Some of the smartest ways to save money on a pool or complete backyard project have very little to do with choosing less expensive materials or eliminating features. They come down to making certain decisions in the right order. You don't necessarily have to build everything at once, but you do want to know where you're headed before you build something permanent in the way.

Here are five decisions worth making while they're still lines on a plan instead of concrete in your backyard.

Nobody needs to have every detail of a backyard figured out before calling a pool builder. That's part of what we're here for. What matters is looking beyond the water early enough to make good decisions about the property as a whole.

At Cool Breeze Pools, we build pools, hardscapes, landscaping and complete outdoor living spaces throughout Augusta and the CSRA. That gives us the opportunity to think about how everything will work together before construction begins.

Because we'd much rather hear, "I'm so glad we thought of that," than "I wish we'd thought of that."

Good resorts are very good at creating an atmosphere.

That's useful to remember when you're designing a backyard, because you can borrow many of the same ideas without borrowing the resort's construction budget.

If you want your backyard to feel more like somewhere you'd vacation, these are the details we'd pay attention to first.

A beautiful pool deserves beautiful landscaping. The right plants soften hardscapes, create privacy, add color throughout the seasons, and make your backyard feel like a private retreat. The wrong plants? They can clog your skimmer every afternoon, stain your pool deck, attract bees, damage plumbing with aggressive roots, or leave you sweeping leaves every weekend. The goal isn't simply to choose plants that look nice. It's choosing plants that will still make you happy five years from now. Here are a few things we encourage homeowners to consider before planting around a new pool.

There's nothing quite like finishing a long day with a swim or relaxing by the pool after the sun goes down. Until the mosquitoes show up. Or the flies discover lunch on the patio. Or a wasp decides your umbrella is the perfect place to build a nest. If you've ever wondered why one backyard seems almost bug-free while another feels like an all-you-can-eat buffet, the answer usually isn't luck. It's the environment. The good news is you don't have to fog your yard every weekend or fill it with strong chemicals to make a noticeable difference. A few thoughtful changes can dramatically reduce the number of unwanted visitors while keeping your outdoor space enjoyable for family and friends.

One of the first questions we hear isn't about pool size or finishes. It's, "What does it cost to own a pool after it's built?" It's a smart question—and one that surprisingly few people answer clearly.

The truth is, owning a pool isn't nearly as expensive as some people imagine, but it's also not free. Like any part of your home, there are ongoing costs to keep everything running smoothly. The good news? Most of those costs are predictable, and knowing what to expect can help you plan with confidence. Here's a realistic look at what homeowners in Eastern Georgia can expect.

Building a pool is exciting. It is also a significant investment, and for most families, it is something they'll only do once.

The plans are fun to look at. The finishes are exciting to choose. Before you get to any of that, though, there are a few conversations worth having.

The right builder won't mind answering your questions. In fact, they should welcome them.

Most pool projects don't start with excavation. They start with questions. Can my yard support the pool I want? How much space do I really need? What happens if my lot slopes? Should I install everything at once or phase the project over time? Those are the conversations worth having early.

Most people start the conversation by talking about the pool. That's completely understandable. The pool is usually the feature everyone is most excited about. It's what draws your attention in photos and what first comes to mind when you imagine your future backyard. What many homeowners discover during the design process, though, is that the pool isn't what makes a backyard feel complete. The spaces around it do.

A pool changes the way you use your home. It becomes the place where kids spend summer afternoons, where friends gather on weekends, and where you end the day after a long week. The challenge is figuring out which type of pool makes the most sense for your property, your budget, and the way you plan to use it.

Did you know that a gunite pool project can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000? This investment is way beyond the reach and influence of just adding a swimming spot to your backyard.

Gunite pool construction gives you amazing design flexibility and lets you create everything from infinity edges to integrated spas. You can boost your property value and build a custom backyard retreat that lasts for decades.

Pool liner replacement costs between $4,500 and $6,500 for most standard inground pools. That represents a substantial investment for any homeowner.

Pool liner replacement cost varies significantly based on your specific situation. Inground pool liner replacement cost typically averages around $1,800, while replacing a vinyl pool liner for standard-sized pools averages about $5,500. Your actual costs depend on multiple factors we’ll explore in this guide.

Poor pool planning decisions could cost you thousands of dollars and create years of regret. Your swimming pool represents the second most important investment in your property after your house. The cost of a pool project usually falls between a home purchase and a new car, requiring substantial time, money, and yard space.

Thinking about how much a pool adds to your home’s value before making that backyard investment? You’re making a smart move by researching first.

Recent real estate data shows that an in-ground pool can add up to 7% or more to your home’s value. This percentage varies based on your local market conditions and pool features.

Your dream pool could be ready in just 2-3 weeks instead of a 6-month wait. This remarkable difference emerges when choosing between fiberglass and concrete pools for your backyard oasis. Concrete pools have been a traditional favorite, but fiberglass pools are attracting attention and with good reason too. A properly maintained fiberglass pool’s lifespan can exceed 50 years, while concrete pools need resurfacing every 10-15 years.

How long does a pool liner last? This question concerns every vinyl pool owner facing the significant investment of replacement. Most vinyl pool liners typically last between 5-9 years, though some high-quality options can extend to 12 years with proper care.

Several factors significantly impact your liner’s lifespan. The installation quality, water chemistry maintenance, and whether you have an inground or above ground pool all play crucial roles in determining durability.

Inground vinyl liner pools often spark heated debates among homeowners and pool builders alike. When considering a pool investment, the significantly lower upfront costs of vinyl liner options catch many homeowners’ attention. However, the real question extends beyond initial pricing. As a pool construction expert with years of hands-on experience, I’ve guided countless families through this important decision.

Dreaming of a backyard pool but worried about breaking the bank? While traditional pool options can strain your budget, a vinyl liner swimming pool offers substantial cost savings that many Augusta homeowners overlook. In fact, vinyl liner pools cost 30-50% less than their concrete or fiberglass counterparts for initial installation. Specifically designed for the Augusta climate, these pools combine affordability with durability, making them an increasingly popular choice among local homeowners.

When it comes to installing a pool, the choice between vinyl pool vs fiberglass can significantly impact your budget and long-term satisfaction. While both options offer unique advantages, homeowners often struggle with understanding the true costs and value differences between these popular pool types.