How to Choose a High End Pool Builder In the Raleigh Area

When you’re planning to invest in a new swimming pool, choosing the right company is the most important decision you’ll make. The difference between an average contractor and a high end pool builder comes down to design expertise, quality construction, and the long-term enjoyment of your outdoor living space.

Join our Raleigh custom pool builders from Bella Pools by Design as we explore what sets a luxury, master pool builder apart from an average pool contractor. With our industry insights, we’ll prepare you with everything you need to choose an expert team well-suited to build your dream pool in North Carolina.

What Defines a High End Pool Builder?

Choosing a high end pool builder means working with a company that does far more than simply install a swimming pool. Custom pool building combines design, construction, and lifestyle enhancements to create a fully personalized outdoor living space that enhances your property for years to come.

Comprehensive Design Services

Luxury pool companies begin with detailed design planning that goes beyond the pool itself. From pool houses to outdoor kitchens and fire pits, a premium concrete pool builder looks at the entire outdoor space to ensure every element works together. This level of design coordination and detail ensures the result is a seamless, functional, and elegant backyard.

Dedicated Project Management

A true high end pool builder assigns a project manager who guides you through the entire pool construction process. With expert oversight, you can expect clear communication, scheduling transparency, and attention to every detail. This approach minimizes delays and ensures your new swimming pool project stays on track while meeting the highest quality standards your family deserves.

Premium Construction Methods

Concrete pools and gunite pools are the hallmark of luxury pool construction for homeowners in the Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, NC areas. These materials allow for long-lasting durability, complete design flexibility, and the ability to integrate features like spas and water features. Unlike fiberglass pools or vinyl pools, concrete and gunite can be customized to match any vision.

Tailored Outdoor Living Spaces

A high end pool builder focuses on creating more than just an in ground pool—they create private oasis used for relaxation, quality family time, and entertaining. Whether it’s incorporating hot tubs, spas, or integrated landscaping, the right gunite pool builder will specialize in blending the swimming pool with surrounding outdoor features of your yard. The result is a custom environment designed to match your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

Comparing a Luxury Pool Company vs an Average Pool Builder

Not all Raleigh pool builders operate at the same level of high standards, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The differences between a high end custom pool builder and a standard, run-of-the-mill pool company becomes clear when you look at the overall pool construction process.

Let’s look at the factors that determine not only the quality of your pool but how enjoyable the experience will be when you choose a custom concrete pool builder versus a team that doesn’t focus on bespoke, luxury designs.

Customization and Design

A high end, concrete and gunite pool builder delivers designs tailored to your property and lifestyle. Every detail, from pool shape to water features, is carefully planned to create a unique backyard retreat. Average pool companies, on the other hand, often rely on pre-designed, cookie-cutter layouts that limit creativity and personalization.

Budget Ranges

Standard swimming pools typically fall in the $70K–$100K range, offering basic features and materials. High end pool builders focus on projects starting at $150K and above, which allows for higher-quality finishes, integrated spas, and advanced outdoor features.

This investment ensures a swimming pool that not only stands out but also retains long-term value. When paying a premium price to luxury swimming pool builders, the result is a premium pool designed specifically for your home and family.

Materials Used

Luxury pool builders specialize in concrete and gunite pools because of their unmatched durability and design flexibility. These materials allow for fully customized in ground swimming pools that can last decades. In contrast, lower-end pool companies often recommend fiberglass or vinyl liners, which may have more limitations in shape, finish, and lifespan.

While many homeowners are perfectly happy with a run-of-the-mill swimming pool, Raleigh residents looking to invest significantly in the comfort of their backyard spaces will benefit from working with an expert team that delivers exclusive services and premium results.

Process and Service

With a high end concrete pool builder, the construction process is guided by a dedicated team that provides clear communication and regular updates. They work closely with clients to make sure every stage of the project runs smoothly. Standard pool companies often focus on quick installation, sacrificing detail and long-term satisfaction for speed.

Why Concrete and Gunite Pools Are the Standard for Luxury

Concrete and gunite pools are the foundation of high end pool building. Their strength, versatility, and ability to incorporate luxury features make them the preferred choice for discerning homeowners who want a pool that reflects their vision and lifestyle.

Here’s why Raleigh homeowners looking for a top quality swimming pool should ensure their chosen pool company uses concrete and gunite materials: 

• Durability and Longevity: Concrete and gunite pools are built to last for decades, withstanding heavy use, seasonal changes, and renovations more effectively than fiberglass or vinyl.
• Unlimited Design Flexibility: These materials allow for any pool shape or size, with endless customization options including finishes, tiles, and lighting.
• Integration of Luxury Features: Concrete and gunite can easily incorporate spas, hot tubs, water features, and tanning ledges for a resort-style backyard experience.
• Long-Term Value and Customization: Unlike fiberglass, concrete and gunite pools can be resurfaced, remodeled, and updated over time, ensuring lasting value for homeowners.

