Building a pool in Sanford or on the Lake Monroe waterfront? As a Central Florida custom pool builder, we design and engineer water features, spas, and complete custom luxury pool projects. If you are weighing the investment, see our custom pool cost guide.
Luxury Custom Pool Builders in Sanford, FL
Over 25 Years Building High-End Pools in Florida
Local Expertise and Permitting
We handle all Seminole County codes, permits, and HOA requirements.
Award-Winning Design
Our award‑winning designs combine artistic vision with disciplined project management.
Industry Leadership
We are members of the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA), the Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA), and others.
Since November 1997, Southern Pool Designs has been the premier choice for homeowners seeking high-end, custom-built aquatic retreats. With over 25 years of experience and more than $100 million in luxury pool projects completed, we bring unparalleled craftsmanship and engineering expertise to every backyard in Seminole County.
As a certified pool contractor, we don’t just build pools; we create lifestyle centerpieces. Sanford is also where we are based. Our office sits at 150 Specialty Point, a few minutes from the historic downtown and the Lake Monroe waterfront, which means our crews are not travelling in from another county to reach your site. Whether you are planning a vanishing edge that looks out over the water or a shaded courtyard pool behind a historic district home, the team designing it works from the same town.
Ready to transform your backyard? Call us today at 407-339-5800 for your free consultation.
Advanced Technology and Sustainability
Modern luxury pools in Florida are smarter and greener than ever. At Southern Pool Designs, we integrate the latest technology into every project:
- Smart Automation: Control your pool’s temperature, lighting, and water features from your smartphone, anywhere in the world.
- Energy-Efficient Pumps: Variable-speed pumps that reduce energy consumption while maintaining crystal-clear water.
- Eco-Friendly Filtration: Advanced UV and ozone sanitization systems that reduce the need for heavy chemicals, making the water gentler on skin and eyes.
Client Reviews
★★★★★
“I don’t think my pool would have been on time without her!! Thanks Amelia!!” -Randy Mendonsa
★★★★★
“I’m always impressed to see the amazing pools done by Southern Pool Designs! They have a great reputation and Amelia Hartsough is very knowledgeable about all things pools!” –Matthew Sills
★★★★★
“Great people. Great work. Would definitely recommend.” -Mike Caviglia
Our Proven Construction Process
Building a luxury pool is a journey, and we pride ourselves on transparency and communication.
Step 1: Free On-Site Consultation
We visit your property to discuss your vision, take measurements, and assess the topography.
Step 2: Custom Design Phase
Our designers create a 3D rendering of your project, allowing you to “walk through” your new backyard before we break ground.
Step 3: Permitting and Engineering
We handle all submissions to Seminole County or your specific municipality (Sanford, Lake Mary, Oviedo, etc.).
Step 4: The Build
From excavation and steel reinforcement to gunite and tile, our project managers are on-site daily to ensure our high standards are met.
Step 5: The Startup
Once the pool is filled, we don’t just leave. We teach you how to operate your new smart-automation systems and maintain your water chemistry.
What Building in Sanford Actually Involves
Sanford sits on the south shore of Lake Monroe, where the St. Johns River widens before it turns north. That geography is the single biggest thing separating a Sanford pool project from one twenty minutes inland, and it shows up long before anyone pours concrete.
The water table is the first question, not an afterthought
Close to the lake and the river, groundwater sits high and it moves with the season. A shell designed without accounting for it can float, and a pool that floats is not a repair, it is a rebuild. We test before we design rather than after, and where the table is high the answer is usually a combination of hydrostatic relief, a revised depth profile and a deck drainage plan that moves water away from the shell rather than around it. None of that is visible in the finished pool. All of it decides whether the finished pool is still right in ten years.
Historic district homes have their own constraints
Sanford has one of the largest residential historic districts in Florida, and the lots inside it were laid out long before anyone was bringing an excavator through. Access is often the binding constraint rather than budget. Narrow side yards, mature oaks with root systems worth protecting, alley access that may or may not take a concrete truck. We survey access first and design to it, because a plan that cannot physically reach the back garden is not a plan.
