VIRGINIAPOOL BUILDERS
Completed paver patio with a circular fire pit gathering area and seating wall

TIDEWATER AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Pools and outdoor living

Fiberglass and concrete pools, built-in spas, patios,
outdoor kitchens, covered spaces, and landscaping.

Create my backyard concept
COMPLETED OUTDOOR LIVING

Built around your backyard

Explore our services, from pools and patios to outdoor kitchens, covered spaces, and landscaping. Plan one feature or bring the whole backyard together.

Pools & built-in spas

Completed freeform Coral Sea fiberglass pool with molded entry steps and concrete decking

Fiberglass pools

Start with a factory-made shell in a shape and size that suits your yard. Depending on the model, steps, benches, and tanning ledges can be built into the design. We coordinate the pool, surrounding patio, and outdoor features as one plan.

Explore fiberglass pools
Completed concrete pool with stone coping, paver decking, and an outdoor kitchen

Concrete / gunite pools

Build the shell on site for more flexibility in shape, dimensions, and integrated features. Concrete or gunite construction can support a tailored layout with coordinated steps, shelves, finishes, and a built-in spa, subject to site and engineering review.

Explore concrete / gunite pools

Built-in spas

Built-in spas are planned with the pool, deck, heating, jets, and equipment. Coordinated materials and seating connect the spa to the rest of the backyard.

  • Built-in spa design and installation
  • Coordinated pool and spa layouts
  • Heating, jets, and equipment planning
Compare fiberglass & concrete
Completed curved paver patio with a seating wall beside a home
Completed work. Explore more projects

Patios & outdoor living

Outdoor living design & build

Whole-backyard planning coordinates the pool, patios, cooking areas, seating, utilities, and construction sequence before work begins.

  • Whole-backyard layouts
  • Material and feature selections
  • Coordinated project planning

Patios, paths & hardscapes

Paver patios, pool decking, walkways, and steps connect the house to outdoor dining and seating areas. Layout, base preparation, transitions, and drainage are reviewed together.

  • Paver patios and pool decking
  • Walkways and transitions
  • Dining and lounge areas
Completed built-in outdoor kitchen beneath a covered pavilion
Completed work. Explore more projects

Outdoor kitchens & shade

Outdoor kitchens

Outdoor kitchens can include built-in grills, preparation counters, storage, and bar seating. Appliance choices, utility needs, clearances, and access guide the layout.

  • Built-in grills and counters
  • Outdoor dining and bar seating
  • Appliance and utility planning

Pergolas & pavilions

Open pergolas and roofed pavilions provide different levels of shade and weather protection. Structure placement, lighting, and fans are coordinated with the patio and home.

  • Pergolas and covered seating
  • Pavilions and gathering spaces
  • Lighting and fan coordination
Completed stone fire pit on a paver patio beside a homeCompleted outdoor lighting
Completed work. Explore more projects

Fire, lighting & water features

Fire pits & fire features

Fire pits and integrated fire features are planned with surrounding seating, circulation, fuel supply, and required clearances.

  • Fire pit gathering areas
  • Integrated fire features
  • Seating and fuel planning

Outdoor lighting

Path, step, landscape, and outdoor-living lighting improve visibility and highlight selected features. Fixture placement and utility planning are considered with the construction scope.

  • Path and step lighting
  • Landscape accents
  • Outdoor living illumination

Water features

Poolside water accents, fountains, ponds, and landscape water features are planned with pumps, equipment access, water supply, and ongoing maintenance.

  • Fountains, ponds, and landscape water features
  • Poolside water accents
  • Pump and maintenance planning
Three water features integrated into the stone wall of a completed pool
Completed paver patio with stone wall and steps beside a homeCompleted backyard planting beds, stone path, and river rock borders
Completed work. Explore more projects

Landscaping & site preparation

Landscaping & sustainable spaces

Planting beds, landscape installation, and rock gardens complete the outdoor plan. Plant selections consider local conditions, sun, soil, water needs, and mature growth.

  • Landscape installation, planting beds, and rock gardens
  • Locally appropriate plant selections
  • Edging and irrigation planning

Retaining & freestanding walls

Retaining walls manage changes in grade; freestanding and seating walls define outdoor areas. Site conditions, drainage, and structural requirements guide the wall design.

  • Retaining walls
  • Freestanding and seating walls
  • Grade transitions

Drainage & grading

Grading and drainage support the pool, patio, and surrounding landscape. Water movement, ground conditions, and existing drainage are assessed before selecting an approach.

  • Site grading
  • French drains, yard drains, and downspout routing
  • Drainage repair and replacement planning

Concrete resurfacing

Resurfacing can update an existing patio, walkway, or pool deck when the underlying concrete is suitable. Surface condition is assessed before discussing repairs, finishes, or replacement.

  • Patio and pool-deck surface updates
  • Walkway and concrete finish options
  • Repair versus replacement assessment

Compare fiberglass and concrete pools

Your priorities, site access, budget, and preferred layout help guide the choice.

Fiberglass versus concrete and gunite pools
ConsiderationFiberglass poolsConcrete / gunite pools
ConstructionA factory-made shell is delivered and set into the prepared site.A reinforced concrete shell is formed on site. Gunite is one concrete application method.
Shape & featuresChoose from the manufacturer's available shapes, sizes, depths, and built-in features.Greater flexibility for dimensions, shape, shelves, and integrated features, within site and engineering limits.
Project timingSetting the shell can be quicker. Permits, access, utilities, decking, and weather still shape the full schedule.On-site shell construction, curing, and finishing generally add time. The final schedule depends on the complete scope.
Surface & careA smooth gelcoat surface still needs regular water balancing, cleaning, and equipment care.Care depends on the chosen finish. Water balancing, cleaning, and eventual surface renewal should be part of the plan.
What to reviewDelivery and crane access, the model's dimensions, finish options, and installation requirements.The custom layout, finish, engineering, construction sequence, and ongoing maintenance expectations.

Costs and timelines are project-specific. Both options require site assessment, applicable approvals, proper installation, and ongoing care. Product availability and warranty terms are reviewed with your project scope.

Explore the planning guide

Discuss your project

Share your location, priorities, and the services you are considering. The team can help define the next steps.

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Photo credits

Fiberglass photograph: Coral Sea pool, Barrier Reef Fiberglass Pools. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP; this image is distributed under the same license. Outside example, not a Virginia Pool Builders project.