New Pool Construction

Custom Pool Builder in the Upstate of South Carolina

Fully custom gunite and vinyl pools designed and built to the highest standard, backed by 29+ years of experience.

New pool construction

Why Our Custom Inground Pools Are Different

At Aquarius Pools of the Upstate, we do not build the same pool over and over again. Every custom inground pool is designed around the property, the people who will use it, and the conditions of the site.

We build both gunite and vinyl liner pools, but we never start with a catalog and try to make your backyard fit the design. We look at the land first — the slope, drainage, access, existing structures, landscaping and how you want to use the space — then design the pool around it.

That approach is backed by nearly three decades of construction experience in Upstate South Carolina. Kevin Ward spent 29 years managing construction projects, bringing practical knowledge of grading, drainage, retaining walls and underground utilities to every pool we build.

That experience matters across Greenville, Greer and Spartanburg, where red clay, weathered rock, sloping properties and seasonal freeze-thaw conditions can all influence how an inground pool should be built.

Most of our custom pools are gunite, giving us greater freedom over shape, size, depth and features such as tanning ledges, beach entries, vanishing edges and raised spillover spas.

We also build high-quality vinyl liner pools when they are the right fit for the project.

Every pool starts with a free, no-obligation design consultation at your property.

Free consultation

Start Your Custom Pool Project

Tell us about your property and vision. Our design team will follow up to schedule your free consultation and 3D rendering.

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Custom Pool Construction

hours
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone
Warranty
1-year workmanship · 3-year manufacturer on new equipment
Rating
pool types

Gunite or Vinyl — What We Build and Why

Most homeowners compare gunite, vinyl liner and fiberglass when choosing an inground pool. At Aquarius Pools of the Upstate, we build gunite and vinyl liner pools, but we do not install fiberglass.

‍Gunite pools are built on site over a reinforced steel framework, giving us the most freedom over shape, size, depth and features. That strength is especially valuable in Upstate South Carolina, where red clay, sloping properties, drainage issues, weathered rock and seasonal freeze-thaw conditions all need to be considered. Over time, the interior finish may need resurfacing or new waterline tile.

‍Vinyl liner pools are typically more affordable and faster to install while still allowing for steps, benches, tanning ledges, spas and automation. For simpler shapes and more straightforward sites, they can be an excellent choice, with liner replacement usually needed every seven to twelve years.

‍Fiberglass pools arrive as pre-manufactured shells, so homeowners are limited to the sizes, shapes and depths offered by the manufacturer. We do not install fiberglass because our focus is on more flexible, site-specific inground pool construction.

Custom designs

A Custom Pool Built Around Your Backyard

There is no reason your pool should look exactly like everyone else's. We start by looking at your property, available space, grading, drainage, home, and the features you want to include. From there, we develop a pool layout that makes sense for both your backyard and the way your family wants to use it.

Your pool can be designed around swimming, entertaining, relaxing, spending time with family — or a combination of all four. Popular options can include:

  • Custom pool shapes and layouts

  • Tanning ledges

  • Integrated steps and benches

  • Spas

  • Waterfalls and water features

  • LED pool lighting

  • Pool heating

  • Saltwater systems

  • Smart pool automation

  • Custom coping and decking

  • Outdoor kitchens and hardscapes

  • Landscaping and complete outdoor living areas

A Pool Designed for the Way You Live

Family Pools

For families, the right pool design can provide space for swimming, playing, relaxing, and spending time together. Features such as wide entry steps, shallow areas, bench seating, and open swimming areas can all be incorporated depending on your needs.

Modern Pools

Clean lines, geometric shapes, coordinated materials, and carefully positioned lighting can create a more contemporary pool that complements modern homes and outdoor spaces.

Resort-Style Pools

Water features, integrated spas, tanning ledges, lighting, and surrounding landscaping can help create the feeling of a private resort in your own backyard.

Pools for Entertaining

If your backyard is where friends and family gather, the pool can be designed alongside seating areas, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and covered spaces to create a more complete entertainment area.

Pool Process

Our Custom Pool Building Process

1. Consultation and design

We discuss your property, ideas, priorities, features, and budget, then develop the pool concept and 3D visualization.

2. Planning & permits

Once the design is finalized, the project moves through the applicable planning, engineering, permitting, and preparation requirements.

3. Pool Construction

The pool takes shape through each stage of construction, including excavation, structural work, plumbing, equipment, electrical components, and other required systems.

4. Finishes & Features

Tile, coping, interior finishes, lighting, decking, water features, and other selected details are completed to bring the design together.

5. Final Setup

Once construction is complete, the pool systems are set up and the finished project is reviewed so you understand how to operate and care for your new pool.

Complete Outdoor Environments

From the Pool’s Edge to the Back Fence

A pool sitting in an unfinished yard is half a project. We design and install the space around it, so the whole backyard is one build with one point of responsibility.

  • Outdoor kitchens — built-in grills, counters, storage, and the plumbing and gas runs behind them

  • Fireplaces and fire pits — the reason the space still gets used in November

  • Paver and natural stone decking and patios — coping, decking and patio designed with the pool, not bid out afterward

  • Retaining walls, grading and drainage — Kevin Ward's specialty, and what makes a sloped Upstate lot usable

  • Landscape design, plantings, sod, irrigation and lighting — full packages available, professionally designed

inground pool gallery

Custom Means No Two Backyards Need to Look the Same

Explore inground pools designed and built by Aquarius Pools of the Upstate and see how different shapes, finishes, spas, tanning ledges, decking, and water features can completely change a backyard.

