The Ultimate Southwest Florida Pool Design Guide
How to Design Your Dream Pool, Choose the Right Materials & Create a Backyard That Fits Your Style, Home and Budget
You have the house.
You have the Florida sunshine.
And somewhere between walking through your new lanai and saving your 137th pool inspiration photo, you started imagining it.
A pool.
Maybe a spa.
Definitely somewhere to sit with a drink.
Possibly a sunshelf with bubblers.
Then someone mentions marble.
Someone else tells you to look at pebble finishes.
You discover glass tile.
Then outdoor kitchens.
Then fire pits.
Then pool automation.
And suddenly your simple search for "pool builders near me" has turned into a full-blown backyard design adventure.
Welcome to it.
If you are planning a custom swimming pool in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Venice, Nokomis, North Port, Port Charlotte, Wellen Park, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Manasota Key or another Southwest Florida community, this guide was created for you.
Think of it as your pool design manual.
We are going to walk through how to choose your pool size, layout, spa, sunshelf, water color, decking, coping, tile, interior finish, equipment and outdoor-living features.
More importantly, we are going to talk about something that beautiful inspiration photos rarely explain:
How do you put all of it together without losing control of your budget?
At Chosen Pool and Spa, we believe the answer starts with three things:
Your home. Your lifestyle. Your investment.
The goal is not to build somebody else's dream pool.
It is to design your Chosen oasis.
Before You Choose a Pool, Design the Life Around It
Here is one of the most important pool-design tips we can give you:
Start with how you want to live outside.
Seriously.
Forget dimensions for a minute.
Imagine a Saturday afternoon two years from now.
Are your children swimming?
Are you relaxing on a sunshelf?
Are friends gathered around an outdoor kitchen?
Are you watching football outside?
Is someone cooking while everyone else sits around a fire pit?
Are you and your spouse relaxing in a heated spa after dinner?
Are you swimming laps before work?
Are grandchildren coming over every weekend?
Or is your dream completely different?
Maybe you want a peaceful, modern backyard with a dramatic dark pool, beautiful landscape lighting and almost nothing competing for attention.
Those answers matter because the best pool is not necessarily the biggest pool.
The best pool is the one designed around the way you are actually going to use it.
A family that loves entertaining may need more decking, seating and outdoor-living space.
A homeowner who loves swimming may prioritize uninterrupted pool length.
Someone designing a private retreat may choose a smaller pool but invest more in a spa, materials, lighting and landscaping.
Lifestyle first. Pool dimensions second.
That simple rule can save you from spending money on features you rarely use while helping you invest more in the things you will appreciate every single day.
Step One: Will a Pool Actually Fit in Your Backyard?
This is one of the first questions many Southwest Florida homeowners ask.
The answer involves more than measuring the grass behind your house.
Your backyard may need to account for:
property boundaries, setbacks, easements, drainage, existing lanais, utilities, screen enclosures, equipment locations, HOA requirements, construction access and future outdoor-living features.
That is why we recommend starting with a current property survey whenever possible.
Instagram tells us what inspires you.
Your survey helps tell us what we can build.
If you are still asking "Will a pool actually fit in my backyard?", we created an entire homeowner guide explaining the process.
Read: Will a Pool Actually Fit in My Backyard?
A thoughtfully designed pool can often work beautifully in a backyard that initially feels small.
The secret is not trying to squeeze every possible feature into the space.
It is choosing the right features and proportions.
Designing Pools for Southwest Florida's New-Construction Communities
This is especially important for homeowners purchasing new construction.
Throughout Sarasota County, Manatee County and Charlotte County, some incredible new homes are being built on properties that are ready to become complete outdoor environments.
In Lakewood Ranch, current villages and neighborhoods include communities such as Star Farms, Azario, The Isles, Waterside, Wild Blue, Windward and others.
Explore Lakewood Ranch's current communities here:
Lakewood Ranch Villages & New Homes
Further south, Wellen Park continues to offer new-home neighborhoods throughout the Venice and North Port area.
