Build Your Dream Inground Swimming Pool: The Ultimate Guide to Success

With this guide we hope to assist you in making informed decisions about what type of pool builder to hire and how to proceed with an inground pool project at your home. It will give you a solid understanding of the costs and timelines, design and construction methods, and ongoing maintenance involved in creating a luxury inground swimming pool and landscape environment.

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The best backyard swimming pools are set in holistic landscape compositions where shade structures, hardscape, and plantings work together harmoniously. Be sure you know how to plan and who to hire!

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Why Northern Virginia Homeowners Invest in Luxury Pools

For affluent homeowners in McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, and Arlington, the modern backyard landscape has evolved into something far more sophisticated and versatile than the backyards our dads mowed every Sunday in summer.

Increasingly, homeowners are investing in personalized outdoor living spaces that enrich daily life by shaping play space, areas for entertaining, and privacy to relax alone or gather family and friends. Inground swimming pools are frequently the anchor for these luxury landscapes.

A thoughtfully designed backyard swimming pool environment becomes a destination. It’s the place where grandchildren play in summer, where friends linger beside a fire after dinner, and where homeowners can slip outside at the end of a demanding day to catch a breath of fragrant garden air.

It is a common mistake for homeowners to think of the swimming pool as the entire project. In fact, the pool is just one part of a larger design. The most successful backyard swimming pool design and installation projects are holistic landscape compositions where shade structures, hardscape, planting beds, lighting, grading, and water management work together harmoniously.

This level of integration requires careful planning, technical expertise, creative problem-solving and design vision. And that takes time!

If you imagine holding hands with your kids and cannonballing into the deep end on Memorial Day weekend, you’ve got to start planning ten to twelve months ahead! The permitting process can take four to six months depending on the project scope. Grading and drainage plans must be stamped by a professional engineer and submitted with the design for approval by your county before construction can begin.

For all of these reasons, it is imperative that you work with a landscape architect to design your pool and pool landscaping.

Why Landscape Architect-Led Pool Construction is Imperative

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is contacting a pool builder before consulting a landscape architect.

A pool contractor naturally focuses on the pool construction. A landscape architect considers the entire property: views from inside the home, ideal pool location, pathways and circulation patterns, grading, privacy, plant selection, lighting, and the relationships between diverse outdoor elements.

This distinction matters enormously. Pools designed without big picture vision and landscape planning often encounter long-term problems:

poor pool location in relation to the house
awkward circulation around the pool area
insufficient lounging or entertaining space
noisy pool equipment located too close to seating areas
unattractive winter views

Collaboration between a landscape architect and a custom pool builder ensures the long term success of your inground pool design and construction project

Regarding “unattractive views”, here in Northern Virginia pools are closed for nearly half the year. Homeowners may not be aware of how a covered pool appears during those winter months. A poorly positioned pool can dominate the view from your kitchen window with a tarp that collects puddles and decomposing leaves.

A skilled landscape architect thinks beyond summer. The landscape design process begins by studying:

where the home sits on the property
what views should be emphasized
how sun and shade move across the site
existing grading and drainage conditions
zoning setbacks and environmental restrictions
how the homeowners imagine themselves using the space

The result is a refined and cohesive environment. Form and function, aesthetics and utility are gracefully interwoven.

Backyard Swimming Pool Designs that Overcome Difficult Site Challenges

When your property presents unique challenges such as limited space, steep slopes, or exacting regulatory requirements, that’s when working with a landscape architect is imperative to developing a successful backyard pool project.

A landscape architect, unlike a pool builder, is accustomed to looking at the big picture and creatively resolving issues on site that make custom pool building problematic. For example:

Small backyards with limited space for a pool
Steeply sloped backyards lacking a level area close enough to the house

A landscape architect has the experience and expertise to turn a confounding problem into an opportunity for creative expression.

If your property presents challenges such as limited space, steep slopes, or exacting regulatory requirements – speak to a landscape architect!

Concept #1: Pool Designs for Small Backyards

These Herndon Virginia homeowners had already made a significant investment in landscape design. Their small backyard landscape featured a spa and flagstone patio anchored by a 22-foot long curved retaining wall with built-in stone bench seating and a magnificent stone fireplace. Now they wanted to add a swimming pool to the mix without disturbing the existing landscape.

Their landscape architect had to work within strict space limitations, maintain compositional balance, and avoid crowding other features in the yard. He devised a lagoon style pool whose fluid perimeter lines easily fit within the confines of the existing space.

