Your Project Orientation Guide

Understanding
Your Investment

Before we begin designing your outdoor living space, we want you to have a clear picture of what goes into a custom pool project — what drives cost, what protects your home, and how every decision you make shapes the experience you'll enjoy for decades to come.

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Before We Design

Every project is unique.
Every decision has a cost.

A custom pool is not a product with a fixed price — it's a constructed environment shaped by your lot, your lifestyle, the materials you select, and the features you want to live with. This guide walks you through each phase of construction and the choices that influence your total investment, so there are no surprises when we sit down to review your estimate.

A note on how we work: We design each project around your property's specific conditions — soil type, grade, drainage, access, and lot configuration all play a role in how we build and what it costs. The more we understand about your goals before design, the more accurate your estimate will be.
The Most Important Thing We Do

Improper drainage is the
leading cause
of structural damage.

A pool adds lasting value to your property — but without a properly engineered drainage system, water becomes your home's most destructive force. Inadequate drainage around a pool allows water to saturate adjacent soil, undermine deck slabs, infiltrate foundation walls, and erode neighboring properties. The damage accumulates gradually and is often invisible until it requires costly structural repair.


Every project we build includes engineered water management as a core design requirement, not an optional upgrade. We design the entire outdoor environment — deck slope, surface drains, overflow provisions, and perimeter drainage — to actively move water away from your pool structure and your home.

Engineered Deck Slope & Drainage
All concrete decking is formed and poured to precise slope specifications, directing splash water and rainfall away from the pool shell, the home's foundation, and adjacent structures.
Surface & Channel Drains
Strategic placement of surface drains captures water that cannot be shed by slope alone — particularly in low-lying areas and along fence lines — and routes it to safe discharge points.
Pool Overflow System
A dedicated PVC overflow line is integrated into the pool structure and ties directly into the surface drain network on the decking. When water levels rise during heavy rainfall events, overflow is captured and discharged through the drain system in a controlled manner — protecting your property, your neighbors' property, and the structural integrity of the surrounding grade.
Perimeter & Foundation Protection
We assess water flow paths across your entire lot and design the grade and drainage system to keep water moving away from your home — protecting your foundation investment for the long term.
Structural Shell Integrity
Our rebar schedule, gunite mix, and curing process are designed to prevent shell cracking and groundwater intrusion — the root cause of most pool repair calls years after installation.
Construction Process

What we build,
phase by phase.

A pool is built in a specific, sequential order. Each phase must be completed and inspected before the next begins. Understanding this sequence helps you see why the timeline is what it is — and why certain decisions need to be made early.

1
Design, Permits & Site Assessment

Before any ground is broken, we finalize your design, assess your lot's soil and drainage conditions, and pull all required permits. HOA approval, engineering stamps, and permit timelines vary by jurisdiction and can affect your project start date. Getting this right protects you throughout the entire construction process.

Lot conditions & soil type HOA approval requirements Permit jurisdiction Engineering if required Final design complexity
2
Layout & Excavation

The pool footprint is staked out precisely on your property, and excavation begins. The depth profile, shape of the pool, and any attached features (spa, tanning ledge, raised walls) all affect how much earth is moved and how it's removed. Equipment access to your backyard is a significant logistical factor — and a cost one.

Pool size & shape Depth profile Spa & attached features Equipment yard access Soil type (clay, sand, rock) Raised wall volume
3
Steel & Structural Framework

A rebar grid is carefully tied throughout the pool shell, steps, benches, raised bond beam, and spa structure. This steel framework is the backbone of your pool's structural integrity — a system engineered to resist soil movement, temperature cycling, and decades of hydrostatic pressure. More complex shapes, deeper pools, and raised structures require denser, more labor-intensive steel work.

Pool perimeter & surface area Wall & beam height Steps, benches & ledges Raised spa structure Engineering specification
4
Plumbing

All circulation lines, suction ports, return fittings, spa jet lines, water feature supply lines, and skimmer rough-ins are installed and pressure-tested before any concrete is applied. The number of features you include — spa jets, water features, cleaners, additional returns — directly determines the complexity and cost of your plumbing system.

Number of returns & skimmers Spa jet count Water feature lines Cleaner port Run distance to equipment Auto-fill / overflow system
5
Gunite — The Concrete Shell

Pneumatically applied structural concrete forms your pool shell. This is the permanent structure that defines your pool's shape, depth, and walls for its entire lifespan. Shell thickness, mix design, and application quality are non-negotiable priorities for us — a properly shot shell, correctly cured, is what prevents cracks and leaks decades down the road. Size, depth, and attached features all drive concrete volume.

Shell surface area Wall thickness & depth Raised wall volume Spa shell Steps & bench volume
6
Electrical

Bonding grid, conduit runs, circuit additions, GFCI protection, lighting wiring, and control system installation are all required by code and inspected. The number of lights, pump circuits, water feature pumps, and whether you choose an automated or manual control system all affect the scope of electrical work. Distance from your main electrical panel is a significant cost factor.

