FAMILY-OWNED POOL BUILDERS · LAKEWAY, TEXAS
Good People. Great Pools. A Better Building Experience.
Your backyard should be a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy more time at home. At Darnell Pools, we help Lakeway homeowners bring their ideas to life with thoughtfully designed swimming pools, quality construction, upfront pricing, and personal attention from the people managing their project.
Custom swimming pools starting at $60,500. Pools and spas starting at $79,000.
YOUR LOCAL LAKEWAY POOL BUILDER
Living in Lakeway means enjoying everything the Texas Hill Country and Lake Travis area have to offer. From relaxing weekends to spending time outdoors with family and friends, it's a place where outdoor living is part of everyday life.
At Darnell Pools, we believe your backyard should reflect that lifestyle. Whether you're envisioning a timeless swimming pool, a custom pool and spa, or a complete outdoor entertaining space, we'll help you explore the possibilities and create something that feels right for your home.
We're a family-owned pool builder serving Greater Austin, and our owners, Bill and Lexi Darnell, personally manage our construction projects. That means direct communication, honest guidance, and a more personal experience from beginning to end.
Because building a pool isn't just about the finished result. It's about feeling confident in the people you've chosen to build it.
WHAT WE BUILD
Every backyard is different, and every homeowner has their own vision. We help you create an outdoor space designed around your property, lifestyle, and investment.
From clean, modern rectangular pools to custom designs that complement your home's architecture and landscape, we build swimming pools designed around how you want to use your backyard.
Whether your priority is family fun, swimming, relaxation, or entertaining, we'll help you create a pool that balances beauty, function, and long-term enjoyment.
Starting at $60,500.
A custom pool and spa brings together the best of swimming and relaxation. Whether you're enjoying a summer afternoon in the pool or unwinding in the spa on a cooler evening, the right design gives you more ways to enjoy your backyard.
Explore attached spas, raised spas, spillways, custom finishes, and other features that complement your home and outdoor environment.
Starting at $79,000.
A beautiful outdoor space is about more than the swimming pool. We help homeowners consider how patios, outdoor kitchens, shade structures, fire features, landscaping, and gathering areas work together.
Our goal is to help create a cohesive backyard environment, including assisting with coordination of additional contractors when needed.
If your existing swimming pool is ready for an update, we can help you explore improvements that refresh its appearance and functionality.
From new interior finishes and tile to updated coping and other improvements, we'll help you consider ways to make your existing pool more enjoyable.
WHY HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE DARNELL POOLS
Building a swimming pool is a significant investment, and choosing the right contractor matters. We believe homeowners deserve more than beautiful project photographs and promises about quality.
You deserve a builder who communicates clearly, respects your investment, and makes the entire experience feel more personal.
When you work with Darnell Pools, you're working directly with the people responsible for your project. Bill and Lexi personally manage our construction projects, providing direct communication and accountability throughout the process.
We believe homeowners should understand what they're paying for before construction begins. We help you explore design options, understand pricing, and identify important construction considerations so you can make informed decisions.
Construction can be stressful, especially when you're left wondering what's happening. We prioritize communication, keeping you informed about progress, important decisions, and what comes next.
You shouldn't need the biggest or most expensive backyard project to receive great service. Whether you're building a straightforward family pool or a complete outdoor living environment, we bring the same commitment to quality and personal attention.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INVESTMENT
One of the first questions homeowners have is how much a custom swimming pool will cost. We believe you deserve a realistic answer before investing time in detailed designs or appointments.
At Darnell Pools, we provide starting prices to help you understand your options and establish realistic expectations.
Starting at $60,500
A starting point for a custom inground swimming pool designed around your property, lifestyle, and preferences.
Starting at $79,000
A starting point for a custom swimming pool and spa combination, with flexibility to personalize the size, features, finishes, and design.
Your final investment depends on the size and design of your pool, selected features, finishes, excavation requirements, and the conditions of your property.
Some Lakeway-area properties may have elevation changes, limestone, limited construction access, or drainage considerations that require additional planning or construction work.
We believe these factors should be discussed early so you can understand how your property may influence the project.
A $100,000 budget can provide homeowners with excellent options for a custom pool and spa.
Depending on your property and design choices, this 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.
Every project is different, but examples like this can help you understand what's possible for your investment.
DESIGNING FOR YOUR PROPERTY
Lakeway is known for its Hill Country setting, proximity to Lake Travis, and outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Homes throughout the area can have different architectural styles, property layouts, and natural characteristics.
We believe a custom swimming pool should complement those surroundings rather than feel like an afterthought.
Some Lakeway properties have sloped yards or changes in elevation that can influence pool placement and construction.
Depending on the property, these conditions may require additional engineering, retaining structures, grading, or drainage improvements.
They can also create opportunities for raised spas, elevated pool designs, and multi-level outdoor living spaces.