He also added a nice touch by placing an infinity edge spill wall at the end of the pool nearest the fireplace seating area. From inside the pool, it creates an optical illusion that makes the fireplace area appear to be below water level. On the fireplace side, a waterfall effect is created as water sheets over a sparkling glass tiled spillway. You can see the same effect mirrored at the upper end of the pool where the spa spills into the pool.

Concept #2: Pool Designed for a Steeply Sloped Backyard

These Potomac Maryland homeowners had to deal with a yard that dropped down from the house on a long steep slope. What to do?

Initially, they weren’t sure whether to start by calling a landscape architect or a pool builder. The few pool contractors they interviewed weren’t able to offer a solution to that technical challenge. The owners realized they needed a design professional who could coordinate the entire project with a design process that transitioned seamlessly into pool construction.

The landscape architect used terracing, retaining walls, and raised beds to frame a breathtaking view of the pool from the upper patio and a pleasant stroll down to the pool area.

Two retaining walls carve out the area for this pool. A high wall on the upper slope holds back the hill and creates the perfect backdrop to support two natural looking waterfalls—one of them with a spa above. A low retaining wall on the downslope side supports the pool and makes an impressive visual statement when viewed from downhill.

This inground pool installation involved a lot of thought and planning. But the necessity of solving the site challenge sparked creativity. The swimming pool is the anchor for a multi-purpose outdoor environment that includes a spa, lounging patio, waterfalls and raised planting beds. Altogether they create a one-of-kind ambience for this backyard pool environment.

BEFORE: UPHILL VIEW

BEFORE: DOWNHILL VIEW

Before Inground Pool Construction Begins…

Location, location, location! Pool placement is both an art and a technical exercise.

Pool Landscaping Plan

gunite construction rebar grid

Landscape architects often describe an intuitive sense of where a pool “feels right” on a property. But intuition is tethered by practical constraints: by topography, property setbacks, septic systems, drainage conditions, and county regulations.

spa plumbing & rebar basket

GUNITE swimming pool shell

Sun exposure is one of the most important considerations. Pools generally belong in sunny areas of the property. Shade can be introduced later with trees, architectural structures or umbrellas.

The relationship between the pool and the house is equally important. Homeowners should consider:

What will they see from interior rooms?
Will the pool feel integrated into the fabric of the landscape?
How easily can guests move between indoor and outdoor entertaining areas?
Where will lounge seating, dining, and shade areas be located?

Great pool environments are carefully choreographed experiences.

Location, location, location! Pool placement is both an art and a technical exercise.

Inground Pool Shapes, Styles, and Construction Methods

RECTANGULAR POOL

LAGOON STYLE POOL

Inground swimming pools fall broadly into two stylistic categories:

rectilinear geometric pools
freeform naturalistic pools

Rectangular pools are especially popular because they accommodate automatic covers, which many homeowners prefer for convenience, safety, and winter protection.

Freeform pools, by contrast, create a softer, more natural appearance resembling lagoons or resort environments.

The architecture of the home typically influences the design direction. Traditional homes often pair beautifully with elegant geometric pools, while more organic landscapes may support curvilinear forms, boulders, waterfalls, and naturalistic planting.

Surrounds only builds gunite pools because of their durability and design flexibility in custom pool building. Gunite construction employs sprayed concrete over steel reinforcement, allowing complete customization of:

pool shape
style of pool coping
waterline border tile
steps and benches
submerged tanning ledges
integrated spas and water features
custom lighting
vanishing edges
water type (salt, chlorine, or “fresh”)

Unlike fiberglass or vinyl liner pools, gunite pools are not limited by prefabricated shapes. For high-end homeowners seeking craftsmanship and individuality, the customization offered by poured concrete pool construction is an important feature.

Rectangular pools are popular because they can be fitted with automatic covers.

Designing Complete Outdoor Living Spaces

The most memorable pool environments extend beyond the waters edge. The goal is to create a sequence of interconnected outdoor “rooms” that flow freely and feel intentional. Each area has a purpose and together they make up a complete experience.

Luxury outdoor living spaces typically include some combination of:

expansive patios and decking
outdoor dining spaces
outdoor kitchens and grilling areas
shade structures and pool houses
fire features
spas and water features
landscape lighting
outdoor audio systems

Many homeowners initially provide a wish list of desired features. The landscape architect’s role is to organize these elements into a balanced composition that supports both aesthetics and functionality.

Successful design also considers the emotional atmosphere. The design itself creates a space that invites people to stay.

