Custom Swimming Pool Construction
From compact cocktail pools to spacious family pools, we help create a design suited to your property and budget. Starting at $60,500.
FAMILY-OWNED POOL BUILDERS | BARTON CREEK, TX
Custom Pool Builders in Barton Creek, TX
Good People. Great Pools. A Better Building Experience.
A great pool should feel like a natural extension of your home. At Darnell Pools, we help Barton Creek homeowners create custom pools, spas, and outdoor spaces with thoughtful design, transparent pricing, and personal communication from the people managing the 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 BARTON CREEK POOL BUILDER
A Pool Designed for Your Home. A Builder Who Knows Your Project.
Every backyard has its own possibilities. Some homeowners want a clean family pool. Others want a pool and spa that connects with patios, landscaping, and outdoor gathering areas. We start by understanding your property, priorities, and investment.
Darnell Pools is a family-owned custom pool builder serving Greater Austin. Bill and Lexi Darnell personally manage our projects, providing direct access to the people responsible for construction and clear communication throughout the process.
We believe your experience matters as much as the finished result, and we work to make decisions understandable from the first conversation.
CUSTOM POOLS AND OUTDOOR LIVING
Your Backyard. Your Possibilities.
We design and build around how you want to relax, swim, entertain, and spend time at home.
Custom Pool & Spa Construction
Combine swimming and relaxation with a custom pool and spa, with options for size, elevation, seating, and finishes. Starting at $79,000.
Outdoor Living & Backyard Improvements
Consider patios, outdoor kitchens, shade, landscaping, and gathering spaces as part of the whole backyard. We can help coordinate other contractors when needed.
Swimming Pool Remodeling
Refresh an existing pool with updated finishes, tile, coping, features, and other improvements.
WHY HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE DARNELL POOLS
It's Not Just About the Pool. It's About Who Builds It.
Building a pool is a significant investment. You deserve a builder who respects your time, explains your options, and treats your project with personal attention.
Personally Managed by Our Owners
Bill and Lexi are directly involved in managing our projects. You have access to the people responsible for overseeing the work.
Honest Pricing & Clear Expectations
We help you understand what affects your investment, what is included, and what to expect before construction.
Communication That Comes First
We prioritize progress updates, important decisions, and next steps so you are not left wondering what is happening.
Quality Without the Attitude
You do not need the largest project to deserve thoughtful service and quality construction.
REALISTIC STARTING POINTS
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Barton Creek, TX?
At Darnell Pools, custom inground swimming pools start at $60,500, and pool-and-spa combinations start at $79,000. These are starting points, not guaranteed prices for every property. Final costs depend on dimensions, features, finishes, access, excavation, and construction requirements.
Custom Swimming Pool
Starting at $60,500
A starting point for a custom inground swimming pool designed around your property and lifestyle.
Custom Pool & Spa
Starting at $79,000
A starting point for a custom pool and spa with flexible design and feature options.
What Can a $100,000 Budget Include?
Depending on site conditions, an investment around $100,000 may accommodate a family-sized pool, attached spa, tanning ledge, upgraded finishes, or surrounding decking. The best combination depends on your priorities and property.
Why Do Pool Construction Quotes Vary?
Builders may include different excavation allowances, engineering, plumbing, equipment, interior finishes, decking, and services. Compare the complete scope and exclusions, not only the total price.
THOUGHTFUL PROPERTY PLANNING
A Beautiful Pool Starts With Understanding Your Backyard.
Barton Creek-area properties can feature wooded settings, varying elevations, and Central Texas rock. These characteristics can influence design and construction, although each property is different.
Slopes & Elevation Changes
Some yards may need grading, retaining walls, drainage solutions, or engineering. Elevation changes can also create opportunities for raised spas and layered outdoor spaces.
Limestone & Excavation
Rock can require additional equipment, labor, or time. Understand how rock excavation and unexpected subsurface conditions are addressed in your proposal.
Trees, Drainage & Existing Landscaping
Mature trees, drainage patterns, utilities, and existing improvements can influence pool placement and the layout of the entire outdoor space.
Construction Access & Property Restrictions
Equipment access, setbacks, easements, HOA rules, and the applicable permitting authority should be checked for the actual property address.
REAL PROJECTS. REAL PRICING.
See What's Possible for Your Backyard.
Real examples can help you understand the relationship between pool dimensions, materials, features, and investment.
Featured $92,000 Pool & Spa Configuration
Darnell Pools has featured a 15' x 30' swimming pool with a 7' x 7' raised spa, 5' x 15' tanning ledge, travertine coping, QuartzScapes interior, and bubblers at $92,000. This is a featured configuration, not a verified completed Barton Creek project. Final pricing depends on scope and site conditions.
