose the main one. Then add two nice-to-have items that do not fight that main goal.
– Main goal: casual play for a young family
– Secondary goals: easy maintenance, low noise
– Result: large shallow shelf, variable-speed pump, bubbler for sound control, simple shape
I once walked a small yard where the owner wanted a deep end, a large tanning shelf, a wide bench, and a long lap lane. On paper, it fit. In real life, it felt cramped. We removed the deep end. They swim more now. Funny how that works.
Start with a plan you can stick to
Plans reduce change orders and keep your schedule tight. Nothing fancy. Just a clear scope and a budget with a buffer.
Budget ranges that keep you grounded
Prices shift with materials, access, features, and the yard itself. In Texas, a custom gunite pool often lands in these ranges. I am cautious here. These are ballpark numbers to help you plan, not quotes.
| Pool Type | Typical Range | What Affects Cost Most |
|---|---|---|
| Gunite/Shotcrete custom | $75,000 to $150,000+ | Size, spa, tile/stone, hardscape, access |
| Fiberglass shell | $55,000 to $100,000+ | Shell size, crane access, decking, features |
| Vinyl liner | $45,000 to $85,000+ | Shape, soil, decking, add-ons |
Keep a 10 to 15 percent reserve for changes you choose and surprises you do not choose.
Site review that avoids headaches later
Walk the yard with a builder. Look at these items before design begins.
– Sun and shade across seasons
– Tree roots and debris drop
– Easements and set-backs on the survey
– Drainage paths and low spots
– Utility lines and septic locations
– Equipment placement for noise and access
– Gate width and access for machinery
I pause extra long at drainage. Standing water near a pool is not just annoying. It can harm decking, coping, and turf. Grading and drains are not the fun line items. They matter.
Permits, HOA, and local rules
Most homes in The Woodlands have HOA rules. You also have county rules for safety and set-backs. A local builder should prepare drawings, submit for review, and meet inspectors on site. Ask who owns each step. Ask how long reviews take right now. Timelines shift with the season.
Clear drawings and a complete submittal cut review time more than any other trick.
Pool structures and surfaces
Each build method fits a different set of needs. No one method wins every category. Pick based on your goals, soil, access, and timing.
Gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl compared
| Attribute | Gunite | Fiberglass | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape flexibility | Custom shapes and sizes | Fixed shells | Many shapes, custom to a point |
| Surface feel | Plaster, quartz, or pebble | Smooth gelcoat | Liner texture |
| Build time | 8 to 14 weeks on average | 2 to 5 weeks on average | 4 to 8 weeks on average |
| Long-term care | Surface care over time | Shell care is light, watch chemistry | Liner replacement in future cycles |
| Access limits | Shotcrete equipment access | Crane access for shell | Similar to gunite |
| Cost volatility | Material and finish choices drive it | Transport and crane can spike | Lower entry, liner cycle adds later |
I prefer gunite for custom shapes in tight lots. It fits The Woodlands style and soils well. I also like fiberglass for fast builds when access allows a crane, and when a smooth surface is a must. Some owners pick vinyl for the lower entry cost, then plan for liner updates later. Different answers. That is normal.
Choose the structure that fits your yard first. Then layer features. Do not force features to fit a structure that does not match your site.
Features that pull their weight
Features should either add use, reduce work, or help safety. Pretty is fine. Just do not stack items that look good in photos but add noise, clutter, or maintenance.
Shallow shelf or tanning ledge
This is the most used area in many homes. Place two loungers or sit with kids without going all in. Make it wide enough for comfort. Include umbrella sleeves if you want shade without a bulky stand.
Bench seating
Wrap a bench along the deep side for more usable space. Benches help small groups feel connected. Leave clear swim lanes between benches and steps.
Spa integration
A raised spa adds year-round use. It also helps with sound and focal points. Keep the spillway simple. Too much spill can add heat loss and water loss. I think a 6 to 8 person spa fits most families.
Water movement and sound
Sheets, scuppers, and bubblers add sound and surface movement. Ask to hear these in person. Video does not match live sound. Test at low and high pump speeds.
Lighting that works at night
LED fixtures use much less power than older lights and last longer. Plan circuits for zones. You want calm light most nights, and brighter light when you host. Avoid hot spots.
Automation that saves time
Simple control from a phone or wall panel helps. Timers for pumps, heaters, and lights reduce energy use. Seven-day schedules are standard now. You do not need every bell and whistle. A clean, simple setup beats a busy one.
Equipment choices that cut costs
– Variable-speed pumps can cut energy use by 50 to 70 percent compared to single-speed units.
– Cartridge filters avoid backwash and save water. DE filters polish a bit more, but add process steps.
– Gas heaters heat fast. Heat pumps run more efficiently in mild weather. Some homes use both.
Ask for a yearly cost estimate based on your run times, pool size, and local rates. A good builder will run that math.
