Finding the right pool builder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make if you’re investing in a backyard oasis. Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle have no shortage of contractors, but quality, warranties, and experience vary widely. The companies that made this list combine craftsmanship, local expertise, and reliable service. Whether you want a fiberglass pool installed quickly, a luxury custom gunite design, or a vinyl option that balances budget and function.

This guide highlights the 10 best pool builders in Raleigh, NC, backed by research into their services, portfolios, recognition, and customer feedback. We’ll also cover costs, permitting, timelines, and financing so you know what to expect before breaking ground.

How We Picked the Winners

To ensure this list is accurate and genuinely useful, each pool builder was evaluated using the following criteria:

Verified service area in Raleigh or the immediate Triangle.
Pool types offered: gunite/concrete, fiberglass, vinyl.
Portfolio quality and depth: design range and past projects.
Warranty terms: structural, equipment, workmanship.
Awards or third-party recognition: “Raleigh’s Best,” Pool & Spa News Top 50, or Houzz badges.
Financing options: in-house or through lending partners.
Local permitting experience with Raleigh city code and Wake County safety rules.

We drew from company websites, Houzz listings, Angi reviews, and local recognition lists like votedraleighsbest.com. This ensures the builders featured here are not only marketing themselves well but are also recognized by customers and industry peers.

1. Azalea Pools & Outdoor Living - Best for Luxury Custom Design

Overview: Azalea Pools & Outdoor Living is a family-owned, high-end pool and outdoor living specialist serving Raleigh and the wider Triangle. They design and build custom concrete pools in freeform, linear, and plunge styles, as well as complete backyard transformations that include patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, retaining walls, and landscaping.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Every project is closely overseen by co-owner Will Grantlin, ensuring consistent quality and communication.
Multiple financing options available through LightStream, HFS, and Viking Capital.
Strong reputation in the community with a focus on premium builds and long-term value.

Best For: Homeowners looking for tailored, luxury-level pool and backyard transformations with hands-on leadership.

2. Rising Sun Pools & Spas - Most Trusted & Full-Service

Overview: Operating since 1972, Rising Sun Pools & Spas is one of Raleigh’s most established pool builders. With multiple showroom locations across the Triangle, they specialize in all in-ground pool types: concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl, as well as above-ground pools, hot tubs, and outdoor living features.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Recognized nationally as a Top 50 Pool Builder for over a decade.
Extensive post-installation services including maintenance, liner replacement, leak detection, and renovations.
Large retail presence with showrooms for product demos, water testing, and consultations.

Best For: Clients who want a trusted full-service builder with decades of reliability and ongoing support.

3. Bella Pools by Design - Design-First, Upscale Concrete Pools

Overview: Bella Pools by Design, based in Morrisville and serving Raleigh, focuses on custom luxury concrete pools and outdoor living environments. Their portfolio includes high-end projects that integrate water features, fire elements, and architectural hardscapes.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Strong emphasis on design cohesion between pools, landscaping, and outdoor architecture.
Experience delivering unique, upscale projects that combine elegance with functionality.
Known for blending pools seamlessly into larger outdoor living concepts.

Best For: Homeowners who want a beautifully designed, high-quality pool that complements their property’s architecture.

4. Jim Hinson Pools - Boutique Custom Gunite Expertise

Overview: Jim Hinson Pools has over 50 years of experience in Raleigh creating custom gunite pools, spas, water features, and outdoor kitchens. They are known for boutique-level service and precision craftsmanship.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Long-standing reputation for quality custom gunite construction.
In-house execution of many project phases for greater control over quality.
Personalized service that extends beyond completion, with responsive maintenance and client care.

Best For: Clients who want a highly personalized pool design experience with artisan-level attention to detail.

5. Anthony & Sylvan Pools - National Brand with Local Stability

Overview: Anthony & Sylvan Pools operates a Raleigh Design Center and brings national resources to the Triangle. They focus on in-ground concrete pools, supported by structured processes and strong warranties.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Lifetime structural warranties on concrete pools.
National experience combined with a dedicated local team.
Well-established project management process from design through completion.

