Pools for Historic Homes in Riverside and Avondale, Jacksonville
Blog, Custom Pool Design, Custom Pools
East Coast Custom Pools designs, builds, and renovates pools for homeowners in Riverside, Avondale, and the surrounding historic neighborhoods of Jacksonville’s 32204 and 32205 zip codes. A pool in this part of town looks different from a suburban build. Lots are smaller, many homes sit inside a locally designated historic district, mature trees shade most yards, and access for equipment can be tight. With the right plan, a well-designed pool fits these yards and suits the character of the neighborhood.
Who builds pools in Riverside and Avondale?
East Coast Custom Pools is a family-owned Jacksonville pool company with more than a decade of experience in Northeast Florida. We offer custom pool design and construction, renovation of existing pools, and upgrades for homes in Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill, and nearby west Jacksonville neighborhoods. Our pool design and build process walks through every step.
What to know before building a pool in a historic district
Historic district review
Much of Riverside and Avondale falls within a locally designated historic district. In Jacksonville, exterior changes to properties in these districts can require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the city’s Historic Preservation Commission or its staff before a building permit is issued. Backyard pools that are not visible from the street are often reviewed differently than front-facing changes, but fences, walls, screen enclosures, and equipment placement can still be part of the review. Checking requirements at the start keeps the design from needing changes later.
Smaller lots and compact pool designs
Many lots in Riverside and Avondale are narrower and shallower than suburban lots, and the house, garage, and trees take up much of the yard. Compact options work well here: plunge pools, small rectangular pools, and combination pool and spa designs that give you a place to cool off without taking over the yard. A well-placed small pool, with a deck that connects to the back porch, can make a small yard feel larger.
Tight access for construction
Narrow side yards, detached garages, alleys, and mature trees can limit how excavation equipment reaches the backyard. Access is one of the first things we look at on a site visit, because it shapes the construction approach and schedule.
Old trees and older utilities
Large oaks are part of the neighborhood’s character, and their roots affect where a pool can go. Older homes may also have utility lines, drainage, or foundations that need to be located before digging. We plan the layout around these conditions rather than discovering them during excavation.
Matching the pool to the house
A pool behind a 1920s bungalow or a Prairie-style home looks best when its materials suit the architecture. Classic rectangular shapes, simple coping, brick or stone details, and tile in traditional colors tend to fit these homes better than highly modern designs. Browse our pool gallery for ideas, and if you already have an older pool, see our pool renovation services.
Frequently asked questions
If your home is in a locally designated historic district, exterior work may need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City of Jacksonville’s historic preservation staff or commission, in addition to a building permit. Rear-yard pools are often simpler to approve than front-facing changes, but fencing and enclosures may still be reviewed.
Often, yes. Plunge pools, compact rectangular pools, and pool and spa combinations are designed for smaller yards. Access for equipment and tree locations usually decide what is possible.
We serve homeowners in 32204 and 32205, including Riverside, Avondale, and Murray Hill, along with the rest of Jacksonville.
Yes. Financing options are available for new pools and renovations. See our pool financing page.
Plan a pool for your historic home
Call East Coast Custom Pools at (904) 626-4255 or start your pool wishlist. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, and Saturday, 10:00am to 2:00pm.