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Custom Pool & Backyard Living FAQs
Getting Started
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
Your phone call to our office can start the design process. After your free first consultation, we can meet with you on site, listen to your ideas, measure the yard area, and develop a plan for your review. Very rarely is the first plan complete as it develops through meetings between yourselves and your designer. As the evolution continues the final plan is developed and an estimate is prepared.
Call us at 615-625-2560 today!
Yes, every project starts with a free consultation. There's no obligation and no pressure, just a conversation about your vision, your yard, and what's possible.
To make the most of it, it helps to come with:
A general idea of how you want to use the space — entertaining, lap swimming, a resort-style retreat, a play area for kids, or all of the above
Any photos or inspiration you've saved — Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, or pools you've seen that caught your eye
A rough sense of your budget range — you don't need an exact number, but a ballpark helps us point you toward the right options without wasting your time
A survey or plot plan of your property if you have one — not required, but useful
A list of questions — there are no bad ones, and the consultation is the right time to ask them
We'll take it from there. Our 3D design process means you'll be able to see a realistic rendering of your pool before anything is built.
Every project is different, but here's a general timeline so you know what to expect:
| Phase | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | 1–2 meetings |
| 3D design and revisions | 2–4 weeks |
| Permitting | 2–6 weeks depending on your municipality |
| Construction | 8–16 weeks depending on scope |
| Finishing & startup | 1–2 weeks |
| Total | 4–6 months on average |
Larger projects with extensive outdoor living, retaining walls, or complex features may run longer. The single biggest variable outside of our control is permitting — timelines vary significantly by city and county across Middle Tennessee.
The best way to hit your target finish date is to start early. If you want to swim by summer, the conversation should start in the fall or winter.
We serve a wide area across Middle Tennessee, including: Nashville, Nolensville, Leiper's Fork, Franklin, Brentwood, Clarksville, Hendersonville, Spring Hill, and Mt. Juilet
If you don't see your city listed, call us at 615-866-8800, we're happy to discuss your location. We've built pools across the country and have never let geography get in the way of a great project.
Yes, we build year-round in Middle Tennessee. In fact, fall and winter are some of the best times to start for a few reasons:
Scheduling — lead times are shorter in the off-season, so you're more likely to get your preferred start date
Permitting — municipalities tend to move faster when the volume of applications is lower
Ready by summer — a pool started in the fall or winter is typically complete and swim-ready before the heat of the following summer
Ground conditions — cooler temperatures can actually be better for the early stages of gunite construction
Waiting until spring to start means you're in line with everyone else who had the same idea — and summer arrivals can't be guaranteed. Starting early is almost always the smarter move.
For most projects we recommend reaching out 4 to 6 months before your target start date — and even further out if you have a firm deadline like a graduation party, a home sale, or a specific summer date in mind.
Here's why the lead time matters:
- Design and revision typically take a few weeks
- Permitting timelines are outside our control and can add weeks or months depending on your city or county
- Our schedule fills up — particularly for spring and early summer starts, which are our most requested windows
The earlier you call, the more control you have over your timeline. A fall or winter consultation gives you the best shot at a summer pool.
Call 615-866-8800 today to get a feel for the timeline.
Budget & Pricing
Custom pools in Middle Tennessee vary widely depending on size, features, and site conditions, but here are realistic starting points to help you plan:
| Pool Type | Typical Starting Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level gunite pool | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Mid-range custom pool | $100,000 – $175,000 |
| High-end resort-style pool | $175,000 – $300,000+ |
| Full outdoor living package | $250,000 – $500,000+ |
These figures include design, permits, construction, and basic equipment. Features like vanishing edges, outdoor kitchens, fire elements, extensive hardscape, and automation systems move the number up significantly.
We're transparent about costs from the start — your free consultation will give you a realistic range based on your specific vision and property before you commit to anything.
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No two projects are identical, and several variables have a meaningful impact on final cost:
Size & Shape
Larger pools require more materials, more labor, and more equipment. Freeform and irregular shapes take longer to form and finish than simple geometric designs.
