Building on Merritt Island, between the Banana and Indian Rivers? As a Central Florida custom pool builder, we design and engineer water features, sun shelves, and complete outdoor living. See finished builds in our custom luxury pool projects, and what a build runs in our custom pool cost guide. Every project starts in our custom pool design studio, where you see the full design in 3D and know the cost before we break ground.
Luxury Custom Pool Builders on Merritt Island, FL
Building High-End Pools in Florida Since 1997
Recent pools near Cocoa & Merritt Island
- Cocoa Beach: Custom pool and spa for a new custom home ($120K to $125K).
Starting soon
- Rockledge: Custom pool and pergola ($400K to $450K). Permitting in progress.
Questions we hear at our Cocoa & Merritt Island office
How much does a custom pool cost in Cocoa?
Most of our projects start at $120,000. Pool and spa combinations with custom features usually land between $175,000 and $325,000. See our pricing page for the full tiers.
Do you resurface or repair pools?
No. We build new pools and do full rip and replace. For resurfacing or repairs, we’re happy to point you to someone local.
How long does a custom pool take to build?
Most custom pools take 16 to 28 weeks from first design to swimming, depending on size and features. Permitting usually takes 2 to 6 weeks of that. Here is the full timeline, step by step.
Visit our Cocoa & Merritt Island office
Southern Pool Designs, Cocoa & Merritt Island
1980 N Atlantic Ave, Suite 230-21
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 355-7701
Certified Pool Contractor
We are fully licensed and insured, adhering to the highest safety and construction standards in the state of Florida.Local Expertise
We are deeply familiar with Brevard County and Merritt Island building codes, including turtle-friendly lighting requirements and dune protection setbacks.White-Glove Service
From your first 3D design rendering to the final “first splash,” you receive a dedicated project manager and weekly updates.At Southern Pool Designs, we understand that a home isn’t just a place to live; it’s a gateway to Florida’s natural beauty. Since 1997, we have been the premier choice for homeowners looking to elevate their outdoor living with luxury, custom-built pools in Merritt Island, FL that stand the test of time and the salty coastal air.
With over $100M in luxury pool projects completed, our team brings a level of expertise and artistry that is unmatched in Brevard County. Whether you are looking to build a sleek infinity pool overlooking the Banana River or a family-friendly lagoon near the historic Merritt Island Pier, Southern Pool Designs is your partner in creating a private paradise.
Ready to start your journey? Call us today at (321) 355-7701 for a free consultation.
Other Areas We Serve in Brevard County
Coastal Engineering: Built for the Space Coast
Building near the ocean requires a “Marine-Grade” mindset. Merritt Island’s environment is beautiful but harsh on standard construction materials. Southern Pool Designs uses advanced techniques to ensure your investment lasts for decades:
- Corrosion-Resistant Hardware: We utilize non-ferrous fittings and salt-tolerant equipment to prevent rust staining and premature failure.
- Advanced Drainage Solutions: Our engineering team designs specific drainage plans to manage tropical downpours and protect your home’s foundation.
- High-Density Shotcrete: We use superior concrete mixes that offer better resistance to water penetration and salt-air degradation.
Client Reviews
★★★★★
“Such beautiful, inspiring design. My every wish was incorporated in the project. The personal customer service is outstanding.” -Kate Malloy
★★★★★
“Great team and great follwo-up taking care of business!” -Jacques Turgeon
★★★★★
“Reliable company, professional and responsive. Paul is a pleasure to work with.” -Alyssa Olsson
The Southern Pool Designs Process: What to Expect
Step 1: The Free Consultation
We meet at your property to discuss your lifestyle, budget, and vision.Step 2: 3D Conceptual Design
Our designers create a virtual model of your backyard, allowing you to “walk through” the space before construction begins.Step 3: Permitting and Engineering
We handle the heavy lifting with the Brevard County building department. Merritt Island is unincorporated, so most pools here permit through the county.Step 4: Precision Construction
Our elite craftsmen work on a disciplined schedule, overseen by a project manager who provides you with regular photo updates.Step 5: The Handover
We don’t just leave you with a pool; we provide a full orientation on how to use your new equipment and smart controls.What Building on Merritt Island Actually Involves
Merritt Island sits between the Banana River and the Indian River, which is a beautiful place to own a pool and a demanding place to build one. Almost every decision on an island lot traces back to salt, wind and water, and the ones that get skipped are the ones that cost money later.
