Custom swimming pool construction in Sacramento California

Custom Pool Construction in Sacramento

Full-service design-build firm with 40+ years of experience. We handle everything from concept to completion — licensed, permitted, and built to last a lifetime.

Sacramento's Trusted Custom Pool Builders

Building a custom swimming pool in the Sacramento region is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your property. With over 260 sunny days per year and a climate that practically demands outdoor living, having your own backyard pool isn't a luxury — it's a lifestyle upgrade that pays dividends every summer. At Phenomenal Pool & Landscape, we've been designing and constructing custom swimming pools across Sacramento, Rocklin, Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, and the surrounding foothill communities for decades, and we hold the triple license (C27, C35, C53) required to handle every phase of your build in-house.

Unlike contractors who piece together subcontractors for each phase, we are a true design-build company. Our team includes licensed designers, in-house plaster crews, and experienced project supervisors who coordinate every step — from the initial site assessment through final county inspection. This integration means fewer handoff errors, clearer communication, and a finished product that meets the vision we created together from day one.

The Sacramento Pool Building Process

Every custom pool we build begins with a thorough site evaluation. Sacramento County and its surrounding municipalities each have specific setback requirements, soil conditions (the valley floor behaves differently than the foothill clay soils of Rocklin or El Dorado Hills), and utility considerations that affect design. Our team navigates this complexity on your behalf.

After the site assessment, we move into our 3D design phase. Using advanced rendering software, we create a photorealistic model of your proposed pool within your actual backyard — complete with decking, water features, landscaping, and lighting. You'll be able to walk through your future pool before a single shovel breaks ground. Revisions are welcome and expected; this is your investment, and we don't move forward until you love the design.

Permitting in Sacramento County typically adds 4 to 8 weeks to the project timeline, depending on jurisdiction. We handle the complete permit package — structural plans, engineering calculations, electrical drawings, and health department submissions for any spa components. Our familiarity with local plan checkers speeds the process considerably. Clients who try to navigate permits on their own routinely face correction cycles that add months of delay.

Pool Types We Build in Sacramento

Sacramento homeowners have diverse tastes, and our portfolio reflects that range. The most popular pool types we construct include:

  • Freeform pools — organic shapes that blend naturally with landscaping and feel like a resort oasis
  • Geometric pools — clean rectangular and L-shaped designs that complement modern and transitional architecture
  • Lap pools — long, narrow pools ideal for fitness-focused homeowners and narrow urban lots
  • Infinity edge pools — dramatic vanishing-edge designs that work especially well on sloped lots in El Dorado Hills and Granite Bay
  • Plunge pools — compact, deep soaking pools perfect for smaller lots or as a complement to a spa
  • Sport pools — shallow-beach-entry pools with volleyball nets and play features for family-focused builds

Features & Upgrades

A pool is a canvas. The features you add are what make it uniquely yours. We specialize in integrating premium features that enhance both beauty and function:

  • Attached spas — heated, jet-equipped spillover spas that flow seamlessly from the main pool
  • Rock waterfalls & grottos — natural-looking water features hand-sculpted with real and manufactured stone
  • Tanning ledges (Baja shelves) — shallow 6-12 inch entry platforms perfect for lounging chairs and young children
  • Fire bowls & fire features — gas-powered fire accents that create dramatic evening ambiance
  • LED color lighting — energy-efficient underwater and landscape lighting controllable from your phone
  • Swim jets & resistance systems — for the lap-swimming experience in a shorter pool footprint
  • Water slides — custom-carved or prefabricated slides designed for all ages

Gunite Construction: Built to Sacramento's Climate

We build all our pools using gunite (pneumatically applied concrete), the same construction method used in world-class aquatic facilities. Gunite creates a monolithic shell that conforms to any shape, achieves structural integrity far exceeding standard poured concrete, and handles Sacramento's temperature swings — from near-freezing nights in December to 110°F summer days — without cracking or shifting.

The gunite shell is then finished with your choice of interior surface: standard white plaster, premium pebble finishes (mini pebble, micro pebble), quartz aggregate, or glass bead. Each finish has different aesthetics, textures, and durability characteristics. Our design team helps you choose based on your priorities for appearance, upkeep, and long-term value.

Energy-Efficient Systems & Pentair Equipment

Sacramento's summer electricity bills are no joke. We equip every pool with variable-speed Pentair pumps that use up to 90% less energy than single-speed models. Combined with Pentair's IntelliConnect automation system, you can schedule filtration, control lights, manage water features, and monitor your pool from anywhere via smartphone — all while slashing your operating costs. California's Title 20 energy regulations require variable-speed pumps on all new residential pools, and we're ahead of that curve.

For Sacramento homeowners interested in extending their swim season without sky-high gas bills, we also install solar pool heating systems that leverage the region's abundant sunshine to maintain comfortable water temperatures from spring through fall. Ask about our solar heating packages when discussing your new pool build.

Project Timelines & Investment Ranges

A standard custom pool build in the Sacramento area takes 8 to 16 weeks from groundbreaking to final fill, not including the permitting phase. Complex projects with multiple water features, expansive decking, or challenging soil conditions may run longer. We provide detailed project schedules at contract signing so you know exactly what to expect at every phase.

Investment ranges for custom pools in Sacramento typically fall between $50,000 and $150,000+, depending on size, shape, features, and finish selections. A basic rectangular pool with standard plaster and no spa starts around $55,555–$65,000. A full-featured freeform pool with an attached spa, waterfall, tanning ledge, and premium pebble finish typically runs $85,000–$130,000. Infinity edge pools, extensive decking, and outdoor kitchen integration push projects into the $130,000–$200,000+ range.

