If you've been dreaming about turning your backyard into a personal oasis, you're not alone. Homeowners across Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest and the greater Research Triangle are investing in custom swimming pools to create a space where family and friends can relax, entertain, and most importantly make lasting memories!
But where do you actually start?
The process can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, it's much simpler than you might think. Let's walk throw the first steps in planning a custom swimming pool project!
Step 1: Start with a Property Survey
Before anything else, you'll want to have a current property survey in hand.
This is one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in the process. A survey shows:
Property lines
Easements
Setback requirements
Existing structures
Why does this matter?
Because every city in the Triangle, whether you're in Raleigh, Cary, Apex or Wake Forest, has specific regulations on where your pool can be built. Having a survey upfront, not only tells you if you can build a pool, but also helps avoid delays, redesigns or even costly surprises later on!
If you don't have one, no problem, that's something we can help guide you through.
Step 2: Have a Realistic Budget in Mind
Next, it’s important to have a general budget range before diving into design.
Pool costs can vary depending on several factors:
Pool type (concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl liner)
Size and shape
Features (waterfalls, spas, tanning ledges, lighting)
Outdoor additions (patios, kitchens, pergolas, landscaping)
For example:
Fiberglass pools are typically quicker to install and more budget-friendly
Concrete pools offer maximum customization and luxury finishes
Vinyl liner pools provide flexibility at a lower upfront cost
The key here isn’t having an exact number, it’s having a clear comfort range so we can design something that fits your vision and your investment level.
Step 3: On-Site Consultation & Design Planning
This is where things start to get exciting.
Once we have your survey and budget, we’ll schedule an on-site consultation to walk your property and talk through your ideas.
During this visit, we’ll look at:
Yard size and layout
Sun exposure
Slope and drainage
Access points for construction
How you want to use the space
From there, we begin designing a pool that’s tailored specifically to your home.
And it doesn’t stop at the pool.
Many homeowners in the Raleigh area are taking it a step further by incorporating:
Outdoor kitchens
Fire features
Pergolas or gazebos
Custom patios and hardscapes
Landscaping for privacy and aesthetics
The goal is to create a complete outdoor living space, not just a pool.
No Matter Your Yard—We Can Make It Work
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is:
“My yard probably won’t work for a pool.” When in most cases that’s simply not true.
Whether you have:
A smaller backyard in Cary
A sloped lot in Apex
A uniquely shaped property in Raleigh
There are creative solutions to make it happen.
From compact pool designs to retaining walls and custom layouts, we specialize in designing around challenges, not being limited by them.
Bringing Your Backyard Vision to Life in Raleigh & Beyond
The Research Triangle is one of the best places in North Carolina to invest in an outdoor living space. With long warm seasons and growing home values, a custom pool can completely transform how you use your home.
While we focus heavily on Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and surrounding areas, we also take on larger custom projects throughout North Carolina.
No matter where you are, the process always starts the same way, a conversation about your vision.
Ready to Start Your Pool Project?
If you’re thinking about adding a pool, the best next step is simple:
Have your survey ready (or ask us how to get one)
Start thinking about your budget
Reach out to schedule a consultation
From there, we’ll guide you through every step and help bring your backyard to life.