With warm weather for much of the year and summer high temperatures that routinely climb into the 90s, San Antonio’s climate can drive you to cranking your A/C. Give your family another way to beat the heat with a stunning inground pool built and installed by the experts at Latham.
A pool is more than just another way to cool down on hot summer days. It’s a year-round retreat that offers a place to gather for family BBQs or a serene spot for squeezing in morning laps before work. Beyond serving as an extension of your lifestyle, a pool also beautifies your backyard and increases your home’s property value, giving you a competitive advantage if you ever decide to sell.
But what type of pool is right for your family? How much will it cost? What features can you include and what financing methods are available? As one of the oldest and most trusted pool companies in North America with a strong footprint in San Antonio, you can count on Latham to provide you with answers. This guide will help you get a better sense of the possibilities for a beautiful new pool. Let’s dive right in!
Inground Pool Options In The San Antonio Area
Inground pools offer incredible variety when it comes to their size, appearance, and features. Whether you’re looking for a pool that gives you plenty of space to splash, or you prefer a compact model that minimizes maintenance, Latham can help you create a bespoke design that matches your lifestyle and budget.
Most inground swimming pool models fall into one of these popular categories:
- Fiberglass Pools — Fiberglass pools feature a silky-smooth gel coat that protects them from scratches and damage while making every swim more comfortable and luxurious. They’re also quick to install and can last for decades with regular upkeep.
- Vinyl Liner Pools — Vinyl liner swimming pools offer countless customization options, giving you unmatched flexibility to build the design of your dreams.
- Plunge (Cocktail) Pools — With compact dimensions and plenty of optional add-ons to choose from, plunge pools bring big personality to small spaces.
From classic rectangular styles to creative freeform designs, Latham’s pool installers are ready to bring your vision to life.
Fiberglass Pools
With a lifespan of up to 60 years, fiberglass pools are unmatched when it comes to durability and value—especially since every fiberglass pool model is covered by Latham’s industry-best Limited Lifetime Warranty. Another advantage is that fiberglass pools can often be installed in just a few weeks, wrapping up construction quickly and getting you into the water ASAP.
Our fiberglass pools are constructed with Advanced Composite Technology that resists staining and fading, preserving your pool’s beauty while minimizing the need for upkeep. Latham fiberglass pools also feature our proprietary, smooth-to-the-touch Crystite Gel Coat—the industry’s gold standard for beauty and durability.
Fiberglass pools also give Texas homeowners more options and added peace of mind in their investment. Unlike concrete or gunite pools, fiberglass pools are not susceptible to “concrete cancer,” a reactive process that occurs when steel pool walls corrode and swell, causing cracks in concrete pools. As a non-corrosive material, fiberglass pools resist this phenomenon and are also compatible with saltwater pool systems.
From large and midsize models to compact plunge designs, Latham offers a wide range of fiberglass inground pool styles to choose from. Some of our best-selling fiberglass pools in San Antonio include:
- Coronado — With a relaxed, flowing shape reminiscent of a lazy river, Coronado measures an impressive 15’ x 34’ with a maximum depth of 6’6”.
- Delray — Our Delray model is autocover-ready and comes with slip-resistant steps to help keep your family safe.
- Olympia 12 — This rectangular 7,600-gallon model can be customized with waterline tile, LED lighting, and more.
- Synergy — Featuring swim-up seating and slip-resistant steps, Synergy merges an elegant form with high-performance function.
Explore our full selection of fiberglass pool shapes, or learn more about the benefits of fiberglass over other materials.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Vinyl liner swimming pools are one of the most popular pool styles in Texas due to lower maintenance requirements, low up-front costs, and limitless potential for customization that allows you to tailor your pool to your backyard lifestyle.
Constructed from non-corrosive galvanized steel or polymer walls, vinyl liner pools are resistant to “concrete cancer” and give pool owners a range of options to personalize their pool. Whether your budget is large or modest, vinyl liner swimming pools offer numerous customization options. Use our online visualizer tool to preview features like swim jets, tanning ledges, seating benches, LED lighting, and more. Customize your pool’s aesthetic by choosing from Latham’s range of durable pool liners in an array of stunning colors and patterns.
Four of our most popular vinyl liner pool styles in San Antonio include:
Learn more about how long vinyl liners last, or browse our full vinyl liner collection.
Plunge Pools
Plunge pools are a space-saving option that offers all the beauty and excitement of a full-size pool in a smaller package. They also have lower long-term maintenance costs and reduce time spent on upkeep, thanks to their compact dimensions.
Another perk of plunge pools is that they use less water than a full-sized pool. During hot San Antonio summer days, this reduced water usage helps you comply more easily with Texas water restrictions and still enjoy your pool.
Several Latham plunge pools come fully outfitted with features like tanning ledges and full-width benches, giving you all the luxury of their full-sized counterparts. You can also further customize your pool with an array of add-ons, from LED lights to soothing bubble jets. Some of Latham’s most popular San Antonio plunge pool models include:
- Enchantment 9.17 — With its roomy built-in tanning ledge and steps that provide easy access, this fiberglass plunge pool model lives up to its name.
