Best Pool Installation Companies of 2023

Premier Pools & Spas is the best pool installation company for design options

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Who doesn't dream of having a pool in their own backyard to enjoy with friends and family? In order to start relaxing by your pool and cooling off on those hot summer days, you'll want to consider the many different factors that go into pool installation, from the materials and contractors you choose to the features and design you want.

Whether you're ready to get a pool of your own or just want to get a sense of how much it costs to build one, we have compiled a list of the best pool installation companies to help you get started or plan ahead.

Best Pool Installation Companies of 2023

Best Overall : Premier Pools & Spas


Premier Pools & Spas

Premier Pools & Spas

Key Specs

Pool Types: In-ground gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl
Free Quote:
Online or over the phone
Financing Options:
Apply directly on its site and borrow up to $250,000

Why We Chose It

We chose Premier Pools & Spas as our best overall pick for its nationwide coverage, as it has over 100 offices, and for providing services for both residential and commercial properties.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free quote online or over the phone

  • Apply for financing directly on its site

  • Useful online learning center

Cons
  • Customer experience may vary at each independently owned and operated franchise

Overview

Premier Pools & Spas is a family-owned business established in 1988. Since then, it has built more than 100,000 pools around the United States. With over 100 locations across 35 different states, it's one of the largest in-ground pool builders in the country. Premier Pools & Spas offers a variety of pool services, from design and building to maintenance. It is an accredited business with Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has a stellar A+ rating.

Premier Pools & Spas is an expert in building in-ground pools in gunite, vinyl, and fiberglass. It offers different types of pool styles, including freeform, geometric, and classic swimming pools, and you even have the option to customize your pool and create your own design. In addition, it offers spas and hot tubs, plus special features such as fireplaces and more.

Premier Pools & Spas prices vary depending on the style and type of material and features you choose. Its average cost for an in-ground pool is roughly between $38,000 and $70,000. You can request a free quote by calling or filling out the online form on its website, or you can design your own pool by using its design tool and get an instant 3D video of the design. It also offers financing options through the PremierFinance portal.

Best Nationwide : Blue Haven


Blue Haven

Blue Haven

Key Specs

Pool Types: In-ground gunite
Free Quote:
Apply online for in-home estimate and 3D design
Financing Options:
Apply online for a loan or pay for a portion of the pool with a credit card

Why We Chose It

Ranked as the number one pool builder in the U.S. for nine consecutive years by Pool & Spa News, Blue Haven has locations across the country and is our pick for best nationwide coverage.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Consistently ranked as the top pool builder

  • Builds new pools and remodels existing ones

Cons
  • Fiberglass and vinyl options not available

  • Quotes require in-home consultation

Overview

Founded in 1954, Blue Haven specializes in building gunite pools and spas. In the last 25 years alone it has built nearly 90,000 pools across the nation. Blue Haven is an accredited partner with Consumer Affairs, has locations nationwide, and offers pool building, renovation, and upgrades for residential and commercial properties.

Whether you are looking to build a custom pool or want to choose one of the many pool designs Blue Haven offers, such as tropical, lagoon, geometric and more, the company has designs and “SmartFeatures” to make your pool more efficient and easier to maintain. When you opt to build your pool with Blue Haven you’ll get a pool designer assigned to you, who will work to help you through the entire process and will provide you with a written contract with all the details about your project.

You can request a free in-home estimate that comes with a 3D design by filling out the request form on Blue Haven's website. You can also ask for a free pool brochure to be mailed to you if you prefer. In addition, Blue Haven offers loans that you can apply for directly on its website.

Best Custom : California Pools


California Pools

 California Pools

Key Specs

Pool Types: Vary by location
Free Quote:
Virtual consultation and 3D design
Financing Options:
It can recommend some lenders in your area

Why We Chose It

The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals has awarded California Pools more awards (600 and counting) for its custom swimming pool designs than any other pool builder in the world.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Strong, consistent customer service ratings

  • 600+ awards won for custom swimming pool designs

  • Pool Kings TV series shows the team at work

Cons
  • Only available in six states

Overview

California Pools has a long history of building pools. To date, it has built more than 80,000 pools across different markets. With locations in California, Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah, the company specializes in custom builds.

