WATERCOLOR POOLS - FAQS

Questions About Building a Custom Pool

Everything you need to know about the design, build, pricing, permits, and process — answered honestly, without the runaround.

Pricing & Budget

Honest numbers on what a custom pool really costs in Central Texas.

How much does a custom pool cost in Central Texas?

Most pool-only projects in Central Texas begin under $80,000. Pool and spa combinations typically begin under $90,000. Complete outdoor living environments — pool, spa, pergola, outdoor kitchen, expanded hardscape — are custom-quoted based on full scope. The biggest factors affecting price are pool size, site conditions, and the features you choose. See our full pricing page for detailed investment ranges.

What affects my pool price the most?

The size of the pool is the biggest factor, followed closely by added features such as spas, water features, pergolas, decking, and outdoor living spaces. Site conditions also play a role — tight backyard access, elevation changes, slopes, or rock can affect labor and engineering requirements. We take pride in helping you find the right balance between design, functionality, and budget.

How long is my quoted price good for?

Watercolor Pools guarantees the pricing outlined in your proposal for 30 days from the original delivery date. This gives you time to make a confident decision while protecting you from unexpected material or labor price changes.

Do you price match other pool companies?

While we don’t guarantee a price match, Watercolor Pools will always do our best to match or beat local competitors who are offering the same features, finishes, and quality standards. Our goal is to provide exceptional value — without cutting corners on materials or craftsmanship.

Are there hidden costs I should know about?

We believe in transparent, detailed proposals — no surprises after you sign. Your proposal will outline the full scope of work, materials, and investment before construction begins. If site-specific conditions like unexpected rock or drainage issues come up during the build, we communicate those immediately and discuss any impact before proceeding.

Process & Timeline

What to expect from first conversation to first swim.

How long does it take to build a pool?

We aim to complete every project in 10 weeks or less once construction begins. This depends on good weather and having a finalized design before breaking ground. Factor in 1–4 weeks for permitting and HOA approvals before construction starts, depending on your jurisdiction and community. Most clients go from first consultation to finished pool in about 3 – 4 months total.

What are the stages of pool construction?

Once construction begins, your pool moves through these key milestones: excavation, steel installation, plumbing and equipment rough-in, gunite application, tile and coping, decking, interior plaster finish, and equipment startup. We keep you updated at each stage so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.

Will I work with the same person throughout the project?

Yes. At Watercolor Pools, you work directly with the owner from start to finish — not a revolving door of salespeople and project managers. You’ll have the owner’s direct phone number and can reach out with questions almost any time. Communication is never passed off.

What happens at the end — is there a handover process?

Yes. When your pool is complete, we conduct a “Pool School” startup session where we walk you through how everything works — equipment operation, automation, lighting, water chemistry basics, and any features specific to your build. We make sure you feel fully confident before we’re done.

When is the best time of year to build a pool in Central Texas?

Central Texas weather allows for year-round pool construction, but fall and winter are often the smartest time to start. Contractors tend to be more available, permit offices less backlogged, and you’ll be ready to swim by spring or early summer. Starting in spring or summer means you may be waiting through the hottest months while your pool is being built.

Design & Renderings

How we bring your vision to life before a single shovel hits the ground.

Can I see a design before I commit to anything?

Yes. We provide free custom 3D renderings on every job, so you can see how the pool and outdoor space will look from multiple angles before construction begins. We’re happy to refine the design until it matches your vision — there’s no limit on design iterations.

How do you create the 3D design? Do you need to visit my property?

For local projects, we start with an on-site visit — we walk your property, take measurements and photos, note elevation changes, setbacks, and how the space relates to your home. From there we use advanced pool design software to build a full 3D rendering of your backyard. For remote design-only clients, we work from photos, measurements, and a survey you provide.

Can you design my pool if I live outside Central Texas?

Yes. We offer design-only services no matter where you’re located. As long as we have the right information to work from — photos, measurements, a property survey, and your design ideas — we can produce a full custom 3D design and proposal for your project regardless of location.

What pool shapes and styles do you build?

We build fully custom gunite pools in any shape — geometric, freeform, L-shaped, kidney, rectangular lap pools, resort-style designs, and everything in between. Because every pool is built from gunite (concrete), we’re not limited to pre-set molds or fiberglass shell sizes. Your shape, your dimensions, your design.

