The Short Answer
In 2026, a custom in-ground pool in North Texas typically costs between $80,000 and $250,000+. That's a wide range because "custom" means exactly that — your pool is designed and built specifically for your lot, your family, and your vision. A clean geometric pool with basic finishes lands on the lower end. A full backyard transformation with an infinity edge, outdoor kitchen, fire features, and smart automation pushes toward the top.
Here's a more practical breakdown based on what we build most often in the Frisco, Prosper, McKinney, and Plano areas:
Price Ranges by Project Scope
Entry-Level Custom Pool — $80,000 to $120,000
This gets you a well-built gunite pool with a standard shape (geometric or simple freeform), basic interior finish, concrete or thin-set coping, a variable-speed pump, and standard LED lighting. You'll have a beautiful pool that looks great and lasts decades — just without the premium extras. Most pools in this range are 300 to 500 square feet of water surface area.
Mid-Range Custom Pool — $120,000 to $180,000
This is where most of our clients land. At this level you're adding features like a raised spa with spillover, a tanning ledge (also called a Baja shelf), upgraded pebble or quartz interior finish, travertine or natural stone coping, variable-speed pumps, color-changing LED lighting, and basic automation. The design gets more refined — custom shapes, level changes, and water features like scuppers or deck jets.
Premium Custom Pool — $180,000 to $250,000+
Full resort-caliber builds. Think infinity edges (negative edge / vanishing edge), natural rock waterfalls with grottos, swim-up bars, multiple water features, fire bowls, extensive natural stone decking, and full smart home integration. These projects often include the surrounding landscape, outdoor kitchen, pergola, and lighting design as a single cohesive build.
What Actually Drives the Cost
The final number depends on several specific factors, not just the size of the pool:
Lot Conditions
Access, soil type, slope, and rock. North Texas clay soil is common and manageable, but if your lot has solid limestone underneath (common in parts of McKinney, Celina, and Prosper), rock excavation can add $5,000 to $20,000 depending on depth and density. Tight lots with limited equipment access can also add to labor costs.
Pool Size and Depth
A 400-square-foot pool with a uniform 4-foot depth costs less than a 600-square-foot pool with a deep end, tanning ledge, and swim-out bench. More water volume means more excavation, more steel, more gunite, more plaster, and a larger equipment pad.
Interior Finish
Standard plaster starts around $8,000 to $10,000. Upgraded pebble finishes (like PebbleTec or StoneScapes) run $12,000 to $18,000. Glass bead and quartz finishes can push higher. The finish affects both the look and the longevity — premium finishes typically last 15 to 20 years versus 7 to 10 for basic plaster.
Water Features
A pair of deck jets might add $1,500 to $2,500. A sheer descent waterfall runs $3,000 to $6,000. A natural rock waterfall with grotto can be $15,000 to $40,000+ depending on scale. Fire bowls typically cost $2,000 to $4,000 each installed.
Decking and Coping
Brushed concrete is the most affordable option at $8 to $12 per square foot. Travertine pavers run $18 to $28 per square foot. Natural flagstone is $20 to $35+ per square foot. The amount of decking matters as much as the material — a full wrap-around deck costs more than a simple 4-foot border.
Automation and Equipment
Variable-speed pumps are standard on all new builds (required by federal DOE regulations). Entry-level builds include a standard variable-speed pump and basic controls. Upgrading to premium models ($1,500 to $2,500), adding salt chlorine generators ($1,500 to $2,500), and smart automation systems like Pentair IntelliCenter or Jandy iAquaLink ($3,000 to $6,000) add convenience and long-term energy savings.
How to Budget Smart
Get Specific Early
Avoid builders who quote a price without visiting your lot. A real estimate requires understanding your soil, access, utilities, and grade. At Prestige, our design consultations include a full site evaluation before we quote anything.
Think Total Project, Not Just Pool
If you know you eventually want an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or pergola, design for it now — even if you build it in phases. Running gas lines, electrical, and drainage during pool construction is far cheaper than trenching through finished decking later.
Don't Skimp on Equipment
A variable-speed pump costs more upfront but saves $50 to $100 per month in electricity. Salt systems reduce chemical costs and feel better on skin and eyes. These upgrades typically pay for themselves within 2 to 3 years.
Ask About Financing
Most custom pool builders, including Prestige, work with pool financing lenders who offer terms from 5 to 20 years. Monthly payments on a $150,000 pool typically range from $900 to $1,400 depending on term length and rate. Home equity loans and HELOCs are also common options.
What About the Timeline?
Timelines depend on your design, permitting, HOA approval and weather. Your proposal includes a project schedule. North Texas weather is generally pool-friendly for construction year-round, though heavy spring rains can cause brief delays.
The Bottom Line
A custom pool is a significant investment — and it should be. You're building a structure that will serve your family for 30+ years and add real value to your property. The best way to get an accurate number is to sit down with a builder who will listen to what you want, walk your lot, and design something that fits your vision and your budget.
If you're in the Frisco, Prosper, McKinney, Plano, Celina, or Allen area, we'd love to show you what's possible. Visit our 10,000-square-foot showroom on Preston Road or schedule a free design consultation to get started.
