Starting a custom pool project can feel like a big step. We know it’s an exciting time, but it can also bring up a lot of questions. What’s the process like? How long will it take? What decisions need to be made along the way? That’s why having a sense of what to expect before things kick off makes a big difference.

For homeowners in areas like Louisiana, the timing, local weather, and yard conditions all play a role in how the project moves forward. Custom pools aren’t just about picking a shape and filling it with water. They’re about making a space that feels like it belongs right in your backyard, one you’ll actually want to use all year. When you have a solid picture of how everything works, it helps the whole experience go more smoothly.

Getting Ready for the Design Process

Before any digging happens, the design phase is where your ideas start to become real. This part is all about sharing what you want and figuring out how to make it work for your space.

• Start by thinking about how you want to use your pool. Do you want a place for the kids to splash around? A quiet spot for lounging? Or something eye-catching for backyard get-togethers?

• Then, talk through features like pool shape, depth, and extras like tanning ledges, spas, or waterfalls. Every idea helps shape the final plan.

• The layout of your yard matters too. Some backyards get more sun during certain parts of the day. Some have slopes or trees to work around. Local weather, sunlight, and drainage all affect where and how the pool is built.

We also like to think ahead about how your pool fits into all four seasons. For example, if you want to enjoy the water into late fall, built-in heating or wind protection might make sense during planning.

We specialize in custom gunite pools that are tailored for Southeast Louisiana homes, including unique layouts for compact yards or larger spaces. Our team walks each homeowner through a detailed design consultation to ensure every feature, from tanning ledges to spillover spas, is considered from the start.

Permits, Prep, and Paperwork

Once the plan is set, there’s a bit of behind-the-scenes work before construction begins. Some of the early steps might feel slow, but they’re important to keep things safe and up to code.

• Local permits and inspections are usually required before we can start building. Pulling the right paperwork early helps prevent hold-ups once construction begins.

• Before digging, we check what’s underground. That includes making sure we don’t hit water lines, gas pipes, or anything else that can cause issues.

• You’ll also help finalize some big decisions during this step, like surface materials, color finishes, and any added equipment or features. Getting those choices locked in early keeps construction moving without delays.

Fall is usually a great time to start a project like this because the weather is milder in Louisiana, and the rain tends to slow down, which helps the schedule stay on track.

Construction and What It Looks Like

This is the phase where ideas turn into something you can walk out and see. Construction can vary depending on the size of the pool and what’s being added, but most projects follow a steady sequence from start to finish.

1. First comes excavation, where the hole gets dug and shaped. Then we form the shell, set up plumbing and electrical lines, and get everything ready for concrete.

2. Once the pool frame is built and plumbing is in place, we apply the concrete (called gunite) and let it cure. This gives the pool its solid structure.

3. After that, crews install the tile, coping, deck features, and any extras like lights or jets. Finally, the interior finish is applied and the pool filled with water.

Construction isn’t silent or spotless, so expect some activity. It helps to know that we keep things organized and aim to keep your home as tidy as possible. In late fall and early winter, construction usually moves forward without major weather delays in Louisiana, but cooler temps may slightly slow drying times for certain materials. Still, steady progress keeps things moving in the right direction.

Adding the Right Features from the Start

Planning for extras early on helps the space feel just right when it’s ready. It’s much easier to include features during the build than trying to add them later, especially when it comes to lighting, spa additions, or heating systems.

• If you want to enjoy the pool in cooler weather, now’s the time to think about features like built-in heating, night lighting, or a raised spa area. These make the pool more useful outside of peak summer months.

• Want to just relax, not swim? Extras like tanning ledges or shallow seating areas are perfect for that. They let you dip your feet in or lounge without getting all the way wet.

• When built-in during the construction phase, these custom touches are cleaner, easier, and better integrated into the design, and they support year-round comfort.

Making these decisions now helps us create custom pools that suit your whole routine, not just the summer weekends.

We provide options such as LED pool lighting, custom-tiled tanning ledges, and waterfalls as part of the initial construction rather than add-ons. Since we are fully licensed and insured, each feature is installed to meet both safety standards and your personal preferences.

Keeping It Clean and Ready to Enjoy

Once the pool is built, it helps to think about upkeep too. A clean pool looks better, feels better, and stays safer. And when we plan with maintenance in mind, it doesn’t take much to keep it that way.

• As fall comes on, leaves may blow into the yard. Easy-to-clean features like skimmer baskets and automatic cleaners can help keep your pool looking clear.

• Pool systems can adjust as the weather gets cooler. Simple test kits and gentle adjustments help keep the water balanced without much fuss.

• Tools like variable-speed pumps, smart filters, or built-in chlorinators cut down on the time you spend managing your pool water. These help keep things running smoothly through temperature changes from November into early winter.

When everything is thought out from the beginning, that effort pays off later, especially when you’ll still be getting use out of the space on cooler afternoons or weekends.

What Makes Us Unique in Louisiana

From the first sketch to the finished pool, we are a hands-on, owner-operated company with decades of expertise in Louisiana’s pool industry. Our team takes pride in an open, honest communication process, with each project led by a third-generation local builder. Flexible financing options are also available to make the dream of a custom pool more accessible for families in Gonzales and the surrounding areas.

A Backyard Project That Grows with You

Building a pool means more than putting water in the ground. It’s about creating a relaxing space that fits the way you actually live, whether that’s swimming laps, hosting family BBQs, or just having a quiet night by the water.

Shorter days and cooler nights don’t have to mean closing up the backyard for the year. In Louisiana, late fall still offers plenty of daylight and moderate weather. With the right design and a little planning, your pool can stay useful and comfortable for much longer than you might expect.

Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps turn the whole project into something enjoyable. From the first conversation to the final rinse, a little preparation makes the process less overwhelming and more rewarding.

At Artesian Pools and Spas, we know that your pool isn’t just a summer feature, it’s an enduring part of your lifestyle. If you’re ready to explore how custom pools can transform your backyard oasis, our expert team is here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re inspired by sleek modern designs or timeless elegance, our luxury installations ensure your pool is a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Let us help you craft a year-round retreat tailored to you, right in your backyard.