Nashville Pool Builders

Cox Pools builds custom residential swimming pools throughout the greater Nashville area. Our primary service areas include Nashville, Belle Meade, Forest Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, Green Hills, Oak Hill, and Berry Hill.

If you’re located nearby and unsure whether you fall within our service range, our team is happy to discuss your project and confirm availability in your area.

Cox Pools specializes in building inground swimming pools, offering both fully custom concrete pools and pre-engineered fiberglass pool options to suit a range of design goals, timelines, and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind backyard centerpiece or a streamlined installation, our team can guide you to the right solution.

We also operate both residential and commercial pool construction divisions, allowing us to handle everything from private backyard projects to larger-scale commercial builds. Cox Pools proudly serves clients across Tennessee and Alabama, bringing the same level of expertise and craftsmanship to every project.

The cost to build a pool can vary based on size, materials, and the features you choose, but most inground pools today require a significant investment. At Cox Pools, our most basic entry-level inground pools typically start at around $100,000. From there, the average residential pool project we build generally falls in the $150,000 range, depending on the level of customization and upgrades.

For homeowners looking for more budget-conscious options, we do offer smaller models such as plunge pools and pre-engineered designs that can come in at the lower end of the price range. Fiberglass pools are another popular option, typically starting around $120,000. Ultimately, the final price will depend on your design preferences, materials, and the overall scope of your outdoor living project.

The timeline to build a pool can vary depending on the type of pool, the complexity of the design, and site conditions, but most residential pool projects take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks once construction begins. More custom projects with extensive features, outdoor living elements, or challenging access may take longer.

It’s also important to factor in pre-construction time, which includes design, engineering, permitting, and scheduling. This phase can add several weeks to the overall timeline, depending on your municipality and how quickly approvals are processed. At Cox Pools, we guide you through each step of the process so you know what to expect from start to finish.

Yes, Cox Pools specializes in custom pool design. Our team works closely with you to create a one-of-a-kind pool tailored to your space, style, and how you plan to use your backyard. From the overall shape and layout to features like spas, tanning ledges, lighting, and water features, every detail is thoughtfully designed to bring your vision to life.

We take a comprehensive approach to design, considering not just the pool itself but the entire outdoor living environment. This includes patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and landscaping elements, ensuring everything comes together as a cohesive and functional backyard experience.

When building a pool, you have a wide range of options to customize both the structure and the overall backyard experience. The first decision is the type of pool construction—most homeowners choose between custom concrete pools, fiberglass pools, or pre-engineered designs. Each offers different advantages in terms of flexibility, installation time, and overall look.

From there, you’ll select the shape and layout that best fits your space and lifestyle. This can range from clean, geometric designs to more freeform or completely custom shapes. You’ll also choose interior finishes like plaster, aggregate, or glass tile, along with decking materials such as concrete or travertine to define the surrounding space.

Beyond the basics, features and upgrades play a big role in how your pool looks and functions. Popular options include tanning ledges, bench seating, swim-up bars, and attached spas. Water features like sheer descents, laminars, bubblers, and waterfalls can add movement and sound, while LED lighting and automation systems enhance usability and ambiance.

You can also incorporate premium equipment and add-ons such as heating systems, saltwater chlorination, advanced filtration, and in-floor cleaning systems. Many homeowners choose to go a step further by designing a complete outdoor living space with patios, fire features, and outdoor kitchens to create a fully integrated backyard environment.

At Cox Pools, we guide you through each of these decisions to help you build a pool that fits your vision, your property, and how you plan to enjoy your space.

Building a pool in Nashville comes with a few region-specific considerations that are important to plan for upfront.

One of the biggest factors is soil conditions. Much of Middle Tennessee has clay-heavy soil, which expands when wet and contracts during dry periods. This movement can place stress on a pool structure over time, so proper engineering, excavation, and backfill are critical to ensure long-term stability.

Permitting and zoning are also key. Pools must meet local setback requirements, avoid easements, and comply with Metro regulations. In some areas, homeowners associations or neighborhood guidelines may add additional restrictions that can impact design and placement.

Nashville’s climate is another consideration. Seasonal temperature swings and freeze-thaw cycles can affect materials if the pool is not built and maintained correctly. Choosing the right finishes and following proper winterization practices helps protect your investment.

Finally, every property is different. Sloped lots, rock, drainage challenges, and limited access can all influence the design, construction process, and overall cost. That’s why working with an experienced builder who understands the local conditions is essential to getting the project done right.

Yes, you do need a permit to build a pool in Nashville.

All pool construction projects—both inground and above-ground—require approval through Metro before work can begin. This typically involves submitting a site plan that shows the pool location, equipment placement, property lines, and any easements, along with meeting required setbacks and zoning regulations.

The good news is that your pool builder will usually handle the permitting process for you, coordinating with the city and ensuring everything is approved before construction starts.

Realistically, you should plan your budget based on the entire backyard project—not just the pool itself.

In today’s market, most inground pools in the Nashville area start around $100,000, with many residential projects landing closer to the $150,000 range depending on size, materials, and features. But once you factor in everything that completes the space, your total investment is typically higher.

Here’s a more realistic breakdown of full project budgets:

• Entry-level complete project: $100,000 – $130,000
Smaller pool, minimal features, basic decking, limited upgrades

• Typical backyard project: $130,000 – $175,000
Average-size pool, upgraded finishes, some water features, lighting, and a functional patio space

• Higher-end / fully built-out backyard: $175,000 – $250,000+
Custom pool, spa, multiple water features, premium materials, automation, and outdoor living elements

The reason budgets increase is because the pool is only one part of the project. Decking, drainage, fencing, landscaping, lighting, and add-ons like spas or outdoor kitchens all contribute to the final cost.

The best approach is to think about the entire outdoor living space from the beginning. Planning for the full project upfront helps ensure everything comes together the right way—both in design and in budget.

At Cox Pools, our commitment doesn’t end when construction is complete. Every pool we build is backed by strong, long-term warranty coverage, including a lifetime structural warranty, a 10-year warranty on the interior finish, and a 5-year warranty on pool equipment.

We also provide ongoing support for every project we complete—whether a repair falls under warranty or not—so you always have a trusted team to help maintain and protect your investment for years to come.