We partner with Wisetack to offer flexible financing options, making it easier to build the pool you actually want rather than settling for a budget compromise. Ask about financing during your free consultation.

Service Areas

We build custom pools throughout the greater Sacramento region, including Sacramento, Rocklin, Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Auburn, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, and surrounding communities. If you're within an hour of downtown Sacramento, we serve your area.

Full-Service Pool Construction

Every build includes these core features as standard — no hidden add-ons, no surprises.

3D Custom Design

See your pool in photorealistic detail before construction begins. We render your actual backyard with your chosen pool, decking, and features so you can refine every detail.

Permit Management

We handle the complete permit package for Sacramento County and all surrounding municipalities — structural, electrical, plumbing, and health department submissions.

Gunite Construction

All pools are built with pneumatically applied gunite concrete — the same structural system used in competition aquatic facilities. Built for California's climate extremes.

Energy-Efficient Systems

Variable-speed Pentair pumps, LED lighting, and smart automation reduce operating costs by up to 90% compared to older single-speed equipment.

Pentair Equipment

Every pool is equipped with Pentair's industry-leading pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems — backed by Pentair's warranty and our own service support.

Lifetime Craftsmanship

We stand behind our construction quality. Our pools are built to last decades, and we're available for any warranty questions long after the final inspection is complete.

Your Pool Build, Step by Step

From your first call to the day you dive in — here's exactly what to expect.

1

Free Consultation

We visit your property, assess the site, discuss your vision, and answer every question. No pressure, no sales pitch — just a real conversation about what's possible for your backyard and budget.

2

3D Design

Our designers create a photorealistic 3D rendering of your custom pool, complete with decking, water features, and landscaping. We refine the design together until you love every detail.

3

Permitting

We prepare and submit the complete permit package to your jurisdiction. We track the application, respond to plan checker comments, and keep you informed throughout the 4–8 week process.

4

Construction

Our experienced team manages your build from start to finish — including coordination of excavation and gunite specialists — along with all plumbing, steel, electrical, tile, and interior finish work, on a detailed schedule with regular progress updates.

5

Final Inspection

We pass all municipal inspections, walk you through your new pool's systems, and hand over the keys. Your backyard transformation is complete — enjoy the water.

Pool Construction FAQs

From groundbreaking to final fill, most custom pool builds take 8 to 16 weeks. This does not include the permitting phase, which adds 4 to 8 weeks depending on your jurisdiction. Complex builds with multiple water features, challenging soil, or extensive decking may take longer. We provide a detailed construction schedule at contract signing so you know every milestone in advance.
Custom pool projects in the Sacramento area typically range from $50,000 for a basic rectangular pool up to $150,000+ for fully-featured builds with spas, water features, infinity edges, and premium finishes. The main cost drivers are pool size, shape complexity, interior finish, water features, and decking. We provide detailed itemized quotes after your free consultation so you can make informed decisions at every budget level.
Yes. All swimming pool construction in Sacramento County and surrounding municipalities requires building, electrical, and plumbing permits. The specific requirements vary by city — Roseville, Folsom, and Elk Grove each have slightly different submittal requirements and fees. We handle the entire permit package for our clients, including structural drawings, engineering calculations, and electrical plans. Attempting to build without permits creates serious liability and complicates future home sales.
Gunite is concrete applied pneumatically (sprayed under pressure) onto a rebar framework. This process creates a monolithic, extremely dense shell that conforms to any shape and achieves compressive strength greater than standard poured concrete. Gunite pools handle Sacramento's temperature extremes — from freezing winter nights to 110°F summer heat — without cracking or degrading. They are also far more durable than vinyl liner or fiberglass pools and can be finished with any interior surface. We build exclusively in gunite because it's the superior long-term choice for our climate.
Absolutely. We design and build attached spas as an integrated part of most new pool projects. An attached spa typically adds $15,000–$30,000 to the project cost depending on size and jet count. We can build spillover spas that flow into the main pool, raised perimeter-overflow spas for dramatic effect, or separate spas positioned away from the pool. All spa equipment — heaters, pumps, jets — is integrated into the pool's Pentair automation system for one-touch control.
Yes. Phenomenal Pool & Landscape holds California Contractor License #1109912 with C27 (Landscaping), C35 (Lathing and Plastering), and C53 (Swimming Pool) classifications. This triple license means we can legally perform every phase of a pool build — including plastering, which many pool builders subcontract out. Always verify your pool contractor's license at the California Contractors State License Board website before signing a contract.
We offer the full range of interior pool finishes: standard white plaster (most affordable, 5–7 year lifespan), quartz aggregate (mid-range durability and aesthetics, 10–15 years), pebble finishes including pebble plaster and micro pebble (most durable, richest color depth, 10–20+ years), and glass bead finishes for a shimmering, jewel-like appearance. Our in-house plaster crew — not a subcontractor — applies all finishes, and we back pebble finishes with a up to 7-year warranty.
Yes. We partner with Wisetack to offer flexible financing options for qualified customers. Financing allows you to build the pool you truly want rather than compromising on features to fit a cash budget. Terms and rates vary based on creditworthiness. Ask about financing options during your free consultation and we can pre-qualify you before your design appointment.

Ready to Build Your Dream Pool?

Get a free 3D design consultation with our Sacramento pool construction experts. No pressure, no obligation — just a clear picture of what's possible in your backyard.

Get Free 3D Consultation Call (916) 926-8884
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