As Atlanta’s trusted design–build pool company, we know that every backyard, every family, and every Georgia micro-climate is different. Picking the perfect pool isn’t just about pointing to a pretty picture on Instagram—it’s about harmonizing lifestyle goals, site conditions, long-term maintenance realities, and local regulations into one cohesive, beautiful, safe retreat. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the decision-making process exactly the way our project consultants do, step by step, so you can move forward with total confidence.
Why the Right Choice Matters in Georgia
Georgia homeowners face unique opportunities and challenges:
- Extended swim season. Our long, hot, humid summers (and mild springs and falls) mean you’ll get more months of pleasure than owners in cooler regions—so the right investment pays dividends.
- Micro-climates. From the cooler hills north of I-20 to the sandier soils of Middle Georgia and the coastal plain, site conditions can change substantially within a two-hour drive.
- Heavy clay soils and sudden downpours. Metro Atlanta’s famous red clay retains water and can expand/contract dramatically. That affects excavation, drainage, and structural reinforcement decisions.
- County-level permitting nuances. While Georgia follows the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code as a baseline, Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and surrounding counties each add their own setbacks, fence heights, and inspections.
Because pools interact so directly with local soil, stormwater, power supply, and zoning rules, “one-size-fits-all” advice from national magazines rarely holds up here. The goal of this article is to arm you with Georgia-specific knowledge so you can ask the right questions and spot red flags before they cost you time or money.
Clarify Your Lifestyle Vision First
The best pool fits the life you actually live, not the hypothetical one in your head. Before you look at materials or price tags, ask:
Who will swim?
Families with small children lean toward shallow sun shelves, wide steps, integrated safety ledges, and textured non-slip surfaces. Lap swimmers need at least 34–40 feet of straight run. Entertainers often prioritize generous benches, swim-up seating, and adjacent outdoor kitchens.
How often will it be used?
If you’ll be in the water five days a week from April through October, low-maintenance finishes and automation add enormous day-to-day value. If you’re a “holiday-weekend only” household, upfront customization may outweigh ongoing operating savings.
What aesthetic resonates?
Modern geometric designs work beautifully with Midtown townhomes and Buckhead contemporary builds; free-form lagoons complement wooded suburban lots in Roswell or Peachtree City. Your home’s architecture, not just your personal taste, should guide shape, color palette, and decking choices.
Future plans.
Think beyond current children’s ages. A deep-end diving pool thrills a twelve-year-old today but may feel underutilized when they leave for college. Conversely, a spa with therapeutic jets can remain relevant for decades.
Grab a notepad, map out your must-haves and nice-to-haves, and share it with your design consultant early—doing so can prevent costly change orders later.
Climate and Site Considerations Unique to Georgia
Freeze/thaw cycles
While central and southern Georgia rarely see hard freezes, North Georgia counties do. If you live above the fall line, you’ll want freeze protection controls, insulated plumbing where lines run close to grade, and equipment pads designed to drain completely.
Soil profile
Red clay’s low permeability demands robust drainage systems: French drains at the uphill side of the pool, properly graded decking, and sump channels behind retaining walls. Sandy soils, by contrast, may require extra footing depth or geotextile fabric to curb erosion.
Topography
Atlanta’s rolling terrain often means a split-level yard. Strategic use of raised bond beams, negative-edge walls, or tiered retaining structures can integrate a pool without massive backfill. These aesthetic features double as structural solutions—done well, they blend seamlessly; done poorly, they crack and shift.
Sun exposure and tree canopy
A south-facing, unshaded pool warms naturally and minimizes heater runtime. Heavy canopy, common in East Cobb and Dunwoody, keeps the water cooler but increases leaf load and skimmer maintenance. We often run a solar path analysis during early design to place tanning ledges exactly where afternoon sun lingers longest.
Utilities and easements
Power, sewer, gas, and stormwater lines weave through Atlanta backyards like spaghetti. Before TPS Pools & Landscape draws a single line, our team orders utility locates and checks plat maps—moving a pool two feet today can save thousands in relocation costs and inspection delays tomorrow.
Comparing Pool Construction Materials
Concrete/Gunite
Advantages
Infinite customization. Complex shapes, sunken fire lounges, zero-entry beaches, and 9-foot diving wells are possible.
Durability. A properly shot, steel-reinforced shell can last 50+ years.
High-end aesthetic. Pebble and glass bead finishes shimmer, and custom tile bands elevate curb appeal.
Considerations
Longer build time. Excavation, rebar skeleton, plumbing, gunite shoot, curing, coping, plaster—expect 8–12 weeks for typical builds, more for intricate geometries.
Higher initial cost. Roughly 15–40 percent above vinyl or fiberglass pools of comparable size.
Interior resurfacing. Plaster lasts 8–15 years depending on chemistry discipline; pebble extends that to 15–25 years but at a premium.
