Dallas is famous for its sports teams, booming tech and business sectors, and of course, that scorching Texas heat. Stay cool this year – and for many summers to come – with a dazzling inground pool that increases your property’s beauty and value.
A custom pool is the ultimate centerpiece to your Dallas lifestyle. Whether you’re staying fit by swimming laps, splashing around with your kids, or napping on your favorite float, a pool offers a combination of elegance and entertainment that everyone can enjoy.
With a 70 year reputation for excellence, Latham is one of the biggest and most trusted names in pool manufacturing in North America, with a strong footprint in the Dallas, TX area. If you’re thinking of dipping a toe in the waters of pool ownership, this guide will explain the differences between popular types of pools, help you explore pool financing strategies, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about purchasing a new pool in Texas.
Inground Pool Options
There are various types of inground swimming pools, each with its own unique features and perks. Three of the main categories include fiberglass pools, vinyl liner pools, and plunge pools, which are also called “cocktail pools” or “dipping pools.” Here’s how they differ:
- Inground Fiberglass Pools — Fiberglass is one of the most popular pool building materials — and with good reason. Combining beauty with performance, fiberglass pools offer exceptional durability and resistance against sun damage. They’re also typically the fastest type of pool to install, making it possible to start enjoying your pool within a few short weeks of breaking ground.
- Inground Vinyl Liner Pools — Latham vinyl pools are constructed from durable, corrosion-resistant materials like Graphex resin polymer and aerospace-engineered aluminum walls. Each pool shell is wrapped with a seamless, silky-smooth UltraSeam vinyl liner, offering customizable comfort.
- Inground and Semi-Inground Plunge Pools — Where elegance meets efficiency, plunge pools are compact designs ideal for small or narrow spaces. These smaller-sized pools are also called “cocktail pools” or “dipping pools.”
Whether you prefer a space-saving model like a plunge pool, or you want to go big with an extravagant design, Latham’s independent pool installers bring decades of expertise and attention to detail to your project.
Fiberglass Pools
An inground fiberglass pool is a high-performance, low-maintenance option built to last for decades. Latham fiberglass pools have lifespans of up to 60 years thanks to our proprietary Crystite Gel Coat, which creates a silky-smooth surface that resists algae growth and UV damage.
In addition to exceptional durability, fiberglass pools offer lightning-fast installation times. Depending on weather and other factors, your new fiberglass pool can be installed relatively quickly, allowing you to beat the Dallas heat sooner and start soaking in style sooner.
From rectangular styles to kidney shapes and freeform designs, Latham offers a wide variety of fiberglass pools in Dallas. Four of our most popular models in this category include:
- Bermuda — Offering ample swim-up seating plus slip-resistant steps, Bermuda brings that cool island breeze directly to your doorstep.
- Corinthian 12 — Corinthian 12 features a built-in tanning ledge that doubles as a wading area where little ones can splash and play.
- Jamaica — Get a taste of the tropics with Jamaica, a 10’ x 20’ fiberglass inground pool with built-in seating and easy-access pool steps.
- Sirius — With its underwater bench perfect for tanning and relaxing, Sirius offers a classic look and functional, spacious design.
For Dallas residents concerned about “concrete cancer” – a process that causes spreading cracks in concrete (also known as “gunite”) pools, due to corrosion in the steel frame – fiberglass pools offer added protection and peace of mind. Durable fiberglass is not susceptible to corrosion like concrete pools and provides decades of worry-free enjoyment. Fiberglass pools also pair beautifully with saltwater pool systems that reduce evaporation and chemical usage.
Each Latham fiberglass pool model can be customized with features like waterline tile, LED lighting, cascading waterfalls, and bubbler-style swim jets. Whether your dream pool is subtle or bold, classic or contemporary, Latham’s network of independent builders have the expertise to bring it to life.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Vinyl liner pools offer fast installation times, low up-front costs, simple care requirements, and unmatched potential for customization. With exclusive liner styles, optional add-ons like spillover spas, and numerous size options ranging from extra-large to plunge (mini), Latham vinyl pools exquisitely balance performance with beauty.
Superior engineering sets Latham vinyl pools apart. Our vinyl liner models are constructed from high-strength, proprietary materials like our exclusive Graphex resin, G235 galvanized steel, and aerospace-engineered aluminum, providing exceptional insulation. These non-corrosive materials are resistant to “concrete cancer,” making them a durable option that delivers peace of mind and limitless personalization.
Speaking of personalization, Latham offers a variety of vinyl liners in an array of patterns and colors, helping you create a beautifully bespoke aesthetic for your pool. Additionally, Latham vinyl liners are designed to last for approximately a decade or longer and offer industry-leading warranty coverage up to 25 years.
Whether your dream pool is a child-friendly play-zone built for family fun, or a sophisticated spa where you can sip on your favorite cocktail, vinyl gives you the freedom to create a truly bespoke design. Some of Latham’s most popular vinyl liner pool models in Dallas include:
Think vinyl could be the right option for your project? Learn more about the advantages of vinyl liner pools.
Plunge Pools
Plunge pools are space-saving options that deliver the best of both worlds: all the features and style of a full-size pool, without the full-size price tag. Whether you’re searching for budget-friendly options, need a pool that won’t take up too much room, or want a low-maintenance model that allows you to minimize pool care, plunge pools make a distinctive addition to any outdoor space.
Latham offers both vinyl liner and fiberglass plunge pools, with models ranging in size from 8’ x 16’ (2,300-gallon) to over 9’ x 17’ (3,200-gallon). Our plunge pools are constructed from the same proprietary materials as our full-size swimming pool models, ensuring superior durability and performance.