- Milan — Measuring 10’ x 16’ with a maximum depth of 4’, the Milan features slip-resistant steps and swim-up seating.
The Calypso Collection — Our Calypso series features four customizable vinyl liner models that each measure 8’ x 16’, perfect for almost any size yard.
Pool Financing Options
You don’t need to make a huge down payment in order to start enjoying your very own backyard pool. In fact, you might be surprised to learn just how many pool financing options are available to help you manage the costs.
Depending on factors like your credit history, you may be eligible for a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Home equity loans provide you with a lump sum, while HELOCs extend you a line of credit that you can borrow in increments. You can also apply for a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender you trust.
One of the most popular financing strategies is to set up an in-house loan. That means your pool builder can help you arrange a loan from one of their lending partners, streamlining the process for you.
The average starting cost of a fiberglass or vinyl liner swimming pool is around $50,000. However, pricing varies based on factors like pool size, custom features, and warranty coverage. Use our free pool cost calculator to start building your budget, or get a more precise estimate by contacting us for a quote.
Start Your Pool Project in San Antonio
Living in the heart of Texas doesn’t mean you’re landlocked. Create a tropical paradise in your very own backyard with a custom inground pool made to suit your family’s lifestyle. With industry-leading warranty coverage, an enduring commitment to craftsmanship, and a legacy of excellence that we’ve earned over more than 70 years, Latham is ready to bring the pool of your dreams to vivid life.
Our network of licensed independent pool builders is proud to serve the residents of San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas. We construct and install inground pools throughout the Greater San Antonio region, including Alamo Heights, Cibolo Canyons, Encino Park, Helotes, North Central, Olmos Park, River Chase, Shavano Park, Southtown, Stone Oak, Terrell Hills, The Dominion, The Pearl District, and Timberwood Park.
Don’t wait another year to enjoy the luxury of your own private pool. Contact Latham today to get an estimate or find a builder near you.
FAQs About Building a Pool In The San Antonio Area
What is the average cost to install a pool in San Antonio?
Because there are so many different factors that impact pricing, the cost to install a swimming pool can range significantly from one project to the next. For instance the materials you choose, the size of your pool, and custom features can all play a role in the total cost of your pool. With that in mind, the average pool installation in San Antonio starts at around $50,000. Larger models or those with more elaborate custom features can cost up to $150,000 or more.
Are there any specific regulations for pool installations in San Antonio?
Yes. When swimming pool contractors in San Antonio install a new residential pool, they must follow Texas pool construction laws and regulations. For example, you must meet the state’s requirement to install a minimum 4’ tall child safety barrier, along with regulations controlling the distance between your pool and your home. It’s also essential to follow the city’s local requirements around zoning and permitting, including safety inspections and paying required fees. Click here to view the online application form for a residential swimming pool permit in San Antonio.
What are the typical challenges homeowners face when installing a pool in San Antonio?
In addition to high average temperatures, San Antonio, Texas also has a high UV index. Combined with Bexar County’s clay-heavy soils, which can make pool installation a more complex process due to soil expansion and contracting, homeowners face several challenges to pool construction and maintenance. For example, San Antonio’s intense heat and sun exposure can accelerate algae growth in your pool or cause your liner to fade or become brittle. You can overcome these challenges by following recommended pool care routines and protecting your pool from the sun with safety covers.
Scorching San Antonio summers can sometimes come with drought and water restrictions. Hot temperatures can lead to evaporation, which can make it challenging to refill your pool and balance your water chemistry if there are limitations on water usage. Saltwater pool systems are a popular alternative with Texas pool owners, since salt does not evaporate. Fiberglass pools work exceptionally well with chlorine-free saltwater systems, giving you more enjoyment from your pool during the hottest months and can also translate to savings on the cost of pool chemicals.
To ensure your pool is installed properly, work with an experienced contractor that has a working knowledge of the Texas terrain.
How does a pool typically affect property values in San Antonio?
A well-maintained inground pool can increase the curb appeal and property value of your home. Survey data reveals that on average in the United States, adding an inground pool can increase a home’s sale value by anywhere between 5% and 8%. This value spike may be even larger—up to 15% or higher—in hot, sunny states like Texas where pools are in high demand. In San Antonio, where the average price of a home is around $256,000, an 8% increase is equivalent to adding around $20,500 in value.
What financing options are commonly used by San Antonio homeowners for pool installations?
There are many financing options that can help you pay for the cost of a new swimming pool in Texas. As a homeowner in San Antonio, you may be eligible for a home equity loan, which offers a lump sum, or a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which provides you with a line of credit based on your equity. You may also qualify for various personal loans, which are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. One of the most common strategies is to arrange an in-house loan by working directly with your pool builder, who can help you coordinate financing through one of their preferred lenders.