For homeowners with attractive Hill Country or Lake Travis-area views, pool placement can play an important role in the overall backyard experience.
We consider how the pool relates to the home's architecture, outdoor seating areas, and surrounding landscape to help create a space that feels connected and intentional.
Many homeowners want their pool to become the centerpiece of an outdoor gathering space.
We help you consider how the pool connects with patios, outdoor kitchens, dining areas, shade structures, and other features so the entire backyard works together.
Construction equipment needs access to your backyard, and existing structures, landscaping, property boundaries, and elevation changes can influence how a project is built.
Evaluating these considerations early helps establish realistic expectations for design, construction, and pricing.
LOCAL POOL BUILDING KNOWLEDGE
Planning a swimming pool involves more than choosing a design and selecting finishes. Understanding local construction requirements, property restrictions, and site conditions is an important part of preparing for your project.
Swimming pool construction within the City of Lakeway generally requires a building permit and applicable inspections.
Depending on the design and property, additional documentation or approvals may be necessary. Requirements can also differ for properties outside the city's jurisdiction.
We recommend identifying the applicable permitting authority and reviewing the project's requirements early in the planning process.
Swimming pools must comply with applicable safety and enclosure requirements. These may affect fencing, gates, barriers, and other elements of your backyard design.
Understanding these requirements during planning can help prevent unexpected changes later.
Some properties may be subject to HOA or neighborhood architectural requirements.
Depending on the community, these may affect pool placement, landscaping, fencing, construction access, or other exterior improvements.
Homeowners should confirm any applicable restrictions before finalizing their design.
Pool placement must account for property setbacks, easements, underground utilities, drainage, and other site-specific considerations.
A property review can help identify potential challenges before detailed construction planning begins.
REAL PROJECTS. REAL PRICING.
One of the best ways to understand what your investment can buy is to explore actual pool designs, dimensions, materials, and features.
We believe showing real examples helps homeowners make more confident decisions about their own projects.
This featured Darnell Pools configuration includes a 15' × 30' swimming pool, 7' × 7' raised spa, 5' × 15' tanning ledge, travertine coping, QuartzScapes interior, and bubbler water features.
Featured Configuration: $92,000
Your actual project cost may differ depending on property conditions, design changes, selected materials, and construction requirements.
Our Work
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
We believe a successful project begins with realistic expectations and clear communication. Our approach is designed to help you understand your options and feel confident throughout construction.
Tell us what you're envisioning, what matters most to you, and what you're comfortable investing.
We'll discuss pool sizes, design possibilities, features, pricing, and property considerations to help you understand what's possible.
Together, we'll work through the design, construction specifications, property requirements, and expectations before moving forward.
Our ownership team personally manages your construction project, keeping communication a priority as your pool takes shape.
From relaxing afternoons to evenings with family and friends, it's time to enjoy the outdoor space you've been looking forward to.
FAMILY-OWNED. PERSONALLY MANAGED.
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.
That's why we're personally involved in managing our projects. We want our customers to feel informed, comfortable asking questions, and confident in the people responsible for their investment.
Whether you're planning a simple swimming pool or a complete backyard environment, our goal is to make the experience as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.
LAKEWAY POOL BUILDING FAQS
Planning a swimming pool in Lakeway? From understanding construction costs and local permit requirements to designing around Hill Country terrain, there are several things worth knowing before getting started. Here are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have about building a pool in the Lakeway area.
At Darnell Pools, custom inground swimming pools start at $60,500, while custom pool-and-spa combinations start at $79,000.
Your final investment depends on the pool's dimensions, design, features, finishes, and property conditions. Some Lakeway properties may require additional excavation, grading, engineering, or drainage improvements that can affect the overall cost.
We believe in discussing realistic pricing early so you understand what's possible for your budget before committing to a project.
Not necessarily. Pool construction costs are influenced more by the property's conditions and the project's scope than by the city name alone.
Some Lakeway properties have significant elevation changes, limestone formations, or challenging construction access. These conditions can increase costs if additional excavation, structural engineering, or specialized construction methods are required.
However, a relatively level property with straightforward access may have construction costs comparable to a similar project elsewhere in Greater Austin.
The best way to understand your potential investment is to evaluate your property and desired pool design.
Yes, many sloped properties can accommodate beautiful custom swimming pools.
Depending on the property's layout and elevation, additional engineering, retaining walls, grading, or drainage solutions may be necessary.
Sloped yards can also create interesting design opportunities, including raised swimming pools, elevated spas, vanishing-edge designs, and multi-level outdoor living spaces.
Before recommending a design, it's important to evaluate the property's conditions and determine which options make sense for your budget.
It can. Limestone and other rock formations are common in parts of the Lake Travis and Central Texas Hill Country region.
Excavating through significant rock formations may require specialized equipment, additional labor, or more construction time.
