What Artistic Pools & Spas Does and Whether It's Right for Your Pool

Artistic Pools & Spas specializes in custom pool design, installation, and renovation across South Carolina

Artistic Pools & Spas is a South Carolina-based company that designs and builds residential pools, spas, and water features rather than maintaining existing ones. If you arrived here from pool cleaners and maintenance services, this is a different kind of business—they create pools from the ground up or transform an existing pool into something new. They handle the construction side: digging, plumbing, finishing, and custom features like water slides, fire bowls, or decorative tile work.

The company works on residential projects throughout South Carolina, meaning they handle everything from initial design consultation through final installation. Their work includes in-ground pools, above-ground pools, spas, hot tubs, and combination installations. If you already have a pool and need cleaning or routine maintenance, you would contact a pool service company instead. If you want to build a new pool, renovate an existing one, or add a spa to your property, Artistic Pools & Spas is the type of contractor you would call.

Key Takeaways

• Artistic Pools & Spas handles pool and spa construction and renovation, not routine maintenance or cleaning services.
• The company designs custom residential pools with features like water slides, fire bowls, and decorative finishes across South Carolina.
• They work on both new pool installations and renovations of existing pools and spas.
• A pool construction project typically involves an initial design consultation, site assessment, permitting, and installation over several weeks or months.
• Pool construction costs vary widely based on size, materials, features, and your location within South Carolina.

What a pool construction company does differently from pool maintenance

Pool cleaners and maintenance services keep your existing pool running—they skim debris, balance chemicals, repair pumps, and handle seasonal opening and closing. Artistic Pools & Spas does not do that work. Instead, they build pools from scratch or redesign pools that already exist. This means they work with excavation, concrete, plumbing, electrical systems, and finishing materials like tile, stone, or plaster.

If you have a pool that needs cleaning or chemical balancing, you contact a maintenance company. If you want to add a spa next to your existing pool, expand your current pool, or install a completely new one, you contact a construction company like Artistic Pools & Spas. The two services are separate because they require different equipment, licensing, and expertise.

Types of projects Artistic Pools & Spas handles

The company works on in-ground pools, which are dug into your yard and built with concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. They also install above-ground pools, which sit on top of the ground and are typically less expensive and faster to build. Spas and hot tubs are another service—these can be standalone or connected to a pool system.

Custom features are a major part of their work. This includes water slides, sun shelves (shallow areas for lounging), fire bowls or fire features around the pool deck, decorative tile work, stone coping, and lighting systems. Some projects combine multiple elements—for example, a pool with an attached spa, a water feature, and custom landscaping around the deck. The scope depends on your budget, yard space, and what you want the pool to do for your home.

How a pool construction project typically moves forward

Most pool projects start with a consultation where the company visits your property, discusses what you want, and assesses whether your yard can support a pool. They look at soil type, drainage, existing utilities (gas, electric, water lines), and space. This is when they give you a rough idea of what is possible and what it might cost.

After you decide to move forward, the company handles design—either working from your ideas or creating a design proposal for you to review. Once you approve the design, they typically handle permitting, which varies by your city or county. Permits ensure the pool meets local building codes and safety standards. After permits are approved, construction begins, which can take anywhere from a few weeks for a simple pool to several months for a complex project with custom features.

Throughout construction, you should expect regular updates and site visits. The company coordinates with any subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, landscapers) who may be involved. Once construction is complete, they typically provide instructions on how to operate the pool, maintain the equipment, and care for the finish.

Questions to ask before hiring a pool construction company

Before you sign a contract, ask whether the company is licensed and insured in South Carolina. Pool construction involves heavy equipment and electrical work, so licensing matters for safety and legal protection. Ask for references from recent projects—ideally, you can visit a completed pool or talk to someone who had similar work done.

Clarify what is included in the price and what costs extra. Some companies include landscaping, decking, or equipment in their base price; others charge separately. Ask about the timeline—how long from contract to completion, and what could delay the project (weather, permitting, material availability). Ask what happens if you want changes during construction, because changes often cost more and extend the timeline.

Understand the payment schedule. Most pool companies ask for a deposit upfront, payments at certain construction milestones, and a final payment when the work is done. Ask what warranty or may provide they offer on their work and on the equipment they install.

Cost factors for pool construction in South Carolina

Pool construction costs depend on several things: the size of the pool, the type (in-ground versus above-ground), the materials used, custom features, and your location within South Carolina. A basic in-ground pool in a rural area costs less than a custom pool with multiple features in a Charleston or Greenville suburb. Labor costs, soil conditions, and local permitting requirements also affect the price.

Above-ground pools are generally less expensive than in-ground pools because they require less excavation and site preparation. Fiberglass in-ground pools typically cost less than concrete or vinyl pools, but they offer fewer customization options. Adding features like spas, water slides, decorative tile, or lighting systems increases the cost. You should get written quotes from multiple companies so you can compare what each one includes and what they charge.

Maintenance after your pool is built

Once your pool is installed, you will need ongoing maintenance—chemical balancing, equipment checks, seasonal care, and cleaning. Artistic Pools & Spas builds the pool, but you will likely hire a separate pool maintenance company for regular upkeep. Some pool construction companies offer maintenance services as well, so you can ask whether they do. If they do not, they can usually recommend a maintenance company in your area.

Understanding the difference between construction and maintenance helps you plan your budget and know who to call when you need something. Construction is a one-time project; maintenance is ongoing. Both are important for a pool that works well and lasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build a pool?

A simple above-ground pool might take a few weeks from start to finish. An in-ground pool with custom features typically takes two to four months, depending on the complexity, weather, and how quickly permits are approved. Your contractor should give you a timeline estimate during the design phase.

Do I need a permit to build a pool in South Carolina?

Most cities and counties in South Carolina require a permit for in-ground pools. Permit requirements vary by location, so check with your local building department or ask your contractor to confirm what your area requires. The contractor usually handles the permitting process as part of the project.

Can I add a spa to my existing pool?

Yes, many pool companies can build a spa next to an existing pool or integrate one into the pool system. This is a renovation project that requires site assessment to make sure your yard has space and your existing equipment can support it. Ask the contractor whether they can work with your current pool setup.

What is the difference between a pool and a spa?

A pool is a large body of water designed for swimming, typically kept at cooler temperatures. A spa or hot tub is smaller, holds fewer people, and is heated to a higher temperature for relaxation. They can be separate installations or connected to the same system.

What should I do if I already have a pool and need cleaning or repairs?

Contact a pool maintenance and cleaning company instead of a construction company. They handle routine cleaning, chemical balancing, equipment repair, and seasonal maintenance. Artistic Pools & Spas specializes in building and renovation, not maintenance.