The build process, step by step
This is where a local team earns trust. Weather, clay soil, access, and HOA timing all play a part in The Woodlands. I like a clear path on paper before anyone brings a shovel.
Typical path from idea to swim
– On-site consult and survey review
– Concept plan with sizes and features
– 3D design if needed for clarity
– Itemized estimate and value options
– Contract with scope, payment schedule, and line-item specs
– HOA and permit submittals
– Layout and form work on site
– Excavation and haul off
– Steel and plumbing rough-in
– Shotcrete or shell set, then cure time
– Tile, coping, and decking
– Equipment set and hook-ups
– Interior finish and fill
– Start-up chemistry and owner walk-through
I stood with a client once as the forms went in. He said the pool looked smaller than he expected. I get that a lot. Dirt plays tricks on the eye. Once water hits, the space reads larger.
Clear communication during the build
Ask your builder how they send updates. Photos help. Weekly email with a simple next step and who will be on site sets the tone. You do not need a novel. You need to know what is next and what you need to do, if anything.
Timelines you can plan around
Weather, review times, and selections affect timing. Here is a simple guide you can use for planning. It will shift a bit. That is normal.
| Stage | Typical Duration | What Can Speed It Up | What Slows It Down |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and selections | 1 to 3 weeks | Decisive choices, in-stock materials | Complex changes, special orders |
| HOA and permits | 2 to 4 weeks | Complete drawings, quick approvals | Backlogs, revision requests |
| Excavation to shell | 1 to 3 weeks | Dry weather, easy access | Rain, tight access |
| Tile, coping, decking | 2 to 4 weeks | Simple layout, available crews | Complex patterns, weather |
| Equipment, interior, start-up | 1 to 2 weeks | Coordinated schedule | Rain, power delays |
If anyone promises a date to the day months in advance, be careful. Aim for ranges and a smooth sequence. That tends to finish faster anyway.
Owning the pool without it owning your schedule
A pool takes care, but it does not need to be a part-time job. Simple systems and a routine make it easy.
Weekly tasks
– Skim, brush, and vacuum or run a robot
– Test water and adjust chlorine and pH
– Check skimmer and pump baskets
– Verify pump schedule
These steps take 15 to 30 minutes with a clean yard and the right gear.
Monthly tasks
– Check filter pressure and clean if needed
– Test total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer
– Inspect lights, GFCI outlets, and timers
– Walk the decking and look for movement
Annual costs you can budget
| Item | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity for pump and lights | $400 | $900 | Variable-speed pumps lower costs |
| Chemicals | $300 | $600 | Salt systems still need chlorine and acid |
| Service visits | $0 | $2,000+ | If you hire weekly care |
| Repairs and parts | $150 | $500 | Small fixes and wear items |
Your numbers may sit lower or higher. Size, shade, and bather load all play a part. Keep a simple log. You will see patterns by month two.
Safety that feels natural
Safety sits in the design. You do not need it to look like a pool at a hotel. The goal is to remove surprises and add layers.
Layers that work
– Fences and self-closing gates that meet local code
– Door or gate alarms if your home opens to the pool
– Anti-entrapment main drains and compliant covers
– Clear walk paths with slip resistant surfaces
– Even lighting around steps and benches
– Simple rules posted where they make sense
Keep toys and floats in one spot. Clutter hides edges and steps.
Yard design around the water
The pool is not the whole yard. Plan how people move around it. Think shade, seating, cooking, and storage.
Shade and seating
Use a mix of fixed and flexible shade. A pergola or roof ties into the house. Umbrellas and sleeves cover the shelf and lounge chairs. Place seating where you can watch kids in shallow zones without sitting in a traffic path.
Plants that play nice with water
Pick plants that drop less debris and handle splash. Avoid thorny and messy trees near the pool. Keep deeper root systems away from the shell. Use drip lines where you can. Group plants by water needs so you do not overwater.
Hard surfaces and drainage
Decking should slope away from the pool so water moves off the area. A gentle 2 percent slope works. Use drains in low spots. Choose textures that are easy on bare feet and not slick when wet. Color matters more than most people think in Texas heat. Lighter colors stay cooler.
Mistakes that are easy to avoid
Not every misstep is obvious on day one. These show up fast.
- Building too big for the yard and leaving no room for seating or play
- Skipping shade and then not using the yard from June to September
- Placing equipment where noise carries into bedrooms
- Chasing trendy tile that dates fast and is hard to source later
- Ignoring drainage and watching heavy rain pool by the house
- Under-sizing the filter and overworking the pump
- Cutting the lighting budget, then paying more to fix dark spots
If you cut something to hit the number, cut complexity first, not structure or safety.
Financing and home value
A pool is part lifestyle, part asset. It can add appeal when you sell. The bump changes with market, quality, and age. I will not promise a number. In many suburbs, a well-built pool can raise buyer interest and help the home move faster. Condition and layout matter a lot.
