Small Pool Ideas
June 2, 2025
Not every backyard has space for an Olympic-sized pool, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the luxury and relaxation of your own private retreat.
Our Texas family-owned and operated business has been providing pool services since 1972, so it’s safe to say we know a thing or two.
When it comes to your pool building project, we understand that your questions will be unique. So, if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, call us.
If there’s one thing our team loves to talk about, it’s pool building.
Installing a custom pool in your backyard is usually possible, but there are a few situations where it may not be feasible. The best way to be sure is to have one of our builders assess your space, which can be done for free by contacting us. Here’s some more information in the meantime:
The most common reason a custom pool might not be permissible in your backyard is zoning or permitting restrictions. Local building codes and/or homeowners’ association rules may prohibit pools or require large setbacks from property lines, utility easements, or structures. In some cases, these rules may also limit how much of your yard can be covered by non-permeable surfaces like concrete.
Additionally, a custom pool build could be hindered underground utilities such as gas, sewer, or electrical lines may block construction if they can’t be safely rerouted.
Properties with unstable soil, expansive clay, or a high water table can also create engineering challenges but these can generally be worked through.
Space is only a problem if your yard is inaccessible to machinery.
Building a brand-new custom pool typically takes 12 weeks, but will depend on the complexity of the job.
The process starts with planning and permits, which can take 2–6 weeks depending on your local authority. Once approved, excavation usually takes 1–3 days. Next is installing the steel framework, plumbing, and electrical, which takes about 1–2 weeks.
At HCP, we only build custom which means concrete (gunite/shotcrete) shells. Once installed, these have a 2–4 week curing period.
After the shell is in, we add tile, coping, and decking over 1–3 weeks, followed by plaster or interior finish in 1–3 days. Finally, the pool is filled and balanced, which takes about a week.
Delays can occur due to weather, permit issues, site conditions, or material shortages. This timeline doesn’t take backyard landscaping into account, which we can also do for you.
A pool remodel typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the scope of the project and any complications that arise.
During this time, builders will be working on reshaping the pool, upgrading plumbing and/or electrical systems, adding features like spas, tanning ledges, waterfalls, or automation systems. Projects that involve changes to the surrounding decking, structural repairs, or major equipment upgrades will naturally extend the timeline.
Weather delays, permit requirements, material availability, and change orders during the project can all affect the schedule. If your remodel includes structural changes or work that requires inspections, you should also plan for some extra time.
The best way to know for sure would be to have one of our pool builders visit your space to give you more information and a free estimate. Contact us to book a call out.
Simple cosmetic updates like replastering, new tile, or updating coping usually take 1 to 2 weeks. This would fall under our pool replastering service.
Signs it’s time to replaster your pool include rough or pitted surfaces, staining that doesn’t clean off, chalky or discolored plaster, and leaks or cracks. If the pool feels abrasive or looks dull despite cleaning, replastering may also be necessary.
The best way to find out is to contact us to arrange a free call out. During our visit, we can tell you if it’s time to replastering your pool.
Pool replastering typically takes 5 to 7 days from start to finish, depending on the pool’s size, condition, and weather.
The process begins with draining the pool and removing the old plaster, which can take 1 to 2 days. Surface preparation, including cleaning and repairs, usually takes another day. Applying the new plaster is quick, often done in one day, followed by an acid wash if needed. Finally, the pool is refilled and water is balanced over the next 1 to 2 days.
Unfavorable weather or unexpected repairs can extend the timeline, but most projects finish within a week.
Pool plaster options differ in durability, appearance, texture, and cost. The right choice depends on your budget, desired aesthetics and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle.
Contact us today to find out what’s best for your pool.
Pool plaster color can influence water temperature by affecting how much sunlight the surface absorbs.
Darker plaster colors, like black or deep blue, absorb more heat from the sun, warming the water more quickly and maintaining a higher temperature. This can be beneficial in cooler climates.
In contrast, lighter colors such as white or light blue reflect more sunlight, keeping the water cooler, which may be preferable in hot regions.
While color alone won’t drastically change temperature, it can contribute to a few degrees difference, which adds up over time and can impact swimming comfort and energy usage.
Our books are open year around, so once your project is agreed with our team, we can start the process immediately beginning with permit applications.
If you are eager to start your pool project soon, contact us today.
As soon as we leave. Unless you want to show us your best cannonball while we are packing up!
Want to start swimming in your own pool sooner than later? Contact us today.
Not every backyard has space for an Olympic-sized pool, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the luxury and relaxation of your own private retreat.
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HCP Construction is a pool building company, specializing in luxury custom pools.
HCP Construction is the sister company to Hill Country Pools, serving Austin for over 50 years.