Explore Wellen Park Neighborhoods
And in Charlotte County, West Port in Port Charlotte continues to offer new-construction opportunities within its master-planned community.
Explore West Port Port Charlotte
Chosen Pool and Spa also works with homeowners throughout communities and areas including Star Farms, Sweetwater, Lorraine Lakes, Skye Ranch, Grand Park, Palmero, Wellen Park, Venice, Nokomis, North Port and Port Charlotte.
For new-construction homeowners, early planning can be incredibly valuable.
Before the backyard is finished, we can begin thinking about pool placement, lanai relationships, screen-enclosure footprints, equipment location, drainage, access and outdoor-living features.
The earlier those pieces start communicating with one another, the more intentional the completed backyard can feel.
Your Backyard Should Be Designed Like a Floor Plan
Think about your house.
The kitchen relates to the dining room.
The living room connects to the lanai.
Furniture has circulation around it.
Doorways lead somewhere intentionally.
Your backyard should work the same way.
Your pool, spa, deck, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, television wall, landscaping and seating areas should feel like different rooms within one outdoor floor plan.
We call this backyard flow.
When you step through your sliding doors, what do you see first?
Where is the visual focal point?
Can people comfortably walk around the pool?
Where will the lounge chairs sit?
Is there enough deck around the spa?
Can someone cook without blocking everyone walking outside?
Can you see the television from the spa?
Will the fire pit feel connected to the entertaining area?
Where does the pool equipment live?
What will the backyard look like from inside your family room?
These details matter.
A beautiful pool placed poorly can make a backyard feel awkward.
A thoughtfully positioned pool can make even a relatively compact backyard feel larger and more luxurious.
Explore more ideas for designing the entire outdoor space here:
The Florida Backyard, Reimagined: Pool & Outdoor Living Ideas
Now Let's Talk Budget
We know.
This is usually where everyone starts Googling.
How much does a pool cost in Sarasota?
How much does a pool and spa cost?
How much does marble decking add?
Is PebbleTec worth it?
How much more is a larger sunshelf?
These are smart questions.
Chosen Pool and Spa's current pricing guide shows custom projects ranging from approximately $80,000 to $200,000+, depending on design, size, materials, equipment and overall project scope.
For a much deeper look at pricing:
Explore Chosen's Pool Pricing & FAQ Guide
And:
Read: How Much Does a Custom Pool Cost in Sarasota?
But there is a better budgeting question than:
"How cheaply can I build this?"
Ask:
"Where will I notice my money the most?"
That changes the conversation.
The Chosen Budget Strategy: Pick Your Heroes
You do not need the most expensive material in every category to create a spectacular backyard.
In fact, great design often comes from doing the opposite.
Pick your hero features.
Your hero might be the raised spa.
It might be white marble decking.
It might be a stunning deep-blue pool finish.
It might be an outdoor kitchen.
It might be a giant sunshelf.
It might be a panoramic screen enclosure.
It might be a dramatic water feature.
Once you decide which elements need to be special, everything else can support those decisions.
For example:
A homeowner who absolutely loves marble decking may select a more conservative waterline tile.
Another homeowner may choose standard decking but spend more on a raised spa wrapped in glass mosaic tile.
Someone who wants maximum swimming space may build a larger pool while selecting simpler decorative features.
Another homeowner may build a smaller pool but invest in automation, heating, lighting and outdoor entertainment.
Smart budgeting is not about removing personality.
It is about putting your money where your personality shows the most.
A Simple Guide to Choosing Where to Spend Your Pool Budget
Not every part of your pool needs to be the most expensive option available. The goal is to decide where you want to keep things simple and where you want to make a statement.
Pool Interior
Budget-Conscious: Traditional plaster for a clean, classic pool interior.
Mid-Level: Quartz finishes that add more texture, color and visual depth.
Premium Statement: Pebble or specialty aggregate finishes for richer water color and a more customized appearance.
