Resources & Frequently Asked Questions

Most new pool constructions in the Sacramento area take between 8 and 14 weeks from permit approval to final plaster, depending on pool size, complexity, site conditions, and permit processing times at your local municipality.

Here's a rough phasing breakdown:

• Design & permitting: 2–6 weeks (city/county dependent — Placer and Sacramento County processing times vary)
• Excavation: 1–3 days
• Steel & plumbing rough-in: 1–2 weeks
• Gunite shell: 1 day (then 28-day cure period)
• Tile, coping, decking: 2–3 weeks
• Equipment installation & electrical: 1–2 weeks
• Plaster & fill: 1–2 days

Weather, city inspection scheduling, and any scope changes can affect timelines. We give our clients a phased schedule at kickoff so you always know what's coming next.

Once your contract is signed, here's what the process looks like:

• Design finalization: We lock in your pool shape, finish selections, equipment, and add-ons
• Permit application: We prepare and submit all permit documents to your city or county
• Scheduling: You receive a project schedule with anticipated phase dates
• Dig day: Excavation begins once permits are approved and your pre-dig inspection is cleared
• Construction phases: Each phase is inspected and completed before moving to the next
• Final walkthrough: Before we hand over the keys, we walk the entire project with you

You'll have a dedicated point of contact throughout the build to answer questions and keep you updated.

We maintain an in-house plaster crew, which is a meaningful differentiator — plaster quality is one of the biggest variables in a finished pool, and having our own crew means we control timing, standards, and accountability directly.

For excavation and gunite (shotcrete shell), we work with trusted, vetted subcontractors who have long-standing relationships with our company. This is standard practice in the pool industry, and we've built our subcontractor network carefully over years of Sacramento-area work.

All project management, design, tile and coping installation, decking, equipment, and final plaster are coordinated and executed under our license (CA #1109912).

Yes — virtually all new pool construction in California requires building permits, and in some jurisdictions, separate electrical and plumbing permits as well. This is required by the California Building Code and protects you as a homeowner.

We handle the entire permitting process on your behalf. We prepare the site plan, structural drawings, equipment submittals, and coordinate all required inspections with your city or county. Permit fees are included in your project quote.

Many of our clients in Rocklin, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, and Folsom have HOA requirements to satisfy before construction. HOA approval is your responsibility to obtain, but we routinely assist homeowners with this process.

We can provide:

• Preliminary design drawings suitable for HOA submission
• Material specifications and finish boards
• Letters from our company confirming contractor credentials and license

Most HOAs require approval of pool shape, deck material, fence/gate specifications, and sometimes finish colors. We recommend starting the HOA process early, as some associations meet only monthly. We'll begin permit applications simultaneously where allowed.

Pool plaster typically lasts 10–20 years depending on the finish type, water chemistry, and climate. In Sacramento's hard-water environment, standard white plaster often shows wear at the 10–12 year mark. Common signs it's time to resurface:

• Rough, chalky, or sandpaper-like texture on the pool surface
• Visible cracks or chipping in the plaster
• Staining that can't be removed by acid washing
• Plaster flaking off in pieces (spalling)
• Hollow spots (delamination) that feel soft underfoot
• Water loss that can't be attributed to evaporation or equipment leaks
• Bluish or gray discoloration spreading across the surface

If you're unsure, we'll assess your pool during a free consultation and give you an honest recommendation — including whether your pool needs a full resurface or just spot repair.

We offer a full range of plaster and finish options to suit every budget and aesthetic preference:

• Standard White Plaster — Classic, cost-effective, clean appearance. A reliable choice for resurfacing on a budget.
• Quartz Aggregate — White plaster blended with quartz crystals for added durability, stain resistance, and a subtle sparkle. Available in many colors.
• Micro Pebble — Fine aggregate finish with a smooth, refined texture and exceptional longevity. Popular in Rocklin and El Dorado Hills builds.
• Mini Pebble — Slightly larger aggregate than micro pebble, with a natural stone feel underfoot. Excellent durability.
• Polished Marble — Our premium finish — a polished, glassy surface with a stunning depth of color. The longest-lasting option we offer.

Visit our Plaster Options page to see color samples and detailed information on each finish.

Our plaster warranties are tiered by finish type, reflecting each material's durability and longevity:

All projects also carry a 1-year workmanship warranty covering general labor and construction quality. Warranty coverage requires that pool water chemistry is maintained within manufacturer-specified parameters — severe imbalances can void material warranties regardless of the finish type.

Most resurfacing projects take between 1 and 2 weeks from draining to refill, depending on pool size, whether any structural repairs are needed, and weather conditions.

