Swimming Pool questions, answered

For the pool itself, plan on roughly $38,000–60,000 for a small vinyl liner pool, $50,000–92,000 for fiberglass and $58,000–140,000 for gunite, by size. A deck, fence and permit usually add $9,000–27,000. Sabine's custom gunite permits in 2022–23 were valued at about $72,000–118,000 (BuildZoom).

Vinyl liner, up front. Over 20 years the gap narrows, because a liner is replaced every several years and gunite needs new plaster every decade or so. Fiberglass costs more on day one and least to keep up (This Old House).

Both are built here. Gunite fits any shape and is what most local builders do. Fiberglass goes in faster and its smooth gelcoat resists algae in our heat, but it's the lightest shell, so it needs the most care on a wet lot. Shell sizes top out around 16 by 40 ft.

It's the main local risk. Common prairie soils here, such as Crowley and Mowata, hold water within about 0–2 ft of the surface from December to April (USDA). Builders pump the hole while they dig and fit a hydrostatic relief valve, and an empty pool can float.

A spring valve in the main drain that opens when groundwater pressure under the pool beats the pressure of the water inside, letting some in rather than lifting the shell. The trade press calls it cheap insurance, but "not a cure-all" (Aqua Magazine).

Don't, here. With groundwater this high, an emptied shell, especially fiberglass, can pop up out of the ground (Shotcrete, 2025). Ask your builder before lowering the water more than a foot.

No. UF/IFAS Extension says keep it full through the storm, take loose furniture inside (never into the pool) and run the pump while power lasts (UF/IFAS, 2024). After the storm, let the yard drain before lowering the level.

Yes. In the city it's the Permit Center at 326 Pujo St, (337) 491-1294, with separate electrical and plumbing permits (City of Lake Charles). Sulphur, Westlake and the other towns have their own offices; Moss Bluff and Carlyss go through the parish. Your builder normally pulls them.

Lake Charles says any pool deeper than 24 in needs a barrier that meets the building code (city code enforcement). The model pool code sets at least 4 ft with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Your permit office confirms the local rule.

Louisiana requires a swimming pool classification for residential pool work over $7,500 (LSLBC). Look the company up on the board's verify licensure page before you pay a deposit.

Fiberglass is often 2–4 weeks on site once dug. Gunite takes longer: one Lake Charles builder says it is "in and out in four to six weeks," weather permitting (Thrive SWLA). Waiting for a dig date and permits can add weeks.

Sign in the fall. November and February are among the driest months here (NOAA normals), hurricane season ends November 30, and a pool started now is ready for the first hot weekends of spring.

Mostly cash, a home equity loan or HELOC, or an unsecured pool loan. Pool loans usually run 2–7 years at 6–36% APR depending on credit; equity loans cost less but are secured by your house (NerdWallet). There are no pool rebates.

No. Lake Charles Pool Builders is a free referral service. We send your request to one local builder, who visits and quotes. The builder may pay us for the referral; you pay us nothing.