Pool Deck
Budget-Conscious: Concrete pavers that provide plenty of design flexibility while helping control the overall project investment.
Mid-Level: Upgraded pavers or natural travertine for more texture and character.
Premium Statement: Marble or premium porcelain for a high-end, custom outdoor-living look.
Waterline Tile
Budget-Conscious: Classic porcelain tile in a timeless color or pattern.
Mid-Level: Designer porcelain with more texture, dimension or distinctive coloring.
Premium Statement: Glass mosaic tile that reflects light and can become a major design feature.
Spa Finish
Budget-Conscious: Continue the pool's waterline tile onto the spa for a coordinated look.
Mid-Level: Introduce a contrasting accent tile to make the spa stand out.
Premium Statement: Wrap the spa in premium glass mosaic or another specialty finish to turn it into the focal point of the backyard.
Pool Shape
Budget-Conscious: A clean geometric layout with simple lines and efficient dimensions.
Mid-Level: A custom geometric pool designed specifically around your home and backyard.
Premium Statement: A highly customized layout featuring unique elevations, transitions, architectural details or specialty design elements.
Water Features
Budget-Conscious: Keep water features minimal and allow the pool itself to make the statement.
Mid-Level: Add bubblers, a spa spillway or a carefully positioned water feature.
Premium Statement: Incorporate custom waterfalls, water bowls, architectural walls, scuppers or multiple coordinated features.
Pool Equipment
Budget-Conscious: A quality essential equipment package designed for dependable everyday operation.
Mid-Level: Add automation, upgraded controls and pool or spa heating.
Premium Statement: Create a more complete system with expanded automation, heating and chilling options, lighting controls and integrated water-feature operation.
Outdoor Living
Budget-Conscious: Focus on the pool and a comfortable, functional deck.
Mid-Level: Add an expanded seating area, fire feature or additional entertainment space.
Premium Statement: Create a complete backyard environment with an outdoor kitchen, TV wall, fire pit, custom seating, lighting and coordinated entertainment areas.
The Goal Is Not to Upgrade Everything
A spectacular backyard does not require choosing the premium option in every category.
Choose the features that matter most to you, then allow the rest of the design to support them.
Maybe you splurge on the marble deck but keep the waterline tile simple.
Maybe you choose pavers but create an incredible glass-tiled raised spa.
Maybe the pool itself stays clean and understated while the outdoor kitchen and fire pit become the stars.
That is how Chosen Pool and Spa helps you balance design, lifestyle and budget without losing the vision.Read: Pool Finish Costs in Sarasota, Marble, Travertine & More
Choose Your Pool Shape
For many Southwest Florida homes, geometric pools continue to work beautifully.
Rectangular pools are incredibly versatile.
They can feel modern.
Coastal.
Minimal.
Resort-inspired.
Family-friendly.
Sophisticated.
A rectangle with bright aqua water and light marble creates an entirely different feeling than the exact same shape with dark blue water, charcoal glass tile and gray porcelain.
Freeform pools can work beautifully with tropical landscaping or more organic architecture.
Long, narrow pools may make excellent use of waterfront lots or side yards.
Courtyard pools can transform compact spaces.
The key is choosing a shape that responds to the architecture of the home rather than choosing a shape simply because it happens to be popular.
How Big Should Your Pool Be?
This is where people sometimes fall into the trap of thinking bigger equals better.
Not necessarily.
Ask yourself what you want the water to do.
If swimming is the priority, protect swimming length.
If entertaining is the priority, make sure you have enough deck.
If children will use the pool constantly, consider how steps, benches and shallow areas work together.
If you want a large sunshelf, make sure you understand how much swimming area it consumes.
If you want a spa, decide whether you would rather sacrifice deck space or pool length.
A pool should fit the backyard without overpowering the backyard.
Sometimes taking two feet away from the pool creates a significantly better furniture arrangement.
And sometimes adding two feet to the pool transforms the entire swimming experience.
This is where custom design matters.
Should You Add a Spa?
For many Chosen clients, the spa becomes one of their favorite features.