Here's a typical resurfacing sequence:

• Drain and prep the pool (1 day)
• Chip out old plaster and surface prep (1–2 days)
• Any structural crack repair or bond beam work (if needed)
• Tile and coping replacement (if included — 2–4 days)
• New plaster application (1 day)
• Refill and startup chemistry balancing (1–3 days)

We'll give you a precise schedule once we've assessed your pool and finalized your scope of work.

New pool construction in the Sacramento area typically ranges from $50,000 to $150,000+ depending on size, shape, finish selections, equipment package, and any additional features like a spa, water features, or decking.

General reference points for our work:

• Entry-level pool build: Starting around $50K–$65K for a standard rectangular or kidney-shaped pool with basic equipment and plaster
• Mid-range: $65K–$100K — adding upgraded finishes, LED lighting, a spa, pebble plaster, and expanded deck area
• Fully featured resort-style: $100K–$150K+ — complex shapes, automation systems, water and fire features, outdoor kitchen, premium finishes

Resurfacing starts at approximately $4 per square foot for standard plaster, with premium finishes priced higher. See our full Pricing page for a complete breakdown, or use our Instant Estimate tool.

We offer a Price Match program. If you receive a written, itemized quote from a licensed Sacramento-area contractor for a comparable scope of work, bring it to us and we'll review it. If the scope is truly apples-to-apples, we'll do our best to match or beat it.

Where estimates differ, it's often due to differences in material quality, permit coverage, warranty terms, or what's explicitly included. We'll walk through any competitor quote line by line with you so you can make an informed comparison.

We partner with three lenders specifically for pool and outdoor living projects:

• Wisetack — Up to $25K, 0% APR promotional option, soft credit check pre-qualification
• Lyon Financial — Pool construction loan specialists, higher loan amounts for large builds
• HFS Financial — Home improvement and pool loans with no home equity required

Visit our Financing page for full details, direct application links, and a step-by-step explanation of how the process works.

A standard pool build quote from us includes:

• Design, engineering, and permit fees
• Excavation and haul-off
• Steel reinforcement and gunite shell
• All plumbing and electrical rough-in
• Standard equipment package (pump, filter, heater prep)
• Tile band and coping (standard options)
• Standard plaster finish
• Pool fill water
• Basic equipment orientation walkthrough

Common add-ons that may be quoted separately:

• Spa or raised spillover spa
• Premium plaster finish upgrades
• Automation systems (phone-controlled equipment)
• LED lighting packages beyond a single light
• Expanded decking, pavers, or concrete work
• Water features, fire features, or bubblers
• Gas line extension
• Fencing and gate compliance (required by California law)

Every quote we provide is detailed and itemized — no surprises buried in the fine print.

This depends on your budget, how you intend to use the pool, and — importantly — California code requirements.

Electric Heat Pump: The most energy-efficient option for moderate California climates. Heat pumps pull warmth from ambient air and are significantly cheaper to operate than gas long-term. They heat pools gradually (best for keeping a pool at a consistent temperature), and are best suited for when overnight temps stay above 50°F — which describes most of the Sacramento swimming season.

Gas Heater: The fastest way to heat a pool. Ideal if you use your pool occasionally and need it warm quickly. Costs more to operate per BTU than a heat pump, but provides reliable heating even in cooler temperatures. Gas remains the top choice for spas, where rapid heat-up is expected.

Solar: Low operating cost once installed, but output depends heavily on available roof or ground space and sun exposure. Solar can extend the swimming season in Sacramento's climate but typically can't replace a gas or electric backup for year-round or on-demand heating.

We install smart pool automation systems that let you control your pool equipment from a smartphone app, wall-mounted control panel, or voice assistant. Automation systems can manage:

• Pump speed and scheduling
• Heater temperature and on/off
• LED lighting colors and scenes
• Water features, waterfalls, and bubblers
• Spa jets and air blowers
• In-floor cleaning system (if equipped)

Variable-speed pumps paired with automation can reduce energy costs by up to 80% compared to single-speed pump operation. For new builds, we typically recommend budgeting for at least a basic automation package — the convenience and energy savings are well worth the investment for most homeowners.

Yes. We install automatic safety covers (motorized pool covers) as well as standard safety fencing and gates to meet California pool barrier requirements.

California law (Health & Safety Code §115922) requires that all new pools and spas in residential settings be equipped with at least one of seven specified drowning prevention safety features — an approved safety cover is one of them. We include compliant fencing and gate specifications in every new build.

Automatic covers provide an additional layer of protection, double as an insulating cover to retain heat, and can extend your swim season by keeping the water warmer overnight. We'll discuss safety cover options during your design consultation.

LED pool lighting has replaced incandescent and halogen lights as the standard in new pool construction — they last longer, run cooler, and use a fraction of the electricity. Most LED lights also support color changing, letting you set the mood with everything from a calm white to vibrant blues, greens, and tropical color shows.

