Building Pools the Right Way—From the Ground Up
When you’ve built pools in the Lowcountry for more than three decades, you learn that “custom” doesn’t just mean shape or size. It means engineering a pool to handle shifting soil, salty air, and the humid coastal climate we live in every day.
At A-1 Pool Service, we design and build custom concrete (gunite) pools for homeowners in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and throughout Beaufort County. Every project is engineered to outlast the environment, not just impress the neighbors.
This page answers the most common questions homeowners ask when planning a new pool build in the Lowcountry based on real projects we’ve completed across Hilton Head Plantation, Palmetto Bluff, Sea Pines, and dozens of private residences between.
What makes a concrete (gunite) pool better for coastal South Carolina?
Most homeowners in the Hilton Head area choose concrete, or gunite, pools because they’re built to last. Unlike fiberglass shells that can shift or float with the water table, a gunite structure is fully reinforced and custom-poured on-site.
In coastal regions where sandy soil and fluctuating groundwater are constant factors, a gunite shell resists movement and cracking better than any prefabricated option. It also allows complete design freedom—vanishing edges, tanning ledges, spa spillovers, and custom tile are all part of the build, not bolt-on features.
We’ve been building gunite pools here for over thirty years and can confidently say: if you want a pool that still looks great after hurricane season and a decade of humidity, gunite is the way to go.
How long does a new pool project take from design to completion?
A typical residential pool build takes 15 to 25 weeks from permitting to final start-up, depending on the design and site. Here’s how we structure every project:
- Consultation & Design (2–6 weeks) – We review your goals, property layout, and features. Then our design team creates a 3D rendering so you can see your pool before construction begins.
- Permitting & Engineering (2–8 weeks) – We handle all submissions with the Town of Hilton Head Island or Town of Bluffton. Our licensed engineers design drainage and structural plans to meet coastal codes.
- Construction Phase (6–12 weeks) – Excavation, steel reinforcement, plumbing, electrical, and gunite application follow in sequence.
- Finishing & Start-Up (1–2 weeks) – We install tile, coping, decking, and interior finishes, then balance the chemistry and train you on system operation.
Rain, inspections, and custom materials can extend the schedule, but we always communicate progress clearly.
Who handles permitting and inspections?
We do. Every pool we build in Hilton Head, Bluffton, or Beaufort County goes through a full permitting and inspection process managed by our in-house team.
Our clients never have to coordinate with the Town of Hilton Head Island’s Community Development Department, the Town of Bluffton’s Growth Management team, or Beaufort County Environmental Engineering—we do it for you.
Permits typically include:
- Site plan approval and setback verification
- Electrical and bonding inspection
- Plumbing pressure test
- Final safety and barrier inspection
Because we’ve built so many pools in these jurisdictions, we know exactly what each inspector expects. That’s one reason we’ve never had a failed inspection or a structural correction order in more than 500 builds.
Can you design pools for elevated or oceanfront properties?
Yes. Coastal and oceanfront pools require special engineering to meet FEMA flood-zone standards and structural load requirements. We regularly partner with local engineers and geotechnical firms to design elevated decks and ocean-view pools.
If your property is on the sound, a marsh, or within a floodplain, we’ll design the shell, support piers, and drainage systems to handle that environment. You’ll also receive sealed engineering drawings for your records and insurance.
Do you offer infinity or vanishing-edge pool designs?
We do, and we’ve built more of them in Hilton Head than any other local contractor. A vanishing edge or infinity pool is one of the most elegant ways to highlight a Lowcountry view, but it requires precise elevation, catch-basin design, and surge capacity calculation.
Our engineering team designs these systems with exacting tolerances. The edge must spill perfectly under normal operating level without air entrainment or visible turbulence. It’s not a style choice—it’s physics done correctly.
What about small plunge pools or spa pools?
Not every yard can fit a full 40-foot design, and that’s fine. We build small custom plunge pools and integrated spas that deliver the same structural integrity as our full-size builds.
For townhomes, courtyards, and compact properties, a well-designed plunge pool adds tremendous value without overwhelming the space. We adjust filtration, circulation, and heater sizing for smaller volume while keeping the aesthetic identical to our larger builds.
Do you provide financing or payment plans?
We partner with several third-party lenders who specialize in home-improvement financing for licensed contractors. We can connect you directly to preferred lenders for pre-qualification.
Most clients choose a combination of deposit, progress payments, and final draw upon completion. Every detail is explained clearly in your proposal—no surprises, no vague allowances.
What options are available for eco-friendly or energy-efficient pools?
Energy efficiency has become one of the most important topics for Lowcountry homeowners. We design all new pools with the following optional upgrades:
- Variable-Speed Pumps – Required by South Carolina code for new builds; these can reduce energy use by up to 70 percent.
- High-Efficiency Heaters or Heat Pumps – Ideal for year-round swimming with minimal power draw.
- LED Lighting Systems – Long-life, low-heat illumination that can be automated or color-tuned.
- Saltwater Chlorination or Ozone Sanitation – Gentler on skin and equipment while lowering chemical costs.
- Automation Systems – Remote monitoring and scheduling to minimize waste and ensure perfect chemistry.
We specify brands like Pentair, Hayward, and Jandy because they perform reliably in coastal conditions and integrate easily with smart-home systems.
How do you ensure quality control during construction?
Every A-1 pool is built under direct supervision from our licensed project manager, not a subcontractor. We inspect every phase personally:
- Steel inspection before gunite
- Plumbing pressure test before backfill
- Electrical bonding check before tile and coping
- Surface inspection before interior finish
We also use a 28-day concrete curing standard and include startup documentation for warranty compliance.
Our standard warranty covers the structure for ten years, with extended equipment warranties depending on manufacturer.
What sets A-1 Pool Service apart from other builders in Hilton Head and Bluffton?
Three decades of local experience. We’ve seen competitors come and go, but our reputation has stayed strong because we build with long-term ownership in mind.
We don’t offer fiberglass shells or “quick builds.” Every A-1 pool is custom engineered and hand-finished. We prioritize transparency, communication, and craftsmanship, and we have the client testimonials to prove it.
When you hire A-1, you’re not just getting a pool contractor; you’re getting a partner who’s been trusted by Hilton Head and Bluffton homeowners since 1992.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Building a pool in the Lowcountry is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your property. Whether you’re planning an infinity pool on the marsh or a family pool in Palmetto Bluff, our process starts the same way: with a conversation.
Reach out through our Service Request Form or call our Hilton Head office to schedule your consultation. We’ll review your site, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed, transparent proposal.