How much does a custom pool cost in New Braunfels?
A well-built gunite pool, PebbleTec finish, standard shape, basic decking and equipment.
Custom freeform shape, raised spa, upgraded decking, automation, and a water feature or two.
Infinity edges, grottos with slides, extensive outdoor living, and premium finishes throughout.
Figures reflect typical 2026 South Central Texas pricing and are not a quote. Your exact cost depends on size, site conditions, and the features you choose — see below for what moves the number. Costs also shift from town to town — compare pool costs city by city, or read what a build typically runs in Boerne, Bulverde, and Canyon Lake.
What each line item covers, by budget tier.
Every custom pool is priced from the same twelve line items. What changes between a $60,000 build and a $200,000 build is the scope inside each one. Your proposal carries a dollar figure against each line, so you can see exactly where your budget is going and where it can move.
| Line item | $60K–$75K | $75K–$150K | $150K–$200K+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excavation & haul-off | Standard dig on accessible, near-level ground; spoil hauled off | Rock hammering allowance, slope cuts, retaining where grade demands it | Deep cuts on limestone bluffs, engineered retaining walls, crane or conveyor access |
| Structural engineering & steel | Stamped plan and rebar schedule for a conventional shell | Heavier steel for raised bond beams, benches, and spa walls | Full structural design for elevated shells, vanishing edges, and catch basins |
| Gunite shell | Standard depth profile, one bench or step entry | Sun shelf, swim-out, integrated spa | Vanishing edge, grotto, multi-level shells, negative-edge trough |
| Plumbing & hydraulics | Two-line suction, returns sized for the shell | Dedicated spa and water-feature lines, additional returns | Independent circuits per feature, oversized lines for edge and trough flow |
| Equipment & automation | Variable-speed pump, cartridge filter, manual valves | Heater, salt or chlorine system, automation with phone control | Redundant pumps, gas heating for spa and features, full automation and remote monitoring |
| Interior finish | PebbleTec standard blend | Upgraded PebbleTec series and custom blends | Premium polished finishes, glass-bead and specialty blends |
| Waterline tile & coping | Standard tile, precast or brick coping | Travertine or limestone coping, upgraded tile | Glass tile, full-body stone coping, mitred and custom-cut detail |
| Decking | Broom or stamped concrete at a working perimeter | Expanded travertine or paver decking, seat walls | Large-format stone, multiple levels, integrated planters and steps |
| Electrical & lighting | Equipment bonding, one LED pool light | Multiple color LED lights, deck and landscape circuits | Full lighting design across pool, features, decking, and structures |
| Water & fire features | None, or a single sheer descent | Raised spa spillway, bubblers, sheer descents | Grottos, waterfalls, fire bowls, sphere features, custom scuppers |
| Permits, HOA & inspections | City and county permits, standard HOA submittal | Multi-round architectural review, variance support | Engineered drainage packages, easement coordination, gated-community logistics |
| Startup, chemistry & handover | Fill, balance, and a walkthrough of the equipment pad | Extended startup on upgraded finishes, owner training session | Full commissioning of automation, features, and heating, with documented handover |
Tiers describe scope, not fixed prices. Site conditions move the excavation and structural lines the most in the Hill Country — see what a build runs in Boerne, Bulverde, or compare costs city by city. Financing is available through Lyon Financial and Viking Capital, and decking and coping can be quoted separately.
What drives the price of a pool in the Hill Country?
Size & shape
A simple rectangle costs less per square foot than a freeform design with tanning ledges, curves, or multiple depths.
Finish level
PebbleTec finishes range from classic French Grey to deeper aggregate colors like Black Onyx — richer finishes cost more per square foot.
Water features
Spas, spillways, grottos, and rock waterfalls add both materials and labor — but they're often what makes a backyard feel resort-level.
Decking & outdoor living
Travertine, stamped concrete, or pavers each carry a different cost per square foot, and covered kitchens or dining structures add to the total.
Automation & equipment
Smart automation, color LED lighting, heaters, chillers, and saltwater systems add convenience — and cost — on top of the shell.
Site conditions
Hill Country limestone, sloped lots, and tight access can require extra engineering, retaining walls, or excavation work.
Every quote, itemized. No surprises later.
You'll see exactly what you're paying for — shell, finish, decking, equipment, permits, and any engineering — before you sign anything. If a site condition changes the scope, we tell you before it changes the price. It is worth knowing what vague contract language actually costs when a builder words it the other way. For a worked example with real 2026 numbers, read what a custom pool costs in New Braunfels, and see financing options if you plan to spread the cost.
See Financing Options →
Your pricing questions, answered.
How much does a custom pool cost in New Braunfels, TX?+
Custom gunite pools in New Braunfels typically start around $60,000 for a straightforward design. Most mid-range builds with a spa, water feature, and upgraded decking run $75,000 to $150,000. Larger, feature-rich projects — infinity edges, grottos, extensive outdoor living — commonly reach $200,000 and up.
What is included in a J. Oliver Pools quote?+
Every quote is itemized line by line: excavation, steel and gunite shell, plumbing, PebbleTec finish, tile and coping, decking, equipment (pump, filter, heater), and any spa or water features. Engineering, soil studies, permits, and HOA submittals are called out separately when required. There are no hidden fees.
Why do pool prices vary so much?+
Size and shape, finish level (PebbleTec grade), decking material and square footage, water features (grottos, spillways, waterfalls), automation and lighting, and site conditions (slope, soil, access) are the main cost drivers. Hill Country lots with limestone or steep grades often require additional engineering that adds to the total.
Does the price include permits and engineering?+
Yes, when required. J. Oliver Pools handles soil studies, structural engineering, city permits, and HOA approvals as part of the project, and these costs are itemized in your quote rather than added as a surprise later.
Is financing available?+
Yes. J. Oliver Pools works with lending partners Lyon Financial and Viking Capital so homeowners can build now and pay over time, with a soft credit check to pre-qualify.
Get a real number for your yard.
The ranges on this page are typical. A number for your specific lot takes one visit — we check grade, access, and rock, then price it line by line.
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- —PebbleTec Elite builder, with one local crew on your site from start to finish
- —We handle city and county permits and your HOA paperwork
Prefer to talk now? Call (830) 244‑7665 or text (830) 358‑2499.
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