Attached Pools & Spas
Connected designs bring swimming and soaking together with coordinated materials and layout.
FAMILY-OWNED POOL BUILDERS · GREATER AUSTIN
Custom Pool & Spa Construction in Austin, TX
Your backyard should be a place to swim, unwind, and spend more time together. Darnell Pools builds custom swimming pools and spas with thoughtful design, honest pricing, and direct communication with the owners managing your project.
Pool-and-spa construction starting at $79,000. Every project is designed around your property and priorities.
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 ✦
BUILT AROUND YOUR HOME
A Pool for the Day. A Spa for the Evening.
A custom pool and spa creates more ways to enjoy your backyard, from active afternoons to relaxing evenings. The right design should feel like a natural extension of your home.
Darnell Pools is a family-owned Greater Austin builder. Bill and Lexi Darnell are directly involved in managing our projects, helping you understand the options, the investment, and the process.
DESIGN OPTIONS
One Backyard. Many Possibilities.
We offer realistic starting points, not rigid packages. Explore designs that fit your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Raised Spas & Spillways
A raised spa can create a focal point, but elevation and spillway details influence cost and construction.
Tanning Ledges & Benches
Comfortable entry steps, ledges, and benches can improve everyday enjoyment.
Outdoor Living Integration
Consider decking, kitchens, shade, and landscaping as part of one cohesive space.
THE DARNELL DIFFERENCE
It’s Not Just What We Build. It’s How We Work.
Choosing the right pool builder is about more than finished photographs. You deserve clear expectations, thoughtful construction, and people who answer your questions.
Personally Managed by Our Owners
Bill and Lexi are directly involved in managing projects and communicating with homeowners.
Transparent Pricing
We discuss starting costs, specifications, allowances, and potential site challenges early.
Custom Design
We tailor pool and spa features to your property and preferences.
Quality Without the Attitude
Every customer deserves respectful service, clear answers, and thoughtful workmanship.
PRICING
How Much Does a Custom Pool & Spa Cost in Austin?
At Darnell Pools, custom pool-and-spa construction starts at $79,000. Your final investment depends on the pool size, spa configuration, finishes, equipment, decking, excavation, and property conditions.
Pool-only construction starts at $60,500. The difference between the two starting prices is not a fixed spa upgrade price because the underlying configurations may differ.
Pool & Spa Starting Price
$79,000 is the starting point, not a guaranteed price for every design or property.
What Can $100,000 Buy?
Depending on site conditions, this budget may support a family pool, attached spa, tanning ledge, selected finishes, and decking. Actual scope requires a project-specific proposal.
FEATURES
Choose the Features You Will Actually Enjoy.
The best pool-and-spa design balances comfort, usability, aesthetics, and long-term maintenance.
Spa Placement & Elevation
Choose attached, raised, or other layouts based on your yard, preferences, and plumbing requirements.
Heating & Automation
Equipment choices affect convenience, initial price, and operating expenses.
Tile, Coping & Interior Finishes
Coordinate materials across pool and spa while considering durability and maintenance.
Lighting & Water Features
Consider lighting, bubblers, and spillways based on actual use and budget.
AUSTIN PROPERTY CONSIDERATIONS
Good Design Starts With Understanding the Site.
Central Texas properties vary. Rock excavation, slopes, drainage, access, and jurisdictional requirements can influence the scope and price of a pool-and-spa project.
Limestone Excavation
Rock conditions may require extra equipment and labor; review allowances and exclusions.
Sloped Lots & Drainage
Some yards need grading, engineering, retaining structures, or drainage solutions.
Setbacks & Access
Easements, utilities, access, and property lines influence feasible designs.
Permits & HOA
Confirm permits, inspections, and neighborhood approvals for the exact property jurisdiction.
PROJECTS
See Pool & Spa Designs in Real Backyards.
Explore real project dimensions, features, finishes, and investments to understand what may be possible for your own home.
Featured $92,000 Pool & Spa Configuration
15' × 30' pool, 7' × 7' raised spa, 5' × 15' tanning ledge, travertine coping, and QuartzScapes finish.
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.
OUR PROCESS
A Clearer Process. A More Confident Experience.
From the first conversation to the finished pool, we emphasize clarity, realistic expectations, and direct communication.
01. Let’s Talk
Discuss your ideas, property, budget, and priorities.
02. Explore Options
Review designs, features, pricing, and site considerations.
03. Design & Plan
Establish specifications, requirements, and expectations.
04. Build With Confidence
Our ownership team oversees the project and prioritizes communication.
05. Enjoy Your Backyard
Enjoy swimming, soaking, and time together.
MEET THE OWNERS
Good People. Great Pools.
We’re Bill and Lexi Darnell, the father-daughter team behind Darnell Pools. We believe homeowners should understand what they’re paying for and have direct access to the people responsible for their project.
SERVICE AREAS
Custom Pools & Spas Across Greater Austin.
We serve Austin, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Spicewood, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, and nearby communities.
POOL & SPA FAQS
Common Questions About Building a Pool & Spa in Austin.
How much does a custom pool and spa cost in Austin?
Darnell Pools pool-and-spa projects start at $79,000. Final pricing depends on design, finishes, equipment, decking, and site conditions.
How much extra does adding a spa cost?
Pool-only starts at $60,500 and pool-and-spa starts at $79,000, but the difference is not a fixed spa add-on price. Compare equivalent designs for a meaningful estimate.
Is a spa worth adding?
It can be for homeowners who enjoy relaxing in warm water and using their backyard in cooler weather. Consider construction and operating costs alongside expected use.
Should I choose a raised or level spa?
Raised spas can add visual interest and spillways; level spas can offer a seamless look. Site conditions and budget influence the best choice.
Can I heat the spa without heating the pool?
Many systems allow separate spa heating, depending on the equipment and plumbing design. Discuss the exact configuration during planning.
How much does a heated spa cost to operate?
Costs vary by heater, energy prices, weather, spa size, and frequency of use. Ask about equipment-specific operating assumptions.
Can a pool and spa fit in a small yard?
Often, yes, subject to setbacks, easements, utilities, construction access, and safety requirements.
Can I build on a sloped lot?
Often, yes, but slopes can require grading, drainage improvements, retaining structures, or engineering.
Does limestone excavation increase the price?
It can. Rock may require additional excavation equipment and labor. Review allowances and change-order terms.
How long does construction take?
Timelines vary with design, permits, inspections, weather, and site conditions. Straightforward projects may take a few months; complex work can take longer.
Do I need permits in Austin?
Generally, pool construction requires applicable permits and inspections. Exact requirements depend on jurisdiction and property restrictions.
Can I customize spa dimensions and finishes?
Yes. We help explore size, elevation, seating, finishes, and features based on your property and budget.
What should I compare between pool builders?
Review scope, exclusions, excavation allowances, equipment, structural specifications, warranties, communication, and project management.
Who manages my project?
Bill and Lexi Darnell are directly involved in managing projects and communicating with homeowners.
Can I get pricing before a consultation?
Yes. Request pricing and information to discuss your ideas, property, and investment expectations before detailed design meetings.
What warranties come with a pool and spa?
Coverage differs for structure, workmanship, equipment, and manufacturers. Request written terms and exclusions before signing.
Get in touch
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