Design
Custom Pool Designer Serving Rio Grande, McAllen, Harlingen, South Padre Island & Surrounding Areas
At Hamlin Pools, we want you to feel confident that you’ve made the right decision by investing in a pool for your family and friends to enjoy that is designed by a longtime family-owned and operated Rio Grande Valley pool builder. When you meet with one of our expert pool designers for a free at-home consultation and assessment, we’ll put our six decades of pool building experience to work for you. We stand by our designs and want to give you the pool you’ve always imagined.
What to Expect
There are many steps to the pool design process, and we never want you to feel overwhelmed. At Hamlin Pools, we’re dedicated to making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible for you throughout the entire design and construction period. So what can you expect during this stage?
- Initial at-home consultation: During this time we’re looking to answer important questions that determine many factors for your backyard design. What vision do you hope to achieve? What pool shape works best in your backyard? What is your style? What is your budget? Are you looking to incorporate outdoor living space, as well?
- Design and quote: After the consultation, your Hamlin Pools designer will create a custom pool that meets the expectations discussed and falls within your budget.
- 3D presentation: Using our state-of-the-art Pool Studio design software, we are able to present your entire backyard in a way that showcases 360-degree views of every single detail of your pool design, including unique custom features handpicked by you.
- Finalize design: Once you’ve experienced your 3D design and made the appropriate changes, we’re ready to approve the final design.
- Financing paperwork (if applicable): We offer a variety of financing options that enable you to purchase the pool and backyard of your dreams.
- Pre-construction meeting and staking: It’s time to stake out your backyard for your new pool. Your property survey is an excellent tool that allows us to accurately layout your project with respect to property lines, easements, building setbacks, as well as existing gas, electrical, and water services line layouts.
- Color selection: Get creative during this stage of the process when you’re picking out the colors for your tile, decking, and plaster. We have a variety of materials and colors to choose from that will perfectly complement your backyard oasis.
- Build your dream pool: It’s construction time and the time for you to watch your pool come to life in your backyard by the Hamlin Pools experts.
- Enjoy: All your hard work has paid off, and now it’s time for you and the family to enjoy your new backyard for years to come.
Which Pool Shape is Right For You?
Whether you like the sleek straight lines of a traditional pool, the natural look of a freeform pool, or a custom vanishing-edge oasis, Hamlin Pools can design and construct the backyard you’ve always wanted. Read on below to learn more about the different pool shapes or visit our Custom Pools gallery to see a variety of Hamlin Pools projects in different shapes and sizes.
Vanishing Edge, Infinity, or Negative Edge Pools: When the elevation of your yard allows, a vanishing edge, infinity, or negative edge pool is the only way to go. Your pool appears to fall over a ledge, creating a beautiful look and effect.
Traditional, Geometric, Square, or Rectangular Pools: These classic pool shapes remain popular choices for elegant, clean lines, and they look amazing with custom water features like a sheer descent or paired with a custom spa.
Freeform or Natural Pools: Freeform and natural-shaped pools appear as if they were created by nature, yet only better. These are popular choices if you’re looking for a tropical flair, and are paired nicely with custom rockwork or spa.
Pool Design & Construction FAQs
At Hamlin Pools, we’ve been designing and building custom pools in the Rio Grande Valley since 1952. Whether you’re in McAllen, Harlingen, South Padre Island, Brownsville, or surrounding areas, our goal is to make the pool design and construction process easy, exciting, and stress-free. Here are some of the most common questions homeowners ask:
What is the first step in designing a custom pool with Hamlin Pools?
It all starts with a free at-home consultation. One of our expert pool designers will visit your property to learn about your vision, style, budget, and how you plan to use your pool. We’ll also assess your space and talk through features like outdoor living areas, spas, or water features you may want to include.
What should I expect during the design process?
Our process is designed to keep things simple and stress-free:
- Consultation & Assessment – We gather your ideas and evaluate your space. Locate your property survey if you can, so we may expedite the proceeding processes.
- Custom Design & Quote – Your designer creates a pool plan tailored to your needs and budget.
- 3D Design Presentation – See your dream pool come to life with a 360° virtual design.
- Finalize Design – Make adjustments, then approve the final plan.
- Financing (if needed) – We offer flexible financing options.
How do you prepare for construction?
Before we break ground, we’ll hold a pre-construction meeting and stake out the pool layout using your property survey. This ensures accuracy with property lines, setbacks, and existing utilities. You’ll also get to select your tile, plaster, and decking colors during this stage to make your pool truly your own.
What types of pool shapes can Hamlin Pools build?
We specialize in all types of custom pool shapes, including:
- Infinity / Vanishing Edge Pools – Perfect for homes with elevation changes, creating a stunning “waterfall over the edge” look.
- Geometric Pools – Sleek, modern designs with straight lines and elegant symmetry.
- Freeform / Natural Pools – Designed to blend seamlessly with nature, often paired with rock features or tropical landscaping.
How long does pool construction usually take?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of your project, but most pools take several weeks to a few months from start to finish. During your consultation, we’ll give you a detailed construction schedule so you know what to expect every step of the way.
Do you offer outdoor living features with pool construction?
Yes! We can design full backyard spaces, including patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, pergolas, and custom landscaping to complete your poolscape.
Why choose Hamlin Pools for pool design and construction in the Rio Grande Valley?
We’re a family-owned and operated pool builder with more than 70 years of experience. From your first design consultation to the final pool start-up, you’ll receive hands-on service and craftsmanship that sets the standard in the industry.