New Pool Builds: Things to Think About Before You Break Ground

Designing and building a new swimming pool is an exciting journey, but it requires careful planning and decisions at every stage. From site evaluation to finishes and maintenance, the foundation you lay before construction determines how smoothly the project proceeds. At Rockrose Pools & Restorations, we take a collaborative, methodical approach to new inground pool builds in Central Texas. In this post, we'll walk through everything you need to think about before starting your new pool project.

1. Clarify Purpose, Use & Budget

Start with a clear vision: How will you use the pool?

• Recreation and play (kids, games)

• Lap swimming / training

• Entertainment / aesthetic / showpiece

• Integrated spa or hot tub

• Water features, tanning ledge, vanishing edge

• Safety, cover, or accessibility features

Once purpose is clear, set a realistic budget. The earlier the budget is defined, the better decisions your designer and builder can make.

2. Site Evaluation & Constraints

Your site dictates a lot:

• Topography, slope, and grade

• Soil type, rock, groundwater, drainage

• Utilities location (power, water, sewer, etc.)

• Access for machinery, staging area

• Sun, shade, views

• Privacy, easements, setbacks

• Proximity to trees, roots, overhanging structures

• HOA or neighborhood design guidelines

A builder should conduct or order a site survey or geotechnical investigation to anticipate issues.

Building a Strong Foundation (Literally)

Every great pool starts with what you don’t see — the structure beneath the surface. At RockRose, that’s where we set ourselves apart. Here’s how we make sure every pool shell is built to last:

• We reinforce with more steel than required.
  Our pools include extra rebar beyond industry standards for added strength and stability. That extra steel helps prevent movement, cracking, and shifting over time.

• We pour a certified concrete mix guaranteed against ASR.
  This special mix protects your pool from the chemical reactions that can weaken concrete over the years.

• We build beyond the standard.
  From soil prep to shotcrete application, every step is executed with precision and care. We follow a meticulous process to ensure the structure performs as beautifully as it looks.

• We think long-term.
  The goal isn’t just a great-looking pool on day one — it’s a solid, reliable structure that stays that way for decades.

Because at RockRose, we don’t just build pools that turn heads — we build pools that stand the test of time.

4. Permitting, Codes & HOA

Before construction begins, you may need:

• Permits (structural, plumbing, electrical)

• Engineering drawings approved

• Safety barrier / fence compliance

• Electrical safety, lighting, bonding, grounding

• HOA architectural approval (if applicable)

• Coordination with local inspectors

Don't underestimate the time this takes. Delays can push your schedule back.

5. Selecting Tile, Plaster & Coping

These finish choices affect aesthetics and longevity:

• Tile & waterline: glass, porcelain, ceramic, natural stone

• Coping / edge materials: pavers, bullnose, stone

• Interior surface / plaster: white plaster, quartz aggregate, pebble, polished aggregate

Because your finish is a long-term choice, weigh looks vs. performance and maintenance. (We cover detailed selection tips in another blog.)

6. Equipment, Plumbing, & Systems

System design is as critical as the shell:

• Pump(s) — variable speed, booster pumps, water feature pumps

• Filter system and plumbing considerations

• Automation, controls, smart systems

• Heating: gas, electric, heat pump, or a heater/chiller combo unit

• Lighting (in-pool, deck)

• Safety systems or covers

• Consider accessibility for maintenance

These systems should be sized and designed harmoniously, not tacked on later.

7. Water Features & Enhancements

If you want features, plan them from the start:

• Waterfalls, sheer descents, deck jets

• Spa with spillover features

• Tanning ledges, bubblers, beach entries

• Fire bowls, lighting, benches

Each adds complexity—plumbing, structural support, coordination.

8. Decking, Landscaping & Drainage

Your pool should integrate with the surrounding environment:

• Decking materials (concrete, pavers, stone, tile, etc.)

• Expansion joints, patterns, slope for drainage

• Drainage systems to direct water away from shell and your home

• Landscaping, shade structures, fencing

• Hardscape and softscape interplay

• Access paths, service gates

A well-designed pool should feel seamless with its surroundings.

9. Phasing & Construction Plan

A build should be laid out in logical phases:

1. Layout, site prep, excavation

2. Plumbing, electrical, rebar

3. Shell construction (shooting+ hydration)

4. Plumbing, returns, fixtures

5. Tile, coping, masonry

6. Decking, hardscape

7. Plastering, filling, startup

8. Final inspection, commissioning, handoff

Each phase requires inspection and coordination. Delays or missteps in early phases ripple later. A PROPERLY BUILT POOL CANNOT BE BUILT IN 60 DAYS.

10. Quality Control, Oversight & Communication

Because pools are long-term structures, quality matters:

• Onsite supervision and troubleshooting

• Material verification (concrete mix, rebar placement, plumbing alignment)

• Testing (pressure tests, leak tests, structural verification)

• Frequent communication with homeowner

• Change orders documented and understood

A good builder is a thoughtful partner—not just a contractor.

11. Maintenance Planning & Startup

From day one, think about care and longevity:

• Proper startup protocol (fill, balance chemicals, cycle), provided by Rockrose Pools

• Walkthrough with homeowner on operation, what we call “Pool School”

• Maintenance schedule education

• Service support and warranties

A pool built well but misused can prematurely degrade.

12. Choosing the Right Builder

Among your most important decisions is your partner. You want a builder who:

• Has deep experience building pools in Central Texas

• Understands structural, geological, and ASR considerations

• Integrates design, engineering, permitting, and execution

• Offers transparent process, communication, and warranties

• Builds with long-term performance in mind

To see how we work, check out our Pools / New Inground Pools page. Rockrose Pools & Restorations
For a sense of our approach, review our About page where we describe building philosophies in Central Texas. Rockrose Pools & Restorations

Final Word

Building a new pool is an investment in your home and lifestyle. But the “easy fun part” is only a small slice of the entire process. The choices you make early, and the quality of your builder, determine how long your pool stays beautiful and functional.

If you’re ready to explore a new pool build in Central Texas, contact us through our Contact page to schedule a detailed consultation. Rockrose Pools & Restorations