Vista Pools built us an absolutely incredible custom pool, and I can't recommend Scott, JJ, and…read moretheir team highly enough.
I'm a lifelong swimmer, so I wasn't looking for a typical backyard pool. I wanted a large custom gunite / plaster pool with a full 25-yard lap lane, a shallow end, and enough space for the family to enjoy it too. Several neighbors had used Vista for fiberglass pools and had great experiences, so I reached out.
Scott understood what I was trying to build right away. He put together a quote and an initial design, and after some back-and-forth, we had a plan that looked fantastic. We also walked through it at WalkYourPlans, which helped us make a few final adjustments before construction started.
Once they got moving, they REALLY got moving. Within about a week, we had an enormous hole in the yard, and from there the work was nearly nonstop. Anyone who's dealt with contractors knows how unusual that is. Crews showed up, work got done, and the project kept progressing. I honestly couldn't believe how quickly and smoothly everything moved.
We also made a significant change to the shallow end during the project, and they were able to accommodate it without throwing the entire schedule off.
The quality of the work was excellent across the board. A friend with metalworking experience looked over the rebar and was very impressed. The gunite and plaster turned out beautifully. The tile crew nailed the lap-lane markings exactly the way I wanted them. My only small regret is that we didn't choose darker marker tiles on the stairs, but that's a design choice on our end, not a problem with the workmanship.
Vista also selected a full Hayward equipment setup for us, including filtration, lighting, heating and cooling, automation, and saltwater chlorination. Everything has worked together very well. We started with the normal new-plaster process and switched over to saltwater afterward.
One thing I'd tell anyone considering a large gunite / plaster pool is to take the startup and maintenance seriously. The bigger the pool, the more water chemistry and cleaning you're dealing with. During the first month, daily brushing is essential. Honestly, twice a day is even better if you can manage it. Keeping dirt and debris off the new plaster takes effort, and it's definitely a workout.
Vista will get you started and answer questions, but after the handoff, maintaining the water becomes your responsibility. Buy a good test kit and the proper cleaning tools before the pool is finished. If you enjoy learning how everything works, you'll probably have fun with it. If not, budget for professional pool service.
For me, this pool has genuinely been life-changing. I knew I'd enjoy having one, but I didn't realize how much it would mean to have a lap lane available whenever I wanted it. It turns out this was basically a lifelong dream I hadn't fully recognized until it was finished.
Scott and JJ delivered something truly special for us. The pool looks amazing, works beautifully, and has completely changed how we use our home. I'd hire Vista Pools again without hesitation.