Some clients prefer a contemplative environment with dark reflective pool interiors, restrained materials, and sculptural simplicity. Others want bright resort-inspired environments designed around entertaining and recreation.

The materials, colors, textures, and spatial arrangement all contribute to that atmosphere.

For homeowners seeking high-end craftsmanship and individuality, the customization offered by poured concrete (gunite) pool construction is an imperative.

Selecting Materials and Finishes for the Pool and Surrounding Area

Material selection influences not only visual appearance, but also comfort, longevity, maintenance, and budget.

Among the most popular luxury pool coping and deck materials are:

travertine
marble
porcelain
bluestone
natural stone pavers

Each material offers different advantages.

Travertine and porcelain remain relatively cool underfoot during hot weather, making them especially comfortable for pool decks. Bluestone is visually beautiful but can become extremely hot under foot in direct sun.

Pool interior finishes shape the emotional character of the environment:

lighter interiors express bright, playful energy
darker interiors produce serene, reflective effects

In our view, the best material palettes feel timeless.

Simplicity and quality craftsmanship tend to age far better than overly elaborate design gestures.

Pool Landscaping

Garden design is essential to the success of a luxury pool environment. Thoughtful landscaping softens the hardscaping elements, frames views, creates privacy, and supports seasonal beauty. It helps to integrate the pool naturally into the landscape.

Planting around pools requires careful consideration. Landscape architects must account for:

debris-producing trees overhanging the pool
bee-attracting plants too close to seating areas
Chlorine or salt tolerance
long-term maintenance considerations
Expected plant size at maturity

Thoughtful pool landscaping softens the edges of hardscaping elements, frames views, creates privacy, and supports seasonal beauty.

Certain flowering plants may attract excessive pollinator activity near pool decks, while some evergreens create constant cleanup issues from dropped needles and branches. So, plant selection and placement must be carefully planned in the design.

Modern landscape design also increasingly emphasizes layered planting:

evergreens for structure and definition
ornamental and specimen trees for focal points and accents
seasonal flowering shrubs to produce “rolling” blooms
ornamental grasses to fill negative space and add texture
screening hedges to enhance privacy

The result is a landscape that has depth and diversity, that remains visually interesting throughout all four seasons. Garden design is intended to evolve naturally over time with the hardscapes and built structures.

Inground Pool Contractors: the Importance of Project Supervision

Inground pool construction projects involve extraordinary coordination among pool contractors, landscape architects, engineers, suppliers, and county permitting services.

Without careful oversight, communication failures and construction mistakes can compromise the final result. Or simply make the whole process difficult for the homeowners to endure.

One of Surrounds’ distinctive advantages is its role in managing the pool builder throughout the process. The firm actively coordinates pool construction to ensure the design intent is executed as envisioned by the homeowner and the designer

This oversight protects homeowners from many common industry frustrations:

project delays
inconsistent craftsmanship
communication lapses
design deviations

Because Surrounds works with vetted inground pool contractors, companies they know and trust, clients benefit from a single source of protection and accountability.

Careful project supervision ensures the design intent is executed as envisioned by the homeowner and the landscape architect.

Pool Renovation

Not every luxury pool project begins from scratch.

BEFORE

AFTER

Sometimes homeowners in established neighborhoods such as McLean, Great Falls, Bethesda, and Chevy Chase live in homes that have pools from the previous owner. Sometimes these pools are old, in poor condition, and not measuring up to the new owner’s expectations. With pool renovation projects, we frequently encounter an aging pool that has lost its visual appeal and has developed maintenance or mechanical problems.

Pool renovation projects may include:

resurfacing the pool interior
replacing coping and decking
upgrading pumping equipment
improving drainage in and around the pool
introducing spas and water features
enhanced pool landscaping and planting beds
expanding entertainment areas: adding outdoor fireplaces, pool houses, and kitchens

A benefit of pool renovation is the disruption caused by excavation and substantial earth moving for new pool construction can be reduced or avoided altogether.

Some pool renovations become extensive transformations that entirely reinvent the entire outdoor environment.

Interestingly, renovation projects are not always less expensive than new construction. While the existing shell of the pool may remain, extensive demolition, structural repairs, plumbing and electrical upgrades can create substantial costs.

A big benefit, however, is the disruption caused by excavation and substantial earth moving required for new pool construction is reduced or avoided altogether.

Long-Term Landscape and Pool Maintenance

Luxury landscapes are living environments that evolve continuously over time. And they require pool systems maintenance and horticultural garden care practices that adjust to the changing conditions in the landscape.

