Custom Swimming Pool Construction
From compact cocktail pools to spacious family swimming pools, we’ll help you create a custom pool that fits your property, priorities, and investment.
Starting at $60,500.
Explore Custom Pools →
Family-Owned Pool Builders · Austin, Texas
Custom Pool Builders in Austin, TX
Good People. Great Pools. A Better Building Experience.
Building a swimming pool should be exciting, not overwhelming. At Darnell Pools, we help Austin homeowners bring their backyard ideas to life with quality construction, honest pricing, and personal communication from the people managing their project.
Custom swimming pools starting at $60,500. Pools and spas starting at $79,000.
Family-owned ✦Permit fees included ✦Owner-managed ✦Transparent pricing ✦Greater Austin ✦Gunite pools & spas ✦Family-owned ✦Permit fees included ✦Owner-managed ✦Transparent pricing ✦Greater Austin ✦Gunite pools & spas ✦
Your Local Austin Pool Builder
A Great Pool Starts With the Right People.
There are plenty of pool builders in Austin. Finding one you feel confident working with is what really matters.
At Darnell Pools, we’re a family-owned company that believes the experience of building your pool should matter just as much as the finished result. We focus on clear expectations, thoughtful design, quality construction, and making sure our customers feel informed throughout the process.
Our owners, Bill and Lexi Darnell, personally manage our projects. That means direct access to the people responsible for your pool, rather than feeling like another project number.
Whether you’re planning a straightforward family pool, a custom pool and spa, or a complete outdoor living space, we’re here to help you make confident decisions and enjoy the process.
What We Build
Your Backyard. Your Possibilities.
Every home, family, and backyard is different. We design and build custom swimming pools and outdoor spaces around how you want to live, relax, and entertain.
Custom Pool & Spa Construction
Enjoy the best of both worlds with a swimming pool and spa designed to work beautifully together. Explore custom spa sizes, elevations, finishes, and features that complement your backyard.
Starting at $79,000.
Explore Pools & Spas →
Outdoor Living & Backyard Improvements
Create a more complete outdoor environment with thoughtfully integrated patios, outdoor kitchens, gathering spaces, landscaping, and other backyard features. We can also help coordinate with other contractors when needed.
Explore Outdoor Living →
Swimming Pool Remodeling
Give your existing swimming pool a fresh look with updated finishes, features, and improvements that make your backyard more enjoyable.
Explore Pool Remodeling →Why Homeowners Choose Darnell Pools
It’s Not Just About the Pool. It’s About Who Builds It.
A swimming pool is a significant investment in your home. We believe you deserve more than a beautiful finished product. You deserve a builder who values your trust, respects your investment, and treats your project with the attention it deserves.
01
Personally Managed by Our Owners
Bill and Lexi are directly involved in managing our projects. You’ll have access to the people responsible for overseeing your construction, with a clear line of communication throughout the process.
02
Honest Pricing & Clear Expectations
We want you to understand what you’re paying for before construction begins. We’ll help you explore your options, understand what affects pricing, and make informed decisions about your investment.
03
Communication That Comes First
Construction can be stressful, especially when you’re left wondering what’s happening. We make communication a priority, keeping you informed about progress, important decisions, and what comes next.
04
Quality Without the Attitude
You don’t need the biggest or most expensive project to deserve a great experience. Whether you’re building a straightforward swimming pool or a complete backyard, we bring the same commitment to quality, service, and personal attention.
Austin Pool Construction Costs
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Austin, TX?
One of the first questions homeowners ask is how much a new swimming pool will cost. We believe you deserve a realistic answer before committing to design meetings or detailed proposals.
At Darnell Pools, our starting prices provide a helpful reference point. Your final investment will depend on your pool’s size, design, features, finishes, and the conditions of your property.
Custom Swimming Pool
Starting at $60,500
A starting point for a custom inground swimming pool designed around your property, lifestyle, and preferences.
Custom Pool & Spa
Starting at $79,000
A starting point for a custom swimming pool and spa combination, with options to personalize the design, features, and finishes.
What Can You Build With a $100,000 Pool Budget?
A $100,000 budget can offer Austin homeowners some excellent possibilities. Depending on your property and design, that investment may accommodate a family-sized swimming pool, attached spa, tanning ledge, upgraded finishes, and surrounding decking.
For example, Darnell Pools has featured a 15’ × 30’ swimming pool with a 7’ × 7’ raised spa, tanning ledge, travertine coping, and QuartzScapes interior at $92,000.
Why Do Pool Construction Quotes Vary So Much?
Two pools can look similar on paper but include very different construction specifications, materials, equipment, and services.
Differences in excavation allowances, engineering, interior finishes, plumbing, equipment, decking, and exclusions can significantly affect the final price.
We encourage homeowners to compare more than the bottom-line number. Understanding exactly what’s included is one of the best ways to make an informed decision.
Real Projects. Real Pricing.
See What’s Possible for Your Austin Backyard.
Rather than just telling you what we can build, we’d rather show you. Explore real pool projects, their designs, dimensions, features, finishes, and investments to get a better idea of what’s possible for your home.
Our Work
Pools we've built across Austin.
Every pool is designed and built for the family who uses it. Tap any photo to see it up close.
Local Pool Building Knowledge
What Austin Homeowners Should Know Before Building a Pool.
Austin is a great place to enjoy a swimming pool, but not every backyard comes with the same construction conditions. From limestone excavation to sloped properties and permitting requirements, understanding your property is an important part of planning your investment.