Salt air decides the equipment before the design does
Airborne salt reaches inland further than most owners expect, and it attacks the parts of a pool nobody looks at. Heater housings, pump fittings, light rings, screen enclosure fixings, handrail anchors. On the island we specify for the environment rather than the catalog price: corrosion resistant fixings throughout, equipment pads sited and screened with prevailing wind in mind, and finishes chosen because they survive rather than because they photograph well in a showroom. A pool built to inland specification a few miles west will look tired here in half the time.
High water table and a thin margin on depth
Groundwater sits close to the surface across much of the island, and it rises with tide and rainfall rather than staying put. That constrains depth profile, it makes hydrostatic relief non negotiable, and it makes dewatering during construction a real line in the schedule rather than an afterthought. We test before we design, because finding out afterwards means redesigning the shell.
Wind load, screens and what actually survives a storm
Enclosures on the island have to be engineered for coastal wind load, not the inland standard. That changes the frame section, the anchor spacing and the fixing specification. It is more expensive at the point of sale and considerably cheaper across a decade, because the failure mode for an underspecified cage is that it lands in the pool.
Permitting, and the parts that take longer here
Submissions go through Brevard County or the relevant municipality, and waterfront and near waterfront lots attract additional review around setbacks, drainage and shoreline protection. Where a lot backs onto the river there may be state level considerations as well. We build that review time into the schedule at the start so the date we give you is the date that holds.
View Our Recent Merritt Island, FL Projects
Our Luxury Pool Services in Merritt Island
Comprehensive Outdoor Living
In Merritt Island, the party always moves outside. We extend your living space with custom features designed to handle the Florida elements:
- Outdoor Kitchens and Bars: High-grade stainless steel appliances and granite countertops for the ultimate BBQ.
- Fire Features: Fire pits and bowls that provide a stunning contrast to your pool’s water at night.
- Automated Pool Systems: Control your heater, salt chlorinator, and LED lighting from your smartphone, perfect for vacation home owners.
Rip and Replace Pool Rebuilds
If your existing pool feels like a relic of the 90s, we remove it completely and engineer a new pool in its place. We don’t resurface, re-tile or patch existing pools. A rebuild lets you choose:
- New Shape and Finish: A redesigned pool in durable, shimmering pebble or quartz finishes.
- Modern Waterline Tile: Glass or porcelain tile on the new waterline.
- Deck Expansion: Replace old pavers with cool-to-the-touch travertine or artistic shell stone.
Custom Pool Design and Construction
Every project starts with a blank canvas. We specialize in custom gunite pools, which offer the greatest durability and design flexibility. Whether you want a geometric lap pool for morning exercise or a free-form “tropical grotto” with natural rock waterfalls, our designers bring your vision to life in stunning 3D before a single shovel hits the ground.Frequently Asked Questions for Merritt Island Homeowners
Are your pools built for salty air and storms?
Are salt water pools better for coastal homes?
Do I need a permit for a pool in Merritt Island?
Yes. All new pool constructions and significant renovations require permits from Brevard County, since Merritt Island is unincorporated. As a certified pool contractor, Southern Pool Designs handles the entire permitting process, including environmental and zoning reviews.
Do you handle city permits for oceanfront lots?
Where have you recently worked in Merritt Island?
Start Your Merritt Island Backyard Transformation Today
Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter pool. Join the ranks of Florida homeowners who have experienced the “Southern Pool Designs Difference.” With a history dating to 1997 and a portfolio of $100M+ in luxury builds, we have the experience to turn your backyard into the envy of the neighborhood.
Contact the professionals at Southern Pool Designs today to get started on your new pool project.