Answers before you build.
Common questions about custom pools, pool remodeling, tile replacement, outdoor living, hardscape, drainage, pool houses, ADUs, pricing, timelines, and working with PLAPCO.
Good projects start with clear expectations.
We believe homeowners should understand the scope, process, and construction details before making a major investment in a pool, remodel, or complete backyard project.
Before contacting PLAPCO
What does Pacheco Landscape & Pool Construction build?
We build custom pools, pool remodels, pool houses, ADUs, outdoor living spaces, hardscape, retaining walls, drainage systems, grading, structural landscape work, and complete backyard construction projects.
Are you the cheapest pool builder or outdoor contractor?
No. We are not trying to be the cheapest contractor. There will always be someone willing to do the work for less. Our focus is quality construction, clear communication, detailed proposals, proper preparation, and long-term durability.
Who is PLAPCO best suited for?
We are best suited for homeowners planning a serious pool, remodel, outdoor living, hardscape, drainage, pool house, ADU, or complete backyard project. We are a good fit for customers who care about quality, communication, craftsmanship, and having the work built correctly.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. Pacheco Landscape & Pool Construction is licensed, bonded, and insured. Our California Contractor License is #987689, with B, C-53, and C-27 classifications.
New pools, spas, and backyard planning
Do you build new custom swimming pools?
Yes. We build custom gunite swimming pools, spas, and complete pool environments throughout Contra Costa County and the East Bay.
How much does a custom pool cost?
Custom pool pricing depends on the pool size, depth, access, soil conditions, engineering, tile, coping, interior finish, equipment, automation, drainage, hardscape, retaining walls, outdoor living features, and overall project scope.
We do not believe in giving a generic square-foot price that ignores the real construction conditions. A proper proposal should be based on the actual plans, site, access, details, and expectations.
How long does it take to build a custom pool?
Timelines vary depending on design, engineering, permits, inspections, weather, access, material selections, complexity, and city review. A straightforward pool is different from a complete backyard transformation with hardscape, retaining walls, drainage, outdoor kitchens, or structures.
Do I need completed plans before contacting you?
Not always. Some homeowners already have completed plans from a designer, architect, or engineer. Others are earlier in the process. We can review where you are and help explain what information is needed before pricing, permitting, and construction.
Do you handle permits for pool construction?
We help coordinate required permits, plan review items, engineering requirements, inspections, and construction details related to the scope of work. Requirements vary by city and project type.
Refinishing, tile, coping, equipment, and renovations
Do you remodel existing pools?
Yes. We remodel pools throughout Contra Costa County and the East Bay. Remodel work can include interior finishes, tile replacement, coping, pool equipment, lighting, plumbing, automation, hardscape, drainage, and full backyard renovations.
Do I need to replace the waterline tile when refinishing my pool?
In most cases, yes — we recommend replacing the waterline tile when refinishing a pool. Even when the tile looks acceptable, the grout and bond behind the tile may be near the end of its usable life, especially if the tile is older.
A new pool finish meets and slightly overlaps the bottom edge of the tile line. Replacing the tile allows that transition to be reset properly instead of trying to tie a new long-term finish into old tile and aging grout.
It also helps avoid a bigger problem later. If old tile or grout fails after the new finish is installed, removing tile later can chip, crack, or damage the new surface. Failing grout can also allow water behind the tile, which can affect the bond beam and concrete shell over time.
For us, a pool remodel should be treated as a complete system: finish, tile, grout, coping, waterline, and surrounding details all need to work together. Replacing the tile during a refinish is usually the cleaner, smarter, longer-lasting approach.
Can you replace coping during a pool remodel?
Yes. Coping can be replaced as part of a pool remodel. We can review the existing coping, deck conditions, tile line, bond beam, drainage, and surrounding hardscape to determine the right approach.
Do you upgrade pool equipment?
Yes. Pool remodels can include equipment upgrades such as pumps, filters, heaters, automation, valves, plumbing improvements, lighting, and other system upgrades depending on the existing conditions.
Can you remodel the pool and backyard together?
Yes. Many remodels involve more than just the pool surface. We can coordinate pool work with hardscape, drainage, patios, outdoor kitchens, lighting, retaining walls, and other outdoor living improvements.
Why the tile question matters.
A “simple refinish” is not always simple. When a new finish is tied into old tile and aging grout, the pool may look refreshed at first, but the weak point is still there. Addressing the tile during the remodel helps protect the new finish and gives the project a cleaner, more complete result.
View Pool RemodelingComplete backyard construction
Do you build outdoor kitchens and outdoor living spaces?
Yes. We build outdoor kitchens, BBQ islands, patios, fire features, poolside living spaces, hardscape, lighting, and complete outdoor living areas.
Do you build pool houses and ADUs?
Yes. We build pool houses, cabanas, guest suites, home offices, accessory structures, and ADUs. These projects may involve planning, design coordination, engineering, permits, utilities, foundations, framing, finishes, and site work depending on the scope.
Do you build hardscape and retaining walls?
Yes. We build patios, walkways, concrete, pool decks, steps, retaining walls, grading, drainage, and structural hardscape as part of outdoor construction projects.
Why is drainage important in backyard construction?
Poor drainage can saturate soil, create movement, damage hardscape, increase pressure behind retaining walls, affect pool decks, and send water toward areas where it can cause problems. Drainage should be planned as part of the entire outdoor construction system, not treated as an afterthought.
Do you handle grading and site preparation?
Yes. We handle grading, site preparation, slope adjustments, drainage coordination, and construction-related site work for pools, remodels, hardscape, outdoor living spaces, retaining walls, and backyard structures.
Working with Pacheco Landscape & Pool Construction
What is the first step?
The first step is usually a conversation. We want to understand the project type, location, scope, goals, timing, budget expectations, and whether you already have plans, photos, or design information.
Do you provide detailed proposals?
Yes. We believe detailed proposals are important because homeowners should understand what is included, what is not included, and how the project is being approached before construction begins.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville, Concord, Clayton, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Alamo, San Ramon, Martinez, and surrounding Contra Costa County and East Bay communities.
Do you do pool service, pool cleaning, or small repair calls?
Our focus is construction, remodeling, and outdoor projects. We are generally not the right fit for routine pool cleaning, weekly maintenance, small service calls, or minor one-off repairs unless they are part of a larger construction or remodel project.
Why choose PLAPCO?
Homeowners choose Pacheco Landscape & Pool Construction because we are family-owned since 1985, owner-operated, licensed, bonded, insured, and focused on quality construction over volume. Our reputation is built one backyard at a time.
Have a project worth building correctly?
Whether you are planning a custom pool, pool remodel, outdoor living space, hardscape project, drainage improvement, pool house, ADU, or complete backyard transformation, we would be happy to learn more.