Pool maintenance requires:

weekly maintenance
water pH balancing
seasonal opening and closing
equipment servicing
lighting checks

Pool landscaping requires:

ongoing horticultural care
seasonal care: pruning, weeding, mowing
fertilization, pest control
irrigation management
lighting maintenance

The highest-performing outdoor environments benefit from professional stewardship. Surrounds emphasizes the importance of combining design, construction, landscape maintenance, and garden care expertise under one organization because long-term care protects the integrity of the original design vision.

Great landscapes mature gracefully when properly maintained. Trees develop canopy structure, planting beds fill out and soften architectural edges, and materials weather beautifully over time.

Luxury landscapes are living environments that mature gracefully when they are consistently maintained.

Budget Expectations for Luxury Pool Projects

One of the greatest disconnects in luxury pool design involves budget expectations.

Many homeowners underestimate the true cost of creating a complete outdoor environment. According to the Surrounds design team, homeowners are often surprised to learn that the pool shell itself may range from approximately $100,000 to $175,000 or more before factoring in landscaping and garden design.

Complete outdoor living environments frequently range from $300,000 to $500,000+
depending on:

site conditions
grading complexity
need for retaining walls
custom built shade structures
outdoor kitchens
integrated spas and water features
Lighting and hardscaping material selections

While this investment is substantial, affluent homeowners are generally not seeking the least expensive solution. They are seeking:

natural beauty that lasts
fine craftsmanship
creativity and creative problem solving
professional guidance
a seamless experience

This is what a high-end landscape architectural approach looks like, and it is not the right approach for everyone.

Creating a Backyard That Changes the Way You Live

A luxury swimming pool environment is not simply an amenity. It is an investment in lifestyle, family experience, beauty, and daily well-being.

The most successful projects emerge when homeowners begin with a comprehensive vision rather than isolated features. A well thought out pool environment will feel inseparable from the architecture of the home and the surrounding landscape.

That level of integration requires thoughtful design, creative vision, technical expertise, and disciplined project management.

When all of those elements come together successfully, the result is transformative: a private outdoor destination that enriches the experience of home life for years to come.

Inground pool construction projects develop successfully when homeowners begin with a comprehensive vision for the entire outdoor environment

Inground Pool Construction - Frequently Asked Questions

Should I hire a landscape architect or a pool builder first?

For most luxury pool projects, it’s best to begin with a landscape architect. They design the entire outdoor environment—including the pool, patios, planting, and lighting—to create a cohesive, functional space. They also finesse site specific challenges by fine-tuning the grading and drainage.

Do I need a permit to build a pool in Northern Virginia?

Yes, a permit is always required for inground pool construction in all Northern Virginia counties. Any landscaping project that involves excavation and hardscaping will alter the hydrology of a site. A stormwater management plan must be submitted as part of the permitting process. A landscape architect will always include a drainage plan in the package when applying for a construction permit.

What type of inground pool is best for Northern Virginia?

Gunite (concrete) pools are often the preferred choice because they offer exceptional durability and virtually unlimited design flexibility. They can be customized with integrated spas, sunning ledges, water features, custom lighting, and a wide variety of finishes.

Where is the best location for my swimming pool?

This is a critical decision and one where it is easy to make a mistake. Pool placement should balance aesthetics with practical considerations such as sun exposure, drainage, grading, property setbacks, and views from inside the home. A well-positioned pool feels naturally connected to both the house and the surrounding landscape.

How much should I budget for a luxury pool project in Northern Virginia?

While every project is unique, a custom gunite pool typically starts at around $100,000–$175,000 for the pool itself. Complete outdoor living environments that include landscaping, patios, outdoor kitchens, shade structures, lighting, and other amenities often range from $300,000 to $500,000 or more.

Why Surrounds?

Landscapes are not a “set and forget” affair. Your landscaping is a living, ever-changing ecosystem that evolves and needs consistent care to achieve its full potential.

Surrounds is a combined landscape architecture, construction, and landscape maintenance firm. We build what we design and provide ongoing care for what we’ve built. Our architects know construction. Our construction and landscape maintenance crews understand design.

We believe this all-in-one approach best serves homeowners because it supports clear communication, creative collaboration, and procedural efficiencies that significantly benefit you, our client.

We gain tremendous satisfaction from caring for the landscapes we’ve designed and built because we know exactly what they need. It’s gratifying to see them “grow into themselves” as they settle in, take root, mature, and thrive.

If you are ready to take the first step toward designing a new backyard landscape or would like to upgrade your current landscape maintenance program to the next level, please schedule a consultation with one of our landscape professionals.

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