Are you planning to build a new pool in your Palm Beach County home? Whether you’re a new homeowner or giving your outdoor space a makeover, it’s important to understand the steps involved in pool construction — and how landscape design can help turn your pool into a more complete outdoor paradise area. 

At Universal Landscape, Inc., we don’t build pools — but we specialize in custom landscape design & installation, stone work, outdoor entertainment areas, fountain designs & layouts, lighting designs, drainage and irrigation that can help bring the entire project to life. Below, we break down the typical stages of pool construction and show you how landscaping can fit into or completely transform the bigger picture and experience.

Steps for building a new pool with landscape

🏗️ 1. The Pool Dig

The process begins with excavation. Heavy equipment digs the shape of your future pool based on the design plan. This phase involves dirt, noise, and a big transformation to your yard.

Landscape Insight: Before, during and after this stage, we can help you plan future planting zones, patio deck sizing based on furniture and usage thoughts and layouts as well as helpt to identify areas where drainage might be needed once the pool is finished.

🔩 2. Steel Framing & Rough Plumbing

After the hole is dug, a rebar skeleton is installed to reinforce the pool shell. Rough plumbing lines for the pool’s filtration system, water features, and in-floor cleaning systems are also placed.

Tip: This is a good time to consider future irrigation and landscape lighting pathways so sleeves can be added before gunite.

HOA (Homeowner’s Association) Planning Note – Submitting your Landscape Project for review where necessary :  Not all Hoa’s are the same by any measure. Some are quick, efficient and very helpful, some are the opposite. No matter what kind of Hoa you’re in, for a brand new development that’s under construction and the developer is still in charge of any required approval process, to the older, well oiled, helpful and quick older neighborhood Hoa – we are well versed and can help in any situation. 

If you aren’t sure if you need to submit your project for a review process, some Hoa’s don’t require a submittal, many do. Check with your neighbors and your Hoa and if you need help navigating the process, and you are a customer of ours, we’re here to help. 

For More information on this process, click here for an article where we provide more information on this process. 

🧱 3. Gunite Application

Next, the pool shell is formed with gunite, a high-strength concrete material sprayed over the steel frame. After it cures for several days, the structure is strong and durable.

Landscape Note: Curing time is ideal for working on preliminary landscape design plans — while the pool sets, we’re sketching your dream yard.

✔️ 4. Piping Installation & Backfill After Inspection

Once inspections are passed, additional piping is installed. The trenches are then backfilled, preparing the site for decking and hardscaping.

Timing Schedule Note : 

Drainage Planning & Sleeving: This is the key stage to identify proper grading and drainage piping needs before hard surfaces are installed. To install any drainage system, lighting, irrigation, wiring sleeves, is easiest and recommended before the pool decking is installed where needed.  

🧿 5. Pool Tile Band & Coping

The waterline tile and pool coping (edging around the pool) are installed next. These features enhance the aesthetic of your pool and can be a big Timing Note that the landscape is close to being ready to the time of potential installation. 

Landscape Integration: We help select materials and colors that coordinate with your future paver patios, planting beds, and lighting.

🧱 6. Paver Deck Installation

The surrounding pool deck is created typically with pavers, decorative concrete or natural stone. This area may include lounging zones, walkways, and paths connecting to outdoor kitchens or dining areas.

We design & install paver patios to blend seamlessly with the pool surround — creating functional, beautiful spaces to relax and entertain.

Timing Schedule Note : After the pavers are installed, irrigation is next before landscape installation typically.

💧 7. Drainage & Irrigation Systems

With hardscaping in place, it’s time to install a custom drainage and irrigation system. Proper grading, drains placement, drainage system outflow points, and sprinklers ensure your landscape thrives without flooding your hardscape or pool.

This is one of our specialties. Our systems are designed to protect your investment and promote plant health year-round.

🌴 8. Fence & Tree Installation

To meet Palm Beach County regulations, pool areas are enclosed with fencing. At this stage, privacy trees and shade elements can be planted.

We recommend strategic tree placement to block views, soften hard edges, and add beauty — all without interfering with pool maintenance.

Timing Schedule Note: Depending upon the size of the pool planting area and if heavy machinery is required for tree and ornamental installations, this point should be coordinated before fence installation if fence may interfere with necessary machine access for tree or landscape installation.

✨ 9. Interior Pool Finish

Now comes the finishing coat inside your pool — from classic plaster to pebble or quartz finishes. Once cured, the pool is nearly ready.

We coordinate installation timelines with you or your pool builder to help ensure that your landscape isn’t damaged or disrupted during this critical step.

⚙️ 10. Pool Pump & Filter Installation

Your pool’s engine — the pump and filter system — is installed and tested for functionality. These components are essential for keeping water clean and healthy.

We work around equipment placement to plan for equipment screening (like hedges or enclosure structures).

Landscape Installation Tip: if the pool builder wishes the landscape to be installed before the interior pool finishes, it is recommended to leave an open dirt area near the hose bib so pool plasterers can wash out their plaster buckets without spilling out on lawn or grass. Also to leave a wheel barrel path wide of sod from street of no sod from street to pool area so workers have a place to walk back and forth not on new lawn. Heavy foot traffic wheel barreling can kill off on damage a new lawn.

🌿 11. Landscape Installation & Sod Replacement

Finally, your outdoor transformation is completed with landscape installation. We add:

• Trees & flowering shrubs
• Sod replacement or artificial turf
• Accent lighting
• Planting beds
• Mulch, gravel, or decorative borders

Whether you’re going tropical or modern, our landscapes make your pool feel like part of a natural oasis — not just a hole in the ground.

🎯 Why Landscaping After Your Pool Is Critical

Too often, pool contractors stop once the water is filled. That’s where we come in.

• Landscaping frames the pool and softens its edges
• It adds privacy, beauty, and comfort
• It ties together functional zones like patios, paths, and gardens

And it ensures proper drainage so your new hardscape doesn’t flood or erode