California Pools offers a vast variety of features to make your dream pool a reality, from waterfalls to fountains to fireplaces. In addition to building your pool, it can also build your outdoor kitchen, living areas, landscaping, and decking to turn your backyard into a complete paradise. If you already have a pool and just want to upgrade it, California Pools offers renovations to bring your pool to the next level.

To request a quote, fill out the form on California Pools' website to schedule a design meeting or a virtual consultation where you can go over the design, pricing, and all the details for your pool project. You can also contact your local California Pools office by phone or email. If you need financial assistance, California Pools can help you find a local lender.

Best for Fiberglass : River Pools and Spas


River Pools and Spas

 River Pools and Spas

Key Specs

Pool Types: In-ground fiberglass
Free Quote:
Instant estimate with design and price online calculator
Financing Options:
Partnered with HFS Financial for up to $500,000

Why We Chose It

Not only is River Pools and Spas one of the leading fiberglass pool companies, but it's also committed to answering all of your fiberglass pool questions by offering a free Fiberglass Pool Buyer's Guide and an extensive online learning center with over 250 videos and over 700 articles.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Extensive online learning center

  • Detailed transparency on manufacturing and installation processes

Cons
  • Gunite and vinyl pools not offered

  • Not available in all states

Overview

River Pools and Spas was founded in 2001 in Virginia by a group of friends, and since then it has grown to manufacture and install its own fiberglass pools across the nation. It has locations in over 20 states.

River Pools and Spas offers several pool designs, colors, and sizes to pick from, or you can design your own by selecting one of the models and choosing the features you want for your pool. Features offered include easy-entry level steps, textured pool steps, a tanning ledge, a deep-end bench, and more. River Pools and Spas also provides you with an extensive online learning center that answers the most common questions when it comes to fiberglass pools and all pool-related topics.

The cost of your fiberglass pool and installation will vary based on the plan you select. It has four options from DIY, where you do most of the work, to turnkey service, where the company takes care of everything. The average price ranges from about $12,000 up to $65,000. You can request a price estimate by calling your local dealer or by scheduling a virtual meeting on their website.

Best for Texas : Cody Pools, Inc.


Cody Pools, Inc.

 Cody Pools, Inc.

Key Specs

Pool Types: In-ground gunite
Free Quote:
In-home consultation and 3D design
Financing Options:
Partnered with HFS Financial for up to $500,000

Why We Chose It

Cody Pools, Inc. is our top pick for pool contractors in Texas with more than 30,000 customers having used the company to build their pools. It is an accredited business with the BBB, has a stellar rating, and belongs to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Extensive gallery for design inspiration

  • Impressive awards and accreditations

Cons
  • Limited to central and southeast Texas and south Florida

Overview

Cody Pools, Inc. builds pools for residential and commercial properties. In addition, it offers restoration in case you just want to upgrade your existing pool. The company has different styles and designs, including freeform, geometric, and vanishing edge pools, plus water and fire features. It also provides outdoor living construction, including landscaping, to complete your dream backyard.

To request a free estimate, reach out to the company's national hotline or contact your local office. You can also schedule an in-person or virtual meeting to obtain a free estimate. If you need financial assistance, the company will work with different financial institutions to help you find a loan.