A spa is not only somewhere to relax.
It can become an architectural focal point.
You could design it level with the pool for a subtle appearance.
Or raise it.
Add a spillway.
Wrap the exterior in dark glass tile.
Add LED lighting.
Position it where it becomes the first thing you see through the home's sliding doors.
Suddenly the spa is doing two jobs.
It is functional and it is design.
If you plan to use your backyard during cooler evenings, heating becomes an important conversation as well.
A beautiful spa that is thoughtfully positioned and easy to operate can dramatically change how often the backyard gets used.
Should You Add a Sunshelf?
The sunshelf may be one of Florida's favorite pool features for good reason.
It can become a place for shallow-water lounging, ledge loungers, young children, pets, umbrellas, bubblers or simply relaxing without getting completely into the pool.
But here is the important part:
Bigger is not automatically better.
Every square foot devoted to a sunshelf is a square foot that is no longer full-depth swimming space.
For a large pool, an oversized shelf may be perfect.
For a smaller backyard, a more compact shelf may create the same experience while protecting the swimming area.
This is exactly why design priorities should be decided before dimensions are finalized.
Your Water Color Sets the Mood
The deep blue interior shown here creates a rich, dramatic look, but your pool can take on an entirely different personality depending on the finish you choose. From light aqua and tropical turquoise to classic blue, deep cobalt, charcoal and nearly black, the right interior color can completely transform the feel of your backyard. At Chosen Pool and Spa, we help you compare finishes, decking and tile together so your final water color complements your home, style and overall vision.
The Fun Question: What Color Do You Want Your Water?
This might be our favorite part.
Because "blue" does not really describe pool water.
Your water might appear:
soft aqua,
Caribbean blue,
turquoise,
blue-green,
deep cobalt,
gray-blue,
navy,
midnight blue,
or almost black.
Your pool interior plays a major role in creating that appearance, but several things influence the finished look.
Water depth matters.
Sunlight matters.
The sky matters.
Landscaping matters.
The deck color matters.
The architecture around the pool matters.
So instead of beginning with a tiny finish sample, begin with the atmosphere.
Want Light, Bright and Coastal?
Think:
light aqua water,
white or cream decking,
soft blue waterline tile,
natural textures,
bright landscaping,
and plenty of reflected sunlight.
This combination feels fresh and open and works beautifully with many Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch homes.
Want Modern and Dramatic?
Go deeper.
Imagine:
dark blue water,
charcoal or black glass tile,
a raised spa,
white or pale-gray decking,
clean architecture,
subtle landscaping,
and beautiful LED lighting.
The contrast between a bright deck and dark pool can become the entire personality of the backyard.
Want Warm Florida Resort?
Think:
blue-green water,
warm travertine,
natural stone,
tropical landscaping,
a raised spa,
and gentle water movement.
This style works because everything feels relaxed rather than overly designed.
Choosing Your Pool Interior: Plaster vs. Quartz vs. Pebble
This is another decision homeowners research constantly.
Plaster
Traditional plaster can be an attractive budget-conscious starting point.
If your biggest priorities are pool size, spa or outdoor-living features, choosing a simpler interior finish can help allocate more of the budget elsewhere.
Quartz
Quartz can provide additional texture, color choices and durability while sitting between traditional plaster and many premium pebble products in overall investment.
Pebble & Premium Aggregate Finishes
Pebble-style interiors can create beautiful depth and some of the most dramatic water colors available.
They are especially popular in custom and luxury pool designs.
If you are trying to decide which direction is right for you, we created a complete comparison:
Plaster vs. Quartz vs. Pebble: Choosing the Perfect Pool Finish
And you can browse Chosen's material inspirations here:
Explore Chosen Pool Materials & Finishes
The Great Florida Deck Decision
Your pool deck is one of the largest visual surfaces in the backyard.
Do not treat it like an afterthought.
It influences the home's architecture, pool-water appearance and overall feeling of the outdoor space.
