Your Pool and Patio Should Be Built Together
Most homeowners who install a pool also want a patio around it. The problem is that many pool companies subcontract the patio work to a separate crew, and many patio contractors do not install pools. That split creates coordination gaps, mismatched grades, inconsistent material selections, and finger-pointing when something does not line up.
At Just Imagine Hardscapes & Pools, we are a single contractor that handles both. We install the pool and build the surrounding paver patio, coping, walkways, and any additional hardscape features as one coordinated project. The pool shell, plumbing, decking, and hardscape are all designed together from the start, which means grades are correct, drainage works, materials match, and the finished result looks like it was planned — because it was.
For homeowners across Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, and the surrounding Sussex County communities, this matters even more. Coastal conditions require materials and construction methods that standard inland installations skip. Having one team that understands both pool construction and hardscaping in a coastal environment eliminates the risk of one trade undermining the other's work.
What a Pool & Patio Project Includes
Every pool and patio project is custom-designed. Here are the core elements we build into most combined projects.
Pool Installation
Fiberglass, vinyl liner, or gunite pool installation with your choice of shape, size, and features. We handle excavation, shell placement or construction, plumbing, equipment installation, and filling. Learn more about our pool installations.
Pool Deck & Coping
Paver or natural stone pool deck with coping that creates a finished edge around the pool perimeter. We install slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch materials specifically suited for barefoot traffic around water. Bullnose coping, tumbled pavers, and travertine are popular options.
Patio & Entertaining Area
Extended paver patio beyond the pool deck for dining furniture, lounging areas, and foot traffic zones. We design the patio layout to accommodate your furniture plan, traffic patterns, and desired gathering capacity. See our patio installations.
Walkways & Transitions
Paver walkways connecting the pool area to your house, garage, outdoor kitchen, or garden. Transitions between different elevation zones are handled with steps, ramps, or graded surfaces that meet code and look seamless. Explore our walkway designs.
Retaining Walls & Grade Changes
Retaining walls to manage the elevation differences created by pool excavation. These walls hold back soil, create level terraces for patios and planting beds, and add architectural interest to the overall design. View retaining wall options.
Add-On Features
Outdoor kitchens, fire features, pergolas, outdoor showers, landscape lighting, and seat walls can all be integrated into the same project scope. Combining these elements saves money and ensures everything works together. Browse our kitchens, fire features, and pergolas.
Benefits of a Single Pool & Patio Contractor
Hiring one contractor to handle both the pool and the surrounding hardscape gives you several practical advantages that separate contractors cannot match:
- Unified design: Pool shape, patio layout, drainage, utilities, and grade changes are planned together from day one, not patched together after the fact.
- Coordinated construction: Excavation, backfill, base prep, and installation follow a logical sequence without delays caused by waiting for a second contractor.
- Consistent materials: Coping, deck pavers, walkway pavers, and wall stone are all selected from the same material palette for a cohesive look.
- Single point of contact: One phone number, one project manager, one warranty for the entire project.
- Cost efficiency: Shared crew mobilization, equipment, and material delivery means the combined project costs less than hiring two separate contractors.
- Proper drainage: Pool deck drainage, patio grading, and backfill compaction are engineered as one system instead of two independent installations that may conflict.
How a Combined Pool & Patio Project Works
From the first site visit through the final walkthrough, here is what to expect.
1. Site Assessment & Design
We walk your property, assess soil conditions, utilities, setback requirements, and drainage patterns. We discuss pool type, patio size, materials, and feature preferences. You receive a comprehensive design showing the pool, patio, walkways, and all hardscape elements as one integrated plan.
2. Permits & Preparation
We handle all Sussex County permits for the pool and any hardscape structures. Utility locates, HOA approvals, and DNREC requirements for properties near wetlands or coastal zones are managed as part of our standard scope.
3. Construction & Completion
Excavation, pool installation, backfill, base preparation, paver installation, and finish work are sequenced to minimize disruption and maximize efficiency. The entire project is managed by our team with no subcontractors. You receive a final walkthrough covering pool operation, equipment, and hardscape maintenance.
Pool & Patio Project Costs in Sussex County
Combined pool and patio project costs depend on pool type, patio size, materials, and additional features. Here are typical ranges for complete projects in our market:
- Fiberglass pool + paver patio (300-500 sq ft deck): $55,000 to $90,000. Includes pool installation, coping, deck pavers, basic walkway, and equipment pad.
- Fiberglass pool + extended patio + features: $90,000 to $140,000. Larger patio footprint, retaining walls, fire pit or outdoor kitchen, upgraded coping and materials.
- Custom gunite pool + full outdoor living: $120,000 to $250,000+. Custom pool shape, spa, extensive patio and walkway system, outdoor kitchen, pergola, fire features, lighting.
These ranges represent complete project costs with both pool and hardscape included. The combined approach typically saves 10 to 20 percent compared to hiring separate pool and patio contractors due to shared site prep, equipment, and project management.
Pool & Patio FAQ
Most combined projects take 6 to 12 weeks depending on pool type, patio size, and weather. Fiberglass pool installations are faster than gunite because the shell arrives pre-built. We provide a detailed construction timeline during your estimate so you know what to expect at each stage.
Yes. We frequently install paver patios and upgraded coping around existing pools. We assess the current pool deck condition, drainage patterns, and available space during the estimate. The existing concrete or paver deck can often be removed and replaced, or we can build around it depending on the situation.
We recommend pavers with textured or tumbled finishes for slip resistance around pools. Travertine is popular because it stays cool underfoot in direct sun. Porcelain pavers offer a modern look with excellent slip resistance ratings. Standard concrete pavers work well when selected with appropriate surface textures. We guide you through options based on your budget and aesthetic preference.
Pool installations always require a permit in Sussex County. The patio portion may or may not require a separate permit depending on size and location. We handle all permit applications, plan submissions, and inspection coordination as part of our project management. You do not need to deal with the permitting process directly.
Yes. We partner with Hearth to offer flexible financing options for qualified homeowners. Pool and patio projects are significant investments, and financing allows you to build the complete outdoor environment you want without compromising on features or materials. You can check your rate and pre-qualify without impacting your credit score.
Let's Plan Your Pool & Patio Project
Tell us about your property and what you envision for your backyard. We will visit your site, walk through your options, and provide a detailed estimate for the complete project.