From 3D Design to First Splash
Our Custom Pool Process
Building a premium gunite pool should be as exciting as swimming in it. Here is exactly how East Coast Custom Pools takes you from a blank canvas to your dream backyard.
Complete clarity, before you ever sign.
Investing in a custom inground pool is a major milestone. We believe you should have complete clarity every step of the way—especially before you sign a contract. Our streamlined, step-by-step process ensures your pool is designed to your exact specifications, engineered for longevity, and built with absolute transparency.
Get a ConsultationSeven step from a blank canvas
to your dream backyard.
1:
The In-Home Consultation & 3D Design
We visit your property in Jacksonville or the surrounding St. Johns area to assess your yard’s layout, elevation, and utilities. We discuss your vision—whether that includes a sun shelf, custom water features, or a built-in spa. From there, our team creates a hyper-realistic 3D design so you can see exactly how the pool will look against your home before any dirt is moved.
2:
Transparent Pricing & Financing Alignment
No hidden fees, no guesswork. We provide a detailed, itemized proposal based on your approved 3D design. If you require financing, we connect you directly with our trusted industry partners, Lyon Financial and Viking Capital, to secure competitive rates that fit your budget.
3:
Step 3: Contract Signing & Project Launch
Once you are completely satisfied with the design, materials such as premium pebble finishes or custom tile, and pricing, we officially sign the agreement. This step locks in your construction window, finalizes your material selections, and triggers our engineering team to begin the official structural blueprints.
4:
Engineering, Permitting & HOA Approvals
You don’t have to worry about the paperwork. Our team handles 100% of the heavy lifting when it comes to submitting structural plans to St. Johns or Duval County, securing local municipal permits, and providing the necessary documentation for your HOA approval.
5:
Excavation & Gunite Structural Shot
Construction officially begins. We excavate your yard to the exact dimensions of your 3D plan, install a heavy-duty steel rebar cage, and shoot high-strength gunite to form the rock-solid structural shell of your pool.
6:
Plumbing, Tile, & Custom Masonry
Our technicians install high-efficiency hydraulic plumbing and electrical systems for features like LED lighting and automation. Next, our artisans install your selected waterline tile, coping, and any custom stonework or waterfalls.
7:
Interior Finish, First Fill & “Pool School”
We apply your premium interior plaster finish and immediately begin filling the pool with water. Once balanced, we host a personalized “Pool School” session, walking you through your new pool automation, filtration equipment, and simple maintenance steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Process
How long does it take to go from a consultation to signing a contract?
Answer: Typically, the initial consultation, 3D design rendering, and financing alignment take about 1 to 2 weeks. Once you approve the design and budget, signing the contract takes just a few minutes.
Who handles the pool permits in Northeast Florida?
Answer: East Coast Custom Pools handles 100% of the engineering, municipal permitting, and HOA documentation on your behalf so you don't have to stress about local bureaucracy.
What is the average build time for a custom gunite pool?
Answer: Once permits are approved and excavation begins, most custom gunite pools take between 6 to 12 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of your custom water features and landscaping.