Distance from main panel Sub-panel if required Light count & type Pump & feature circuits Automation vs manual controls Heat pump circuit
7
Mechanical Equipment

Your pump, filter, control system, sanitizer, and any heating equipment are installed and connected at the equipment pad. Equipment is sized specifically for your pool's volume and feature load — undersized equipment is one of the most common causes of poor water quality and premature wear. The features you select (spa, water features, heating) determine what equipment is required.

Pump type & horsepower Filter sizing Sanitizer system Heating system type Automation or manual controls Multi-valve actuators
8
Tile & Coping

The waterline tile band — and tile cladding on any raised walls — is set by hand, piece by piece. Coping forms the transition between your pool's bond beam and the surrounding deck, and is one of the most visually prominent selections you'll make. We offer natural stone options including travertine and limestone, as well as premium porcelain and bullnose tile coping. We do not offer cast concrete coping. The material you choose and the linear footage of your pool's perimeter are the primary cost drivers here.

Waterline tile material & tier Coping material (travertine, limestone, natural stone, porcelain) Coping linear footage Raised wall tile sq ft Spa tile & coping Accent or feature tile
9
Decking & Drainage

The deck surrounding your pool is poured, finished, and sealed — and this is where our water management design comes fully to life. Deck slope, surface drain placement, and the integration of channel drains are all engineered at this stage. The size of your deck and the finish you select are two of the largest variables in your total project cost. More deck means more entertainment space — and more investment.

Deck square footage Surface finish (broom, exposed aggregate, cool deck, stamped, pavers, travertine) Drain placement & type Slope engineering Steps & elevation transitions Color & finish tier
10
Interior Finish — Pebble Plaster

The interior surface of your pool is the finish your family will see and touch every day — and it's what gives your water its color and character. All of our interior finishes are premium pebble-based systems. The tier you select determines the complexity of the base dye, the type and grade of aggregate, and whether glass bead or abalone shell media is incorporated. Higher tiers produce deeper, more dynamic water color and a more refined tactile surface.

Pool interior surface area Finish tier selection Base dye complexity Aggregate type & grade Glass bead or abalone shell media Spa interior match
Interior Finish Selection

Two premium
pebble finish lines.

Every interior finish we install is an exposed aggregate pebble system — never standard plaster. We offer two product lines, each available in a range of colors and aggregate profiles. What varies across tiers within each line is the complexity of the base dye, the grade and composition of aggregate, and the incorporation of glass bead or abalone shell media. Both lines use an acid-wash exposure process that removes surface cement, leaving a refined aggregate finish that is less prone to trowel marks or blotchiness than plaster or quartz alternatives.

Line 1
Prism Matrix
A refined exposed aggregate finish available in a broad palette of water colors — from soft aqua and aquamarine tones to deep blue and black-bottom profiles. The pebble aggregate is graded for a smooth, consistent surface with excellent long-term durability. Available in multiple color selections to match your design vision. View the full Prism Matrix color gallery →
Line 2
Signature Matrix
Our premier finish line, incorporating glass bead and abalone shell media into a premium aggregate base. The result is a surface with extraordinary light refraction — the water takes on a gemstone-like depth and brilliance that standard pebble finishes cannot achieve. Available in a curated selection of rich, complex water colors. View the full Signature Matrix color gallery →
A note on water color: The color your water appears is influenced by your finish selection, the depth of the pool, surrounding light, coping and tile materials, and your water chemistry. Color representations in galleries show the range of possible appearances — exact results vary by pool. We encourage you to scan the QR code in this guide and explore the full gallery before making your selection.
Optional Features & Add-Ons

What you add
shapes the experience
— and the investment.

The features below are not included in a base pool price. Each one adds meaningful scope, skilled labor, and materials to your project. Understanding what each involves helps you prioritize what matters most to your family.

〜
Spa
An attached spa adds its own shell, dedicated jet plumbing, blower system, and interior finish — all of which stack on top of your base pool scope. Whether the spa is raised (freestanding above deck) or in-ground significantly affects the structural and tile work involved. A raised spa is one of the most dramatic visual additions to any backyard.
◈
Water Features
Water features range from natural moss rock and artificial rock waterfalls to trickle walls, rain sheers (rain curtains), and deck jets. Each type requires its own plumbing stub, recirculation, and often a dedicated pump. Larger features like natural stone waterfalls involve substantial masonry and excavation in addition to the plumbing. The visual and auditory impact of moving water is one of the most cited reasons clients are glad they invested.
✦
Fire Features
Fire bowls, fire pits, fire-and-water combinations, and linear burners each require a gas line rough-in, a dedicated burner unit, media (lava rock, fire glass, or natural stone), and a surrounding structure. Auto-ignition is available. Fire features deliver an outsized visual impact relative to most other add-ons — and they extend the usability of your outdoor space into cooler evenings year-round.
◻
Outdoor Kitchen & Shade Structure
A masonry outdoor kitchen, countertop, built-in appliances, pergola, or covered patio extension transforms your pool area into a full outdoor living environment. This is typically the largest single add-on scope, and the range of investment is wide depending on size, materials, and appliances. Gas, electrical, and plumbing connections are all part of a fully functional outdoor kitchen build.
⊡
Lighting
Underwater pool and spa lights transform the appearance of your water at night and extend swim hours into the evening. LED color-changing fixtures are the standard we install. The number of fixtures, wattage, and mounting style (recessed vs. niche) affect both the cost and the visual outcome. Additional architectural or landscape lighting at features is also available.
⌂
Pool Safety Barrier
Texas law requires a compliant safety barrier around residential pools within a set period after completion. Fencing options include aluminum, wrought iron, frameless glass panel, and removable mesh systems. The material, height, linear footage, and number of gates determine your investment. This is a required component of every project — budgeting it from the beginning avoids surprises at the end.
Pool Controls

Automated or manual —
your choice.