Seminole County permitting, from an office in the county
Every submission goes through Seminole County or the City of Sanford, and we file in both regularly enough to know what each one asks for. Setbacks from the water, barrier and safety requirements, electrical for heating and automation, and the drainage review that riverfront and near riverfront lots attract. Being based here means a same day site visit is normal rather than something that has to be scheduled around travel.
What Sanford homeowners tend to build
Lakefront and near lakefront lots suit a vanishing edge, because there is a view worth borrowing. Historic district gardens suit something smaller and more architectural, with the budget weighted to finish and shade rather than to size. The newer estate neighbourhoods to the north and east take the full outdoor living treatment, with a spa, a summer kitchen and covered structure designed in from the start rather than added later.
View Our Recent Sanford, FL Projects
Our Custom Pool Services in Seminole County
We specialize in residential and commercial in-ground pool construction, offering a full suite of services to turn your outdoor space into a private resort.
Outdoor Living Environments
We believe the pool should be the heart of a larger outdoor living room. Our team coordinates the construction of:
- Outdoor Kitchens and Bars: High-end grilling stations and swim-up bars for the ultimate host.
- Custom Decking: Travertine, natural stone, and pavers designed to stay cool under the Florida sun.
- Screen Enclosures and Pergolas: Protecting your investment while maintaining an open-air feel.
Luxury Spas and Water Features
A pool is only the beginning. We enhance your aquatic experience with custom-engineered features:
- Spillover Spas: Seamlessly integrated into your pool design for year-round relaxation.
- Rock Grottos and Waterfalls: Hand-crafted stone features that provide both visual beauty and the soothing sound of moving water.
- Deck Jets and Laminars: Precision water arches with LED lighting for a modern, architectural feel.
Custom Gunite Pool Construction
Every pool we build is a “one-of-one.” We use high-strength gunite to create durable, beautiful shells that can be molded into any shape, from geometric rectangles to organic, freeform lagoons.
- Infinity and Vanishing Edges
- Perimeter Overflows
- Sunken Fire Pits and Seating
Frequently Asked Questions About Seminole County Pool Building
Do I need a permit for a pool in Seminole County?
Yes. All in-ground pools require building, electrical, and often plumbing permits. As your contractor, Southern Pool Designs handles the entire permitting process for you.
Why choose gunite over fiberglass?
Gunite offers limitless customization. In luxury markets like Seminole County, gunite is the gold standard because it allows for custom depths, intricate shapes, and integrated features like spas and grottos that fiberglass shells simply cannot match.
How do I handle the strict HOA requirements?
Seminole County is home to many prestigious HOAs with rigorous Architectural Review Boards (ARB). We have over 25 years of experience navigating these hurdles. We provide the detailed site plans, 3D renderings, and material samples required for board approval. We ensure your pool design meets specific setback requirements, screen enclosure height limits, and landscaping mandates so your project stays on schedule without friction from your neighborhood association.
How does pool automation integrate with my smart home?
Pool technology has moved far beyond simple timers. You can:
- Voice Control
- Remote Management
- Energy Monitoring
What are the rules for building a pool near a septic tank in Seminole County?
Many homes in rural or semi-rural parts of Seminole County rely on septic systems. If you have a septic tank, you must adhere to strict state and local setback requirements:
- The 5-Foot Rule: Your pool shell and any associated decking must be located at least 5 feet away from the septic tank and the drainfield.
- Structural Integrity: We ensure that the excavation of your pool does not destabilize the soil around your septic system.
- Drainfield Protection: It is critical that your pool’s backwash system does not drain into or near the septic leach field, as excessive water can “flood” the system and cause failure.
Our team performs a thorough site evaluation to locate your underground utilities and septic components before we begin the design process, ensuring your new pool and your existing utilities coexist safely.
Start Your Backyard Transformation Today
With over 25 years of experience and a portfolio of over $100M in completed projects, Southern Pool Designs is the partner you need to create the ultimate Seminole County oasis. Our reputation is built on trust, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence that has lasted for over a quarter-century.
Contact Southern Pool Designs today to schedule your free consultation.