Pool Building & Renovations

Frequently Asked Questions

Building or renovating a pool is an exciting investment, but it comes with a lot of questions.

To make the process easier, we've rounded up the most Frequently Asked Questions homeowners in the Las Vegas area ask about pool construction and renovation, so you can feel informed and ready to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Paragon Pools construction company serves a large section of Southern Nevada with pool installations. With over # of pools in the ground our backyard pools and spas are found across the valley including Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Mountains Edge, Reverence, Rhodes Ranch, Queens Ridge, Spanish Hills, Spanish Trails, Lake Las Vegas, Inspirada, Providence, Sky Canyon, Paradise, Spring Valley, Section 7, Enterprise, Summerlin South, Cadence, and the historic Rancho Nevada and Downtown Arts District , Las Vegas Arts District.  And, we have built large commercial pool projects and renovations in Mesquite and in Pahrump.

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    1.      Does the pool builder have an A10 license? State law requires that anyone contracting to construct a residential swimming pool or spa to be properly licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board.    Paragon Pools obtained a Nevada State Contractors Board A-10 commercial / residential pool License in 2001 – both Joseph Vassallo Sr and Joe Vassallo Jr are registered Qualified Experts with the State. 

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    FMI go to  https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com/resources/guide-to-contracting-for-a-pool-or-spa/

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    2.      Is the Pool Builder a member of an industry association? The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is a non-profit organization representing 4,000 members from around the world. https://www.phta.org/consumer/directory/find-a-pool-pro/ 

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    Paragon Pools has been an active member of the PHTA since 2003, both Joe Sr and Joe Jr have served on Boards and committees, locally and nationally. And both were named PHTA Builder of the Year Joe Sr in 2012 and Jor Jr in 2021.  https://www.paragonpoolslv.com/about-paragon-pools

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    3.      Does the Pool Builder have any Industry credentials? The PHTA offers industry certifications for pool builders, pool service technicians and pool operators. The Certified Building Professional (CBP) is the cornerstone certification for pool and spa builders. Joe Sr and Joe Jr are both CBPs.  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/paragon-pools-vpchief-design-executive-joseph-mz9lc

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    4.      Check references – ask family, friends and neighbors who they recommend. Does the builder have any testimonials/references?  https://www.paragonpoolslv.com/testimonials

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    5.      How long has the pool builder has been in business in your area? A reputable pool builder in your area will be familiar with municipality codes and permitting as well as the various soil conditions. Paragon Pools was established in Las Vegas in 2001. Prior to that, Joe Sr & Joe Jr had over ? years of pool design and construction experience before opening Paragon Pools.

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    6.      Review the builder’s on-line portfolio. The depth of their finished pool construction projects will be a good indication of their longevity and experience with pool building.

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    7.      Has the pool builder been recognized with any design or business awards?  For homeowners looking for a pool, pool design and business awards serve as a trusted, third-party endorsement that a builder delivers high-quality craftsmanship, creative innovation, and reliable professionalism. These awards, often bestowed by industry and business associations, indicate that a company has been vetted by experts on criteria such as technical competence, aesthetic beauty, safety and trusted business practices.

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    8.      Has the pool builder been interviewed by the media and/or authored any articles or books about pool design and construction?  Interviews with the media as well as authoring articles and books indicate the pool builder is a highly respected professional and industry thought-leader.  https://www.paragonpoolslv.com/in-the-news

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    9.      Is the pool builder active in the community? Do they participate in any charity work?  Have they been acknowledged for their community activism?  What does this mean? A pool builder that is engaged with its community through activism, service and non-profit support demonstrates compassion for elevating the livelihood of the community as well as a commitment to long-term reliability, trust, and brand integrity.  For a consumer, working with a pool builder that is active in the community through initiatives, sponsorships, and non-profit support provides them with confidence and pride in knowing that their investment is supporting a company that cares about the local area and its residents.  Paragon Pools is proud of their long-running commitment to the las Vegas area, https://www.paragonpoolslv.com/philanthropy

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    10. Beware of the following: contractors without an A-10 license, no insurance, “a deal of the century” quote- extremely lower than other quotes, demand for large cash deposit, unclear contract, and vague websites that do not share owner or other relevant information.

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    Nevada law restricts pool contractors from directly offering, underwriting, or providing financing for pool construction to prevent conflicts of interest. Under NRS 624.950, contractors cannot act as a lending institution. However, pool contractors often partner with an approved third-party lender to assist homeowners in securing funding. Paragon Pools’ approved financial institutions are Viking Capital, HFS and Lyon Financial.  https://www.paragonpoolslv.com/financing

    ‍Other options include: a home-equity loan, cash-out mortgage refinance, or unsecured personal loans.

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  • Utilize the same criteria as noted previously in selecting a reputable pool contractor, but also go one step further and review the builder’s renovation portfolio on the pool companies’ website and in social media. Take special note of the before and after images/videos. Renovation Videos

  • A pool or spa renovation will enhance the exterior ambience as well as your lifestyle, creating a more inviting space. But, pool renovations are a unique challenge, there can be a lot of unknowns when delving into the project’s pool shell, equipment, plumbing, and electrical elements.

    Homeowners can minimize their frustration by being prepared and taking time to evaluate their project.   Here are 10 tips to help with the process. 

    1.      Confirm the year the pool was constructed. If the pool is more than 10 years old… you could benefit from a pool renovation. New pool technology can reduce energy consumption, deliver better water quality, and improve safety.  And, the pool will likely need to be updated with current mandated safety drains and devices. 

    2.      Evaluate the current condition of your pool.  

    ·       Is the interior finish chipped or stained? 

    ·       Do you have missing, cracked, or calcified tile?

    ·       Are the water features and fire elements inoperative?  

