Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Want to Know Before You Build
Straight answers to the most common questions about custom pool construction in Southwest Florida.
General
General Questions
What areas do you serve?
We build throughout Sarasota County and Charlotte County — including Venice, Sarasota, North Port, Osprey, Nokomis, and Englewood. We're based in Venice, so there are no travel surcharges for any project in our service area.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Good Life Pools holds Florida contractor license CPC1461159. We carry full general liability and workers' compensation insurance on every project. We're happy to provide certificates of insurance upon request.
Do you only build pools, or do you handle other outdoor work?
We specialize in pool and spa construction — new builds, renovations, and custom additions. This includes the pool structure, plumbing, electrical, decking, coping, tile, and equipment. We don't do general landscaping or fencing, but we can coordinate with those contractors as part of your overall project.
Is Good Life Pools a franchise or a local company?
We're 100% locally owned and operated. Sergey Kolesnikov founded Good Life Pools and personally manages every project. There's no corporate layer, no franchise agreements, and no absentee ownership.
Cost & Contracts
Cost & Contracts
What does a custom pool cost in Southwest Florida?
Most Good Life Pools projects run $50,000–$80,000 for a new custom gunite pool. The range depends on size, shape, water features, finish material, equipment upgrades, and decking. A basic plunge pool starts lower; a large resort-style pool with spa, fire features, and premium tile can run higher. We give you a fixed-price number at the proposal stage — no ranges, no allowances.
Do you use fixed-price contracts?
Yes. Every Good Life Pools project is priced on a fixed-price contract. You see the full itemized cost before you sign anything. We don't use cost-plus contracts or open-ended allowances that let the final number drift upward.
What's included in the price?
Everything required to deliver a complete, permitted, functional pool: design, engineering, permits, excavation, gunite shell, plumbing, electrical, tile, coping, decking, interior finish, and all equipment (pump, filter, heater if included, automation system). Ask at your consultation about what's included in your specific proposal.
When do I pay?
Payment is structured in milestone draws tied to construction phases — typically a deposit at contract signing, then draws at permit approval, excavation, gunite, and final completion. We never require a large upfront payment before any work begins.
What can cause a price increase after signing?
On a fixed-price contract, the price doesn't change unless you change the scope. Owner-initiated changes after the contract is signed (adding a water feature, upgrading materials, expanding the decking, etc.) are priced as change orders before any work is done. Surprises in the ground — like buried debris or unusual soil conditions — are handled case-by-case and communicated immediately.
Design & Options
Design & Options
What pool shapes and styles do you build?
We build fully custom pools — no catalog shapes. Rectangular, freeform, L-shaped, geometric, lagoon-style — whatever works best for your yard and aesthetic. We also build plunge pools for smaller lots, pools with integrated planters, spa additions, and beach-entry designs.
Do I see a design before construction starts?
Always. We produce a full 3D rendering of your pool — with your actual yard dimensions and property context — before you sign the contract. You approve the design and the price before any work begins.
Can I add a spa, water feature, or outdoor kitchen?
Yes. Spas, hot tubs, waterfalls, fountains, fire features, beach entries, sun shelves, and tanning ledges are all options we build regularly. Outdoor kitchens can be scoped separately. Ask at your consultation — we'll tell you what's possible on your lot and budget.
What finish materials do you offer?
Interior finishes range from standard white plaster through pebble and aggregate finishes (Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen, and similar products). Tile options span basic pool tile through high-end glass mosaic. Coping and decking choices include travertine, pavers, and brushed concrete. We present the full material menu at the design stage.
Can you design a pool that meets my HOA requirements?
Yes. We're familiar with the HOA architectural review requirements in most Venice, Sarasota, and North Port communities. We prepare the full drawings and renderings your HOA needs for submission and can attend HOA review meetings if required.
Permits & Approvals
Permits & Approvals
Who handles the permitting?
We do. Good Life Pools handles all permit applications, engineering submittals, plan review responses, and required inspections from start to finish. You don't fill out a single form. Permitting is included in your project price.
How long does permitting take in Sarasota County?
Permit turnaround through Sarasota County Building Department and the City of Venice typically runs 4–8 weeks, depending on the time of year and current volume. We give you a realistic estimate at your consultation based on current conditions and start construction the moment your permit is approved.
Do I need HOA approval before you can start?
If your community has architectural review requirements, yes — HOA approval needs to happen before permits are filed in most cases. We handle the HOA package (drawings, renderings, material specs) as part of our design phase. Most HOA reviews take 2–4 weeks.
What inspections are required?
Florida building code requires inspections at multiple stages — steel reinforcement, plumbing rough-in, electrical, gunite, and final completion. We schedule and manage all required inspections. Your project doesn't advance to the next phase until each inspection passes.
Timeline
Timeline Questions
How long does it take to build a pool?
From signed contract to water in the pool, most Good Life Pools projects take 14–20 weeks. That includes 4–8 weeks for permitting and 6–8 weeks of active construction. We give you a realistic total timeline on your first call and update you at every milestone.
What's the best time of year to start a pool project in Southwest Florida?
You can start any time of year in Florida's climate. The permit queue tends to move faster in late summer and fall (the slower season for contractors). Winter and spring are peak demand — expect slightly longer permit and scheduling timelines. If you want to swim by summer, start the process by fall.
Can you give me a firm start date before I sign?
We give you a start-window estimate based on current permit queue times and our construction schedule. Once your permit is approved, we lock in your start date and hold it. Construction doesn't slip unless something outside our control — like an extended HOA review — delays the permit.
Do weather delays affect the timeline?
Occasionally. Florida's rainy season (June–September) can cause short delays in excavation and concrete work. We build buffer into our timelines for typical weather. Extended delays would be communicated immediately with a revised schedule.
Financing
Financing Questions
Do you offer financing?
Yes — financing is available for qualifying projects. We work with third-party lenders who specialize in home improvement and pool construction loans. Ask about it at your free consultation and we'll connect you directly.
Does financing affect my project cost?
No. Your fixed-price proposal is the same whether you pay cash or finance. We don't add fees or markups for financed projects.
What credit score do I need?
Requirements vary by lender. Borrowers with good-to-excellent credit (680+) typically have the most options. We work with lenders across a range of credit profiles — ask at your consultation for specifics.
Is a home equity loan required, or are unsecured loans available?
Both may be available. Home equity loans and HELOCs typically offer the lowest rates. Unsecured home improvement loans move faster since they don't require an appraisal. Our lending partners can explain both options based on your situation.
Still Have Questions?
The free consultation is the fastest way to get real answers about your specific project — your lot, your budget, your timeline. Sergey will walk your property and give you straight information. No pressure, no obligation.
Ready to Start Living The Good Life?
Your free consultation includes a site visit, a preliminary design concept, and an honest project estimate. No pressure. No obligation.