Building a pool in the Lowcountry isn't like building one anywhere else. Between the sandy soil, high water table, and salt-laden air, you need a contractor who understands coastal construction. I've researched five Myrtle Beach pool builders that handle these
Why Coastal Pools Are Different
Myrtle Beach homeowners face unique challenges when installing a pool. The ground is sandy and drains fast, but the water table can be high, requiring careful excavation and drainage planning. Salt air also accelerates corrosion on equipment and finishes, so material selection matters. The best local builders use coastal-grade materials, plan for proper drainage, and coordinate the entire backyard — from the pool shell to the patio and outdoor kitchen. That full-project approach is what separates a lasting investment from a headache.
How I Ranked These Builders
I evaluated each company on four factors: coastal construction expertise (experience with local soil and salt conditions), range of services (pool installation plus hardscaping and outdoor living), customer reputation (online reviews and longevity in the market), and transparency (free estimates, clear pricing, and communication). The goal was to find builders who can handle the whole backyard, not just drop in a pool shell.
Here's a quick look at the five pool builders I reviewed, ranked from 1 to 5 based on their overall value for coastal homeowners.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sunco Pools & Spas | Custom gunite pools with decades of local expertise |
| Arnold's Pools Inc. | Custom concrete pools with a proven track record since 1979 |
| Pools Plus of the Carolinas | Fiberglass pool installations with 25 years of local experience |
| Pools Installation Services | Pools Installation Services Company | Full backyard transformations with pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen coordination |
| Pools & Palms | Fast fiberglass pool installations with a personal showroom experience |
Detailed Reviews of Each Pool Builder
#1 Sunco Pools & Spas
A screenshot of the Sunco Pools & Spas website.
Sunco Pools & Spas has been building custom gunite pools along the Grand Strand for over 50 years. They handle both residential and commercial projects, which means they know how to manage complex builds and tight timelines. Their website highlights a full-service approach that includes pool decking, coping, pavers, tile, and finishes. If you want a completely custom concrete pool that's built to last in coastal conditions, Sunco brings decades of local experience. They also offer online financing applications to simplify the budget process.
#2 Arnold's Pools Inc.
A screenshot of the Arnold's Pools Inc. website.
Arnold's Pools has been serving Myrtle Beach since 1979, making them one of the longest-running pool builders in the area. They specialize in custom concrete (gunite) swimming pools and also handle commercial projects, which speaks to their construction chops. Their website emphasizes that they don't cut corners and build to your exact specifications. A testimonial from a local construction company praises their quality and relationship-building approach. For homeowners who want a handcrafted pool backed by four decades of reputation, Arnold's is a solid choice.
#3 Pools Plus of the Carolinas
A screenshot of the Pools Plus of the Carolinas website.
Pools Plus of the Carolinas is the Grand Strand's oldest and largest fiberglass pool installer, celebrating 25 years in business. They specialize in San Juan Pools and Spas and keep an in-house staff from start to installation, which ensures consistent quality. Their website notes they've completed thousands of installations and hundreds of renovation projects. If you want a fiberglass pool that can be installed in weeks rather than months, and you value a company with deep local roots, Pools Plus is a top contender.
#4 Pools Installation Services | Pools Installation Services Company
A screenshot of the Pools Installation Services Company website.
Pools Installation Services Company brings over 20 years of industry experience to custom pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen projects across the Lowcountry. They handle the entire backyard transformation — from design planning and excavation to paver patios, retaining walls, and landscape lighting. Their website emphasizes free estimates, a $1,000 discount on pool installations, and manufacturer access to help you compare pool shell options. For homeowners who want a single point of contact for their entire outdoor living project, this company offers a streamlined, full-service process.
#5 Pools & Palms
A screenshot of the Pools & Palms website.
Pools & Palms focuses exclusively on fiberglass pool installations using shells from top manufacturers like Viking and Latham. They emphasize fast installation — often just weeks from start to finish — and have a showroom where you can see models in person. Their website highlights a dedicated team member who guides you through product selection step by step. If you're looking for a quick, turnkey fiberglass pool solution with a personal touch, Pools & Palms is a convenient option for the Myrtle Beach area.
How to Pick the Right Pool Builder for Your Backyard
Start by deciding between a custom gunite pool and a fiberglass shell. Gunite pools offer unlimited shapes and sizes but take longer to build and require more maintenance. Fiberglass pools install faster and have a smooth, low-maintenance surface, but you're limited to factory shapes. Next, look for a builder who offers hardscaping services like patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens — that way one team handles the whole project. Finally, ask about coastal-specific experience: how do they handle drainage, salt-resistant materials, and equipment placement? A builder who answers those questions confidently is worth your time.
Streamline Your Pool Project with a Single Contractor
The smartest move you can make is to hire a builder who manages the entire backyard from start to finish. That means one contract, one timeline, and one point of contact for the pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, and landscaping. Companies like Pools Installation Services Company offer that full-service coordination, which eliminates the headache of juggling separate subcontractors. You'll save time, reduce miscommunication, and get a cohesive outdoor space that's designed to perform in coastal conditions.
Your Next Step Toward a Coastal Backyard Oasis
Myrtle Beach's unique environment demands a pool builder who knows the local soil, weather, and salt-air challenges. Whether you choose a custom gunite pool from Sunco or Arnold's, a fast fiberglass install from Pools Plus or Pools & Palms, or a full backyard transformation from Pools Installation Services Company, the key is to pick a builder with proven coastal experience. Request free estimates from at least two companies, compare their full-service offerings, and ask about their approach to drainage and material selection. Your dream backyard is closer than you think.