When you’re investing in a pool, it’s natural to compare quotes. Every homeowner wants to feel confident they’re getting a fair price. But here’s the truth we’ve learned after nearly three decades in this industry:

The cheapest bid almost never ends up being the least expensive.

A pool is a complex piece of engineered construction, not a commodity. What you don’t see on paper – plumbing sizes, rebar layout, concrete thickness, electrical capacity, and hydraulic design – is what determines how long your pool lasts and how much it costs to maintain.

At Southern Pool Designs, we’ve rebuilt and repaired too many “cheap” pools to count. The common thread is always the same: cutting corners early leads to costly repairs later.

1. Undersized Plumbing = Overworked Equipment

Many low-cost builders save dollars by using smaller plumbing lines or fewer returns.

That choice forces pumps to work harder, increases energy consumption, and shortens equipment lifespan.

Proper hydraulic design ensures water moves efficiently through the system quietly, evenly, and with minimal strain. Undersized plumbing might not show up on day one, but it’s what causes chronic flow issues, cloudy water, and recurring service calls years later.

2. Thinner Gunite = Hidden Structural Risk

Gunite thickness is one of the easiest places to cut costs and one of the most dangerous.

A half-inch less concrete across a large pool saves a builder thousands, but it weakens the shell and increases the risk of cracks or movement over time.

We engineer every pool to exceed Florida’s structural standards, with consistent shell thickness, proper rebar spacing, and full inspections before interior finishes go in. That’s why our pools don’t just look beautiful; they perform beautifully for decades.

3. Cheap Materials = Expensive Maintenance

Low-quality tile, coping, and plaster might look fine at first, but exposure to Florida’s heat and chemical conditions quickly reveals the difference.

We use premium materials and proven installation methods because quality compounds — it pays dividends in fewer repairs, easier maintenance, and higher resale value.

4. Warranty: Where True Builders Show Their Character

A warranty is only as strong as the company that stands behind it.

Many “budget builders” are gone by the time a problem appears, leaving homeowners to deal with it alone.

We take pride in honoring our warranties quickly and professionally. If something fails, we fix it. No excuses, no runaround. Our reputation was built on reliability, and that means standing behind every pool we build, year after year.

5. The Real Cost of Cutting Corners

Choosing a pool builder based on price alone often turns a dream into a money pit. The savings disappear when equipment fails early, cracks form, or finishes deteriorate faster than expected.

We believe luxury is about longevity. The extra care we put into engineering, hydraulics, and craftsmanship doesn’t just add value; it prevents problems before they start.

Build It Right the First Time

Your pool should be a place of relaxation, not frustration.

At Southern Pool Designs, we engineer every project to last, back it with one of the strongest warranties in the industry, and communicate with transparency every step of the way.

If you’re comparing bids, take a closer look beyond the price tag. The difference isn’t in what you see, it’s in what’s built beneath the surface.

Southern Pool Designs. Built to perform. Built to last.