Custom Swimming Pools
From compact plunge-style pools to larger family pools, we help design a custom inground pool around your yard, home, and how you want to use it. Starting at $60,500.
FAMILY-OWNED POOL BUILDERS · WEST LAKE HILLS, TX
Custom Pool Builders in West Lake Hills, TX
Thoughtful Pools. Good People. A Better Building Experience.
Your backyard deserves a pool that feels right for your home and the way you live. Darnell Pools designs and builds custom swimming pools and spas for West Lake Hills homeowners, with clear pricing conversations and direct communication with the owners managing your project.
Custom 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 WEST LAKE HILLS POOL BUILDER
A Beautiful Pool Starts With the Right People.
A swimming pool is a major investment—and the builder you choose shapes the experience long before the first swim. We believe homeowners deserve clear expectations, thoughtful design, and a team that is easy to reach.
Darnell Pools is a family-owned Greater Austin builder led by Bill and Lexi Darnell. Our owners directly manage our projects, so you can speak with the people responsible for the work rather than wondering who to contact.
From a simple geometric pool to a pool and spa integrated with a patio and landscaping, we help you make decisions that suit your property, priorities, and budget.
WHAT WE BUILD
Custom Pools, Spas & Outdoor Spaces.
Custom Pools & Spas
Add relaxation to your backyard with an integrated spa, considered alongside the pool’s layout, elevations, equipment, and finishes. Starting at $79,000.
Outdoor Living
Plan patios, outdoor kitchens, gathering spaces, and complementary improvements so the entire outdoor environment feels connected. We can help coordinate additional contractors when needed.
Pool Remodeling
Refresh an existing pool with new finishes, tile, coping, or other improvements suited to your home.
THE DARNELL DIFFERENCE
It’s Not Just the Pool. It’s the People Building It.
Owner-Managed Construction
Bill and Lexi are personally involved in managing projects, giving you direct access to the people overseeing the work.
Upfront Pricing Conversations
We explain starting costs, design choices, scope, and possible site-related expenses so you can plan with greater confidence.
Communication Throughout the Build
We prioritize updates and answers so you understand progress, upcoming decisions, and the next steps.
A Thoughtful Approach to the Whole Backyard
We consider how the pool connects with the home, landscape, drainage, patios, and the ways you use the space.
WEST LAKE HILLS POOL PRICING
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in West Lake Hills?
Darnell Pools offers custom inground pools starting at $60,500 and pool-and-spa projects starting at $79,000. These are starting points, not fixed package prices. Your actual cost depends on design, materials, features, excavation, access, engineering, and other site conditions.
Custom Pool Only — Starting at $60,500
A custom inground pool designed around your available space and priorities.
Custom Pool & Spa — Starting at $79,000
A custom pool with an integrated spa, with final pricing based on design and specifications.
Why Site Conditions Matter
Some West Lake Hills properties have elevation changes, mature landscaping, rock, or constrained access. Those conditions can affect excavation, drainage, retaining structures, and construction methods. We discuss potential impacts before finalizing scope.
DESIGNED AROUND YOUR PROPERTY
A Pool That Feels Like Part of Your Home.
Architecture & Landscape
We consider how pool shape, coping, finishes, and placement relate to your home, patio, and existing landscape.
Sloped Lots & Elevation
Changes in grade may create design opportunities, but can also require grading, retaining structures, or engineered solutions. Feasibility depends on the specific site.
Construction Access
Driveway layout, side-yard width, trees, existing improvements, and delivery routes can influence how crews and equipment access the yard.
Drainage & Existing Features
We consider runoff, existing patios, utilities, setbacks, and easements early so the design works within the property’s constraints.
REAL PROJECTS. REAL PRICING.
See What’s Possible for Your Backyard.
Explore real Darnell Pools projects to compare pool sizes, features, finishes, and investment levels. The most useful examples show not only the finished pool but also what was included.
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 property, priorities, inspiration, and approximate budget.
02. Explore the Options
We discuss sizes, features, possible site challenges, and realistic starting costs.
03. Design & Plan
We work through design, scope, specifications, and applicable approvals.
04. Build & Communicate
Our owners manage the construction and prioritize communication as work progresses.
05. Enjoy Your Pool
Make the most of your new backyard 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 you work with matter just as much as the pool itself.
That’s why we stay personally involved in managing projects and put honest communication and accountability at the center of the experience.
WEST LAKE HILLS POOL BUILDING FAQS
Questions About Building a Pool in West Lake Hills, TX
How much does a custom pool cost in West Lake Hills?
Darnell Pools custom inground pools start at $60,500 and pool-and-spa combinations start at $79,000. Final costs vary with size, features, finishes, site access, excavation, and engineering needs.
Are West Lake Hills pools more expensive than pools elsewhere in Austin?
Not automatically. The project scope and property conditions matter more than the city name. Rock, slope, restricted access, or complex structural work can raise costs.
Can you build a pool on a sloped lot?
Often, yes. Depending on the property, grading, retaining walls, drainage design, and structural engineering may be needed. A site review helps identify practical options.
Will limestone excavation affect my quote?
It can. Hard rock may require different equipment and additional labor. Ask how rock excavation allowances and unexpected conditions are addressed in the agreement.
What permits are required for a pool in West Lake Hills?
Permit and inspection requirements depend on the property’s jurisdiction and the proposed work. City approvals, engineering, drainage review, and other requirements may apply.
Do I need HOA approval?
Some properties are subject to neighborhood or architectural restrictions. Review your governing documents and confirm whether separate approvals are needed before construction.
How long does pool construction take?
Timing varies with design, approvals, inspections, weather, excavation, and project complexity. Straightforward pools may take a few months, while challenging sites may take longer.
Can a small backyard accommodate a pool?
Often. Compact rectangular pools and plunge-style designs can work well, provided setbacks, easements, access, and other site restrictions allow them.
What features should I prioritize?
Choose features you will regularly use—such as comfortable steps, a bench, a tanning ledge, a spa, or automation—before adding purely decorative elements.
Should I build a pool with or without a spa?
A spa adds a relaxing option during cooler weather and evenings. A pool-only design may better suit families focused on swimming and summer recreation. We can compare both.
What should I compare in pool builder quotes?
Review dimensions, excavation allowances, structural specifications, plumbing, equipment, finishes, decking, exclusions, payment schedules, warranty terms, and who manages the project.
Could there be costs beyond the original proposal?
Potential additions include unexpected rock, drainage work, utility modifications, retaining structures, or owner-requested changes. Review exclusions and change-order procedures before signing.
Can you coordinate the rest of my outdoor living space?
We consider how the pool fits with patios, kitchens, landscaping, and gathering areas, and can help homeowners coordinate additional contractors when appropriate.
Who manages my Darnell Pools project?
Bill and Lexi Darnell are directly involved in managing the company’s construction projects, providing homeowners a direct line to ownership.
Can I discuss pricing before an in-person consultation?
Yes. Request pricing and information to discuss your ideas, budget, and property. We can explain starting costs and what is needed for a more detailed proposal.
SERVING GREATER AUSTIN
Pool Construction Across West Lake Hills & Nearby Communities.
Darnell Pools serves West Lake Hills and nearby Greater Austin communities. Explore our city pages for more local information about planning and building a custom pool.
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