Ways owners fund a project
– Home equity loan or line of credit
– Unsecured personal loan
– Builder-coordinated financing partners
– Cash plus a small line for flexibility
Run payment scenarios across 5, 10, and 15 years. Compare to the yearly costs you already planned. Make sure the total fits your comfort level.
Insurance and resale basics
Update your policy when the pool is complete. Keep permits and final inspections in a folder. Buyers ask for them. So do appraisers. Clear records pay off later.
How to choose the right builder
Price matters. It is not the only thing. A small gap can hide very different specs, schedules, and crews.
Checks that protect you
– Confirm business address and that they build in your area
– Ask for current general liability and workers comp certificates
– Read the contract line by line for specs and brands
– Ask for three local references from the last year
– Visit an active job site if you can
– Clarify change order process and pricing
– Ask how they handle punch lists and warranty calls
– Request lien releases at each payment stage
A good contract is plain. If you do not understand it, press for clarity before you sign.
Why work with a local specialist
Soils vary across The Woodlands. Access can be tight. HOAs have clear rules. A local team that builds here every week knows which stone holds up in this climate, which equipment runs quiet in small side yards, and how to slope decking so heavy rain moves away from your house.
What you get with a local team
– Designs that fit lot sizes and local style
– Help with HOA submittals and meetings
– Crews that know the soil and drainage patterns
– Sources for tile, stone, and equipment without long waits
– Service after the build with parts on hand
You also get answers fast. Not every decision needs a meeting. A quick text with a photo can solve a choice on tile edges or equipment placement the same day.
A simple pre-build checklist
Use this to get ready before the first shovel hits the ground.
- Survey copy printed and on hand
- HOA rules and set-backs highlighted
- Utility lines marked
- Gate width confirmed for access
- Tree plan set with your builder and arborist if needed
- Drainage plan approved, not just sketched
- Material selections chosen or short-listed with alternates
- Payment schedule and inspection points set
- Neighbors informed of start date to keep goodwill
Working with The Woodlands Pool Company, step by step
I like a builder that does not overpromise. This is the process I look for, and it matches what a strong local outfit delivers.
Design that starts with your yard
A walk-through first. Measurements. Photos. A simple concept plan with real sizes. Then a 3D model if that helps you see depth, steps, and benches. You sign off on shapes and levels before you pick tile. That order matters.
Transparent pricing
Line items by trade. Equipment brands listed. Finish type named, not just a color. Deck square footage called out. Allowances clear for tile and stone. If you change something, you see the price impact in writing before work shifts.
Construction with clean sites
Crews that show up, keep the site tidy, and protect what is not being touched. Daily checks on pump-down after rain. Photos at each stage. You should know what passed inspection and what is next.
Handover and first season care
A calm startup sets the tone. Balanced water. Gentle brushing for new plaster. A checklist on your phone for weekly care. One follow-up visit two weeks later to tweak schedules and answer new questions that pop up once you live with it.
Common questions
How long will my pool build take from contract to swim?
Most builds in this area run 10 to 16 weeks from permits to startup. Weather and selections move that up or down. Simple choices and quick approvals shave time. Heavy rain stretches it.
How much should I plan for in total?
The pool, spa, decking, and basic features often land between $75,000 and $150,000+ for custom gunite. Add shade, an outdoor kitchen, or large retaining walls and you move higher. Plan a 10 to 15 percent buffer. It reduces stress.
Saltwater or chlorine?
Salt systems make chlorine on site and feel softer on skin. You still balance water and add acid. Traditional chlorine works fine too. Pick the method you are comfortable managing. I use salt at home. My neighbor does not. Both pools look great.
Can we build during the cooler months?
Yes. Cooler months can be ideal. Crews are available, and you are ready to swim by spring. Rain is the only wild card.
Can I add a spa later?
You can, but adding a raised spa later is more complex and costs more than doing it at the start. If you think you might want one, plan it now or at least rough-in the space and plumbing.
Do I need a cover?
Covers cut debris and heat loss. Mesh safety covers add a layer for homes with small kids or pets. Many owners in this climate go without a daily cover and use screens, skimming, and good chemistry. Your trees and wind exposure should guide this.
What size pump do I need?
Sizing depends on pool volume, pipe runs, and features like waterfalls. A variable-speed pump sized by your builder will match your flow needs at lower speeds most of the day. Lower speed is quieter and saves power.
Who handles permits and HOA?
Your builder should prepare and submit both. Ask for copies of all submittals and approvals. Keep them in your files. If a team says you must run permits yourself, I would pause.
Will a pool increase my home’s value?
It can. Buyers in this area often see a well-built pool as a plus. Value changes with age, condition, and layout. Keep records, maintain the water and surfaces, and it will help when you sell.
If you want a yard that you actually use, start with a plan that matches how you live and a builder that carries it from idea to swim. If you are nearby, reach out to The Woodlands Pool Company and see what a right-sized design looks like on your lot.
