Pool Construction
Built to Last. Designed to Impress.
Douglas Aquatics has been building Virginia’s finest custom inground pools since 1970. We specialize in high-end concrete pools — the most durable, most customizable pool type available — and bring an engineering-grade approach to every build. No two pools are alike, and every project is designed to fit your property, your lifestyle, and your vision.
Why Concrete?
Concrete pools offer design freedom and structural longevity that no other pool type can match. With an experienced team that includes certified pool builders and engineering expertise, Douglas Aquatics has the technical foundation to execute complex shapes, elevated designs, vanishing edges, integrated spas, custom benches and ledges, and sophisticated water features.
Unlike prefabricated pool systems, concrete construction gives us the flexibility to design around your property, architecture, elevation changes, and vision — creating a truly custom pool rather than adapting your backyard to a predetermined shape.
The result is a pool designed specifically for your property, your lifestyle, and the way you want to live outdoors.
Our Process
We begin with a design consultation to understand your property, lifestyle, and goals. Our designers produce detailed plans, including 3D renderings when needed, before a single shovel hits the ground. Throughout construction, your project is managed by experienced professionals who communicate clearly and deliver on schedule.
Certifications & Credentials
Professional expertise. Proven credentials. Industry leadership.
Douglas Aquatics brings together professional licensing, advanced pool-industry credentials, technical education, and decades of hands-on construction experience.
Our qualifications include:
- Licensed pool contractor in Virginia and North Carolina
- PHTA Certified Building Professional (CBP) credentials
- PHTA Advanced Expert Design credentials
- Master Pool Builder certification
- Proud member of the Master Pools Guild, an invitation-only network of leading pool builders
- Team members with formal education in Civil Engineering and Construction Management
These credentials complement more than five decades of real-world pool construction experience and reinforce the engineering-driven approach we bring to every project.
Your pool isn’t simply designed to look beautiful — it is professionally planned, engineered, and built for long-term performance.
Portfolio
Every pool in our portfolio tells a story. Browse our gallery to see the range of custom concrete pools, outdoor living spaces, and aquatic environments we’ve created across Virginia.
Financing
Building your dream pool doesn’t have to wait. We offer financing through HFS Financial and Lyon Financial — specialists in pool and outdoor living financing with flexible terms and a simple application process.
FAQs
What type of pools does Douglas Aquatics build?
Douglas Aquatics specializes in custom inground concrete pools — including gunite and shotcrete construction — for high-end residential and commercial clients. Concrete is their primary focus because it offers the greatest design flexibility and structural longevity. They also install vinyl liner inground pools on a limited basis.
Why choose a concrete pool over fiberglass or vinyl?
Concrete pools offer unmatched design flexibility — any shape, depth, or feature is possible — and they last a lifetime with proper care. Unlike fiberglass, concrete isn’t limited by mold sizes. Unlike vinyl, there’s no liner to replace. A well-built concrete pool is the most durable and customizable option available.
How long does it take to build a custom inground pool in Virginia?
A custom concrete pool in Virginia typically takes 8–16 weeks from permit approval to completion, depending on design complexity, site conditions, and season. The design and permitting phase adds additional time before construction begins. Douglas Aquatics provides a detailed project timeline during the initial consultation.
Does Douglas Aquatics build pools in Charlottesville and Fredericksburg?
Yes. Douglas Aquatics builds custom inground concrete pools throughout Central Virginia, including Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Williamsburg, and the Hampton Roads region. They serve both residential and commercial clients across the state from their Richmond base.
What certifications do Douglas Aquatics pool builders hold?
Douglas Aquatics holds multiple industry certifications, including the Certified Building Professional (CBP) designation, Advanced Expert Design certification from PHTA, and membership in the Master Pools Guild. They are also PHTA Awards of Excellence recipients and Hayward Authorized Dealers.
Does Douglas Aquatics offer pool design before construction begins?
Yes. Every project begins with a design consultation to understand the client’s property, lifestyle, and vision. Douglas Aquatics produces detailed design plans — including 3D renderings for complex projects — before construction starts. Their Advanced Expert Design-certified team handles the full design process in-house.
