Guide to Building a New Pool in Georgia | Costs, Permitting, Location & More
Building a new inground pool in Georgia is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your home—adding comfort, luxury, entertainment, and long-term property value. But between costs, permits, setbacks, design, and construction timelines, Georgia homeowners often wonder where to begin.
This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know when planning a gunite inground pool with Neway Pools, the trusted pool builder serving Gwinnett County, Cobb County, and Cherokee County, Georgia. From understanding your budget to navigating local regulations, you’ll be ready to move forward with confidence.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Georgia?
The cost to build a pool in Georgia varies based on location, soil conditions, design complexity, features, and materials. Because Neway Pools specializes in custom gunite pools, you can expect long-lasting quality, complete design freedom, and superior durability—unlike fiberglass or vinyl pools.
Average Cost of a Gunite Pool in Georgia
In Georgia, most custom gunite inground pools range from $70,000 to $150,000+, depending on size and features.
Basic Gunite Pool ($70,000–$95,000)
Includes:
- Standard rectangle or freeform design
- Basic plaster interior
- Concrete decking (basic sq. footage)
- Standard pump & filtration
- Basic tile and coping
- Standard excavation
Mid-Range Gunite Pool ($95,000–$150,000)
Adds features like:
- Waterfalls or sheer descents
- Swim-up bench
- LED lighting
- Premium plaster or pebble interior
- Upgraded tile
- Expanded decking
- Automation
- Integrated spa (lower end of spa upgrades)
Luxury or Resort-Style Gunite Pool ($150,000–$300,000+)
May include:
- Spillover spa
- Sun shelves
- Fire bowls & fire features
- Custom stonework
- Large outdoor kitchen integration
- Oversized decking or pavers
- Travertine coping
- Pool house or pavilion
- Infinity edges or unique shapes
Keep in mind: When building a new pool in Georgia, construction costs in areas like Cobb County and Gwinnett County can vary due to grading, drainage, and access limitations—Georgia lots often have slopes or soil conditions that require extra preparation.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Pool in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires a permit for any inground pool, and each county has its own review process.
Counties Neway Pools Serves
- Gwinnett County
- Cobb County
- Cherokee County
Typical Permits Required
- Building permit
- Electrical permit
- Plumbing permit (if adding spa or water features)
- Gas permit (for heater or fire features)
- Site plan approval
- HOA approval (if applicable)
What the County Looks For
- Proper setbacks from home and property lines
- Drainage considerations
- Safety features (fencing, alarms, gates)
- Utility line clearances
- Septic setback compliance
- Grading and erosion control (especially common in Georgia red-clay areas)
Because Neway Pools handles the entire permitting process, homeowners avoid delays and paperwork headaches. This ensures your pool is built to county code and passes all necessary inspections.
How Far Away Does a Pool Have to Be From Your House?
Georgia counties maintain strict setback requirements for inground pools. When building a new pool in Georgia, while exact rules differ, many regions follow similar guidelines.
Common Setback Requirements in Georgia
- Distance from the house: Often 5–10 feet
- Distance from property lines: Typically 10–15 feet
- Distance from septic tanks or drain fields: 25–75 feet (varies widely)
- Distance from utilities: Must meet county and utility provider rules
- Distance from fencing: Safety barriers must be installed per code
County Examples
- Gwinnett County:
Pools typically must be 10 ft from the house and 10 ft from property lines - Cobb County:
Setbacks vary based on zoning but often mirror 10–15 ft rules - Cherokee County:
Homes on acreage may have more flexibility, but septic setbacks are strictly enforced
Because lot sizes and terrain differ dramatically across Georgia—especially in hilly or wooded neighborhoods—Neway Pools performs a detailed site evaluation to confirm the best placement and ensure full compliance.
Gunite Pools in Georgia: Why They’re the Best Choice
Neway Pools builds exclusively with gunite, the industry’s strongest and most customizable material. Georgia’s climate—hot summers, occasional winter freezes, and clay-rich soil—makes gunite the most durable choice.
Benefits of Gunite Pools for Georgia Homes
- 30–50+ year lifespan
- Allows any shape, depth, or size
- Ideal for sloped or uneven yards
- Easily supports waterfalls, spas, and custom features
- Resistant to punctures and soil movement
- Highly customizable interior finishes
Whether you’re in Milton, Berkeley Lake, Canton, Peachtree Corners, Woodstock, Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Acworth, Lawrenceville, Marietta or beyond, a gunite pool adds long-term value and completely transforms your yard.
Pool Building Timeline in Georgia
A typical gunite pool takes 8–14 weeks depending on complexity and weather.
General Timeline:
- Design & 3D renderings – 1 to 2 weeks
- Permitting – 2 to 6 weeks (varies by county)
- Excavation – 1 week
- Plumbing & steel framework – 1 week
- Gunite installation & cure time – 2 to 3 weeks
- Tile & coping – 1 week
- Decking – 1 to 2 weeks
- Equipment installation – 1 week
- Startup & orientation – 1–2 days
When building a new pool in Georgia, Neway Pools maintains transparent communication from start to finish so homeowners always know the next step.
Location Tips: Where to Build Your Pool in Georgia
Choosing the right location is essential for long-term enjoyment and safety.
Best Areas to Place a Pool
- Near the main entertaining area
- Away from septic and drain fields
- Avoiding large tree roots (common in Georgia lots)
- In areas with good drainage
- Where sunlight exposure is optimal
- On flatter parts of the yard to reduce excavation costs
Slope Considerations
Sloped Georgia yards may require:
- Retaining walls
- Elevated decks
- Terracing
- Drainage systems
Neway Pools specializes in developing solutions for both flat suburban lots and heavily sloped rural properties.
Features Georgia Homeowners Add to Their Pools
Georgia’s climate makes outdoor living a year-round experience. Most homeowners add features that enhance relaxation, aesthetics, and functionality.
Top Requested Add-Ons
- Tanning ledges / sun shelves
- Integrated spas
- Automation systems
- LED lighting
- Heaters / heat pumps
- Fire bowls & fire features
- Waterfalls & sheer descents
- Pebble or quartz interior finishes
- Outdoor kitchens
- Covered patios & pergolas
Because Neway Pools offers complete outdoor living design, everything integrates seamlessly—from the pool shape to the surrounding hardscape.
Do You Need Fencing for a Pool in Georgia?
Yes—Georgia requires a safety barrier around any inground pool.
Common Requirements
- Minimum 48″ height
- Self-closing, self-latching gate
- No large gaps under fencing
- Home alarms required if the back door accesses the pool area
Counties may have additional rules, which Neway Pools verifies during the planning process.
Start Building Your Dream Georgia Pool with Neway Pools
A new custom gunite pool or a renovation is a major investment—but with the right builder and proper planning when building a new pool in Georgia, it becomes the centerpiece of your home and lifestyle. Whether you’re in Gwinnett County, Cobb County, or Cherokee County, Neway Pools delivers exceptional craftsmanship, high-end design, and a seamless building experience.
From permits and county compliance to 3D designs, construction, and full outdoor living integration, Neway Pools brings your vision to life with unmatched quality and expertise.
Ready to start building a new pool in Georgia? Neway Pools is here to guide you through every step. Get in touch today to begin the amazing journey of pool building.