When you’re spending six figures or more on a pool, it’s tempting to think, “They’re all building the same thing. Why not pick the cheapest?”
That’s the mistake hundreds of homeowners make every year. On paper, the plans look similar. The photos look good. The contract even lists the same size and features. But in pool construction, the details you can’t see are what determine whether your investment lasts 2 years or 20.
At Southern Pool Designs, we’ve been building luxury pools in Florida since 1997, and we’ve repaired hundreds of “budget builds” that failed prematurely. Once you’ve seen what happens behind the scenes, you’ll never choose a pool builder on price alone.
Why Cheaper Isn’t Actually Cheaper
A reputable builder prices based on engineering, materials, and long-term performance.
A cut-rate builder prices based on what they can leave out.
That difference won’t show up on your first invoice; it shows up later in cracked shells, failing equipment, and endless repairs.
In the pool industry, margins are slim and materials are costly. If a builder comes in thousands of dollars below everyone else, it’s not magic — it’s math. They’ve simply found quiet ways to reduce their costs at your expense.
Here’s How Budget Builders Cut Corners
Below are the most common shortcuts we uncover when fixing other builders’ “cheap” pools.
1. Thinner Shell and Rebar Spacing
Cutting even half an inch of gunite across a large pool saves a builder thousands. Many also widen the spacing between rebar or skip reinforcing steel in steps and benches.
Result: Micro-cracks, structural movement, and eventual shell failure — all invisible until it’s too late.
2. Undersized Plumbing
Instead of using 2.5″ or 3″ suction and return lines, cheaper builders often use 1.5″ pipe.
Result: Restrictive flow, overworked pumps, noisy plumbing, higher energy bills, and poor circulation that leads to cloudy water and algae.
3. Low-Grade Equipment
Some builders swap premium pumps, filters, and heaters for cheaper retail-grade versions that aren’t meant for continuous use.
Result: More frequent breakdowns and shorter lifespans. You might “save” $2,000 upfront but spend $5,000 in replacements within three years.
4. Thin Interior Finish
Budget builders use the cheapest plaster mix or skip the bonding coat entirely.
Result: Surface streaking, rough texture, and early delamination or discoloration. A good finish should last 15+ years, not five.
5. Basic or Improper Waterproofing
Corners, tile lines, and raised walls need specialized waterproofing products. Many builders skip them because they’re time-consuming.
Result: Leaks, efflorescence, and structural staining that’s difficult and expensive to repair.
6. Deck Drainage Neglect
The deck looks clean on day one, but there’s no sub-drainage or correct slope.
Result: Standing water, mold growth, and surface heaving that ruins your pavers or travertine.
7. Shortcuts in Electrical and Bonding
Some cut corners by using undersized conduit, cheaper breakers, or incomplete bonding grids.
Result: Safety risks, nuisance tripping, and future compliance failures when it’s time to resell the home.
8. Inexperienced Crews
Low-bid builders often rely on rotating subcontractors instead of dedicated teams.
Result: Inconsistent craftsmanship, poor supervision, and no accountability when problems surface later.
9. No Financial Stability
The scariest shortcut isn’t physical — it’s financial. Many budget builders use new deposits to fund old jobs. When cash flow tightens, projects stall or collapse altogether.
Result: You’re left with a half-finished pool and a vanished contractor.
🧩 How Southern Pool Designs Builds Differently
- Engineered plans and hydraulic modeling on every job
- Consistent gunite thickness and steel inspection reports
- Oversized plumbing for energy efficiency and balanced flow
- Commercial-grade equipment from top manufacturers
- Proper waterproofing and deck drainage on every design
- Dedicated, in-house project management and long-term subcontractors
- Financial discipline backed by a bulletproof balance sheet
🔧 Warranty That Actually Means Something
We take pride in standing behind our work long after completion.
If something fails, we fix it, quickly and professionally. Our warranty process is straightforward and proactive, not defensive or dismissive.
You’re not just hiring a builder. You’re hiring a company with the experience, systems, and financial strength to honor every commitment it makes.
🏁 Build It Once. Build It Right.
Choosing a pool builder based on the lowest bid might save you money today, but it often guarantees frustration tomorrow.
At Southern Pool Designs, we price our projects to do it right the first time with proper engineering, quality materials, and craftsmanship designed to last decades.
Because a pool shouldn’t become a money pit. It should become your favorite part of your home.
Southern Pool Designs — Built on Integrity. Engineered for Life.