Adding an in-ground swimming pool to your Central Florida home transforms your backyard into a personal sanctuary while offering year-round relaxation and entertainment. However, starting a new pool installation naturally comes with a few questions.
At Dreamscapes Pools and Spas, our certified installation team brings decades of experience designing, building, and maintaining custom concrete swimming pools across Central Florida. Here are answers to the most common questions homeowners ask when planning their new in-ground pool.
1. What Is the Best Material for an In-Ground Pool in Florida?
Gunite (concrete) is the clear winner for Central Florida backyards.
Gunite pools are constructed using a high-strength framework of rebar steel, sprayed concrete, and a custom plaster finish. This creates an extraordinarily durable structure built to withstand Florida’s unique climate and soil conditions for decades.
Key Benefits of Gunite Pools:

- Endless Customization: Unlike prefabricated fiberglass shells, gunite allows for any shape, depth, or design feature (such as tanning ledges or integrated spas).
- Superior Durability: Designed to resist wear, high heat, and heavy groundwater pressure.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Built using long-lasting, environmentally conscious construction components.
2. What Goes Into Designing a Custom Swimming Pool?
Designing the ideal pool requires balancing your aesthetic vision with everyday functionality. From ambient lighting and water features to outdoor entertainment zones, the choices can quickly feel overwhelming.
At Dreamscapes Pools and Spas, we streamline the process using advanced 3D computer design technology. This allows you to walk through and visualize every detail of your custom backyard layout before ground is ever broken, ensuring the final build matches your vision.
3. How Much Does an In-Ground Swimming Pool Cost?
Pool installation pricing varies based on several specific factors:
| Price Factor | Impact on Budget |
|---|---|
| Pool Size & Depth | Larger footprints require more excavation, steel, and concrete. |
| Equipment & Automation | Premium pumps, filtration, salt systems, and automated controls affect upfront costs. |
| Finishes & Decking | Custom plaster, quartz, tile work, and paver selections modify total investment. |
| Special Features | Adding water features, fire elements, lighting, or screen enclosures adds to overall design scope. |
Our team works closely with you to navigate these variables, crafting a custom pool design tailored specifically to your budget without compromising on quality.
4. Will a Pool and Spa Increase My Home’s Value?
Yes. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, constructing an in-ground gunite swimming pool can increase a home’s value in the Southeastern United States by up to 13 percent.
In Central Florida, many homebuyers consider a pool an essential feature rather than a luxury. A beautifully finished backyard resort acts as a major selling point that enhances curb appeal and property value.
5. How Much Does Swimming Pool Maintenance Cost?
Pool ownership is far more affordable and low-maintenance than it used to be. Modern energy-efficient pool equipment—such as variable-speed pumps, smart filtration systems, and automated chemical feeders—dramatically lowers monthly utility costs while reducing hands-on upkeep, giving you more time to enjoy your water.
Build Your Central Florida Backyard Oasis
With over 50 years of combined design and construction experience, Dreamscapes Pools and Spas turns complex pool projects into smooth, rewarding experiences. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, aesthetic goals, and budget to build an outdoor retreat built for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Ready to start designing your custom pool?
Contact the design team at Dreamscapes Pools and Spas today at (407) 268-3539 or visit us in Sanford, FL, to schedule your consultation.