Features & Upgrades
Each feature adds to the budget — some more than others:
- Vanishing or infinity edges
- Integrated spas and hot tubs
- Water features (waterfalls, sheer descents, fountains)
- Fire features and fire pits
- Outdoor kitchens and covered pavilions
- Automation and smart controls
- Specialty lighting
Materials & Finishes
Your choice of interior finish (standard plaster vs. PebbleTec vs. glass tile), coping, and decking material (concrete vs. travertine vs. pavers) all affect cost and longevity.
Site & Terrain
This is often the most underestimated factor. Properties with:
- Significant slope or grade changes requiring retaining walls
- Rocky or difficult soil conditions
- Limited equipment access
- Underground utilities or drainage issues
These will cost more to excavate and prepare than a flat open yard. We assess your site carefully during the design phase so there are no surprises.
Equipment
Entry-level pumps and filters vs. variable speed pumps, saltwater systems, heaters, and automated chemical dosing systems can vary by tens of thousands of dollars.
Yes! Through our partnership with ??? Financing, Peek Pools offers flexible financing designed for projects of this scale. Whether you're planning a straightforward pool or a complete outdoor living transformation, ??? Financing bridges the gap between your vision and your current budget with competitive rates and terms built around larger custom builds.
Financing options are discussed during your consultation so you have a complete picture of costs and payment options before making any decisions.
Learn More About Financing | Call 615-866-8800
Typically Included:
- Full 3D design and revisions
- Permits and inspections
- Excavation and site preparation (standard conditions)
- Gunite shell construction
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in
- Standard interior finish
- Basic coping and bond beam
- Equipment package (pump, filter, basic automation)
- Standard LED lighting
- Startup chemicals and owner orientation
Typically Quoted Separately:
- Premium interior finishes (PebbleTec, glass tile)
- Upgraded coping and decking materials
- Water features, fire features, and specialty lighting
- Outdoor kitchens, pergolas, and shade structures
- Retaining walls and significant grading work
- Automation and smart home integration
- Heaters and saltwater systems
- Fencing and landscaping
- Ongoing maintenance packages
Every project is different — your detailed quote will clearly separate what's included from what's optional so you can make informed decisions about where to invest.
The best protection against budget surprises is a thorough upfront process — and that starts with choosing the right builder. Here's what we recommend:
Get a Detailed Written Quote
A vague quote is where unexpected costs hide. Make sure every line item is spelled out — materials, labor, equipment, and allowances — before you sign anything.
Understand Your Site Conditions
Soil conditions, rock, slope, drainage, and utility locations can all affect excavation costs. Ask your builder what site assessment they do before quoting, and whether there are any contingency clauses for unexpected site conditions.
Lock In Your Design Before Breaking Ground
Change orders during construction are one of the most common sources of cost overruns. The more decisions you make upfront — finishes, features, equipment — the less likely you are to face add-on charges mid-build. Our 3D design process exists specifically to help you finalize every detail before a shovel hits the ground.
Understand What Permits Cover
Permits aren't just a formality — inspections protect you. Make sure your builder is pulling proper permits and that all work is inspected. Unpermitted work can create costly problems at resale.
Build in a Contingency
Even with the best planning, we recommend budgeting a 10–15% contingency on any custom construction project. If you don't need it, great — if you do, you're covered.
Ask About Warranty
Know what's covered and for how long before you sign. A builder confident in their work stands behind it.
The honest answer is: it depends — but in Middle Tennessee's current market, a well-built custom pool is generally a strong asset, particularly at the higher end of the market.
The Case For It:
- In Nashville's luxury and semi-luxury home market, a high-quality pool and outdoor living space is increasingly an expectation rather than a bonus — buyers in the $700K+ range often filter for it
- A resort-style backyard dramatically improves perceived value and time on market — homes with standout outdoor spaces tend to photograph better, show better, and generate more interest
- In Tennessee's climate, a pool is usable 5–6 months of the year, which buyers factor into their decision
- A complete outdoor living package — pool, kitchen, fire features, covered patio — tends to hold value better than a pool alone because it sells a lifestyle, not just a water feature
The Honest Caveat:
- You rarely recoup 100% of construction cost in appraised value — national averages suggest 50–80% return depending on market and property tier
- A pool adds the most value when it fits the neighborhood — an elaborate $400,000 pool on a $500,000 property may not return as well as the same pool on a $1.5M property
- Maintenance costs are a real consideration for buyers — a well-documented service history and modern, efficient equipment are selling points
The Bottom Line:
If you're building a pool primarily as a financial investment, run the numbers carefully. If you're building it because you want to use and enjoy it — and you plan to stay in your home for several years — the quality of life return is immediate, and the resale upside in Middle Tennessee's market is real.
