7 Essential Tips to Consider When Choosing a Custom Pool Builder

Choosing a custom pool builder can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the world of pool construction. The right builder can bring your aquatic dreams to life, while the wrong one can end up costing you time and money. That being said, a custom builder and a production builder are not the same thing. In fact, they are completely different and when you begin that journey of finding the right one, remember that. Just because one builder has been around for 20 years puttting swimming holes in the ground. They may not be the one that can successfully pull off the zero edge pool or cantilever cabana. In this guide, we'll explore seven essential tips to ensure you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect custom pool builder for your needs.

1. Assessing Experience and Expertise

When choosing a custom pool builder, it's crucial to evaluate their experience and expertise. Look for a builder with a solid track record, preferably with years of experience in constructing exactly the type of backyard you want. Who cares if they can build a 100 freeform pools if they can’t pull off building the infinity pool you want. Experienced builders can anticipate potential issues and offer innovative solutions especially when you have a third party company designing the project. If possible choose a company that designs and builds.

Experience isn't just about the number of years in the business though. It's also about the variety and quality of pools a builder has constructed.. Ask potential builders about past projects similar to your vision. This can also help you assess if they're capable of creating the pool of your dreams. Additionally, ask for content or look for “under construction” views of the project. It’s one thing to have final project pictures but being able to see the “open heart surgery” as it’s happening is something that will speak much louder than just fancy photos and testimonials. (Just because the “Jones” family liked/didn’t like your builder of choice doesn’t mean you will share the same opinion).

2. Understanding Client Reviews and Testimonials

Client reviews and testimonials are valuable resources for gauging a builder's reputation. No surprise there. Positive feedback can indicate reliability and customer satisfaction as a whole. Don't hesitate to ask builders for references or seek out reviews on trusted platforms to get a sense of past client satisfaction. Online platforms can offer insights into past customer experiences. Dive into reviews and take note how builders handle feedback, particularly negative ones. How a company addresses complaints can reveal their commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Do your own homework when evaluating pool builders. Relying solely on someone else’s review might give you peace of mind, but it doesn’t guarantee the review applies to your situation. For instance, many large companies inflate their Google ratings by mixing in reviews from unrelated services like pool cleaning. If you choose a big-box builder just because they have 1,000 reviews and a 4.9-star rating, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. On the flip side, if a boutique builder has a negative review about speed but you care more about craftsmanship than speed, then that review doesn’t really matter. What does matter is making sure your priorities match your builder’s strengths, that you're crystal clear on your expectations, and that you actually dig into your research instead of skimming the surface

3. Checking Licensing and Insurance

Always verify that your chosen builder is fully insured. This not only protects you from potential liabilities but also ensures that the builder adheres to industry standards and regulations. Ask for a copy of their General Liability insurance if you need to!

In Texas, Anyone Can Call Themselves a Pool Builder - Do This to Protect Yourself

Unlike other states, Texas does not require swimming pool builders to be licensed, which means almost anyone with a truck and a website can claim to be a “custom pool contractor.” This puts homeowners at risk. To protect yourself, verify that your builder is legally registered to transact business in Texas by checking their status with the Texas Comptroller or Secretary of State. Look for industry certifications like APSP, PHTA, or Watershape University - these indicate a builder’s knowledge of local building codes and best practices, which helps prevent costly compliance issues. Lastly, always confirm your builder carries active general liability and workers’ comp insurance. This protects you from financial or legal responsibility if someone gets hurt or property is damaged during your pool construction project.

4. Exploring Design Possibilities

A Truly Custom Pool Should Reflect Your Vision, Not Just a Template

When building a custom pool in Texas, don’t settle for cookie-cutter designs. A true luxury pool builder will take the time to understand your personal style, lifestyle needs, and outdoor space. Look for builders who offer fully customized design options, not just stock layouts with a few upgrades. The right builder will collaborate with you to bring your vision to life, from concept to completion.

To evaluate quality, review their portfolio. Pay attention to signature design features like infinity edges, raised spas, rain curtains, acrylic water spheres, fire and water combos, or high-end LED lighting systems. These architectural touches turn your backyard into a show-stopping centerpiece, not just a place to swim.

5. Discussing Budget and Pricing

Budget Smart: Transparency Is Key When Building a Custom Pool in Texas

When selecting a custom pool builder in Texas, your budget plays a critical role. Be upfront about your financial expectations and make sure your builder is equally transparent. A reputable pool contractor will provide a clear, itemized estimate that outlines what’s included and what could incur additional costs, no vague numbers or surprise charges. AND most importantly, if he hands you a one page proposal… RUN.

Discussing your budget openly from the start sets the foundation for a smoother process. It helps avoid scope creep, ensures realistic design choices, and protects both parties from misunderstandings. Also, think beyond the build, long-term maintenance costs can vary dramatically depending on the materials, equipment, and finishes you choose. The right builder will guide you through those decisions so you invest wisely, not just initially, but for years to come.

6. Evaluating Communication and Responsiveness

Clear Communication Can Make or Break Your Pool Project

When building a custom pool in Texas, strong communication isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Choose a pool builder who listens carefully, answers your questions clearly, and responds promptly. A builder’s responsiveness and transparency are early indicators of how they’ll handle your project once construction begins.

But don’t confuse communication with just hearing what you want to hear. Real communication means sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Delays happen. Materials get backordered. Equipment can break. What separates great builders from the rest is their willingness to keep you informed, especially when things don’t go as planned. That kind of honesty is rare, and it’s what creates trust.

Open, ongoing communication helps tackle unexpected issues before they become major problems. It keeps the project on track and ensures that you’re part of every decision. Before hiring, pay attention to how quickly a builder responds to your calls or emails, how well they explain timelines and costs, and whether they make you feel heard. Customer service starts with real transparency, don’t compromise on it.

7. Understanding Project Timeline

Timelines Shift. That’s Construction. Know It Before You Sign.

When planning a custom pool build in Texas, make sure you understand this upfront: construction timelines are not set in stone. A solid builder will give you a clear project schedule with milestone dates but they’ll also be honest that things change, because THE SCHEDULE WILL CHANGE. Weather delays, supply chain issues, and subcontractor availability all affect momentum. One rain day can throw the entire lineup off. Why? Because trades don’t sit idle, they move to the next job, and if they get rained out or stuck on another site, your project now waits in line. That’s the domino effect, and it’s real.

Too many customers assume construction follows a perfect checklist - dig, steel, plumbing, gunite, tile, plaster, done. In reality, you’re juggling multiple crews, materials, inspections, and variables, all of which can shift with little notice. A true professional doesn’t avoid these conversations, they prepare you for them.

Ask your builder for a projected timeline with major phases: excavation, gunite, tile & coping, decking, landscape, etc. Then ask how they handle delays. If they dodge the topic or promise you a perfect schedule, run. What you want is a builder who’s proactive, communicates early, and makes adjustments in real time, not someone selling false certainty.