Pavers
Concrete pavers offer enormous design flexibility and can be a great way to create a beautiful finished pool while controlling overall material cost.
That may leave room in the budget for another hero feature.
Travertine
Travertine provides natural variation and warmth.
It can work beautifully in transitional, Mediterranean, coastal and resort-style environments.
Marble
Marble can make a dramatic statement.
Light marble paired with tropical aqua water can create the bright luxury-Florida look many homeowners love.
Pair the same light marble with a deep-blue pool and the contrast becomes far more contemporary.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a strong design option for homeowners who love clean lines and consistent coloring.
Large-format porcelain can work particularly well with geometric pools and modern architecture.
There is no universal "best" deck.
There is a best deck for your home, design and budget.
Your Coping Does Not Have to Match Your Deck
Coping is essentially the frame around the swimming pool.
Sometimes the cleanest look comes from continuing the same material from the deck.
Sometimes contrast creates the better design.
Light coping can beautifully frame darker water.
Natural-stone coping can add warmth around porcelain.
Marble coping can elevate a paver deck.
The rule is simple:
Make it intentional.
Waterline Tile: Small Area, Huge Impact
Waterline tile does not occupy much square footage compared with your pool deck.
But visually?
It matters.
A lot.
It lives directly between the water and deck, so your eye naturally sees it.
Glass tile reflects light.
Dark tile adds drama.
Soft blue reinforces an aqua color palette.
Neutral tile allows the interior or deck to become the hero.
One of our favorite budget strategies is to keep the pool's waterline tile elegant and relatively simple while using a more dramatic material on the spa.
Let the Spa Steal the Show
You do not necessarily need premium glass tile around the entire pool.
Instead, imagine using it selectively.
A raised spa wrapped in deep cobalt glass.
A black mosaic spa against white marble.
A blue-green glass accent next to warm travertine.
Now you have a statement piece.
This is one of the most effective ways to introduce a premium material without letting that material dominate the entire project budget.
Your Pool Needs to Look Beautiful at Night Too
Pool inspiration is usually photographed during the day.
But some of your best Florida backyard moments will happen after sunset.
Your pool should still feel designed.
Think about underwater LEDs, spa lighting, bubbler lighting, landscape lighting, outdoor-kitchen lighting, architectural accents and fire features.
Lighting can completely change how a backyard feels.
During the day it may be coastal and relaxing.
At night it becomes dramatic and atmospheric.
You are really designing two backyards.
The daytime version.
And the nighttime version.
Water Features and Fire Features: More Is Not Always Better
We love water features.
We love fire features.
But a successful pool does not need every feature available.
Sometimes two water bowls are perfect.
Sometimes a clean spa spillway is all the movement the design needs.
Sometimes a modern pool looks better with no decorative water features at all.
And sometimes the backyard absolutely calls for fire.
The feature should earn its position.
If it contributes to the architecture, atmosphere or way you use the space, fantastic.
If it simply fills an empty spot, reconsider it.
Outdoor Kitchens, TV Walls and Fire Pits: This Is Where a Pool Becomes a Backyard
The pool may be the centerpiece.
But the outdoor-living spaces are often where people spend most of their time.
Think about an outdoor kitchen beside the lanai.
A television wall positioned where it can be seen from the spa.
A fire pit creating a separate conversation area.
Artificial turf softening the hardscape.
Landscape lighting connecting everything after dark.
These elements transform a swimming pool project into a complete outdoor environment.
Even if you do not build every feature immediately, plan for them now.
Know where a future kitchen could go.
Reserve space for seating.
Consider utility locations.
Think about how a television or fire feature might eventually fit.
A master plan allows the backyard to grow without future additions looking like afterthoughts.
Explore more:
Luxury Pool & Outdoor Living Trends in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch
Do Not Forget the Equipment
Equipment may not make your inspiration board.
But it will affect your ownership experience every day.
Modern pool systems can include variable-speed pumps, filtration, saltwater chlorination, automation, LED lighting, pool heaters, spa heating, heat-pump systems, chillers and water-feature controls.