Fiberglass
Advantages
Speed. Factory-molded shells crane into place; water can be circulating in as little as two weeks after dig day.
Low maintenance. Non-porous gelcoat resists algae, requires fewer chemicals, and never needs replastering.
Smooth surface. Kid-friendly and kind to bathing suits.
Considerations
Size and shape limits. You’re restricted to manufacturer molds—maximum widths hover around 16 feet to fit highway transport.
Delivery logistics. Crane access is mandatory, and tight intown lots with mature trees may complicate staging.
High water table caution. In flood-prone river corridors, hydrostatic pressure could lift an empty shell. Adding a sump system or engineering anchoring solutions can mitigate the risk.
Vinyl Liner Over Steel or Polymer
Advantages
Lowest upfront price. Ideal for budget-conscious families wanting maximum splash for the cash.
Softer feel. Some swimmers love the slightly cushioned wall and floor.
Fast installation. Four to six weeks in most cases.
Considerations
Liner replacements. Expect a new liner every 7–10 years; avoid pets with claws on the steps.
Less resale cachet. Many Atlanta buyers lean toward gunite as the “gold standard,” which can impact appraisals.
Limited integrated features. While polymer panels now support tanning ledges and bench seats, structural waterfalls, fire elements, and large vanishing edges usually require concrete.
Size, Shape, and Depth: Designing for Comfort and Practicality
Plan for proportion. A pool should complement—not overwhelm—your backyard’s scale. In dense Craftsman neighborhoods like Kirkwood, a rectangular 12 × 24-foot lap-plus-lounge pool leaves room for patio, grill, and green space. In sprawling Milton acreage, a 20 × 40-foot free-form with attached spa still feels balanced.
Think circulation zones.
Entry. Broad steps or a beach entry invite timid swimmers and toddlers.
Play area. A consistent 3 ½- to 4-foot depth accommodates volleyball without tiptoes.
Deep end. If you choose one, consider a sport-depth profile (5½-feet max center depth) that supports games on either side while still allowing safe diving from a rock grotto or platform.
Flow and sightlines. Align the pool’s long axis with landscape vistas (a creek line or dramatic hardwood) or architectural elements (French doors, living room windows). Good alignment makes the pool feel integrated rather than tacked on.
Allowance for accessories. Water slides, diving boards, and sunken fire pits require square footage and safety clearances. It’s easier to plan those spaces now than shoehorn them in post-construction.
Must-Have Features, Technology, and Finishing Touches
Automation and smart controls
App-based systems let you adjust pumps, lighting, and spa temperature from a phone—a lifesaver when traffic on GA-400 is crawling but guests are arriving at six. Pair automation with variable-speed pumps to slash energy costs up to 70 percent.
LED lighting
Color-changing LEDs consume a fraction of the wattage of halogens and illuminate step edges for night safety. We recommend warm whites or gentle aquas that complement southern landscapes rather than intense neon.
Tanning ledges and Baja shelves
A 6-to-8-inch-deep ledge hosts bubblers, chaise loungers, and dogs who like to cool off without swimming. In steamy Georgia summers, parents often claim this ledge more than the kids do.
Integrated spas
Beyond therapeutic jets, an attached spa extends use into shoulder seasons. Proper valving allows spa overflow to create a graceful waterfall that passively heats the pool during spring warm-up.
Water and fire elements
Sheer descents, scuppers, laminar jets, and fire bowls provide sensory drama. Remember that moving water boosts evaporation; plan for an automatic fill line to keep levels consistent.
Interior finish options
Plaster is classic and economical; quartz adds sparkle and longevity; pebble and glass bead deliver a textured, river-bed look and can last two decades or more with vigilant chemistry.
Budgeting for Installation and Lifetime Ownership
Initial build range
In 2025 dollars, metro Atlanta vinyl liner pools of 14 × 28 feet start near $60–$70 k; fiberglass of comparable footprint lands in the $80–$95 k bracket; gunite projects range from $110 k on the conservative side to $250 k+ with custom stone, automation, and luxury hardscapes.
Site-driven costs
Hauling excess clay, engineering retaining walls, and craning over a three-story townhome can add $5 k–$40 k. Permits and professional soil engineering may also be mandatory in steep or floodplain areas.
Operating and maintenance
Expect $1,200–$1,800 per year for electricity, chemicals, and routine service on a standard 15 × 30 gunite pool in Atlanta. Variable-speed pumps, cartridge filters, and salt-chlorine generators can trim that figure, whereas attached spas and elaborate water features nudge it upward.
Lifetime capital expenses
Factor resurfacing or liner swaps into a sinking fund: $7–$10 k for a vinyl replacement, $9–$15 k for new plaster, $14–$20 k for new pebble. Equipment (heater, pump, automation panel) typically needs replacement every 8–12 years.
