CUSTOM POOL PRICING - TEXAS
Honest Investment Ranges for Custom Pools & Outdoor Living
We believe you should have a realistic picture of what a well-built custom pool costs before you ever sit down with a designer. No vague language, no surprises.
Custom Pricing Requires Honest Context
Building a custom pool is not a one-size-fits-all purchase, and the final investment depends on the design, the property, and the level of finish you want to achieve. Access, elevation, soil and rock conditions, materials, water features, spas, and the overall outdoor living scope can all change the number significantly from one project to the next.
At Watercolor Pools, we believe homeowners should have a realistic starting point before jumping into the design process. Instead of hiding behind vague language, this page gives you a clear picture of how custom pool pricing works in Central Texas and what most clients are really investing in when they want something built right.
- Every project is fully custom — no off-the-shelf builds
- Pricing reflects Central Texas site conditions and materials
- Final investment is always confirmed before any commitment
- Free 3D renderings on every job before construction begins
INVESTMENT RANGES
Typical Investment Ranges for Central Texas Projects
Every project is custom, but most Central Texas homeowners who choose Watercolor Pools fall into one of these general investment ranges. These are honest starting points — not ceilings or guarantees.
STARTING INVESTMENT
Pool Only
Under $80K
Most pool-only projects begin in this range
The most approachable starting point for homeowners who want a full-size custom gunite pool without adding a spa, outdoor kitchen, pergola, or large hardscape package. A clean, well-built pool that gives you a strong foundation for future upgrades.
- Custom gunite construction
- Steps, benches & tanning ledge
- Standard equipment package
- Interior finish & waterline tile
- Coping & modest surrounding deck
- Custom 3D design
FULL EXPERIENCE
Pool & Spa
Under $90K
Pool + spa projects often begin here
For homeowners who want more than just a pool — this is where the backyard starts to feel like a true retreat. An attached spa, elevated finishes, expanded decking, and design details that create a more polished and functional outdoor experience.
- Custom gunite pool & attached spa
- Upgraded tile & coping selections
- Expanded decking
- Enhanced lighting & automation
- Tanning ledge & elevated features
- Custom 3D design
COMPLETE ENVIRONMENT
Full Outdoor Living
Custom
Tailored to each property & design vision
For homeowners who want the entire backyard designed and built as one cohesive environment. A true outdoor living space — not “just a pool.” These projects are our highest level of investment and are entirely custom to your property.
- Custom pool, spa & beach entry
- Water & fire features
- Pergolas, pavilions & covered structures
- Outdoor kitchen or bar
- Tanning ledge & elevated features
- Custom 3D design
These ranges are meant to give you a realistic starting point before we look at your specific property and design. Final investment is always confirmed in a detailed proposal before any commitments are made. Pricing can vary based on site conditions, material selections, and project scope unique to your backyard.
UNDERSTANDING THE VARIABLES
What Affects the Cost of a Custom Pool
1
DESIGN & SIZE
The overall size and shape of the pool, the depth profile, and the complexity of the design all influence cost. Larger pools, unique shapes, multiple tanning ledges, benches, and integrated features require more steel, gunite, plumbing, and finish work than a basic rectangle.
2
ACCESS & SITE CONDITIONS
How easy it is to get equipment into your backyard matters. Tight side yards, limited access, or smaller machinery needs can increase labor and time. Central Texas properties can involve everything from flat lots to steep slopes and rock — we treat those as design challenges to solve, not automatic added fees.
3
FEATURES & FINISHES
Spas, water features, fire features, automation, lighting, and higher-end interior finishes all add to the overall cost — but they also dramatically change how the space feels and functions. Upgraded tile, coping, decking, and landscaping can move a project from a standard pool into something that feels like a custom resort.
4
OUTDOOR LIVING SCOPE
A pool by itself is one type of project; a pool that’s part of a larger outdoor living plan is another. Covered structures, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, extended patios, seat walls, and integrated dining or lounge areas add both value and investment.
5
PERMITTING & ENGINEERING
Local code requirements, HOA or architectural reviews, and structural or geotechnical engineering can also affect cost and timeline. Sloped lots, retaining walls, and specialty structures often require additional engineering to ensure everything performs long term.
6
LOCATION IN CENTRAL TEXAS
Projects in Austin, Temple, Waco, Killeen, Georgetown, and surrounding areas can vary based on local permit requirements, soil conditions, and site-specific factors. We build throughout Central Texas and understand the differences across these markets.
WHAT YOU GET
What's Included When You Work With Us
Pricing is only part of the story. Just as important is who you’re working with and how the project is handled — from the first conversation to the first time you jump in the water. With Watercolor Pools, you work directly with the owner from start to finish, not a revolving door of salespeople and project managers.
1
Owner-Led Site Walk & Design Conversation
Every project starts with a visit to your property, where the owner meets you on site, walks the space, and talks through how you actually want to use your backyard. We look closely at elevation, build lines, easements, septic locations, and any factors that could impact the design — so we’re creating something that truly fits your lot, not just dropping a standard shape on a plan.
2
Custom Design & Free 3D Renderings
We develop a custom design for your backyard and provide free 3D renderings on every job, so you can see the pool and outdoor space from multiple angles before anything is built. We make as many design iterations as it takes to get things right — this is where we fine-tune layout, features, and finishes to match your vision and investment level.
3
Approvals, Engineering & Paperwork
Once the design is locked in, we help gather everything needed for HOA and city approvals. You provide a property survey and septic design where applicable, and we handle the rest — plans, details, and coordination on your behalf — so the project is set up to be built correctly from day one.
4
Construction with Direct Owner Communication
When construction starts, you don’t get handed off to someone you’ve never met. You continue working directly with the owner as your primary point of contact throughout the build. Every client has the owner’s direct phone number and can reach out with questions almost any time.
5
Startup & Pool Training
When your pool is complete, we handle the startup and walk you through how everything works so you feel confident using your new space. We show you how to operate the equipment, automation, lighting, and features, and make sure you’re comfortable with the basics of owning a custom pool.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Pricing FAQs
How much does a custom pool really cost in Central Texas?
Most full-size custom gunite pools in Central Texas start under $80,000 for pool-only projects, with investment increasing as you add spas, features, hardscape, and outdoor structures. The ranges on this page are meant to give you a realistic starting point before we look at your specific property and design.
Can I see a design before I commit?
Yes. We provide free custom 3D renderings on every job, so you can see how the pool and outdoor space will look before construction begins. We’re happy to refine the design until it matches your vision and investment level.
Do you help with HOA and city approvals?
Yes. Once you provide a current property survey (and septic design, if applicable), we help gather what’s needed for HOA and city approvals and coordinate the details on the construction side.
How long does the process usually take?
Permitting and HOA approvals can happen in as little as about a week or stretch to several weeks depending on the jurisdiction. Once we break ground, most projects are completed in roughly 7–10 weeks under normal conditions, with direct communication from the owner throughout the build.
Do you build in Austin, Waco, and surrounding areas?
Yes — we build throughout Central Texas including Temple, Belton, Salado, Waco, Killeen, Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and surrounding areas. Site conditions and permit requirements vary by location, and we factor those in during the design process.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We work with Lyon Financial and HFS Financial — two lenders specializing in pool and outdoor living loans — to help qualified homeowners move forward without paying the full cost upfront. Learn more about financing here.
READY TO TALK
Let's Look at Your Backyard Together
If you’re starting to think seriously about a custom pool or outdoor living space, the next step is a simple conversation. We’ll visit your property, talk through your ideas and budget, and help you understand what’s realistic — before any commitments are made.