Plunge pool models available from Latham in Dallas include:
- Enchantment 9.17 — Enchantment 9.17 measures 9’1” x 17’5” and has a maximum depth of 4’9”, making this stylish fiberglass model Latham’s largest plunge pool offering.
- Milan — Plunge into luxury with Milan, a 10’ x 16’ fiberglass model featuring slip-resistant steps and swim-up seating.
- The Calypso Series (Calypso I, II, III, and IV) — Meet the Calypso family, Latham’s stunning vinyl liner series that features four autocover-ready 8’ x 16’ designs.
Are you ready to take the plunge? Learn more about small pool options in Dallas.
Pool Financing Options
Buying a new swimming pool is more affordable than you think. By leveraging loans with competitive rates or other financing strategies, you can spread out your costs over time and start enjoying your dream pool immediately.
If you own a home, two options that you may qualify for are home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). A home equity loan provides a lump sum, while a HELOC offers the flexibility to borrow as you go.
Another potential strategy is to apply for a personal loan from your bank, credit union, or a reputable online lender. One of the simplest options is to apply for financing through your pool builder, who may be able to help you get a loan from one of their lending partners.
Whichever strategy you use, it’s important to plan your budget at the outset of the process. The cost to install a vinyl liner or fiberglass inground pool typically starts around $50,000, with concrete models starting around $60,000. High-end designs may cost up to $150,000 or more, with pricing dependent on factors like pool size, add-on features, site excavation, and building permits.
Check out Latham’s free pool cost calculator, or get an estimate from one of our Dallas pool builders today.
Start Your Pool Project in Dallas
For over 70 years, Latham has maintained a reputation for excellence based on our exceptional craftsmanship, eye for innovation, and customer service. Since founding our business in 1956, we’ve installed over half a million residential pools — and now, we’re ready to bring our expertise to your project.
Latham’s network of independent builders is proud to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including Allen, Argyle, Denton, Frisco, Highland Park, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, North Dallas, Plano, Preston Hollow, Prestonwood, Prosper, Southlake, University Park, and beyond. If you reside in or near Dallas, our builders can help you get started today.
Upgrade your family’s lifestyle with a beautiful custom pool. Contact Latham online for a quote, or find a builder in Dallas near you.
FAQs About Pools in the Dallas Area
What is the average cost to install a pool in Dallas?
The average starting price to install an inground fiberglass or vinyl liner pool is approximately $50,000. However, there are numerous factors that can affect the cost of pool installation in Dallas. Some examples include the material the pool is constructed from (such as fiberglass or concrete), whether any optional features will be added (such as fountains or spillover spas), and of course, the pool’s size and dimensions (such as a full-size model vs. a plunge pool). At the upper end of the pricing scale, luxury pool installation costs can exceed $150,000.
Are there any specific regulations for pool installations in Dallas?
Yes: like other cities in Texas, Dallas follows state laws regulating residential pool construction and installation. These laws are contained under the Texas Health and Safety Code, which regulates different aspects of pool safety and sanitation. For example, Chapter 757 of the Code sets physical requirements for pool yard enclosures, like requiring certain pool fences to measure at least 48” (4’) tall.
To avoid fines, delays, and other setbacks, it’s important to comply with state laws and local zoning requirements at every step of the building process. Working with experienced swimming pool contractors in Dallas ensures your project meets regulations, so that you can start enjoying your new pool sooner.
What are the typical challenges homeowners face when installing a pool in Dallas?
Dallas is located in North Texas, a region with high average temperatures, a high UV index, and clay-heavy soil aptly known as “cracking clay.” Texas’ intense heat and strong sun can accelerate pool algae growth, cause vibrant pool colors to fade, and gradually turn vinyl liners brittle. Additionally, local clay soils have a tendency to expand and contract, causing fluctuations which can damage your pool’s foundation.
To avoid these challenges and increase your pool’s lifespan, it’s important to choose a reputable builder who understands Dallas’ unique climate, works with UV- and algae-resistant materials, and has the expertise to advise you on long-term and seasonal pool care.
Another challenge faced by Dallas pool owners is periodic water restrictions throughout the city and surrounding areas. While the Dallas Water Conservation Ordinance presently allows for pool filling and filter backwashing, it’s never a bad practice to be mindful of water usage – even during hot Texas summers. Using an automatic pool cover can help reduce water evaporation and the need for frequent pH balancing of your pool’s water chemistry. For Dallas residents who may want to explore a chemical-free pool solution, saltwater pool systems are a popular method that eliminates the need for chlorine and saves on pool chemical expenses. These saltwater systems work well with fiberglass pools.
How does a pool typically affect property values in Dallas?
With proper care and maintenance, an inground swimming pool can increase your property value by tens of thousands of dollars. According to the realtor group Palm Paradise Realty, Dallas properties that feature swimming pools sell for almost 17% more (16.9%) than properties that don’t include pools. That means if your home was priced at $500,000 without a pool, it could potentially sell for as much as $585,000 after adding a pool to your property. It’s important to emphasize that inground pools raise property value significantly more than above-ground pools, which some brokerages actually caution against.
What financing options are commonly used by Dallas homeowners for pool installations?
If you’re a homeowner in Dallas, there are several types of pool loans and financing options you might be eligible for. You may qualify for a home equity loan, which provides you with a lump sum that you repay over time, or a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which lets you borrow against a credit line based on your equity. Another option is to apply for a personal loan, which can be obtained from a bank, credit union, or online lender depending on your credit history. Finally, you can check with your pool builder to see if they partner with any lenders to provide in-house pool loans, which can be highly convenient for homeowners who qualify.
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