Best For: Homeowners who prefer the peace of mind that comes with a proven national brand and strong warranty coverage.

6. Trinity Pools & Spas - Versatile Range of Pool Types

Overview: Based in Apex and serving the Raleigh area, Trinity Pools & Spas builds a wide range of pool types including concrete, fiberglass, vinyl, and even container pools. They also offer spas, outdoor living features, and full design-build services.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Ability to work with multiple pool types, giving homeowners flexibility.
Design-build approach means they can handle everything from concept to completion.
Member of professional industry organizations, highlighting their credibility and standards.

Best For: Homeowners who want multiple pool options to compare and a one-stop solution for backyard design and construction.

7. Swim Inc. - Safety and Engineering-Focused

Overview: Swim Inc. has a reputation for emphasizing safe, well-engineered pool builds in both residential and commercial settings. Their approach integrates energy-efficient systems and structural integrity into every project.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Strong focus on circulation systems and efficiency, which means easier maintenance and safer swimming conditions.
Certified pool professionals with expertise in both residential and commercial projects.
Prioritizes long-term durability and compliance with safety standards.

Best For: Families and organizations who want pools built with an emphasis on safety and efficient system design.

8. Parrot Bay Pools - Fast Fiberglass Installs with Showroom Selection

Overview: Parrot Bay Pools is known across the Triangle for their fiberglass focus. They maintain a large showroom with in-stock fiberglass pool models, allowing for quick installation. They also offer vinyl and luxury concrete options for clients who want alternatives.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Fast installations, thanks to ready-to-go fiberglass models.
Wide selection of pool designs available for browsing at their showroom.
Options extend beyond fiberglass, including vinyl liners and custom concrete builds.

Best For: Homeowners looking for a fiberglass pool with a faster timeline and the ability to see pool models in person before choosing.

9. Cool Pools & Spas - Efficient Fiberglass Specialist

Overview: Located in Fuquay-Varina and serving Raleigh and Cary, Cool Pools & Spas is a licensed general contractor specializing in fiberglass pools. They also offer energy-efficient pumps and financing to make pool ownership more accessible.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Streamlined focus on fiberglass pool construction for quicker, more efficient projects.
Financing options available to ease upfront costs.
Knowledge of energy-efficient pump systems, with guidance on rebates that save homeowners money over time.

Best For: Clients seeking straightforward fiberglass installations with financing options and an emphasis on energy efficiency.

10. Coastal Poolscapes - Tech-Forward Luxury Pools

Overview: Coastal Poolscapes serves Raleigh and surrounding areas with a focus on luxury custom gunite pools. They are known for incorporating advanced technology and high-end finishes into their projects.

What Makes Them Stand Out

Specializes in upscale gunite pools designed for long-term durability and beauty.
Incorporates advanced controls, smart systems, and tech-forward features.
Offers full backyard environments, not just pools, for a complete transformation.

Best For: Homeowners looking for a modern, luxury pool experience with advanced features and premium design.

Raleigh Pool Costs, What to Budget

The cost of building a pool in Raleigh depends heavily on the pool type, site conditions, and the finishes you choose. On average, here’s what homeowners can expect:

Fiberglass Pools: $45,000 – $75,000. These are generally the fastest and most affordable option, especially if you choose a model that’s already in stock.
Vinyl Liner Pools: $55,000 – $85,000. A balance between affordability and customization, with ongoing costs for liner replacement every 8–12 years.
Gunite / Concrete Pools: $75,000 – $200,000+. These are fully custom and can include features like infinity edges, spas, or waterfalls.

Factors like backyard access, soil conditions, and upgrades (tile, lighting, decking, automation systems) can quickly increase the overall investment. For a deeper look, Angi provides a cost guide.

