Frequently Asked Questions

A custom inground pool in Sarasota typically ranges from $65,000 to $130,000 or more for a complete project including equipment, deck, and standard features. Entry-level gunite pools start around $65,000. A fully custom pool with spa, water features, and premium finishes ranges $100,000 to $150,000 or more. The six main pricing variables are pool size and shape, finish material (plaster vs. pebble vs. tile), water features, equipment tier (basic pump vs. variable-speed with automation), deck material, and site conditions.

The Swim Inc. proposal includes the pool shell (gunite), equipment (pump, filter, automation controller), standard lighting, basic deck (concrete), coping, finish material of your choice, and all labor. Permits and engineering are included in the project cost. What is not included: landscaping, outdoor furniture, and premium deck materials such as pavers or travertine are priced as upgrades. Optional water or fire features are also separate. Material selections - finish, tile, coping - are made at time of contract, not left as placeholders. This protects the homeowner from scope additions after signing.

The variation is almost always explained by four differences: (1) equipment quality - variable-speed pumps, automation systems, and multi-zone lighting cost $8,000 to $15,000 more than basic equipment; (2) finish materials - pebble finishes cost $4,000 to $8,000 more than standard plaster; (3) scope gaps - some quotes exclude the deck, coping, or certain plumbing runs; and (4) subcontractor reliance - builders who use multiple subs have higher coordination costs. Always compare quotes line by line, not total to total. Ask each builder for a written itemized scope.

Yes. Swim Inc. works with Lyon Financial and Viking Capital, two of the leading pool financing companies in the country. Most qualified buyers can finance $65,000 to $150,000 at competitive rates with terms from 7 to 20 years. Full details are available on our financing page.

Yes. The 3D design is built in real time during your first in-home appointment. You leave with design photos the same day. No commitment is required before you see exactly what you are getting.

Yes, in most cases. Adding a spa to an existing gunite pool involves excavating adjacent to the pool shell, tying in plumbing, and integrating the spa into the existing equipment. Feasibility depends on available space, existing plumbing configuration, and deck access for excavation. A Swim Inc. designer can assess your specific site during a consultation. Spa additions require a permit. Timeline is typically 4 to 8 weeks once permits are issued.

Swim Inc. builds all major pool styles: freeform, geometric, vanishing edge (infinity), lap pools, pool-spa combinations, and resort-style pools with swim-up bars, tanning ledges, and fire features. Every pool is designed from scratch for the specific site and homeowner. Vanishing edge pools are a specialty of Swim Inc. and have won national design awards from Aqua Magazine.

The Swim-Safe Circulation System is Swim Inc.'s proprietary pool design that eliminates the traditional main drain. Instead of a single main drain, Swim-Safe uses dual skimmers and fan-pattern return jets to circulate water without the suction hazard at the pool floor. This eliminates drain entrapment risk and reduces operating costs by up to 78% compared to conventional pool circulation. The system is built into every pool Swim Inc. constructs.

A conventional pool in Florida with a single-speed pump typically costs $150 to $250 per month in electricity and chemicals. A Swim Inc. pool with the Swim-Safe circulation system and variable-speed equipment operates at approximately $50 to $90 per month under normal usage. The reduction comes from variable-speed pump efficiency and the elimination of conventional main-drain suction systems. Costs vary based on usage frequency, pool size, chemical balance in your water, and local utility rates.

Standard pool maintenance includes weekly chemical balancing, brush and vacuum (or automated cleaner), filter cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks, and annual equipment inspection. In Florida, year-round operation means consistent maintenance is more important than in seasonal markets. Swim Inc. can recommend pool service companies for ongoing maintenance. The Swim-Safe system's oversized filter and fan-return circulation reduce the frequency of chemical imbalance events compared to conventional systems.

The lifespan of a pool finish depends on the material: standard plaster typically lasts 7 to 12 years in Florida's water chemistry; pebble finishes (PebbleTec, QuartzScapes) last 15 to 25 years; full tile finishes can last 30 or more years. Florida's warm water and high mineral content accelerate surface degradation compared to northern climates. Swim Inc. offers pool resurfacing for existing pools.