Marion County homeowners rely on our team as their custom luxury pool builder, from the horse farms northwest of Ocala to the city’s golf communities. Every pool is engineered in house with optional water features. Browse projects and the cost guide.
Within Marion County, we design and build custom pools in communities including Ocala.
Luxury Custom Pool Builders in Marion County
Building High-Quality Pools in Florida Since 1997
Our recent work in Marion County
Marion County projects are designed and managed from our Sanford headquarters, about 90 minutes away. We share the area and budget range only, never client names or addresses.
Current projects
- Reddick (northwest Marion horse country): Estate pool ($525K to $550K). Under construction now.
Local page: Ocala.
Questions we hear from Marion County homeowners
How much does a custom pool cost in Marion County?
Most of our projects start at $120,000. Estate and horse farm projects, with long-distance logistics, geotechnical work and full outdoor living, usually land in our Signature ($175,000 to $325,000) or Monument ($325,000 and up) tiers. See our pricing page for the full tiers.
Who permits my pool, the City of Ocala or Marion County?
Inside Ocala city limits, City of Ocala Building Services permits pools. Unincorporated Marion County, which includes most horse farms and many estates, is permitted by Marion County Building Safety. Belleview and Dunnellon are separate cities. We confirm jurisdiction from the parcel record before design starts.
Do you replace older pools?
Yes, with a full rip and replace. Demolition typically runs $8,000 to $20,000 on top of the new pool. We do not resurface or repair pools.
How long does a custom pool take to build?
Most custom pools take 16 to 28 weeks from first design to swimming. Permitting usually takes 2 to 6 weeks of that.
Book a design consultation or call us at (407) 339-5800.
Decades of Experience
Established in November 1997, we have been navigating the Florida construction landscape ever since.
Professional Certification
We are a fully Certified Pool Contractor, ensuring every project meets or exceeds rigorous state safety and quality codes.
Concierge Project Management
You aren’t just another number on a “dig board.” Each client is assigned a dedicated project manager who provides regular updates and photo milestones.
In Marion County, the ground under the pool matters as much as the view. The county sits on limestone that feeds Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs, and sinkholes can occur anywhere in the county. Add horse farms on acreage, long private drives and gated golf communities, and a pool here takes more planning than a typical suburban lot.
Since 1997, Southern Pool Designs has designed and built residential luxury pools and water features across Central Florida. In Marion County that means a vanishing edge facing the pasture, a loggia and summer kitchen beside the pool, and engineering based on what is actually in the ground.
Begin your backyard transformation today. Contact our high-end pool team at (407) 339-5800 to schedule a consultation.
Areas We Serve in Marion County
Reddick and Northwest Marion
Golden Ocala
Country Club of Ocala
Dunnellon and Belleview
And More
A $100M Legacy of Engineering Excellence
When investing in a luxury home, the pool should be a seamless extension of the architecture. With over $100 million in luxury pool projects completed, Southern Pool Designs has the proven capability to handle the most complex and ambitious builds in Central Florida.
Our portfolio includes everything from sleek, modern knife-edge “mirror pools” to sprawling resort-style environments featuring lazy rivers and custom rock grottos. Our deep experience means we understand the specific soil conditions, elevation needs, and high expectations of Marion County homeowners, from horse farms to golf communities.
Client Reviews
★★★★★
“Mike and his team are very professional. They are understanding of peoples time and money. Mike is very tentative with his clients and very detailed in his work. His team makes sure that the purchaser feels comfortable and knows what they are getting into. I would recommend this company for any pool job that is needed.” -Brandon
★★★★★
“We contracted with Rick and Southern Pools for the Sehmbi Residence, and this pool was an absolute showstopper. Southern pools did not miss a beat with this one. They were always a head of the game as far as schedule and hit every timeline we needed to. Anytime we had any issues Rick was there ASAP to get handled. We highly recommend Southern Pool Designs.” -Mike Donnelly
★★★★★
“I did the research- I am that guy. I had a specific pool design in mind. The company that checked all the boxes was Southern Pool Designs. They just finished my pool and we are very happy. We had a great experience from design to finish. I love the attention to detail. I highly recommend this company for your pool project.” -Peter Golotko
The Southern Pool Designs Process: The Signature Path
We have been refining our process since 1997 to ensure your build is as smooth as possible.