Warning Signs of an Average Pool Company

Not every swimming pool contractor is equipped to deliver the high standards you expect when investing in a luxury pool. These are the most common warning signs that you may be dealing with an average pool company instead of a true high end pool builder.

Volume Over Quality

Many pool companies measure success by how many projects they can complete each year. This production-focused approach means less personal attention, limited project management, and a greater risk of mistakes. Luxury pool builders, by contrast, limit the number of projects they take on to ensure every client receives detailed oversight and care.

Pool Salespeople Posing as Designers

In many average pool companies, the “designer” is actually a sales representative. They often provide a quick, free 3D design after only a few hours of planning, followed by pressure to “buy now” with discounts. Unlike a true designer or custom pool builder, these sales-driven roles lack the experience and vision needed to create a pool tailored to your property and lifestyle.

No Designer Involvement After the Contract

Another red flag is when the salesperson or “designer” disappears once the contract is signed. With no continuity between design and construction, details are often lost in translation. This disconnect can result in compromises, miscommunication, and a final pool that doesn’t match your expectations.

Over-Promising on Timelines or Costs

If a pool company guarantees unusually fast completion or advertises prices that seem too good to be true, they likely are. These companies often cut corners or add hidden costs later, leaving homeowners frustrated and over budget.

Limited Material Options

Average pool companies tend to steer clients toward fiberglass or vinyl pools because they are quicker to install. This approach limits customization, reduces longevity, and eliminates the flexibility of concrete and gunite pools that define luxury builds.

Generic, One-Size-Fits-All Designs

Cookie-cutter pools are a hallmark of average builders. Rather than designing a custom pool that fits your property and lifestyle, these companies rely on standardized layouts that leave little room for creativity or personalization.

Lack of Transparency and Project Management

Without a dedicated project manager, communication often suffers. Homeowners are left in the dark about timelines, responsibilities, and progress, which leads to frustration throughout the construction process.

Weak Portfolio or Online Presence

A reputable swimming pool contractor should have a strong portfolio of completed pool projects and verifiable online reviews. If a company cannot provide references or proof of past work, it may be a sign of inexperience or inconsistent results.

Vague or Incomplete Contracts

Unclear contracts that don’t spell out materials, warranties, or project scope are another warning sign. Without transparency, homeowners risk unexpected expenses and disputes during the pool construction process.

No Long-Term Maintenance or Support

Average pool companies often consider their work finished once the pool is installed. A true high end pool builder will also provide maintenance services or expert guidance to help homeowners care for their new swimming pool for years to come.

The Bella Pools by Design Difference

At Bella Pools by Design, we take a boutique approach to pool construction by limiting the number of new swimming pool projects we accept each year. This ensures every client receives the highest level of attention and service.

At the heart of Bella Pools is in-house designer John Delaforce, who brings four decades of expertise in high end pool design and construction.

Luxury Focused Design by John Delaforce

Every custom pool designed by John is thoughtfully planned with architectural balance, innovative features, and a focus on outdoor living spaces that enhance your property. Our design-first mindset ensures your pool feels like a natural extension of your home.

Personal Attention

Our gunite pool builder believes every client deserves a pool project tailored to their vision and lifestyle. By limiting the number of pools we build each year, John is able to work closely with our clients, providing regular communication and a seamless construction process. This individualized focus of working directly with our pool designer and construction expert ensures your new pool receives the time and care it deserves.

End-to-End Service

From the first design consultation to the final pool installation, we manage every detail of your project. Our end-to-end service includes design planning, material selection, construction, and ongoing updates so you’re never left wondering what comes next. John creates all blueprints in-house and oversees every project throughout construction to ensure every detail of the design is achieved. This hands-on approach removes stress and keeps your pool project moving smoothly.

Quality-First Approach

John and our team specialize exclusively in custom concrete and gunite pools because these materials deliver the strength, beauty, and flexibility that luxury clients expect. By focusing on quality over quantity, John’s designs maintain industry-leading standards of high-end pool design to create structures that stand the test of time and elevate your outdoor living experience.

Experience a Luxury Backyard with Our High End Pool Builder

Bella Pools by Design is proud to be one of the leading custom pool builders serving Raleigh, Durham, Wake Forest, Cary, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re planning a new in ground pool, adding spas or hot tubs, or incorporating fire pits, water features, and outdoor kitchens, Bella Pools by Design provides expert guidance and quality work every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced pool designer by calling us at (919) 465-1965 or filling out our contact form to get started.