Because underground conditions aren't always visible before excavation begins, homeowners should understand how rock excavation is addressed in their construction proposal.
At Darnell Pools, we believe potential excavation costs should be discussed as early as possible.
Swimming pool construction in Lakeway generally requires applicable building permits, inspections, and compliance with local construction and safety requirements.
Depending on your property's location and project design, additional engineering documents, drainage considerations, or neighborhood approvals may be necessary.
Properties within Lakeway city limits may have different requirements from properties with Lakeway mailing addresses that fall under another jurisdiction.
Before construction begins, it's important to confirm the applicable permitting authority, property restrictions, and approval requirements.
That depends on your neighborhood and any applicable homeowners association or architectural review requirements.
Some Lakeway communities have guidelines concerning pool placement, fencing, landscaping, drainage, and exterior improvements.
If your property is governed by an HOA or architectural review committee, approval may be required before construction begins.
We recommend reviewing these requirements early so they can be considered during design and planning.
Construction timelines depend on the pool's size, design complexity, property conditions, permitting, inspections, weather, and scheduling.
A relatively straightforward swimming pool may take a few months to complete, while projects requiring additional engineering, extensive excavation, retaining walls, or more elaborate outdoor living features can take longer.
The design and permitting stages should also be considered when planning your desired completion date.
At Darnell Pools, we focus on establishing realistic expectations and communicating throughout the construction process rather than promising timelines that cannot be guaranteed.
Often, yes. Many properties in the Lake Travis area can accommodate custom swimming pools, but feasibility depends on the specific property.
Important considerations may include elevation changes, setbacks, easements, drainage, construction access, and any applicable environmental or development restrictions.
Properties near the lake may also have additional site-specific considerations depending on their location and jurisdiction.
A property review can help determine what's practical before moving into detailed design.
Infinity-edge, also called vanishing-edge, swimming pools can be an attractive option for properties with elevated views or significant elevation changes.
These designs require specialized structural planning, additional plumbing, a catch basin or collection system, and careful attention to water circulation.
Not every property is suitable for an infinity-edge design, and these features generally increase construction costs compared with a straightforward swimming pool.
We can help you explore whether this type of design is appropriate for your property, vision, and investment.
The best pool size depends on your available space, property layout, and how your family plans to use the pool.
A compact 10' × 20' or 12' × 24' swimming pool may be suitable for homeowners who want a relaxing place to cool off without using their entire backyard.
A larger 15' × 30' pool can provide more room for swimming, family activities, and entertaining.
The right size should balance functionality, aesthetics, available outdoor living space, and your overall investment.
For many homeowners, an attached spa can be a valuable addition, particularly for those who enjoy relaxing outdoors during cooler evenings and months.
A spa can also become a central feature of the backyard, especially when integrated with surrounding patios, seating areas, and landscaping.
At Darnell Pools, custom pool-and-spa combinations start at $79,000.
Whether a spa makes sense depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and budget.
Absolutely. Planning your swimming pool and outdoor living features together can help create a more cohesive backyard environment.
Features such as outdoor kitchens, covered patios, dining areas, fire features, and landscaping should be considered when developing the overall layout.
At Darnell Pools, we look beyond the swimming pool itself to help homeowners plan outdoor spaces that work together. We can also help coordinate with other contractors for additional improvements when needed.
Potential additional costs depend on the property's conditions and the agreed scope of work.
Examples may include unexpected rock excavation, additional structural engineering, retaining walls, drainage improvements, utility modifications, landscaping, fencing, or homeowner-requested design changes.
Not every project will involve these expenses.
Before signing a construction agreement, make sure you understand what's included, what's excluded, and how additional work or unexpected conditions will be handled.
Choosing the right pool builder involves more than comparing finished photographs or total prices.
We recommend asking about construction specifications, project management, communication practices, warranty coverage, payment schedules, and how unexpected costs are handled.
It's also important to understand who will personally manage your project and who you'll communicate with during construction.
At Darnell Pools, our owners, Bill and Lexi Darnell, are directly involved in managing projects. We believe that personal accountability and transparent communication make a meaningful difference throughout the construction experience.
Our owners, Bill and Lexi Darnell, personally manage our construction projects.
Rather than leaving homeowners wondering who is responsible for their project, we provide direct access to the people overseeing the work.
We believe clear communication, accountability, and personal attention help create a more comfortable and confident construction experience.
Yes. We understand that homeowners want to know whether a swimming pool fits their investment expectations before committing time to detailed design meetings.
At Darnell Pools, you can request pricing and information to begin a conversation about your property, ideas, and budget.
Custom swimming pools start at $60,500, and pool-and-spa combinations start at $79,000.
We'll help you understand realistic pricing, design possibilities, and what additional information may be needed to develop an accurate proposal.
LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
Prefer to call? (512) 592-9030