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Design
O Can I see what my pool will look like before construction begins?
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O Do you offer 3D renderings of my backyard design?
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O Can you design the full backyard? Landscaping, outdoor kitchens, fire features, not just the pool?
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O What pool styles do you specialize in (vanishing edge, freeform, natural, formal)?
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O Can I bring inspiration photos and ideas to the design meeting?
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O How many design revisions are included before we finalize?
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Construction
O What does the construction timeline look like, step by step?
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O Who handles permits, and how long does that take in my county?
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O Will subcontractors be on my property, and are they vetted?
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O How often will someone from your team be on-site?
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O How do I stay updated on progress during the build?
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O What happens if weather causes delays?
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O Will construction damage my yard or existing landscaping?
Licensing, Insurance & Warranty
O Are you licensed and insured in Tennessee?
Peek Pools & Spas is fully licensed in the state of Tennessee (License #66873), so you can feel confident your project is in qualified, compliant hands.
O What warranty do you offer on the pool structure and equipment?
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O What warranties come with the equipment brands you use?
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O What happens if something goes wrong after construction is complete?
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O How do I stay updated on progress during the build?
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O How long have you been building pools in the Nashville area?
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Features & Options
O What water features are available (waterfalls, fountains, grottos, bubblers)?
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O Do you install spas and hot tubs integrated with the pool?
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O What lighting options do you offer for evening use?
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O Can I add a sun shelf or tanning ledge?
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O What are the pros and cons of saltwater vs. chlorine pools?
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O Do you offer smart/automated pool control systems?
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O Can you build an outdoor kitchen or covered patio as part of the project?
Maintenance and/or Long-Term Pool Care
Do you offer ongoing maintenance and cleaning services after the pool is built?
Every new pool we build comes with a free 30-day Ultimate Pool Service Package. This covers chemicals, maintenance, and service needs from day one. At the end of 30 days, you can extend this package for a monthly fee.
What does regular pool maintenance involve, and how often is it needed?
During a weekly maintenance a technician will clean and service your pool to maintain properly balanced and sanitized water. We test for chlorine levels, pH, alkalinity, algaecides (if needed), shock or super chlorination, and salt (if used). We'll empty strainer baskets and pool cleaner bag; brush the water line, steps and swim-outs; and remove any floating debris. We provide this service for in-ground and above-ground pools and spas, including portable spas.
Can you service a pool that wasn't built by you?
Yes! Our Platinum Package delivers weekly cleaning, chemical balancing, and routine maintenance to keep your water clear and safe all season long. Repairs are available at an additional cost.
What should I do to prepare my pool for winter in Tennessee?
Call us to close your pool for the season. We blow out the lines, add winterizing chemicals, shut down the equipment, and cover your pool.
Do you offer pool opening and closing services each season?
Yes.
To close your pool at the end of pool season, our technician will you blow out the lines, put chemicals in for the winter, shut it down, and cover it up. In the spring, he'll do the reverse - clean it, turn the pumps back on, and balance the chemicals.
O How do I know if my pool equipment needs to be repaired or replaced?
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Click here to visit our Pool Maintenance page. Whether we built your pool or not, we’re here to keep it performing at its best.
Property & Logistics
O How much yard space do I need for a pool?
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Are there HOA or zoning restrictions I should know about?
Each HOA operates under its own set of rules, which often only become clear once a project is formally submitted for their review.
O What if my yard has a slope, rocky terrain, or limited access?
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O Do I need to be home during construction?
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O Will you work with my landscape architect or contractor?
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O What safety features are required by Tennessee law (fencing, alarms, covers)?
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Family & Lifestyle
O What pool features are best for families with young children?
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O What options exist for swimmers vs. those who just want to lounge?
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O Can I add a pool slide, diving board, or play features?
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O How do I make my pool more energy-efficient?
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O What's the best pool surface or finish for bare feet?
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