At Lucas Firmin Pools, one of the most common questions we hear from Baton Rouge homeowners is when to build a pool. Some choose to include a pool during new home construction, while others add one later to an existing property. Both approaches can result in a high-quality custom pool, but the construction process, planning requirements, and financial considerations differ.
Understanding how pool construction varies between existing properties and new construction helps homeowners better evaluate their options and plan with greater confidence.
When we build a pool on an existing property, construction must work within the boundaries of the established home and yard. In many Baton Rouge neighborhoods, this means navigating fencing, driveways, mature trees, and limited access for excavation equipment.
Before construction begins, our team carefully identifies utility lines, drainage systems, and irrigation to ensure everything is protected and properly planned around. Because the home is already occupied, additional coordination is often needed to manage site access and minimize disruption.
Access limitations and adjustments discovered during excavation can also affect scheduling, which is why flexibility is important when building on an established property. With proper planning, these challenges do not prevent a successful pool build.
Building a pool during new home construction often streamlines the process. With open access to the property, excavation and material delivery are typically easier, and pool construction can be coordinated with grading, plumbing, and utility installation for the home.
Planning the pool alongside the house allows elevation, drainage, and equipment placement to be addressed early in the build. In our experience, this coordination helps reduce later adjustments and often results in a more predictable construction timeline, with both the home and the pool progressing together rather than in separate phases.
The cost of building a pool is influenced by more than size and features alone. For existing properties, added costs may include limited access, removal of existing hardscape, or utility adjustments, which are less common during new construction. However, building during new construction does not automatically mean lower costs, as material availability, scheduling, and the overall scope of the home project still play an important role.
For many Baton Rouge homeowners, financing is a key part of deciding when to build a pool. Custom pools represent a significant investment, and financing can make it possible to move forward without delaying plans or placing strain on other financial priorities. Taking the time to understand available pool financing options allows homeowners to evaluate the full scope of their project and move forward with greater confidence.
When a pool is built during new home construction, financing is often considered earlier in the planning process as part of the overall project scope. For existing homes, financing is typically approached as a separate decision, giving homeowners greater control over timing, scope, and budgeting. Discussing financing early helps homeowners determine which approach makes the most financial sense.
There is no single right time to build a pool. Some homeowners include a pool as part of new home construction, while others add one later after living in the space and understanding how they use their backyard.
Whether building on an existing property or during new construction, a successful pool project starts with clear expectations and proper planning. Understanding how construction costs and financing differ between these approaches allows Baton Rouge homeowners to move forward with confidence.
At Lucas Firmin Pools, our experience building custom pools in both scenarios helps ensure each project is planned carefully, built efficiently, and supported well beyond completion.