Why gunite instead of fiberglass or vinyl?

Gunite (concrete) is the gold standard for custom pool construction because it allows complete freedom in shape, size, depth, and features — and it’s more durable long-term than fiberglass or vinyl. With gunite you can integrate spas, tanning ledges, vanishing edges, water features, and custom steps in ways that simply aren’t possible with prefabricated shells.

Permits & HOA

We handle the paperwork — here’s what that actually means.

Do I need a permit to build a pool in Texas?

Yes — virtually all municipalities in Texas require a permit for inground pool construction. Requirements include setback compliance, barrier and fencing standards, structural plans, electrical inspections, and drainage review. Specifics vary by city and county. We manage the full permitting process as part of our standard service.

Do you handle HOA submissions?

Yes. Once you provide a current property survey (and septic design if applicable), we prepare and submit all HOA documentation tailored to your community’s specific requirements. Whether you’re in a Lakeway master-planned community, an Austin suburb with a strict architectural review board, or a neighborhood in Bell County, we handle the coordination on your behalf.

How long does permitting usually take?

Permitting timelines vary significantly by jurisdiction. Some municipalities approve in as little as one week; others — particularly the City of Austin — can take several weeks. HOA reviews add additional time depending on when their architectural committee meets. We factor realistic permitting timelines into your overall project schedule from the start.

What do I need to provide for permits and HOA?

The main thing you’ll need to provide is a current property survey. If your property has a septic system, a septic design or as-built may also be required. We handle everything else — engineering plans, pool drawings, permit applications, and HOA submittal packages.

Financing Options

How to move forward without paying everything upfront.

Do you offer pool financing?

Yes. We work with Lyon Financial and HFS Financial — two lenders who specialize specifically in pool and outdoor living loans — to help qualified homeowners move forward without paying the full cost upfront. Both have straightforward online applications. Learn more on our financing page.

What can pool financing cover?

Depending on the lender and project scope, financing may cover the entire outdoor living project — not just the pool. That can include the pool, spa, water and fire features, decking, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and hardscape. This lets many homeowners build a complete, cohesive backyard from day one instead of phasing things in over years.

Does Watercolor Pools handle the financing approval?

No — all approvals, rates, terms, and payment details come directly from the lender (Lyon Financial or HFS Financial). We connect you with our trusted partners and can help you understand how financing fits into the overall project timeline, but the financial relationship is between you and the lender directly.

Warranties & Guarantees

How we stand behind our work after construction is complete.

Do you offer warranties on your pools?

Yes. Watercolor Pools offers a range of warranties covering various parts of your pool and equipment, including structural coverage and equipment protection. We stand behind the quality of our work long after your pool is complete. Specific warranty terms are outlined in your proposal and contract.

Are the pool equipment brands you use covered by manufacturer warranties?

Yes. We use Hayward automation and equipment on every pool, which comes with its own manufacturer warranty coverage for pumps, heaters, automation systems, and lighting. Hayward is one of the most widely supported pool equipment brands in the country, which also means service and parts are readily available throughout Central Texas.

What is Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) and should I be concerned?

Some homeowners in the Austin area have experienced structural cracking in gunite pools caused by Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR), sometimes called “concrete cancer.” This condition — not common, but real — has affected some pools built during the recent construction boom. If you’re concerned about an existing pool or want to understand how we protect against it in new builds, you can read our detailed ASR guide here.

What areas of Texas do you serve?

We are based in Temple, TX and build custom pools throughout Central Texas, including Temple, Belton, Salado, Waco, Killeen, Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, and surrounding areas. We also offer design-only services for clients outside our construction area.

Are you licensed and insured in Texas?

Yes. Watercolor Pools is fully licensed and insured in the state of Texas. We’ve been serving Central Texas homeowners since 2021 and have managed hundreds of construction stages firsthand across the region.

Do you build outdoor living spaces without a pool?

Our primary focus is custom pool and outdoor living projects as a combined scope. Reach out and tell us what you’re thinking — if it’s a project we can help with, we’ll let you know. The best way to find out is a quick conversation.

How do I get started?

The simplest first step is to schedule a free design consultation. We’ll visit your property, walk the space, talk through your vision and budget, and help you understand what’s realistic — before any commitments are made. Or you can reach us directly at (254) 293-0081 or bryson@watercolorpools.com.