Custom Swimming Pools
From compact geometric pools to larger family pools, we design around your property, lifestyle, and investment. Starting at $60,500.
FAMILY-OWNED POOL BUILDERS · DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX
Custom Pool Builders in Dripping Springs, TX
Good People. Great Pools. A Better Building Experience.
Build a swimming pool that feels right for your home, your land, and your family. Darnell Pools helps Dripping Springs homeowners create custom pools and spas with quality construction, upfront pricing conversations, and personal communication with the owners managing the work.
Custom pools start at $60,500. Pools and spas start 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 DRIPPING SPRINGS POOL BUILDER
A Pool That Fits Your Property. A Builder Who Knows Your Project.
From established neighborhoods to larger Hill Country lots, Dripping Springs properties offer different opportunities and challenges. We start by understanding how you want to use your backyard and what the site allows.
Darnell Pools is a family-owned Greater Austin builder led by Bill and Lexi Darnell. Our owners are directly involved in managing projects, giving you access to the people responsible for the work. We value thoughtful design, clear expectations, and an experience that feels personal from beginning to end.
CUSTOM POOLS & OUTDOOR LIVING
Your Backyard. Your Possibilities.
Custom Pools & Spas
Combine swimming and relaxation with a connected pool and spa tailored to your backyard. Starting at $79,000.
Outdoor Living
Plan patios, kitchens, shade structures, and gathering spaces as part of a cohesive backyard. We can help navigate additional contractors when needed.
Pool Remodeling
Update existing pools with new finishes, tile, coping, equipment, and other improvements.
THE DARNELL DIFFERENCE
It's Not Just About the Pool. It's About Who Builds It.
A swimming pool is a major investment. We believe homeowners deserve a builder who communicates clearly, explains the details, and treats each project with care.
Direct Access to Our Owners
Bill and Lexi are personally involved in managing projects. You know who is responsible and who to contact.
Honest Pricing & Expectations
We explain options, inclusions, exclusions, and site considerations before you make decisions.
Communication Comes First
Construction can be stressful. We prioritize updates, answers, and a clear understanding of what happens next.
The Whole Backyard Matters
We consider how the pool connects to your home, patio, landscaping, and future outdoor living plans.
DRIPPING SPRINGS POOL COSTS
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Dripping Springs?
At Darnell Pools, pool-only construction starts at $60,500 and pool-and-spa construction starts at $79,000. These are starting points, not fixed quotes for every property.
Custom Swimming Pool — Starting at $60,500
Final pricing depends on dimensions, design, materials, features, and site conditions.
Custom Pool & Spa — Starting at $79,000
Spa size, elevation, heating, finishes, equipment, and property conditions influence the final investment.
What Can Affect Your Price?
Rock excavation, slopes, drainage, access, utilities, decking, retaining structures, and additional outdoor work can change the project scope.
We can help you understand which features and site considerations are most important for your budget.
BUILDING IN THE HILL COUNTRY
Designing for the Land, Not Just the Pool.
Dripping Springs properties vary in elevation, excavation conditions, access, and available building area. Evaluating these factors early can help prevent unrealistic design and pricing assumptions.
Limestone & Rock Excavation
Some sites have hard rock that can require specialized equipment and additional excavation time. Ask how unexpected rock is handled in the contract.
Slopes, Retaining Walls & Drainage
Sloped lots can inspire raised pools or terraces but may also require engineering, grading, and drainage improvements.
Access, Utilities & Larger Lots
Long utility runs, distant equipment pads, narrow access routes, and site preparation can affect cost even on large properties.
Permits & Neighborhood Requirements
A Dripping Springs mailing address may be inside or outside city limits. Verify the governing jurisdiction, relevant approvals, and any HOA requirements for the actual property.
BUILT AROUND YOUR LIFESTYLE
Make Room for the Moments That Matter.
Family-Friendly Pools
Consider swim space, steps, benches, and the relationship between the pool and nearby gathering areas.
Pools With Spas
An attached spa creates a separate place to relax and may extend enjoyment into cooler months.