Our Work
Pools we've built across Central Texas.
Every pool is designed and built for the family who uses it. Tap any photo to see it up close.
FROM FIRST CONVERSATION TO FIRST SWIM
A Clearer Process. A More Confident Experience.
We help homeowners understand the decisions and steps involved in bringing a new pool to life.
01. Let's Talk About Your Ideas
Tell us about your property, priorities, vision, and investment expectations.
02. Explore Your Options
Discuss pool sizes, features, materials, site considerations, and realistic pricing.
03. Design & Plan
Work through the design, specifications, permitting needs, and construction expectations.
04. Build With Communication
Our ownership team manages construction and prioritizes clear updates as work progresses.
05. Enjoy Your Backyard
Enjoy a finished space for relaxing, gathering, and spending more time at home.
FAMILY-OWNED. PERSONALLY MANAGED.
Good People. Great Pools.
We're Bill and Lexi Darnell, the father-daughter team behind Darnell Pools. We believe the people building your pool matter just as much as the finished result.
We stay personally involved in managing our projects because communication, accountability, and attention to detail matter. Our goal is to help you feel confident about the people working on your home.
BARTON CREEK POOL BUILDING FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Pool in Barton Creek, TX
Answers to common questions about pricing, property conditions, construction, and working with Darnell Pools.
How much does it cost to build a pool in Barton Creek, TX?
Darnell Pools custom pools start at $60,500 and pool-and-spa combinations start at $79,000. Final costs depend on design, features, materials, and property conditions.
Does building a pool in Barton Creek cost more than elsewhere in Austin?
Not necessarily. Cost depends on the specific project and site, not the neighborhood name. Significant rock, elevation changes, restricted access, or engineering requirements can increase costs.
Can you build a pool on a sloped backyard?
Often, yes. Sloped properties may need grading, retaining structures, drainage work, or engineering. A site review helps determine practical options and realistic costs.
Does limestone make pool construction more expensive?
It can. Rock excavation may require additional equipment, labor, and time. Ask how rock allowances and unexpected conditions are addressed in your proposal.
What permits are required to build a pool in Barton Creek?
Requirements depend on the exact property address and governing jurisdiction. A Barton Creek mailing address does not automatically identify the permitting authority. Confirm permits, inspections, and any neighborhood approvals during planning.
Do I need HOA approval before building a pool?
Some communities have architectural review requirements or deed restrictions affecting pools, fencing, landscaping, and drainage. Check the rules for your specific property before finalizing plans.
How long does it take to build a swimming pool?
Timing depends on design, permits, engineering, site conditions, inspections, weather, and scheduling. A straightforward pool may take a few months, while more complex projects may take longer.
Can a pool be designed around mature trees?
Sometimes. Existing trees, roots, utilities, equipment access, and applicable restrictions may affect placement. A property evaluation helps identify feasible layouts.
What size swimming pool is best for a family?
It depends on the backyard and how your family will use the pool. A 12' x 24' pool can suit a smaller space, while a 15' x 30' pool offers more room for swimming and entertaining.
Is it worth adding a spa to my pool?
A spa adds a place to relax during cooler weather and evenings. Darnell Pools pool-and-spa projects start at $79,000. The best choice depends on lifestyle, budget, and design priorities.
Can you help plan the entire outdoor living space?
Yes. We consider patios, gathering spaces, outdoor kitchens, landscaping, and how the backyard works together. We can also help coordinate additional contractors when needed.
Are there costs beyond the initial pool quote?
Potential extras may include rock excavation, engineering, drainage, utility modifications, retaining walls, or requested design changes. Review allowances, exclusions, and change-order procedures before signing.
Who manages my pool construction project?
Bill and Lexi Darnell are directly involved in managing our projects, giving homeowners access to the people overseeing construction.
Can I get pricing before scheduling an in-person consultation?
Yes. Request pricing and information to discuss your ideas, budget, and property. We can explain starting prices and next steps before detailed design meetings.
What should I ask before choosing a pool builder?
Ask about specifications, excavation allowances, what's included, payment schedules, communication, change orders, project management, and written warranties. Compare more than the bottom-line price.
PROUDLY SERVING GREATER AUSTIN
Your Local Pool Builder in the Austin Area.
Darnell Pools serves Barton Creek and surrounding Greater Austin communities, helping homeowners plan custom pools and spas with realistic pricing and personal attention.
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Let's talk about your pool.
Tell us what you're envisioning. A simple conversation helps set expectations before any commitments.
Prefer to call? (512) 592-9030