From Vision to Reality: What to Expect When Building a Custom Pool

A true luxury pool isn’t simply built — it’s carefully designed to reflect your lifestyle, elevate your home, and create a sanctuary of beauty and serenity. But what does the journey from dream to reality actually look like? If you’re considering a custom pool, here’s what you can expect when working with Englewood Outdoor throughout the process:

1. Initial Consultation and Vision Planning

It all begins with your vision. During the initial consultation, you’ll meet with our pool designer to discuss your goals, inspiration, and how you want the space to function. Are you looking for a resort-style retreat? A sleek, modern statement piece? A family-friendly backyard hub? At this stage, it’s important to share everything you envision — from must-have features like tanning ledges and infinity edges to the atmosphere you want to create with lighting, landscaping, and hardscape elements.

2. Custom Design and Proposal

Next, the design team takes your ideas and brings them to life with detailed 3D renderings and architectural plans. You’ll review layouts, material selections, pool shape and size, and any custom features. Revisions are common at this stage — it’s where collaboration ensures every detail aligns with your expectations. Once you’re happy with the design, a detailed proposal will outline the scope of work, materials, estimated timeline, and investment range.

3. Permitting and Pre-Construction Preparation

Before any digging begins, we will handle obtaining necessary permits and approvals from your local municipality. This phase also includes site preparation — marking off the layout, identifying utilities, and ensuring the area is ready for construction. Patience is key here, as permitting can take a few weeks depending on location and project complexity.

4. Excavation and Structural Build-Out

Once permits are secured, the transformation truly begins. Our excavators shape the land according to your design plan, carving out the foundation for your pool. After excavation, the plumbing and steel rebar structure is installed — creating the strong "skeleton" of your custom pool. This is when you start to see the true footprint of your future backyard paradise.

5. Gunite Application

For most luxury pools, gunite is the material of choice for unmatched strength and design flexibility. Our expert crews spray and hand-shape the gunite, forming the smooth surfaces and contours that will define your pool’s character. After gunite application, the pool needs time to cure properly before moving forward. This step is the backbone of a pool that’s not only stunning but built to last for decades.

6. Tile, Coping, and Hardscape Installation

With the structure complete, it's time for artistry. Tile and coping (the material that caps the pool edges) are installed, adding the first real layers of luxury design. Meanwhile, patios, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and other hardscape features take shape around the pool — bringing the full outdoor living space together.

7. Equipment Setup and Interior Finish

Behind the scenes, filtration systems, pumps, heaters, automation systems, and lighting are all installed and tested. Finally, the interior of the pool is finished with plaster, pebble, or another high-end surface — and it’s time to fill the pool with water! This is the moment your custom pool truly comes to life.

8. Final Touches and Orientation

The last step includes landscaping, final clean-ups, and a walk-through. You’ll learn how to operate your new pool system, care for the water chemistry, and maximize the life of your investment.

Once everything is complete, all that's left to do is dive in and enjoy!

Ready to Begin Your Pool Journey?

At Englewood Outdoor, we specialize in turning dreams into reality with exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and a commitment to luxury that you can feel in every detail.

If you're ready to start planning your ultimate backyard retreat, contact us today. Let's make your vision a reality.