Automation can make operating the backyard considerably more convenient by bringing multiple functions into a compatible control system.
If you are comparing systems or trying to understand heating, sanitation or automation options:
Explore Chosen Pool Equipment & Automation
This is also important when comparing builders.
Two pool proposals that look similar on paper may contain very different equipment packages.
Always ask what equipment manufacturer, model and capabilities are actually included.
Saltwater or Traditional Chlorine?
This is another commonly researched question.
First, remember that a saltwater swimming pool is still a chlorinated pool.
Instead of relying solely on manually introduced chlorine products, a salt chlorine generator uses dissolved salt to generate chlorine for sanitation.
Both approaches can maintain beautiful pool water when properly designed, maintained and balanced.
The right option depends on your equipment package, maintenance preferences, materials and priorities.
This is exactly the type of decision your builder should help you understand before construction.
Heater, Chiller or Both?
People move to Florida for warm weather.
Then August arrives and everyone discovers pool water can sometimes become warmer than expected.
Meanwhile, cooler winter evenings are exactly when you may want your pool and spa the most.
That is why heating and chilling options should be part of the initial equipment conversation.
Your ideal system depends on whether you have a spa, how often you plan to heat the pool, desired temperature, pool size and how you expect to use the backyard throughout the year.
Equipment planning is design planning.
Screen Enclosure or Open Pool?
Another major Florida decision.
A screen enclosure can help create a contained outdoor-living environment and reduce exposure to insects and debris.
An open pool can provide a stronger visual connection to landscaping or waterfront views.
Neither choice is automatically better.
It depends on the property.
If you already know you want a screen enclosure, tell us early.
The pool placement, decking, enclosure footprint, structural footing and backyard flow should all be considered together.
The goal is not to design a pool, then figure out where the enclosure goes.
The goal is one complete design.
The "I Want Everything" Exercise
Let's imagine your wishlist includes:
a large pool, raised spa, oversized sunshelf, three bubblers, premium pebble interior, glass tile, marble deck, panoramic screen enclosure, heater, automation, outdoor kitchen, TV wall, fire pit and multiple water features.
We love it.
Now we prioritize.
Maybe the spa is non-negotiable.
Maybe you fell in love with the marble and nothing else will do.
Maybe your family cooks outside constantly, so the outdoor kitchen needs to stay.
Great.
Perhaps the sunshelf becomes slightly smaller.
Maybe two water features create the same visual effect as four.
Maybe the waterline tile becomes more conservative.
Maybe the fire pit becomes phase two.
This is where good design can protect the project.
Preserve the vision.
Adjust the ingredients.
That is completely different from stripping a pool down until you no longer love it.
Do Not Compare Pool Quotes Based Only on Pool Size
This may be one of the most important sections in this entire guide.
Two proposals for a 14-by-28-foot pool can be completely different projects.
One may include standard pavers.
Another marble.
One might include basic plaster.
Another premium pebble.
One could include automation and heating.
Another may not.
One may include a screen enclosure.
One may not.
One may include engineering, permitting and specific electrical work.
Another proposal may structure those items differently.
That is why price comparison without scope comparison can be misleading.
Before choosing your pool contractor, read:
How to Choose a Pool Builder in Sarasota: 12 Questions to Ask
See Your Backyard Before We Build It
This is where the process gets really fun.
Chosen Pool and Spa offers custom 3D pool design so we can begin bringing the concept to life before construction starts.
We can look at how the pool relates to the home.
Move the spa.
Change the sunshelf.
Adjust pool dimensions.
Consider furniture.
Look at sightlines.
Discuss material colors.
Think about screen enclosure placement.
Visualize outdoor-living areas.
This is exactly when you want to experiment.
Not after excavation.
The design phase gives us the opportunity to work through ideas while they are still ideas.
Once you approve the design and material direction, there is another world happening behind the scenes.
Engineering.
Site planning.
HOA requirements.
Permitting.
Construction documents.