Tanning Ledges & Water Features
Choose features based on how often you will use them and how much swimming space they occupy.
Outdoor Living Connections
Coordinate the pool with patios, outdoor kitchens, shade, and landscaping so the entire space works together.
REAL PROJECTS. REAL PRICING.
See What Your Investment Can Create.
Real project examples help you compare pool dimensions, materials, features, and investment levels.
Featured $92,000 Pool & Spa Configuration
Previously advertised configuration: 15' × 30' pool, 7' × 7' raised spa, 5' × 15' tanning ledge, travertine coping, QuartzScapes finish, and bubblers.
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.
01. Let’s Talk
Tell us about your goals, property, and investment expectations.
02. Explore Your Options
Discuss design, features, pricing, and site considerations.
03. Design & Plan
Work through specifications, approvals, scope, and expectations.
04. Build With Confidence
Our ownership team manages the project and prioritizes communication.
05. Enjoy Your Backyard
Make the most of your new outdoor space with family and friends.
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 projects because communication, accountability, and thoughtful planning make a difference. Our goal is to help you feel informed and comfortable from the first conversation through construction.
DRIPPING SPRINGS POOL BUILDING FAQS
Common Questions About Building a Pool in Dripping Springs, TX
How much does a swimming pool cost in Dripping Springs?
Custom pools start at $60,500 and pool-and-spa combinations start at $79,000 at Darnell Pools. Final cost depends on design, features, finishes, and property conditions.
Does limestone make pool construction more expensive?
It can. Some area properties have hard rock that requires additional excavation equipment, labor, or time. Ask how rock allowances and unforeseen conditions are handled.
Can you build a pool on a sloped Hill Country lot?
Often, yes. Slopes may require grading, retaining walls, drainage solutions, or structural engineering, but they can also create interesting design opportunities.
What pool permits are required in Dripping Springs?
Requirements depend on the exact property jurisdiction and project scope. A Dripping Springs mailing address does not always mean the property is inside city limits.
Do I need HOA approval?
Some neighborhoods require architectural approval for pool placement, fencing, drainage, or exterior improvements. Check your governing documents before finalizing the plan.
How long does pool construction take?
Timing depends on design, permitting, inspections, excavation, weather, and project complexity. Straightforward projects may take a few months; complex sites may take longer.
Can a large property cost more to build on?
Yes. Longer utility runs, remote equipment locations, grading, access roads, and site preparation may increase costs even when space is plentiful.
How do I know if my yard is suitable for a pool?
Consider setbacks, easements, utilities, access, drainage, elevation, and underground conditions. A property review can help identify practical constraints.
What can a $100,000 pool budget buy?
Depending on the property and design, it may allow a family-sized pool and spa with selected features such as a tanning ledge, lighting, or decking. Actual scope must be priced for your site.
Should I add a spa?
A spa can add a relaxing place to enjoy cooler evenings. A pool-only design may be a better use of the budget if swim space is your priority.
Can you help plan an outdoor kitchen and patio?
Yes. We consider the overall backyard and can help coordinate complementary outdoor living improvements and other contractors when needed.
Why do pool builder quotes vary?
Builders may include different excavation allowances, engineering, equipment, finishes, decking, warranties, and exclusions. Compare the complete scope, not just the total.
What additional costs should I plan for?
Potential costs include unexpected rock, drainage, engineering, utilities, retaining walls, landscaping, or owner-requested changes. Review allowances and exclusions.
Who manages my Darnell Pools project?
Bill and Lexi Darnell are directly involved in managing projects and provide homeowners access to the people overseeing construction.
Can I get pricing before an in-person meeting?
Yes. Request a callback to discuss your property, ideas, and budget. We can explain starting prices and what information is needed for a project-specific proposal.
SERVING GREATER AUSTIN
Pool Builders for Dripping Springs & Nearby Communities.
Darnell Pools serves Dripping Springs and surrounding Greater Austin communities. Contact us to confirm service availability for your address.
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