Financing options
Home-equity lines remain popular for their tax advantages, but as of 2025 pool-specific personal loans offer fixed rates and quick approvals. TPS Pools & Landscape partners with lenders who specialize in outdoor projects to streamline paperwork.
Understanding Georgia Permitting, Safety, and HOA Requirements
Permitting basics
Most counties require submitted engineering drawings, site plans showing setbacks, impervious surface calculations, and erosion control measures. Expect at least two inspections: pre-gunite (or pre-shell) and final. HOA design boards may also approve aesthetics, fence style, and equipment screening.
Barrier and gate laws
Georgia mandates a minimum 48-inch-high fence enclosing any private pool; some jurisdictions, such as Fulton County and Johns Creek, set a 60-inch minimum. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with locks positioned to deter small children. Vertical picket gaps can’t exceed four inches, and clearance under the fence must stay under four inches on solid surfaces.
Setbacks and easements
Standard rear-yard setbacks range from 5–15 feet from property lines, but utility easements may extend further. Pools are generally allowed in side yards if local codes and HOA rules permit, but equipment pads must maintain specified distances from neighboring windows.
Drainage and backwash
Atlanta stormwater ordinances prohibit direct pump-out to the street; you’ll need an infiltration trench or dedicated sewer connection for filter backwash and maintenance draining. TPS Pools & Landscape incorporates these solutions into early design to avoid surprises at final inspection.
Maintenance Realities in the Peach State
Water chemistry
Warm temperatures and heavy pollen spikes mean algae loves Georgia pools. Automated chlorination (salt or liquid feed) and UV/Ozone secondary systems keep sanitizer levels stable. Aim for pH 7.2–7.6, alkalinity 80–120 ppm, calcium hardness 200–400 ppm, stabilizer 30–50 ppm.
Pollen and debris
Late March through early May, yellow pine pollen blankets surfaces. Oversized skimmer baskets, leaf traps on vacuum lines, and multi-speed pumps running longer low-rpm cycles help. Robotic cleaners with fine silt bags capture the dust that slips by traditional suction cleaners.
Winterization
Below I-20 many owners skip full winterization and simply run pumps during overnight freezes, but in higher elevations we recommend lowering water below tile line, blowing out lines, and adding antifreeze. Freeze protection sensors on automation panels can turn pumps on automatically.
Service schedules
Weekly professional maintenance costs $180–$240 monthly in metro Atlanta and includes brushing, netting, chemistry, and equipment checks. DIY owners can cut costs but should budget three hours weekly from April to October.
Sustainability and Smart Water Use
Water stewardship matters during Georgia’s periodic drought restrictions. Consider:
- Variable-speed pumps to minimize kilowatt draw.
- Cartridge filters over sand to avoid frequent backwash.
- Automatic pool covers to curb evaporation by up to 90 percent and add a safety layer.
- Rainwater harvesting into cisterns for top-offs—dechlorinate before discharge to gardens.
- Native landscaping—switch irrigated grass around decking to drought-tolerant shrubs and groundcovers.
TPS Pools & Landscape is a certified Eco-Finish™ applicator and participates in the Georgia Clean Water initiative, so we can integrate green practices from day one.
Partnering with the Right Builder: What Sets TPS Pools & Landscape Apart
Local expertise. Our design studio sits right off Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, and our staff lives in the neighborhoods we serve—so we know which inspectors retire, which neighborhoods demand architectural review, and how red clay affects rebar spacing.
Turn-key integration. We don’t just dig a hole; we design, permit, build, landscape, and service. Your project coordinator stays with you from first site visit through final hand-off, and our maintenance division keeps water crystal-clear long after ribbon-cutting.
Transparent costing. Detailed line-item proposals, no “allowances” that balloon later. We share supplier invoices so you see true material pricing.
Warranty strength. Lifetime structural warranty on gunite shells, 25-year structural on fiberglass, and five-year workmanship on plumbing and equipment. Because we service what we build, warranty calls are prioritized within 48 hours.
Portfolio you can touch. Prospective clients are welcome to tour completed pools from Buckhead rooftops to Forsyth County equestrian estates. Nothing inspires confidence like seeing our craftsmanship under real Georgia sun.
Final Thoughts: Dive into Your Dream with Confidence
A swimming pool is more than a backyard feature; it’s a lifestyle upgrade, a social magnet, and—done thoughtfully—a legacy asset that enhances property value for decades. By clarifying your goals, respecting Georgia’s distinct environmental factors, understanding material pros and cons, and budgeting for both today and tomorrow, you set the stage for smooth sailing from design consultation to first cannonball.
TPS Pools & Landscape is here to guide you every splash-sized step of the way. Whether you envision early-morning lap workouts, laid-back weekend barbecues, or sunset spa soaks with family, we’ll translate your dream into engineered reality—the right pool, in the right place, built the right way for Georgia living.
Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary design session, and let’s transform your piece of Georgia into the neighborhood’s favorite vacation spot—no airfare required.