Reviews from real homeowners

The Best Pools Start
With Trust

"Kevin and his team are wonderful to work with. Kevin does not cut corners. He builds pools with the highest quality materials and equipment. He treats every customer with kindness and care. I highly recommend Aquarius Pools of the Upstate. We love our new pool!"

"Owner, Kevin Ward mustered the individuals to help create a beautiful pool. A travertine supplier, a great brickie to install the stone, a pool liner specialist, a firm that digs and removed tons of material, electricians, pool equipment plumbing - a complex dance that yielded a happy customer. Heartily recommend Aquarius Pools of the Upstate."

"On the coldest day of 2022 I woke up to find my pool half empty. No one that I usually worked with was available. Aquarius pool was recommended to me and they were here in 30 minutes. They fixed the busted pipe and taught me how to avoid another freeze that night. They were concerned and genuine. Thank you!"

"Amazing!! Can’t recommend highly enough. Quickly returned phone call and came out next day to look at Intellichlor system which we thought might need replacement. This system is new to us and they gave us an education and fixed the problem. The owners, Kevin and Kevin were gracious and so helpful! They will be our “go to” pool guys going forward!"

"Aquarius Pools replaced our liner and we are very happy we chose them! Kevin was very responsive throughout the entire process, answering all if my questions in a very timely manner. They went above and beyond to make sure our pool was working properly, the liner was replaced correctly, and did it all ahead of schedule. Their workmanship is top notch and I would use them again for any pool needs!"

"Excellent customer service and our pool looks great! We got quotes from several companies but ultimately decided to go with Aquarius, even though they were not the cheapest, because they were the most professional from the get-go! Kevin and Kevin both sat down with me and explained the quote and the process. Communication has been super easy and that they have been back to check on my pool several times and make sure that we are happy!"

"Kevin was great to work with. Excellent communication and fair pricing. Great quality work! We have used several pool companies in past years, but we will be sticking with this company from now on!"

"The 2 Kevin’s are Top Notch ! We had a Diving board removed , Fountain installed, New Liner and new vacuum. The pricing was excellent! The work performed was awesome! The communication was amazing! Would definitely recommend and will use them again!"

FAQs

Answers to the most common questions Upstate South Carolina homeowners ask about custom pool construction. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat with our team.
What types of custom pools do you build?
Custom gunite (concrete) pools and vinyl liner pools, both fully customized. Gunite handles any shape, depth and edge treatment, including beach entries and vanishing edges. Vinyl liner is faster and lower cost, and still supports tanning ledges, benches, steps and integrated spas. We do not install fiberglass shells.
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Greenville or Spartanburg County?
Yes. Inground pool construction requires permitting and inspection, including electrical bonding.
How much does an inground pool cost in the Upstate of South Carolina?
Aquarius Pools of the Upstate builds fully custom gunite inground pools designed and priced for your property, vision, and budget. Pricing depends on pool size, design complexity, water features, finish selections, and outdoor living additions. A detailed estimate is provided after your free design consultation and 3D rendering review.
What happens at the free consultation?
We come to the property, walk it with you, and talk through how you want to use the space. We look at grade, drainage, access and where the pool naturally wants to sit. You get an honest assessment of what the lot supports — even if the answer is smaller or different from what you had in mind.
Can you build a pool on a sloped or rocky lot?
Yes. Grade, drainage, retaining walls and underground utilities are core areas of Kevin Ward's 29 years in construction. Sloped Upstate lots frequently produce the best pools — the same fall that complicates the build is what makes a vanishing edge or a raised spa possible.
Can I add a spa, tanning ledge or beach entry?
Spas and tanning ledges, yes, on both gunite and vinyl pools where the design allows. Beach entries are gunite only. All three cost significantly less built with the pool than added later, because they share excavation, plumbing and equipment — though adding them to an existing pool is absolutely possible and something we do regularly.
Should I build new or renovate the pool I have?
If the shell is sound, renovation almost always wins on cost. Renovating a sound shell — chip-out, new interior finish, new waterline tile, new coping and deck — brings a tired pool back to new for a fraction of replacement. We build new when the pool is structurally failing, badly sited, or simply the wrong pool for how you live now.
What warranty do you provide?
One year on workmanship and a three-year manufacturer warranty on new equipment we install, plus our satisfaction guarantee. We do warranty repairs on equipment we installed, and we also service and repair equipment installed by others.
Does a pool add value to my home?
In the upper end of the Upstate market, a well-built pool with finished hardscape around it is increasingly expected rather than optional, and it changes how a property shows. It is worth saying plainly that a pool is bought to be used and enjoyed — treat any resale gain as a bonus, not the reason.
Get in touch

Ready to build your custom pool?

Tell us what you have in mind. We will come out, walk the property, and give you an honest answer about what it can hold — no obligation, no pressure.

Start Your Project

Whether you’re planning a new pool, renovating an existing one, adding outdoor living features, or needing a commercial build, our team is ready to help. Fill out the form below and we’ll follow up to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

Phone
864-501-8008
Call us during business hours to arrange an appointment
Email
kward.aquariuspools@gmail.com
Send us a message about your project

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