For new builds, we include at least one LED pool light in our standard package. Options include:

• Single-color LED (most affordable — white or blue)
• Color-changing LED (sync with music, set scenes, schedule by time)
• Fiber optic star-field effects for grotto and sheer descent features
• Deck-level LED step lighting and exterior perimeter lighting

Lighting can be integrated into your automation system for control from your phone or a wall panel.

We do not offer ongoing pool maintenance, chemical service, or cleaning. Phenomenal Pool & Landscape focuses exclusively on construction, resurfacing, remodeling, and outdoor living — the building side of the business.

For routine pool maintenance, we recommend finding a licensed pool service company in the Sacramento area. Your pool equipment orientation walkthrough at project completion will cover basic operational details, and we're happy to recommend reputable local maintenance providers.

While chemical maintenance isn't our area of service, proper water chemistry is critical to protecting your plaster finish and pool equipment — so here's a quick reference:

• pH: 7.4–7.6 (Sacramento tap water often runs high — check frequently)
• Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm (Sacramento water is moderately hard)
• Free Chlorine: 1.0–3.0 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid (stabilizer): 30–80 ppm for outdoor pools
• Total Dissolved Solids: Below 3,000 ppm

Test your water at least weekly during swim season. Many local pool supply stores (like Leslie's, Pinch A Penny, or independent shops) offer free water testing. Severely imbalanced water can damage plaster finishes and void material warranties, so consistent testing matters.

Pool service technicians in California are required to hold a C-61 D35 swimming pool service license (or work under one). When evaluating a pool service company, ask:

• Are you licensed with the California Contractors State License Board?
• Do you carry general liability insurance?
• What's included in your weekly service — equipment check, brushing, chemical test, skimmer/basket cleaning?
• How do you handle equipment repairs?

We can personally refer you to maintenance professionals we've worked alongside and trust in the Sacramento region. Just ask at your project walkthrough or call our office and we'll point you in the right direction.

Absolutely. Outdoor kitchens are one of our most popular add-ons to pool projects, and combining them in a single build is the most efficient and cost-effective approach — one design phase, one permitting process, one construction crew managing the whole backyard.

Our outdoor kitchen builds typically include:

• Concrete block or steel-framed cabinet structure
• Granite, quartzite, or concrete countertops
• Built-in grill, side burners, pizza oven, or flat top
• Under-counter refrigerators, beverage drawers, and storage
• Integrated sink with hot and cold water
• Outdoor-rated cabinetry with stainless or powder-coated doors
• Electrical for lighting, outlets, and appliances

See our Outdoor Kitchens page for design examples and details.

We offer comprehensive landscaping and hardscaping as part of full outdoor living transformations. Services include:

• Concrete flatwork — Pool decks, driveways, walkways, and patios in broom finish, exposed aggregate, or stamped concrete
• Paver installation — Travertine, flagstone, porcelain, or concrete pavers for patios and decks
• Retaining walls — Block, stone, or timber for sloped lots common in Rocklin, El Dorado Hills, and Auburn areas
• Planting design — Drought-tolerant landscaping, tropical resort-style plantings, and irrigation systems
• Synthetic turf — Low-maintenance artificial grass for play areas, dog runs, or lawn replacement
• Shade structures — Pergolas, patio covers, and shade sails

We can take your project from bare dirt to a complete, furnished backyard. See our Landscaping page for more.

Yes. Artificial turf is a popular choice for Sacramento homeowners dealing with water restrictions, high summer temperatures, and the challenge of keeping natural grass alive around pool areas. We install high-quality synthetic turf products suited for:

• Backyard lawns and play areas
• Pool surrounds and side yards
• Dog runs and pet-friendly areas
• HOA-compliant front yard lawn replacements

We use products with proper drainage backing, infill systems to manage heat retention, and realistic blade configurations that hold up in Sacramento's intense summer heat. Visit our Turf page for product details and photos.

Fire and water features are among the most dramatic and satisfying upgrades you can add to a pool or outdoor space. We design and install:

Water Features:

• Sheer descents (sheet waterfalls cascading into the pool)
• Deck jets and arching jets (controllable via automation)
• Grotto caves with interior LED lighting
• Raised spa spillways
• Standalone water walls and pondless waterfalls
• Bubblers and laminar jets

Fire Features:

• In-pool fire bowls and fire pots
• Gas fire pits (built-in or portable-style)
• Fire and ice features (fire + LED lighting combination)
• Fire walls and fire table inserts
• Outdoor fireplace structures

Fire features require a gas line extension and must be permitted. We handle all of this as part of the project. See our Fire & Water Features page for inspiration.