Permits, Codes, and HOA in Raleigh and Wake County

Building a pool in Raleigh means navigating a few regulatory steps. Most reputable builders will handle this process, but it’s important to understand the basics.

Checklist:

Residential building permit from the City of Raleigh.
Zoning compliance for setbacks and easements.
Electrical and gas permits if your pool includes heaters or lighting.
Barrier requirements (fencing, self-latching gates, and sometimes alarms).
HOA approval if your neighborhood requires it.

Wake County also enforces safety codes around barriers, including minimum fence heights and gate locking standards. State code RC6 requires specific pool barriers, always confirm the most current version before starting construction.

Tip: Always ask your builder if they will coordinate permits, inspections, and HOA approvals on your behalf.

Timeline, From Design to First Swim

The pool building process typically unfolds in phases:

Discovery & Design: Initial consultation, 3D renderings, HOA approval.
Pre-Construction: Utility locates, site survey, and project scheduling.
Excavation & Structure: Digging, installing the shell or steel, plumbing, and equipment.
Deck & Finishes: Coping, plaster, tile, decking, and landscaping.
Start-Up & Handoff: Water fill, equipment testing, and final walk-through.

In Raleigh, projects often take 8–20 weeks, depending on the pool type. Expect longer wait times if you start in spring or early summer when backlogs are common.

Warranty and Service, What to Read Carefully

A pool is a long-term investment, so warranties are crucial. Look for clarity in three areas:

Structural: Coverage for the pool shell or concrete. Some builders, like national brands, offer lifetime structural warranties.
Equipment: Coverage on pumps, filters, heaters, often backed by the manufacturer.
Workmanship: Coverage for tile, coping, and decking installation.

Ask each builder if they provide in-house service after installation or rely on third parties. Having a dedicated service department nearby can save headaches down the road.

Financing Options in the Triangle

Most Raleigh-area builders recognize that pools are a significant investment and partner with lenders to make financing easier. Common partners include LightStream, HFS, Viking Capital, and Lyon Financial.

When evaluating pool loans, ask:

Is the rate fixed or variable?
What is the loan term length?
Are there prepayment penalties?

Questions To Ask Before You Sign

Before committing, be sure to ask:

Are you licensed and insured in North Carolina?
Who supervises my project, and how often will I receive updates?
What exclusions exist in the contract (rock clauses, drainage issues, soil conditions)?
Which equipment models will be installed, and what are their warranties?
What’s the estimated timeline, and how do you handle delays?
Will you manage permits, inspections, and HOA approvals?
What is the payment schedule, and is it tied to milestones?

Red Flags To Avoid

Vague or incomplete contracts.
No dedicated service department after installation.
Builders unwilling to provide references or addresses of recent projects.
Demands for large upfront payments without a milestone-based schedule.

FAQs

How long does it take to build a pool in Raleigh?
Most projects take 8–20 weeks, depending on pool type and season.

Which pool type is best for clay soils or sloped yards?
Gunite pools are the most adaptable for challenging terrain.

What are the barrier requirements for a backyard pool?
Expect fencing at least 4 feet high with self-latching gates, plus alarms if doors lead directly to the pool area.

Do I need HOA approval?
Most Raleigh subdivisions require HOA approval before construction. Builders can often provide design packages for submission.

Methodology and Sources

This guide was developed by reviewing builder websites, Houzz profiles, Angi reviews, and local recognition pages like votedraleighsbest.com. Builders were verified for services offered, pool types, and service areas. Permitting details were cross-checked against City of Raleigh and Wake County regulations.

Final Take

The Raleigh pool market offers options for every homeowner, from fast fiberglass installs to luxury custom gunite designs. If you want a high-end, design-forward backyard transformation, Azalea Pools & Outdoor Living leads the pack. For decades of trust and comprehensive service, Rising Sun Pools is a safe choice. No matter which builder you choose, compare at least three proposals, review warranty coverage carefully, and confirm permitting responsibilities.