Designing a luxury backyard oasis is one of the most exciting investments you can make in your home — especially in Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, and Plano, where outdoor living is a lifestyle. But as many homeowners quickly discover, building a swimming pool is not just about picking a design and digging a hole. It’s a major project with long-term impact on your home’s enjoyment and functionality.
At AquaPools, we’ve spent decades helping Texas homeowners transform their backyards into resort-style retreats that stand the test
of time. In an industry where pool companies often come and go, our legacy speaks for itself — we’ve built thousands of pools across the region and continue to lead with innovation, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
If you’re planning to build a pool, understanding the common mistakes before you start can save you time, money, and future headaches. Here are the top five mistakes Dallas homeowners make — and how to avoid them with confidence.
1. Underestimating the Importance of a Custom Design
One of the biggest missteps homeowners make is choosing a “cookie-cutter” pool without considering how it fits their property, lifestyle, or long-term needs. A pool should feel like a seamless extension of your home — not an afterthought dropped into the backyard.
At AquaPools, we take the time to understand how you live and entertain outdoors. Our designers — many of whom have lived and
worked in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, and Plano metro areas for years — conduct in-home consultations to assess your space, sunlight, elevation, and architectural style. Whether you dream of a sleek plunge pool for an intimate patio or a resort-inspired design complete with waterfalls, fire features, and a built-in spa, we tailor every detail to your home and lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Don’t settle for a “standard” pool shape. A custom design ensures every square foot of your backyard is functional, beautiful, and built to last.
2. Failing to Plan for Long-Term Maintenance and Efficiency
Many homeowners focus solely on the initial build cost — but overlook the lifetime cost of owning and maintaining a pool. Choosing the wrong materials, outdated equipment, or energy-inefficient systems can lead to thousands of dollars in future expenses.
This is where fiberglass pools from AquaPools truly shine. Unlike traditional gunite pools, fiberglass pools require far less maintenance, are more resistant to algae and cracking, and offer superior durability in Texas’s hot summers and occasional freezes. Pair that with advanced automation systems, electric or gas heaters, and LED lighting, and you’ll enjoy a luxury pool that’s beautiful and cost-efficient.
Pro Tip: Before signing a contract, ask your designer or builder about their lifetime maintenance expectations. The right choices now will save you significant time and money later.
3. Ignoring the Power of Water and Design Features
A pool isn’t just water in the ground — it’s the centerpiece of your outdoor living space. Yet many homeowners make the mistake of skipping out on custom features to “save money,” only to regret it once the project is complete.
Luxury pools today go far beyond basic designs. Waterfalls, sheer descents, bubblers, tanning ledges, raised spas, and fire elements can completely transform your backyard into a private resort. Even small backyards can feel extraordinary with the right touches — think a plunge pool with dramatic water walls or a raised spa-tanning ledge combo perfect for entertaining.
Pro Tip: Consider how you’ll use your space — relaxing, entertaining, or exercising — and design your pool with features that enhance those experiences.
4. Choosing the Wrong Pool Builder
In Texas, pool builders are everywhere — but not all are created equal. Unfortunately, many companies are here today and gone tomorrow, leaving homeowners with unfinished projects, warranty nightmares, or costly repairs.
With AquaPools, you’re choosing a partner with decades of experience and a proven reputation for quality and reliability. We’ve been a trusted name in fiberglass pool construction for generations, building lasting relationships with our clients and standing behind every project we complete.
Our long history in the Dallas–Fort Worth–Frisco -Plano market means we understand local building codes, soil conditions, and design preferences — knowledge that new or out-of-town builders don’t have. And with a legacy built on customer trust, we’ll be here to support you long after your pool is complete.
Pro Tip: Always research a builder’s experience, local reputation, and longevity before signing a contract. A pool is a decades-long investment — your builder should be too.
5. Overlooking the Value of Expert Guidance
One of the most overlooked mistakes homeowners make is trying to plan everything themselves — from design and permitting to material
selection. However, pools are complex projects, and even small decisions can have a significant impact on cost, timeline, and quality.
AquaPools eliminates the guesswork with personalized, in-home design consultations. Our experts don’t just sell pools — they collaborate with you to design a complete outdoor environment tailored to your property and vision. Because we live and work here too, we understand what works best in the North Texas climate, how to maximize your lot’s layout, and which features deliver the best return on investment.
Pro Tip: A backyard designer can help you avoid costly mistakes, streamline your project, and bring your backyard vision to life.
Why AquaPools is the Trusted Choice for Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, & Plano.
For homeowners seeking a luxury pool that elevates their lifestyle and enhances their property value, AquaPools is more than a builder — we’re a partner in creating your dream backyard. With decades of proven experience, a team of local design experts, and an extensive portfolio of high-end fiberglass pools and custom features, we’ve earned our reputation as one of the most trusted names in Texas outdoor living.
Whether you envision a sleek, modern plunge pool, a free-form pool, a sprawling family retreat, or a resort-inspired sanctuary complete with cascading water features and ambient lighting, we have the expertise to bring it to life — beautifully, efficiently, and built to last for generations.
Ready to Build Your Dream Backyard?
Your perfect pool is more than possible — it’s just one consultation away. Let AquaPools’ team of experts help you avoid costly mistakes and design a backyard oasis that’s uniquely yours.
Schedule your complimentary at-home consultation today and discover why homeowners across Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano trust AquaPools to turn their outdoor dreams into reality.