How Much Should You Budget for a Luxury Pool in San Antonio?

How Much Should You Budget for a Luxury Pool in San Antonio?

A Complete Guide by Infinity Pools of Texas

Introduction

Building a custom pool is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home — but knowing what to budget is critical. Luxury in-ground pools in San Antonio and the Hill Country vary widely in cost depending on size, materials, features, and site conditions. At Infinity Pools, transparency is central to our process, so we help clients understand the real numbers upfront.

Whether you’re dreaming of a simple family pool or a breathtaking infinity-edge design carved into your Hill Country slope, this guide breaks down what you should expect — with real-world sample budget scenarios.

Typical In-Ground Pool Cost Ranges in San Antonio

• Entry-level or modest custom pool: Starting at $95,000
• Mid-range custom pool with upgrades or spa: $120,000–$170,000
• Luxury / high-end pool with outdoor living features: $200,000+

What Drives the Cost of a Custom Pool?

✔ Pool Type & Material

Gunite (shotcrete) is the gold standard for luxury custom pools in San Antonio due to its durability and design flexibility.

✔ Size, Shape & Structural Complexity

Larger pools and complex shapes require more steel, plumbing, excavation, and labor.

✔ Finishes & Aesthetic Upgrades

Pebble interior, glass tile, natural stone, and high-end coping significantly influence price.

✔ Water/Fire Features & Technology

Features like spas, waterfalls, fire bowls, automation systems, and LED lighting elevate both cost and experience.

✔ Site Conditions (Hill Country Terrain)

Sloped lots, rock excavation, soil reinforcement, and drainage systems are major budget variables.

Budget Scenarios

Here are a couple of budget scenarios for San Antonio clients, each with a sample line-item breakdown.

 

Mid-Range Custom Pool + Optional Spa

$95,000–$150,000

This is the most popular range for Infinity Pools clients.

Inclusions

• Larger custom-designed pool
• Premium pebble interior
• Upgraded natural stone coping
• 1–2 water features (sheetfall, scuppers, or bubbler)
• Optional attached spa
• 800–1,200 sq ft decking
• Automation & multi-zone LED lighting

Sample Line-Item Budget

Item	Estimated Cost
Excavation (including rock)	$8,000–$15,000
Gunite pool shell	$18,000–$25,000
Premium finishes + tile	$6,000–$12,000
Spa addition	$15,000–$20,000
Decking upgrade (travertine/stone)	$8,000–$15,000
Water features	$3,000–$8,000
Automation & lighting	$3,000–$6,000

Best For: Homeowners who want a personalized luxury experience with upgraded materials and features.

Premium Luxury Pool & Outdoor Living Environment

$150,000–$250,000+

This tier reflects high-end, resort-style poolscapes common in Boerne, Cordillera Ranch, Anaqua Springs, and Stone Oak.

Inclusions

• Large designer pool with architectural integration
• Infinity edge or perimeter overflow
• Custom water + fire features
• Elevated or integrated spa
• Large-format natural stone decking
• Outdoor living/kitchen spaces
• Advanced automation (Pentair, Jandy, etc.)
• Extensive landscaping & lighting
• Retaining walls, grading, drainage, and structural engineering

Sample Line-Item Budget

Item	Estimated Cost
Engineering + complex excavation	$20,000–$40,000
Infinity-edge pool structure	$40,000–$75,000
Glass tile + premium finishes	$15,000–$30,000
Fire features	$8,000–$20,000
Outdoor kitchen + hardscape	$20,000–$50,000
Large travertine/paver deck	$15,000–$35,000
Smart automation + lighting package	$5,000–$10,000

Best For: Clients seeking a one-of-a-kind luxury destination in their backyard.

Can You Build in Phases?

Absolutely. Many families choose to build the pool structure first and add:

• spa
• outdoor kitchen
• landscaping
• fire features
• decking extensions

…over time. This is an excellent strategy to manage the budget without sacrificing the long-term vision.

Final Thoughts: Your Budget Should Match Your Lifestyle

When planned correctly, a pool is more than a water feature — it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Whether your budget is $50K or $250K+, Infinity Pools will guide you through a transparent design process rooted in craftsmanship, honesty, and luxury.

Ready to explore a design and quote?
We offer complimentary consultations for San Antonio and Hill Country homeowners.

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