What is included in the design-build process for a pool project?

The process starts with a consultation covering your budget, layout, and site conditions for the full project. From there, our design team presents a complete design for the pool, patio, and structures together before construction begins. Once approved, one project manager oversees construction through the final walkthrough.

Custom Backyard and Pool Deck Builder in Northern Virginia

xScape builds complete backyard pool projects for Northern Virginia homeowners. A custom gunite pool is designed alongside the patio, hardscape, and pool deck construction in Northern Virginia, planned as one project rather than a series of separate installations.

As a custom pool builder in Northern Virginia, every project combines gunite construction with expert pool deck installation in Northern Virginia, patio, and pool house work, backed by pre-construction planning, municipal permitting, HOA management, and single-point project oversight.

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Custom Gunite Pool Design

Gunite construction gives xScape full control over shape, depth, and finish, so no two pools look alike. Freeform curves, sun shelves, and integrated spas are built into the shell itself rather than added on afterward.

Gunite Construction: Fully customizable shotcrete build suited to long-term durability.
Freeform & Custom Shapes: Pool geometry designed around your site, not a standard mold.
Sun Shelves: Shallow lounging ledges built into the pool for wading and sunbathing.
Integrated Spas: Attached spa construction built directly into the pool design.
Custom Finishes: Finish options selected to match your design and surrounding hardscape.

Patios, Hardscape & Structure Integration

A pool shell is only one piece of the project. xScape, a trusted pool deck contractor in Northern Virginia, designs the patio, hardscape, and structures around the pool at the same time as the pool itself, so grading, drainage, and layout work together from day one.

Paver & Natural Stone Patios: Unilock pavers, flagstone, bluestone, and travertine surfaces built around the pool.
Pool Houses: Storage, bathrooms, and changing areas built as part of the same project.
Pool Pavilions: Shade structures for poolside lounging, built into the overall layout.
Retaining Walls & Steps: Grade changes managed with masonry walls and structural steps where needed.
Site Drainage: Grading and drainage planned around the pool, patio, and surrounding structures together.

Pool Features & Amenities

Once the pool and surrounding hardscape are planned, xScape integrates pool deck design in Northern Virginia, with features that turn the space into a complete backyard destination.

Waterfall Features: Water features integrated into the pool design for movement and sound.
Custom Fire Features: Fire features built into pool surrounds for evening use.
Swim-Up Bars: Built-in bar seating accessible directly from the water.
Tanning Ledges & Built-In Seating: Sun ledges and seating shaped directly into the pool.
Diving Boards & Grottos: Diving boards, jump rocks, and grotto features for added character.

Full-Service Design-Build Process

A combined pool and backyard project involves more trades than almost any other build: structural, plumbing, electrical, and masonry, all on one site at the same time. xScape manages that process under one contract, from the first sketch to the final walkthrough.

Consultation & Planning: Initial design review covering budget, layout, and site conditions for the full project.
3D Design & Proposal: A complete design presented, including the pool, patio, and structures, before construction begins.
Construction & Walkthrough: On-site build management through final inspection and handoff.
One Project, One Contract: Pool, hardscape, and structure work scheduled and managed as a single project.

Two Decades of Complete Backyard Construction

Led by founder Josh Desilets since 2005, xScape has been recognized for expert pool deck construction in Northern Virginia, bringing pools, patios, and structures together into a single backyard practice. Our team handles every phase, from initial planning and permitting to trade coordination and final walkthrough, delivering one build experience backed by single-point accountability.

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Rooted In Local Neighborhoods

From historic town centers to quiet acreage subdivisions, local geography guides how we handle site prep, local codes, and HOA requirements across the region.

See What Your Neighbors Value Most

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Pools FAQs

Does xScape build pools as a standalone project?

No. xScape builds pools as part of a complete backyard project that includes the surrounding patio, hardscape, and structures. Planning the pool and its surroundings together avoids mismatched grading, drainage conflicts, and disconnected layouts. This is the standard approach on every pool project we take on.

What type of pools does xScape build?

xScape builds custom gunite pools designed around your site and how you plan to use it. Gunite construction supports freeform shapes, sun shelves, and integrated spas rather than a standard mold. The pool is designed alongside the patio and structures around it, not on its own.

Can a pool house or pavilion be added to my pool project?

Yes. Pool houses, pavilions, and covered lounges are planned as part of the same project as the pool, not added on afterward. Planning them together means plumbing, electrical, and grading work together from the start. Storage, changing space, and shade are common additions.

How does xScape integrate a pool with the surrounding patio and hardscape?

Site grading, drainage, and structural transitions are planned before construction begins on any part of the project. The pool, patio, and any retaining walls or steps are designed together rather than in separate phases. This keeps circulation and sightlines consistent across the backyard.