FAQ
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions by our customers
Our pool design and construction experts put together this FAQ based on the most common questions we receive from homeowners across Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans. Each answer is written by our in-house team, with over 20 years of hands-on experience in south Louisiana.
1. What is gunite?
Gunite is a high-pressure concrete mix that forms a durable, reinforced shell for custom pools. Crews spray it pneumatically over a steel framework, creating a rock-solid structure that lasts for decades. Learn more about our custom pool design process →
2. What’s the average cost of a custom pool in Louisiana?
The cost of a custom gunite pool in Louisiana typically starts around $55,000 depending on the size, design complexity, finishes, and added features like spas, lighting, or water elements. Because every yard and soil condition is unique, we provide tailored quotes after an on-site consultation. Learn more about our custom pool design process →
Local Tip: Louisiana’s clay soil and drainage often affect excavation depth and structural reinforcement, which can influence pricing.
3. Are there any unexpected costs?
Yes! Every Pinnacle Exterior Construction pool is backed by a Limited Warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. During the warranty period, Pinnacle Exterior Construction will repair or replace, at no charge, any product or component that proves defective due to improper installation or workmanship.
We stand behind the quality of our builds, and our licensed contractors follow all state and manufacturer standards to ensure your investment lasts for years to come.
Ask our team about our lifetime structural warranty, required by Louisiana law, which provides added peace of mind for the original homeowner!
4. What does it mean to have a lifetime structural warranty?
In Louisiana, all state-licensed pool contractors are required to provide a lifetime structural (gunite) warranty to the original homeowner. This warranty covers the integrity of your pool’s concrete shell — meaning if a structural crack ever develops, the contractor is responsible for repairing it.
While minor surface cracks can often be patched, true structural cracks are rare and may require more extensive repair or shell replacement. Pinnacle Exterior Construction stands behind every pool we build and follows all state guidelines to ensure long-term durability and homeowner protection.
Local Tip: Louisiana’s heavy rainfall and clay soils make proper engineering and steel reinforcement crucial and our warranty guarantees that strength for the lifetime of your pool.
5. What if I have a small or difficult yard to work with?
Great design isn’t limited by space, it’s defined by creativity. Our team has designed and built custom pools and outdoor living spaces in some of the most challenging backyards across Louisiana. Even with tight access or irregular layouts, we can engineer solutions that maximize every inch of your yard without compromising style or function.
We handle all layout planning, drainage, and permitting to ensure your project fits seamlessly within your property. Explore our custom pool designs →
6. How long will it take to build my pool?
The typical construction timeline for a custom gunite pool is about 6 to 8 weeks from the start of excavation depending on weather, permitting, and material availability. Before digging begins, we’ll finalize your design, secure permits, and schedule crews to ensure a smooth start. Because we work outdoors, rain and soil conditions can impact the schedule, but our project managers keep you updated every step of the way. Learn more about our pool construction process →
In Louisiana’s rainy seasons, curing time and ground saturation can slightly extend construction, but these steps are what guarantee long-term strength and quality.
7. Do we have to be home during the construction of our pool?
For most of the construction process, you don’t need to be home, our crews handle everything from excavation to finishing. There are just a few times when your presence is required: When the electrician and gas technicians are on-site (to access panels or utilities), during gunite curing, when the pool shell needs to be watered down twice a day for about a week, and when the pool is being filled with water, so you can turn off the fill line once it reaches the mid-tile level. Our project managers will keep you informed of these moments in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Tip: We’ll also provide a simple day-by-day guide before your build starts, so you always know what’s happening on-site.
8. How much time will I spend maintaining my swimming pool?
With today’s automated pool systems and smart equipment, owning a pool is easier than ever. Most homeowners spend just 15–30 minutes per week on simple upkeep like checking water chemistry, brushing surfaces, or emptying baskets.
Many clients choose automation systems that handle filtration, cleaning cycles, and chemical balancing on a set schedule, making their pools nearly hands-free.
If you’d rather leave it to the experts, our maintenance department offers weekly service plans so you can simply relax and enjoy your backyard oasis. Learn more about our pool maintenance options →
9. What is a “sports pool”?
A sports pool is designed for recreation and play rather than deep-end diving. Unlike a traditional pool that slopes from a shallow end to a 6-foot deep end, a sports pool features two shallow ends with a slightly deeper center — typically around 3’6”–5’6”–3’6”.
This layout keeps the water depth comfortable for standing, swimming, and games like volleyball or basketball. Sports pools are a favorite for families and entertaining, offering maximum usable space and a safe, social environment for all ages. Explore our custom pool designs →
10. How much will it cost to maintain my pool?
Chemical costs vary depending on your pool’s size, usage, and sanitation system. On average, most Louisiana homeowners spend $300–$600 per year on pool chemicals.
Installing an automated chlorination or salt system can reduce manual upkeep and help maintain perfect water balance year-round. Regular testing and weekly maintenance also keep chemical use efficient and prevent costly water issues down the road.
If you’d like a hands-off approach, our maintenance team can manage water care for you with customized service plans. Learn more about our maintenance options →
11. Do you offer financing for pool projects?
Pinnacle Exterior Construction partners with trusted lenders like Lyons Financial and HFS to make your dream backyard more accessible through financing options.
These financing partners specialize in home improvement and pool construction loans, offering flexible terms and competitive rates tailored to your project budget.
You can explore available options and pre-qualify online with no impact on your credit score. Check out our financing options here →
12. Who handles getting the building permits for the pool?
Pinnacle Exterior Construction takes care of the entire permitting process for you. Our team prepares and submits all necessary applications to your local city or parish office, ensuring your project meets Louisiana building codes and safety requirements.
Permit approval timelines vary depending on location, scope, and time of year, but most are processed within 5 business days to 3 weeks. Once approved, we coordinate all inspections and documentation so construction can move forward smoothly.
Tip: As a state-licensed contractor, Pinnacle maintains close relationships with local permit offices in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and surrounding areas helping your project stay compliant and on schedule.
13. Is there an option that regulates pool temperature?
Yes, we offer heater/chiller combination systems that let you heat or cool your pool to maintain the perfect temperature year-round. These systems use energy-efficient heat pumps that warm the water during cooler months and cool it down during Louisiana’s hot summers. While they take longer to fully heat your pool than gas heaters, they’re designed for steady temperature control and lower energy use.
Tip: Pairing a heater/chiller with an automated control system lets you adjust the temperature from your phone which is perfect for weekend getaways or seasonal changes.