Step 1: The Welcome and Discovery
We start with a detailed phone call to discuss your vision, inspiration photos, and budget. Our goal is to ensure we are the right partner for your specific needs before we even step foot on your property.
Step 2: On-Site Laser Scanning and 3D Design
Using advanced laser scanning, we map your backyard with millimeter precision. Our designers then create a stunning 3D rendering of your project, allowing you to see exactly how the sunlight hits the water and how the flow of the space feels before construction begins.
Step 3: Permitting and Engineering Excellence
Marion County Building Safety asks for site plans showing setbacks to every property line and a drainage and runoff plan, along with signed and sealed pool plans, TDH calculations and a pump curve. On sites where ground conditions call for it, we bring in geotechnical testing before structural design. Our in-house team handles the paperwork, HOA and architectural submittals, and city or county approvals.
Step 4: Precision Build and Handover
Our elite crews work on a disciplined schedule. From the initial dig to the final tile placement and the “pool school” where we teach you how to operate your new system, we treat your home with the respect it deserves.
Selected Projects From Our Portfolio
Our Luxury Pool and Outdoor Living Services
In the luxury market, “standard” doesn’t exist. We offer a full range of custom services designed to create a cohesive, high-end outdoor environment.
Signature Water and Fire Features
Movement and light are the hallmarks of an upscale pool. We design and install:
- Infinity and Vanishing Edges: The perfect solution for homes overlooking the pastures of northwest Marion or the fairways of Golden Ocala.
- Spillover Spas and Champagne Tubs: Elevate your relaxation with custom-jetted spas that overflow elegantly into the main pool.
- Laminar Jets and LED Lighting: Transform your backyard into a nightly light show with programmable, smartphone-controlled systems.
- Fire Bowls and Fire Pits: Add warmth and a dramatic “wow factor” to your evening entertaining.
Turn-Key Outdoor Environments
Your pool is the centerpiece, but the surrounding space completes the experience. Our team provides:
- Summer Kitchens and Wet Bars: High-performance outdoor cooking stations with premium stone finishes.
- Luxury Hardscaping: We use high-end materials like Turkish travertine, artistic pavers, and oversized marble slabs.
- Automated Screen Enclosures: Protect your investment without sacrificing the view with modern, high-visibility enclosures.
Custom Gunite Pool Construction
We specialize exclusively in gunite pools, the industry standard for luxury. Unlike pre-molded shells, gunite allows for infinite customization in shape, depth, and features. From perimeter overflows that create a seamless water-to-deck transition to “beach entries” that mimic a natural shoreline, if you can imagine it, we can build it.
Frequently Asked Questions for Marion County Clients
Are sinkholes a concern for a pool in Marion County?
They can be. Marion County sits on limestone, and sinkholes can occur anywhere in the county. On sites where conditions call for it, we recommend geotechnical testing, such as soil borings, before structural design so the shell, footings and decks are engineered to what is actually in the ground.
Can you build a pool on a horse farm?
Yes. We site the pool for views and privacy, keep it clear of the well, septic system and drainfield, and plan deliveries, haul routes and staging so construction does not disrupt horses or damage pasture, fencing and irrigation.
Do you build in Golden Ocala and other gated communities?
Yes. Communities such as Golden Ocala, the Country Club of Ocala and El Dorado typically require architectural review. We prepare renderings, site plans and finish selections for that submittal and run it alongside the permit.
How do you manage a project 90 minutes from your office?
Every project gets a dedicated project manager and real-time project tracking. We schedule site visits and milestone meetings in advance so distance never slows down decisions on your job.
What is the advantage of working with a Certified Pool Contractor?
In Florida, a Certified Pool Contractor has passed rigorous testing and meets high insurance and bonding requirements. This protects you as a homeowner and ensures that the structural integrity and hydraulic engineering of your pool are handled by a true professional, not just a general laborer.
Start Your Marion County Pool Project Today
Don’t trust your home’s most significant outdoor feature to a volume builder. Choose the team building since 1997, with a $100M+ track record of success.
Call Southern Pool Designs at (407) 339-5800 today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward your new luxury lifestyle.