Limestone & Rock Excavation
Parts of Central Texas have significant limestone and rock formations that can make excavation more challenging. The cost depends on the amount and hardness of the rock, equipment access, and the work required. We’ll help you understand how these conditions could affect your project.
Sloped Backyards & Drainage
A sloped backyard doesn’t necessarily prevent you from building a beautiful pool. Depending on the property, additional engineering, retaining walls, or drainage solutions may be needed. Elevation changes can also create opportunities for interesting pool designs.
Permits & Neighborhood Requirements
Pool construction in Austin may require permits, inspections, engineering documents, and HOA approvals. Requirements depend on your property’s jurisdiction and the scope of work. Identifying these early helps establish realistic expectations.
Backyard Space & Construction Access
Even smaller backyards can accommodate thoughtfully designed swimming pools. We consider available space, property setbacks, easements, utilities, and equipment access when helping homeowners evaluate their options.
From First Conversation to First Swim
A Clearer Process. A More Confident Experience.
We believe a well-managed project starts with clear expectations. Our approach is designed to help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and stay connected throughout construction.
01. Let’s Talk About Your Ideas
Tell us what you’re envisioning, what matters most to you, and what you’re comfortable investing.
02. Explore Your Possibilities
We’ll help you understand potential pool sizes, designs, features, pricing, and property considerations.
03. Design & Plan Your Project
We’ll work through the design, specifications, construction requirements, and expectations before moving forward.
04. Build With Confidence
Our ownership team personally manages your construction project, prioritizing clear communication and keeping you informed about progress.
05. Enjoy Your New Backyard
From summer afternoons to evenings with family and friends, it’s time to enjoy the outdoor space you’ve created.
Family-Owned. Personally Managed.
Good People. Great Pools.
We’re Bill and Lexi Darnell, the father-daughter team behind Darnell Pools.
We believe building a pool should be a positive experience, and that starts with the people you choose to work with.
We’re personally involved in managing our projects because we believe communication, accountability, and attention to detail make a meaningful difference. Our goal is to help you feel confident in your decisions and comfortable throughout the process.
Austin Pool Building FAQs
Your Pool Questions. Answered.
How long does it take to build a swimming pool in Austin?
The timeline depends on design complexity, permitting, inspections, weather, and property conditions. A straightforward pool may be completed in a few months, while more complex projects can take longer. We’ll help you establish realistic expectations rather than promise a timeline that can’t be guaranteed.
How long does it take to get a pool permit in Austin?
Permit timelines depend on the property’s jurisdiction, plan complexity, and any additional engineering or reviews. Properties within Austin city limits may have different requirements from surrounding communities. We recommend accounting for permitting early in your project planning.
Does limestone make building a pool in Austin more expensive?
It can. Rock excavation may require additional equipment and labor, depending on the hardness and amount of rock encountered. Ask how rock excavation is addressed in your proposal and what happens if unexpected conditions are discovered.
Can I build a swimming pool on a sloped backyard?
Often, yes. Sloped properties may require additional engineering, retaining structures, grading, or drainage improvements. A property evaluation can help determine what’s practical and how those requirements may affect your budget.
What should I ask before hiring a pool builder in Austin?
Ask what’s included and excluded in the proposal, who manages construction, how communication works, what the payment schedule looks like, how change orders are handled, and what warranties apply. Review actual projects and customer experiences as well as pricing.
Are there additional costs beyond my initial pool quote?
Potential additional costs can include unexpected rock excavation, engineering, drainage, utility modifications, fencing, landscaping, and work outside the agreed scope. Understanding allowances, exclusions, and change-order procedures before signing is essential.
What size swimming pool is best for a family?
It depends on your yard and how you plan to use the pool. A 12’ × 24’ pool can be a practical choice for smaller spaces, while a 15’ × 30’ pool offers more room for swimming, playing, and entertaining. The best design prioritizes how your family will actually use it.
Should I build a pool with or without a spa?
A spa adds opportunities for relaxation and can extend the ways you enjoy your backyard during cooler weather. If your priorities are swimming, family activities, and cooling off during summer, a pool-only design may be the better fit. Darnell Pools offers both.
What kind of warranty should I expect with a new pool?
Pool warranties may cover structural components, workmanship, equipment, and manufacturer products differently. Coverage and exclusions vary. Before signing, request written warranty terms and understand who handles service if something needs attention.
Can I get pricing information before scheduling a consultation?
Yes. You can request a callback to discuss your ideas, budget, and property without first committing to a design consultation. We’ll help you understand realistic starting costs, possibilities, and the next steps.
Proudly Serving Greater Austin
Local Pool Builders. Right Here in Central Texas.
Darnell Pools serves homeowners throughout Austin and surrounding communities. Whether you’re in an established Austin neighborhood or a growing community outside the city, we’re here to help you explore what’s possible for your backyard.
Nearby Communities We Serve
Explore All Service AreasLet’s Talk About Your Project
Thinking About Building a Pool in Austin? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re just exploring ideas or ready to get started, we’re happy to help you understand your options, pricing, and what’s possible for your property.
Here’s What We Can Help You With
- ✦Understand realistic pool construction pricing.
- ✦Explore pool sizes, features, and design possibilities.
- ✦Discuss your property’s feasibility and considerations.
- ✦Learn about the construction process and next steps.
Prefer to call? (512) 592-9030