Utility coordination.
Inspections.
Scheduling.
This is the side of pool building Instagram rarely shows.
But it matters tremendously.
Chosen Pool and Spa's construction process takes homeowners through design, engineering and permitting before excavation and continues through structural construction, plumbing, tile, coping, deck, equipment, interior finish, startup and completion.
Explore the complete process:
Custom Pool Construction in Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch
And if you want to understand what happens during permitting:
Pool Permitting in Southwest Florida: Homeowner Guide
Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte County Pool Resources
Requirements vary by property, jurisdiction and project scope, which is why homeowners should not assume the requirements for a neighbor's pool will automatically apply to their property.
Sarasota County provides building and online permitting resources for homeowners and contractors.
Sarasota County Building Division
Sarasota County Online Permitting
Manatee County provides its current Development Services forms and swimming pool requirements online.
Manatee County Development Services Forms & Requirements
Charlotte County maintains a dedicated residential swimming pool and spa permitting resource with required forms, documentation and review information.
Charlotte County Residential Pool & Spa Permitting
These are excellent homeowner resources, but they do not replace project-specific review, engineering, HOA requirements or professional permitting guidance.
What About Underground Utilities?
Before excavation, underground facilities are an important part of construction planning.
Florida's Sunshine 811 states that a locate request should generally be submitted at least two full business days before digging so participating utility operators have time to mark underground facilities.
Learn more directly from:
With Chosen, this coordination is part of the construction process rather than another item homeowners are expected to figure out on their own.
What Does Pool Construction Actually Look Like?
We want to prepare you for this part.
At some point, your beautiful rendering becomes a hole in the ground.
There will be excavation equipment.
Crews.
Steel.
Plumbing.
Concrete.
Inspections.
Material deliveries.
Tile crews.
Deck crews.
Equipment installers.
It is construction.
Your backyard is going to look worse before it looks incredible.
Then something starts happening.
The shell appears.
The spa takes shape.
The tile goes in.
The deck starts surrounding the pool.
Equipment is connected.
The interior finish is installed.
Water starts filling the pool.
Lights come on.
And the backyard you had been staring at on a screen suddenly exists outside your sliding doors.
That transformation is one of our favorite parts of the entire process.
The Chosen Standard: Communication Is Part of Construction
Building a pool should not mean wondering what is happening in your backyard.
Chosen Pool and Spa believes communication is part of the service.
We guide homeowners through the project from design and materials through engineering, permitting, construction and completion.
You should understand what phase your project is in.
What has happened.
What comes next.
What decisions are needed.
And when something changes.
Beautiful craftsmanship matters.
But the experience of getting there matters too.
That is part of The Chosen Standard.
Need to Stay Within a Monthly Budget?
Sometimes the right solution is not necessarily removing the spa or giving up the finish you love.
Financing may provide another way to structure the overall project.
Chosen Pool and Spa currently offers financing resources through Lyon Financial and Viking Capital for qualifying homeowners.
Explore your options:
Financing should always be considered in the context of your overall financial situation, but it can provide homeowners with another option for planning a complete backyard project.
Love Your Pool Again
Your existing pool may already have great bones. It may just need the right vision. From updated interior finishes, waterline tile and coping to new decking, lighting, equipment and modern design features, Chosen Pool and Spa can help transform an outdated backyard into a space that feels completely new.
Are You Renovating Instead of Building New?
Many of the same design principles apply.
Changing an interior finish, coping, decking, lighting and waterline tile can completely alter the personality of an existing pool.
Add modern automation.
Update equipment.
Introduce a spa or water feature where practical.
Replace dated decking.
Rethink the landscaping and outdoor-living space.
Suddenly the backyard can feel completely different without starting from an empty lot.
Explore:
Pool Renovation & Remodeling in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch
Your First Pool Design Meeting: What Should You Bring?
You do not need to arrive knowing every detail.
That is what we are here for.
But a few things can help us understand your vision quickly: your property survey, backyard photographs, inspiration pictures, approximate investment range and a list of the features that matter most.
