Pool Buying Guide

A practical order of decisions for a new pool project, rather than a single "how much does it cost" number that doesn't account for your actual lot.

1. Pool Type

Start with gunite vs. fiberglass (see the full comparison): gunite for a fully custom shape, fiberglass for a faster timeline and lower long-term maintenance.

2. Must-Have Features

A tanning ledge, raised spa, negative edge, or water feature each change both cost and construction sequence, prioritize before the first design meeting so the site evaluation can account for them.

3. Budget Range

See Financing for how that gets funded, and the Resources below for a realistic cost breakdown.

4. Site Evaluation

Cinco Ranch and the surrounding Katy-area MUD communities require HOA or architectural-committee approval before pool construction starts; that approval step is handled during design, not after excavation begins. Katy prairie soil is a dense clay that holds water and expands and contracts with the seasons, which is exactly the soil movement a properly engineered gunite shell is built to handle.

5. Permitting and HOA Review

Confirmed during design, not after a contract is signed, see Areas We Serve for neighborhood-specific notes.

Next Steps