Building an outdoor kitchen alongside a pool is one of the smartest moves you can make for your backyard. But if the layout is off, even the best appliances won't save the space. We've rounded up five builders who understand
Why Outdoor Kitchen and Pool Combos Are Booming
More homeowners are realizing that building an outdoor kitchen at the same time as a pool saves money, reduces disruption, and gives you full design freedom. According to Blue Haven Pools & Spas, adding a kitchen later often means ripping up finished hardscape and paying for a second round of contractor visits. Beltway Pools notes that the kitchen affects deck size, retaining walls, gas routing, and drainage, so it should be part of the initial design phase. The trend is clear: plan everything together, and you'll end up with a backyard that actually gets used.
How We Ranked These Builders
We evaluated each company on three factors: their ability to integrate outdoor kitchens with pool construction, their experience with utility and layout planning, and their track record of delivering functional, long-lasting outdoor living spaces. We also considered customer reviews, project portfolios, and whether they offer design-build services that keep the whole process under one roof.
Here's a quick look at the five builders we compared, ranked from best overall to a solid local option.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Beltway Pools | Integrated pool and kitchen design |
| Blue Haven Pools & Spas | Cost savings through combined construction |
| Anthony & Sylvan Pools | Feature-rich backyard packages |
| NBD Construction, Inc. | Custom ADU Builder | Custom outdoor kitchens in Northern California |
| West Bay Pools | Practical layout guidance in the Lowcountry |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Outdoor Kitchen & Pool Builders
#1 Beltway Pools
A screenshot of the Beltway Pools website.
Beltway Pools takes the top spot because they treat the outdoor kitchen as a core part of the pool design from day one. Their custom pool design process includes site evaluation, layout planning, material selection, and 3D renderings so you can see the full backyard before construction begins. They emphasize that the kitchen affects deck size, retaining walls, gas routing, and drainage, so it must be discussed during the same design phase as the pool. For homeowners in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, Beltway Pools offers a seamless, integrated approach that avoids awkward traffic paths and torn-up decking later.
#2 Blue Haven Pools & Spas
A screenshot of the Blue Haven Pools & Spas website.
Blue Haven Pools & Spas makes a strong case for building your outdoor kitchen at the same time as your pool. They point out that once the pool deck is poured, gas, water, and electrical lines are underneath it, so adding a kitchen later means ripping up finished hardscape and paying for a second round of contractors. Their advice is clear: one round of construction, shared labor, and a bigger contract mean you'll likely pay less overall. Blue Haven also stresses that you have full design freedom before the deck goes in, allowing you to place the kitchen exactly where it makes sense relative to the pool and house.
#3 Anthony & Sylvan Pools
A screenshot of the Anthony & Sylvan Pools website.
Anthony & Sylvan Pools brings decades of experience to outdoor kitchen and pool combinations, with a focus on features like fire pits, lighting, and water features that tie the whole backyard together. They offer a wide range of pool shapes and styles, from freeform to geometric, and their outdoor kitchen options are designed to complement the pool layout. Their website provides detailed guidance on materials, saltwater vs. chlorine, and financing, making it easy to explore what's possible. For homeowners who want a one-stop shop for pool and kitchen design, Anthony & Sylvan is a reliable choice.
#4 NBD Construction, Inc. | Custom ADU Builder
A screenshot of the NBD Construction, Inc. website.
NBD Construction, Inc. is a family-owned contractor based in Northern California that specializes in crafting interior and outdoor living spaces, including gourmet outdoor kitchens, pools, decks, and fire pits. They serve Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado Counties and have been featured on DIY Network's Yard Crashers, Turf Wars, and Yard Core. While they are best known for ADUs and home additions, their outdoor kitchen and pool work is built on the same commitment to craftsmanship and detail. If you're in the Sacramento area and want a builder who treats you as a long-term partner, NBD Construction is a solid local option.
#5 West Bay Pools
A screenshot of the West Bay Pools website.
West Bay Pools focuses on the Lowcountry of South Carolina and brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to outdoor kitchen placement. They emphasize that where you put the kitchen relative to the pool, the house, and the prevailing wind matters more than any appliance you choose. Their guide covers key details like proximity to indoor plumbing and gas lines, afternoon sun exposure, sightlines to the pool from the grill, and wind direction. For homeowners in Bluffton, Hilton Head, and surrounding areas, West Bay Pools offers straightforward advice and reliable construction.
How to Choose the Right Builder for Your Outdoor Kitchen and Pool
Start by deciding whether you want to build the kitchen and pool at the same time or add the kitchen later. If you're building both together, look for a builder who offers design-build services so the layout, utilities, and hardscape are planned as one project. Ask about their experience with gas, water, and electrical routing, and make sure they consider factors like sun exposure, wind direction, and sightlines to the pool. Finally, check their portfolio for similar projects and read reviews from homeowners who have completed combined builds.
Streamline Your Backyard Project with Smart Planning
Start by using a shared digital folder to collect inspiration photos, layout sketches, and utility maps. Share this folder with your builder early so they can review site conditions and propose a unified design. Once the design is approved, use a project management tool like Trello or Asana to track permits, material orders, and construction milestones. Schedule weekly check-ins with your builder to review progress and address any issues before they become problems. This workflow keeps everyone aligned and reduces the chance of costly changes later.
The Bottom Line on Outdoor Kitchen and Pool Builders
Building an outdoor kitchen alongside a pool is one of the best investments you can make in your backyard, but only if the layout and construction are handled correctly. The five builders we reviewed each bring something different to the table, from Beltway Pools' integrated design approach to NBD Construction's local craftsmanship in Northern California. Whichever you choose, make sure the kitchen is part of the initial design phase, not an afterthought. Plan ahead, work with a builder who understands the full picture, and you'll end up with an outdoor space that's both beautiful and functional.