And here is a secret:
Tell us what you do not like too.
That is incredibly useful.
Maybe you hate tan decking.
Maybe you do not want a freeform pool.
Maybe dark water is not for you.
Maybe you love contemporary architecture but do not want the backyard to feel cold.
Maybe you absolutely do not want fire features.
Perfect.
Every "no" brings us closer to your "yes."
The Chosen Pool Design Formula
When everything in this guide is stripped down, the formula becomes surprisingly simple:
Start with lifestyle.
Design around the property.
Choose the right proportions.
Pick your hero features.
Create a material palette.
Spend intentionally.
Plan the equipment.
Think beyond the pool.
Design for day and night.
Understand what your proposal includes.
Then work with a builder who communicates throughout the process.
That is how a collection of ideas becomes a backyard that actually feels complete.
Your Pool Does Not Have to Look Like Anyone Else's
This might be our favorite thing about custom pools.
You can go bright aqua.
Or midnight blue.
Marble.
Travertine.
Porcelain.
Modern.
Coastal.
Minimal.
Tropical.
Resort-inspired.
Family-focused.
Entertainment-focused.
You can build a backyard designed around quiet mornings with coffee.
Or Saturday afternoons with twenty people.
Maybe you want a giant spa.
Maybe you do not want one at all.
Maybe the outdoor kitchen matters almost as much as the swimming pool.
Maybe you simply want water, sunshine and somewhere beautiful to relax.
There is no one formula for the perfect Southwest Florida swimming pool.
The perfect pool is the one designed specifically for you.
Ready to Turn Your Saved Photos Into a Real Plan?
If you are considering a custom swimming pool, spa or complete outdoor-living space in Sarasota County, Manatee County or Charlotte County, this is where the fun begins.
Send us your survey.
Bring us the inspiration photos.
Show us the pool you love.
Show us the one you absolutely hate.
Tell us about the spa.
The fire pit.
The white marble.
The dark water.
The outdoor kitchen.
The giant sunshelf.
And yes, bring us the crazy idea you are not sure will work.
Then tell us your budget.
We will help you put the pieces together.
Chosen Pool and Spa provides custom pool design and construction throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Venice, Nokomis, North Port, Port Charlotte, Wellen Park, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Manasota Key and surrounding Southwest Florida communities.
Start Your Complimentary Pool Design & Quote
Continue Your Pool Research
Still planning? Keep exploring The Chosen Backyard Journal and our homeowner resources.
Will a Pool Fit in My Backyard?
How Much Does a Custom Pool Cost in Sarasota?
Pool Finish Costs: Marble, Travertine & More
Plaster vs. Quartz vs. Pebble Pool Finishes
How to Choose a Sarasota Pool Builder: 12 Questions to Ask
Pool Permitting in Southwest Florida
Luxury Pool & Outdoor Living Trends
Browse The Chosen Backyard Journal
Fall Into Luxury With Chosen Pool and Spa
There is something exciting about finally saying:
"Okay. Let's build it."
If your dream backyard has been sitting in your camera roll, Pinterest board or imagination long enough, this may be the season to turn it into something real.
Ask our team about our Fall Into Luxury promotion for qualifying projects signed by November 30, 2026, along with available financing options.
Whether you are starting with a brand-new home, an empty backyard or an existing pool ready for a complete transformation, we will help you create a design that balances beauty, function, quality and budget.
From the first design conversation through engineering, permitting, construction and the day the water goes in, our goal is to make sure your backyard feels completely and unmistakably yours.
Your backyard does not need another saved inspiration photo.
It needs a plan.
Let's design the one you've been imagining.
Chosen Pool and Spa
Custom Pools • Spas • Outdoor Living
The builder you can rely on.
CPC1461551
The Chosen Pool and Spa Team
Fall Into Luxury
Take advantage of our Fall Into Luxury promotion through November 30, 2026 and make this the season you finally start designing the pool, spa and outdoor space you’ve been imagining.