We offer both fully automated control systems and traditional manual controls. There is no single right answer — it depends on how you want to interact with your pool and what level of convenience matters to you.

◎
Automated Controls
App-based or touchscreen automation lets you manage your pump schedules, lighting, spa, water features, and heating from your phone or a poolside control panel. Automation adds upfront cost but eliminates the need to manually adjust equipment — and allows remote control from anywhere. Ideal for clients who travel, have spas they want pre-heated before arrival, or manage water features independently.
◉
Manual Controls
Traditional manual switches, timers, and valves provide reliable, straightforward control of your pool equipment. No app required, no connected devices, no subscription. Many clients prefer the simplicity and lower upfront cost of a well-designed manual system. Manual controls are fully capable of running a complex pool — they simply require you to be present to operate features.
◈
What Affects Control Cost
The more features your pool has — separate spa, multiple water features, independent lighting zones, heating — the more value automation delivers by managing them together. A simple pool with one pump and lights may not justify full automation. We'll help you evaluate the tradeoff during your design consultation.
What Drives Your Total Investment

Six factors that
shape every estimate.

Before your design consultation, it's helpful to understand that these six categories account for the vast majority of variation between one project estimate and another.

⊞
Pool Size & Shape
Surface area and perimeter drive concrete volume, steel quantity, plumbing runs, tile, coping, and interior finish. A larger or more complex shape (freeform vs. geometric) costs more to build across nearly every phase. Depth adds shell volume and structural requirements.
⊟
Your Lot & Site Conditions
Slope, soil type, equipment access, proximity to your home's foundation, and existing drainage patterns all affect cost. A flat, accessible lot with sandy soil is the easiest condition to build in. Expansive clay, rock, high water table, or a sloped site each add scope.
◈
Material Selections
Coping material, tile tier, deck finish, and interior pebble finish tier are the four selections that have the most direct impact on your total. These are also the selections that most visibly define the look and feel of your finished project. We'll review options at every tier during design.
◻
Deck Square Footage
The area of concrete deck around your pool is one of the most powerful single levers in your budget. More deck means more usable outdoor space — and more investment. Deck finish tier compounds the effect: premium finishes on a large deck area represent a significant portion of total project cost.
✦
Features & Add-Ons
Each feature — spa, water feature, fire feature, outdoor kitchen — adds its own material, labor, and equipment scope. Features are priced as additions to your base pool, not rolled into a package price. Prioritizing early helps us build an estimate that reflects what you actually want.
⌂
Location & Distance
Projects farther from our base of operations involve additional mobilization cost for equipment, materials, and crew. This is applied at the individual construction phase level, not as a blanket percentage on your total project — which ensures you're only paying the geographic adjustment where it actually applies.
"We don't build pools. We build the place your family comes home to — and we build it to last."
April Pools  ·  Beaumont, Texas
Your Experience

What to expect
from start to finish.

We want the process to feel as clear and well-managed as the finished product. Here's how we approach every project.

01
Design Consultation
We meet at your property to assess your lot, understand your goals, and begin developing a design that works with your space — not just on paper. Existing drainage patterns and site conditions are evaluated in person.
02
Detailed Estimate
Your estimate is developed based on your specific design, site conditions, and material selections — and presented as a total investment for your complete project scope. We walk you through everything included so you understand exactly what you're getting.
03
Material Selection Meeting
Before permits are pulled, we review your tile, coping, deck finish, and interior pebble tier options together. These decisions are locked in early to prevent delays and scope changes mid-construction.
04
Phase-by-Phase Construction
Construction proceeds in a defined sequence with inspections at key milestones. We communicate proactively at each phase transition so you always know where your project stands.
05
Final Walkthrough & Orientation
Before we leave your project, we walk you through your equipment, controls, and maintenance requirements. You'll know how everything works and what to expect in the weeks after startup.
06
Warranty & Follow-Up
Our work is warrantied and we stand behind it. Pebble finishes, structural shell, and equipment all carry warranty coverage. If something isn't right after completion, we make it right.
Ready to Begin

We're glad you're here.
Let's build something
worth coming home to.

This guide is just the beginning of our conversation. Your design consultation is where everything gets specific — your property, your vision, your family's priorities. We look forward to meeting you.

Company
April Pools
Service Area
Beaumont & Southeast Texas
Specialty
Custom Residential Pool & Outdoor Living
Next Step
Schedule Your Design Consultation
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Finish Gallery
Scan to explore all available pebble finish options & color selections