Best for Florida : Van Kirk & Sons, Pools & Spas


Van Kirk & Sons

Van Kirk & Sons

Key Specs

Pool Types: In-ground gunite
Free Quote:
Call or email to schedule in-person consultation
Financing Options:
Contact the office for information on financing partners

Why We Chose It

Van Kirk & Sons, Pools & Spas is our top choice for the state of Florida because of its solid track record having more than 18,000 pools throughout Florida for both residential and commercial properties. The company is also a proud member of the Florida Swimming Pool Association.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Lifetime structural warranty

  • Builds both residential and commercial pools

Cons
  • Limited to South Florida

  • Website functionality is limited; most questions require a phone call

Overview

Van Kirk & Sons, Pools & Spas was created in 1975 and is a family-owned and operated business. The company offers different types of pools including lagoon, freeform, Roman, geometric, classic, and straight pool designs. You can also customize your own pool and bring your vision to life. The construction process starts with designing your pool to your liking, planning the features you want, and, at last, building the final product.

In addition to building pools, the company offers restoration, renovation, and remodeling services and its pools include a lifetime structural warranty. To request a quote, call the company's hotline or send an email. If you need financial assistance, you can apply for a loan through one of their financial partners.

Final Verdict

We choose Premier Pools & Spas for our best overall pick for its nationwide coverage, as it has more than 100 offices. It also builds pools out of gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl, and it offers services for both residential and commercial properties.

However, if you have more niche needs and are looking to go completely custom, California Pools may be the better option with their specialized experience building more than 80,000 custom pools nationwide.

Compare the Best Pool Installation Companies

Company Pool Types Free Quote Financing Options
Premier Pools & Spas Best Overall  In-ground gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl Online or over the phone Apply directly on its site and borrow up to $250,000
Blue Haven Best Nationwide In-ground gunite Apply online for in-home estimate and 3D design Apply online for a loan or pay for a portion of the pool with a credit card
California Pools Best Custom Vary by location Virtual consultation and 3D design It can recommend some lenders in your area
River Pools and Spas Best for Fiberglass In-ground fiberglass Instant estimate with design and price online calculator Partnered with HFS Financial for up to $500,000
Cody Pools, Inc. Best for Texas In-ground gunite In-home consultation and 3D design Partnered with HFS Financial for up to $500,000
Van Kirk & Sons, Pools & Spas Best for Florida In-ground gunite Call or email to schedule in-person consultation Contact the office for information on financing partners

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Do Pool Installation Companies Offer?

    Pool installation companies evaluate and provide you with an estimate based on the material, style, and features you choose for your pool. Most of the companies listed here cover the entire building process, from digging the ground where the pool will go to the electrical installation. Some companies offer additional services, such as decking and landscaping.

  • How Much Does It Usually Cost to Build a Pool?

    The cost of a pool varies depending on the kind of material, features, and contractor you use. Your property's location and the pool size and design also affect the price. On average, cost ranges from roughly $39,000 to $70,000. Concrete pools are the most expensive type to build and install, followed by vinyl and fiberglass pools.

  • What Are the Differences Between Gunite, Fiberglass, and Vinyl Pools?

    Gunite pools are concrete pools that are built on-site and can take up to two or three months to build. Fiberglass pools are prefabricated ones built off-site that can be installed within two to four weeks. Vinyl pools are made out of a line of heavy duty vinyl and the pool structure is often built out of prefabricated metal or plastic walls. The ensemble and installation process for these pools happens on-site and can take up to eight weeks.

  • Can I Get a Loan to Build a Pool?

    Yes, you can get a loan for a pool. Builders often offer direct financing or they partner with a financial institution where you can apply for a loan. All loans are subject to approval by the financial institution you choose.

  • What Is the Most Cost-Effective Pool to Install?

    Above-ground pools tend to be less expensive because the installation process does not require as much time and equipment. The most cost-effective in-ground swimming pools to install are those made out of vinyl. However, if you're considering other materials, decreasing the size of your in-ground pool will help with the costs.

Methodology 

We looked at more than 25 pool installation companies and narrowed down the list by taking into consideration each company's years of experience, pricing, accreditations, website usability, financing options, location, and services.

Photo comp of large pool

The Spruce / Design by Amelia Manley

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