Best Pool Companies in Tampa, FL

Pool design and installation in Tampa

Backyard swimming pools are an excellent way to entertain guests and cool off in the Florida heat. They’re popular in Tampa neighborhoods that don’t have homeowners associations with community pools. Older and more established areas like Hyde Park, Bayshore and South Tampa have larger yards, lots of kids and a population that desires to maintain well-landscaped lawns and outside living spaces that often include pools.

Choosing between inground or above ground swimming pools in Tampa

Pool builders in Tampa often specialize in inground or above ground pools, but some companies sell and install both. When you’re deciding which is best for you, consider these factors and how they impact your lifestyle and budget.

Inground vs. above ground pools in Tampa

Above ground pools are typically built with steel or aluminum outer walls and a vinyl interior liner. Companies have more options for constructing materials when building inground pools, with each type of pool having different benefits.

• Concrete pools, also known as gunite pools, are popular in Tampa because of their unlimited customization options. These swimming pools are perfect for Tampa residents who are looking for a centerpiece for a landscape design or want features such as a multi-level pool. Concrete pools take longer to build, however, and require more cleaning because of the porous material.
• Fiberglass pools are durable and easier to maintain than concrete pools but have limited customization options. Because these pools are pre-built by the manufacturer, buyers are limited to the selection offered by their contractor and cannot design their own.
• Vinyl pools are the least expensive option for inground swimming pools. These pools are relatively customizable but less durable and require the owner to replace the liner every six to 12 years. Liner replacement typically costs around $4,500, depending on the type of liner and pool size.

Keep in mind that inground pools are considered permanent, while you can remove an above ground pool if you no longer want it or would rather sell your home without it. Consider the size of your yard as well — if you have a large backyard, you can install an inground pool that’s any size or shape. If you have a smaller yard, an aboveground pool might fit better.

Maintaining your pool in Tampa

Regular maintenance is vital to keep your pool safe, extend its life span and keep it working at peak performance. Besides cleaning, you also need to ensure the water has the correct pH balance. Even if you have your swimming pool professionally cleaned regularly, you’ll want to have the following supplies handy:

• Pool vacuum
• Pool skimmer
• Pool net
• Water test strips
• Balancing chemicals
• Algae brush
• Surface cleaner
• Pool sanitizer

How to choose a pool builder in Tampa

Swimming pool contractors must be licensed through Hillsborough County and the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You can use the state’s website to verify a contractor's license.

When talking to pool builders in Tampa, get an idea of what you can expect in terms of construction timelines and cost. Some questions you should ask before buying a pool include:

• Do you offer on-site inspections to help determine the best pool for my yard?
• How long will the installation take?
• What kind of payment plans or financing do you offer?
• Do you have warranties on parts, materials and the life of the pool?
• Do you offer maintenance packages?
• How do you prevent damage, corrosion and general wear and tear?
• Do you offer saltwater and chlorine water, and which do you recommend?
• What kinds of chemicals do you use, and how do I know if the amounts are off?

The City of Tampa requires homeowners to apply for a permit before installing an inground or above ground pool. In addition to the general swimming pool permit, you may also need permits for electrical, plumbing, fencing and site clearing work. An experienced swimming pool contractor lets you know what is required and helps with any necessary permits.