Building an Inground Pool for Your Beach Home: What To Know

For many residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, having a residential pool represents the best of both worlds. When you have the time, you can go down to the beach to relax among the sands, but for a quick dip and private oasis, an inground pool is ideal.

However, turning this dream into reality requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the entire process. Building an inground pool, especially in a coastal area like Long Beach, involves more than just digging a hole and filling it with water. In this guide below, we explain what to know about building an inground pool for your beach home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Why Add a Pool to Your Beach Home

Installing a pool in your beach home can significantly enhance both your lifestyle and property value. It provides a private and convenient space for relaxation and recreation, offering a perfect complement to the coastal atmosphere. Pools are ideal for hosting gatherings, creating a central spot for socializing with family and friends.

A well-designed pool can also boost the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Whether it’s for your personal use or to make your beach home rental more appealing, an inground pool is an excellent investment.

The Key Steps of Building an Inground Pool for a Beach Home

Assess Your Property and Needs

Before diving into pool designs, evaluate your property and define your needs. This crucial initial step prevents costly surprises and ensures your new pool seamlessly integrates with your lifestyle and land. Carefully assess your backyard’s size, shape, and sun exposure, including the pool and surrounding features such as decking and safety fencing. Most importantly, investigate potential obstacles unique to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, such as sandy soil that may require special construction techniques or a high water table that necessitates dewatering systems.

Once you understand your property’s limitations and opportunities, consider how you and your family will use the pool. Whether for lively family play, serene morning laps, or elegant entertaining, your primary use will dictate the ideal size, shape, and depth. A family-focused pool might feature a large shallow end, while an exercise pool would benefit from a long, straight lane. Defining these needs early on is key to guiding your design choices and creating a pool that truly enhances your beach home lifestyle.

Navigating Local Regulations in Long Beach

Building an inground pool requires adherence to specific local codes and permitting processes. In Long Beach, Mississippi, these regulations are in place to guarantee safety, protect property values, and maintain environmental standards. Ignoring these rules can cause significant fines, construction delays, and force the removal of a non-compliant pool. Therefore, familiarizing yourself with these requirements is an indispensable part of the planning phase.

Your first stop should be the City of Long Beach Building Department. Here, you can obtain the necessary permit applications and a detailed list of all requirements for pool construction. Generally, you will need to submit a comprehensive site plan showing the pool’s location relative to property lines, your home, and any other structures. Before construction starts, you need to locate underground utilities before digging, which will require public utility locating and potentially private locators as well.

A key thing to know about building an inground pool for your beach home is that your site plan must also detail the proposed fencing, electrical wiring, and plumbing systems. Most municipalities, including Long Beach, have strict setback rules that dictate how far the pool and its equipment must be from your property lines and home. Fencing requirements are particularly important for safety, often specifying a minimum height and self-latching gates to prevent unintended access, especially by young children. A reputable pool contractor will understand these local codes intimately and can manage the permitting process on your behalf.

Choosing the Right Pool Design and Materials

After taking care of the practical aspects of property lines and local codes, you can focus on the exciting part: designing your pool. The design and materials you select will shape your backyard’s look and determine the pool’s durability and maintenance requirements, which are especially important in a coastal setting. There are three main types of inground pools: concrete (gunite), fiberglass, and vinyl liner.

Concrete offers the most design freedom for custom shapes and features, but it is the most expensive and slowest to install. Fiberglass pools are pre-molded, making installation quick and their smooth surface algae-resistant, but the available molds limit your design choice. Vinyl liner pools are the most budget-friendly option, but you will need to replace the liner every 5 to 10 years.

Pro Tip: For your new pool’s surrounding deck, materials such as travertine pavers or treated wood are excellent for withstanding the effects of salt air and strong sun, outperforming standard concrete.

For a home in a coastal climate, like Mississippi, it’s vital to choose materials that can handle the environment. Saltwater systems are a great choice as they are gentler on skin and swimwear. If you opt for a concrete pool, a durable finish like pebble or quartz will resist stains and wear better than plaster. These choices ensure your pool remains a beautiful and lasting addition to your home.

Finding Reputable Pool Contractors

Your pool project’s success hinges on a quality contractor. A skilled and trustworthy builder will adhere to high standards, comply with local codes, and work within your budget. To find the right one on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, start by seeking recommendations from friends, neighbors, or local real estate agents, and consult online reviews. Schedule meetings with potential contractors, specifically asking about their experience with coastal builds, requesting portfolios, and checking references.

Always verify that a reputable contractor has their licenses and insurance, asking for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation. Carefully review their quotes for a precise breakdown of all costs; vague or unusually low bids are red flags. Finally, choose a contractor with whom you feel comfortable and who communicates clearly and professionally, as this partnership is crucial for a smooth construction process.

Make a Splash in Your Oasis

Building an inground pool is a significant investment, but with careful planning and the right team, it pays off in countless ways. From the initial property assessment to the final landscaping touches, each step is crucial in creating a safe, beautiful, and enduring addition to your Mississippi Gulf Coast home.

By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of coastal construction, diligently navigating local regulations, and choosing the right design and contractor, you can turn your dream of a backyard oasis into a stunning reality. Your new pool will not just be a place to swim; it will be the heart of your home, a source of joy, relaxation, and cherished memories for years to come.