Building or Renovating a Pool in St. Augustine, FL: A Local Homeowner’s Guide

East Coast Custom Pools designs, builds, and renovates residential pools for homeowners in St. Augustine and across St. Johns County. We are a family-owned and operated pool company based in Jacksonville with more than a decade of experience in Northeast Florida. If you are planning a pool in St. Augustine, a few local factors shape the project more than they would elsewhere: historic district review, whether your home permits through the city or the county, sandy coastal soil, and salt air near the water.

This guide covers each of those so you know what to expect before your first consultation.

Who builds custom pools in St. Augustine?

East Coast Custom Pools serves St. Augustine homeowners with custom pool design and construction, pool renovation, and upgrades to existing pools. Our office is at 13720 Old St. Augustine Rd in Jacksonville, and we work throughout St. Johns County. You can see the steps from first meeting to finished pool on our pool design and build process page.

What makes a St. Augustine pool project different

Historic district review

St. Augustine has several locally designated historic districts. Exterior work on properties inside those districts, including site changes such as pools, decks, fences, and screen enclosures, can require review by the city’s historic preservation staff or its architectural review board before a building permit is issued. If your home is in or near the historic core, plan for this step early. It affects design choices like fence style, enclosure visibility from the street, and how equipment is screened.

City or county permit

A St. Augustine mailing address does not always mean the City of St. Augustine issues your permit. Homes inside city limits permit through the city. Many neighborhoods with St. Augustine addresses, including areas around World Golf Village and St. Augustine Shores, are in unincorporated St. Johns County and permit through the county. The rules, review times, and inspection schedules differ, so confirming your jurisdiction is one of the first things we check.

Sandy soil and a high water table

Much of St. Augustine sits on sandy soil with groundwater close to the surface, especially near the Intracoastal Waterway, the Matanzas River, and the beaches. That affects how a pool is excavated and engineered. It is also why an in-ground pool in this area should never be fully drained without professional guidance, since groundwater pressure can push an empty pool shell upward.

Salt air on Anastasia Island and Vilano Beach

Homes near the ocean deal with salt spray that wears on pool equipment, metal fixtures, screen enclosure frames, and some deck finishes faster than inland. Material and equipment choices matter more here. Our post on designing a coastal pool for a beach home covers the materials that hold up best near the ocean.

New pool or renovation?

St. Augustine has a mix of historic homes, mid-century neighborhoods, and newer communities. Many older pools in town were built decades ago and now need resurfacing, new tile, updated equipment, or a full redesign. A renovation can often modernize a pool for less than a new build while keeping the existing structure. Learn more about our pool renovation services, or browse the pool project gallery for ideas.

St. Augustine zip codes we serve

We work with homeowners across the St. Augustine area, including 32080, 32084, 32086, 32092, and 32095. If you are not sure whether your neighborhood is in our service area, call us at (904) 626-4255.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to build a pool in St. Augustine?

Yes. New pools and most pool renovations in St. Augustine require a building permit from either the City of St. Augustine or St. Johns County, depending on where the home is located. Homes in historic districts may also need design review before the permit is issued.

Can you build a pool on a historic property in St. Augustine?

In many cases, yes. The key is planning the design around historic district requirements from the start, including how the pool, fencing, and equipment are seen from the street. We review those requirements during the design phase.

Is it better to renovate or replace an old pool?

If the pool shell is structurally sound, renovation is usually the more cost-effective path. New finishes, tile, and efficient equipment can make an older pool look and run like a new one. If the shell has structural problems or the layout no longer fits how you use your yard, a new build may make more sense.

Do you offer pool financing in St. Augustine?

Yes. Financing options are available for new pools and renovations. Visit our pool financing page for details.

Start your St. Augustine pool project

Whether you want a new custom pool or a refresh of the one you have, the first step is a conversation about your yard and how you want to use it. Build your pool wishlist to get started, or call East Coast Custom Pools at (904) 626-4255. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, and Saturday, 10:00am to 2:00pm.