Swimming Pool questions, answered

For the pool alone we estimate roughly $60,000–130,000 for gunite, $48,000–98,000 for fiberglass and $38,000–84,000 for vinyl, small to large. A deck, fence and the city permit usually add about $8,000–25,000 more. One Longview builder's online estimator starts a 12x24 gunite pool at $62,900 (Pools of Longview, Nov 2026).

Yes, one does. Pools of Longview has a public estimator with gunite base prices from $52,900 (8x16) to $118,900 (20x40), plus line prices such as $19,500 for an attached spa and $3,400 for a deck drainage system (estimator). Its numbers are starting estimates, not contracts. We use them as one local reference point. We aren't affiliated with the company.

Vinyl liner has the lowest price on day one, but liners wear out and get replaced, and we found no Longview builder that advertises vinyl. Fiberglass usually costs less than gunite to build and to keep up, because the shell never needs replastering (This Old House).

Gunite is the local habit: most Longview companies build it, and it fits any shape, slope or attached spa. Fiberglass goes in faster and has a slick finish that needs fewer chemicals, but the shell comes from a mold and is limited by what fits on a truck. On a wet bottomland lot, ask each builder how they would keep the shell stable when the water table rises.

Usually, but check the flood map first on FEMA’s Map Service Center. Inside Longview, all development needs a city development permit, and mapped flood zones carry extra rules (UDC Art. E, Sec. 5). The river's gauge below Longview floods at 25 ft; the highest crest listed is 40 ft in May 1966 (NWS).

Many Longview soils hold water close to the surface in late winter and spring. USDA puts the seasonal water table at 2–4 ft for Sacul soils on the uplands and at 1–1.5 ft for Mantachie soils in the bottoms (USDA). A crew may need to pump for a few days and bed the pool on gravel.

It can. The East Texas Oil Field, found in 1930, covers parts of Gregg County and saw tens of thousands of wells (Handbook of Texas). Before choosing a spot, look your address up on the Railroad Commission's public well map and make sure the digger calls 811. Old lines and plugged wells should be found before a machine finds them.

Yes, inside Longview. The city's fee schedule lists $305 for an in-ground pool permit and $55 for a fence (2025–2026 fee schedule). Building Inspection handles plan review and inspections; questions go to (903) 237-1074 (city). Your builder normally pulls the permit.

Since July 1, 2026, Longview has used the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (Building Inspection). Under that code, the barrier must be at least 48 in high, and its gates must close and latch on their own (ISPSC Sec. 305). The city's own code also makes it an offense to leave an outdoor pool deeper than 12 in without a full fence or wall. Confirm details with the city.

Longview sets a minimum 5 ft setback measured from the edge of the water and keeps pools behind the front of the house (Longview UDC). In 2026 the city added a rule of its own: the pool's depth must keep a 1:1 ratio from the nearest foundation or retaining-wall footing, so a 6 ft deep end needs 6 ft of clearance from the slab. Ask the city how the setback applies to your lot.

Texas has no state pool-builder license (PoolDial), but Longview does keep a list. A builder working in the city must register as a Swimming Pool Contractor and post a $25,000 surety bond with the city (UDC Art. A). Ask for that registration, proof of insurance, and the electrician's name to look up on the TDLR license search.

In unincorporated Gregg County, septic systems are permitted by the Gregg County Health Department, (903) 237-2628 (county). Keep the pool, deck and trucks off the tank and drain field, and ask the office about distances before the layout is fixed. Kilgore, White Oak, Gladewater, Hallsville and Marshall each run their own permits.

Pools of Longview says its pools average 6–10 weeks, fiberglass less, and large projects with kitchens or pool houses can run 12–16 weeks (its FAQ). Add time for design, the permit and wet weather.

Plan in fall and dig on dry stretches through winter. In Longview, May, December and March are the wettest months, while July and August are the driest (NOAA normals). A contract signed by November gives the best shot at swimming by Memorial Day.

Usually cash, a home equity loan or line, or a pool loan. NerdWallet puts unsecured pool loans at about 2–7 years and 6–36% APR, depending on credit (NerdWallet). Some local builders work with lenders that offer longer terms. No rebates apply to pools.

No. Longview Pool Builders is a free referral service. We pass your request to one local builder, who looks at your yard and gives you a written quote. That builder may pay us for the referral. You never pay us.