    ·       Is the deck discolored, uneven, or chipped?  

    ·       Are you having a challenge with water chemistry?

    3.      Consider these pool amenity options.   

    ·       Interior finish: pebble and glass bead finishes come in a variety of textures and hues.

    ·       Pool tile lines have expanded to include large and small format tiles, and mosaics in ceramic, porcelain, and glass.

    ·       Decking options include natural stone, porcelain, and travertine pavers.

    ·       LED color lights can easily be retrofitted into existing niches, to add color and reduce energy use.

    ·       Fire features add a dramatic visual and warmth to the setting.  

    ·       Modern water features can provide movement and soothing sounds.

    ·       Solar heating will extend the pool season.

    4.      Ascertain the primary purpose of the pool. Your needs and activities may have changed over the years and if the current pool does not fulfill those functions, you have options.

    ·       Do you lack in-pool seating for your family and guests?

    ·       Have you dreamed of lounging on a wet deck?

    ·       Would you love to have a swim-up bar?  

    5.      Ponder the overall function of the entire outdoor space.

    What else will go in the yard? A play area for the kids, a putting green, entertainment area, landscaping, covered patio, fire pits, outdoor kitchen, or lounging space. Including these into the renovation project design will bring harmony to the exterior setting. 

    6.      Decide if a spa is part of the renovation project.  Spas provide year-round enjoyment as well as hydrotherapy benefits. 

    7.      Consider upgrading the equipment. Replacing older equipment with state-of-the-art options along with remote smart phone apps will improve the functionality of the pool, reduce energy consumption, decrease chemical use, provide better water quality, and minimize maintenance. 

    8.      Review the style of the pool.  Most pool renovations do not intervene on the current style of the pool. Changing a geometric pool to a freeform (or vice versa) will require an added financial investment in the project.  But that’s not to say it can’t be achieved. However, another option is to change the interior configuration by adding a wet deck, floating decks, or more seating space around the pool. 

    9.      Determine a realistic budget based on your wish list. Depending on the extent of the renovations, investments into the project can range from $30,000 upwards of over $150,000.

    10.  Search for a qualified, credentialed, and licensed pool contractor that is a Master at Pool and Spa Renovations.   The Designer will use their experience, talent, and skills to merge your desires to craft a renovation that complements your lifestyle.

    10 TIPS for Pool Renovations Video

  • Services may vary from builder to builder. But, our award-winning team at Paragon Pools makes the process seamless from start to finish — offering a full-service experience from expert design guidance, detailed engineering plans, municipal permitting, certified HOA submissions, and full construction oversight. We handle the complexities so you can focus on the vision: a beautiful backyard built for making memories.  Execute on Your Pool Promise Video

  • The homeowner is responsible for submitting the proper paperwork and application to their respective Homeowners Association (HOAs). Our team at Paragon Pools will provide you with certified pool plans to submit with the HOA application.

  • Paragon Pools’ engineering process begins with a comprehensive on-site evaluation. During this visit, we take detailed measurements and photographs from multiple angles, carefully documenting property lines, the residence, retaining walls, elevations, access points, and other relevant site conditions. This ensures the design accurately reflects the physical constraints and opportunities of the property.

     

    Next, we create a detailed 3D design developed in alignment with the client’s vision and site specifications. Once the final design is approved by the client, we generate precise 2D construction drawings directly from the 3D model.

     

    These construction plans are then submitted to a certified and licensed structural engineer. The engineer evaluates the design in conjunction with site-specific factors such as pool configuration, location on the property, soil conditions, grade differentials, and any adjacent structures. Based on this analysis, the engineer determines the required structural specifications, including steel reinforcement, shell thickness, bonding requirements, and other critical structural components.

     

    After engineering review and approval, the stamped structural plans are submitted to the appropriate municipality for permitting. Once approved by the municipality, the engineered plans serve as the governing documents throughout all phases of construction, ensuring structural integrity, code compliance, and long-term durability of the project.

  • In July 2022, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a resolution in that supports a 600-square-foot surface area limit on new residential pools.  However, the average pool built in Southern Nevada is about 475 square feet. There are also restrictions regarding residential water features and renovations of existing backyard pools.  The Paragon Pools Team is diligent in keeping abreast of water use restrictions and guidelines for swimming pools and spas.

  • The TOP 5 Pool Trends for Residential Homes in 2026

    1.      Liquid Motion – Liquid Motion, the movement of water incorporates features such as waterfalls, sheer descents, bubblers, scuppers, spillways and other elements deliver enhanced visual and acoustic dimension to any pool setting.

    2.      Integrative Design – Whether it’s a renovation or a new project, Integrative Design of the entire outdoor space takes a “whole systems” approach where each element and amenity works in synergy with the other to optimize space, construction, performance, efficiency and sustainability as well as reduce costs.

    3.      Bold Statements – Give your project a signature mark with Bold Statements incorporating vibrant tiles, fire elements, perimeter overflow, floating step pads, specialty lighting and other elements.

    4.      Upscaled Ambiance – Upscaled Ambience, taking a project from conventional to lavish, can be achieved through the incorporation of specialty tiles and pavers, interior finishes, LED lighting, water and fire elements and other distinctive features.

    5.      Terraced Seating – Terraced Seating space within and outside a pool provides enhanced dimension with elevations and increases the sitting and use options for entertaining.

  • One of the most common pool renovation questions is “Can you add a Wetdeck?” when homeowners contact us for a pool renovation project! 

    Simple answer “YES!”
    However, as a licensed, professional pool contractor there are elements WE take into consideration such as: size and layout of the pool, plumbing and electrical aspects as well as the existing interior finish. Wetdeck Video

  • Introduced in the 1990s, the CBP Certified Building Professional® program is recognized as one of the premier certifications offered by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in the pool and spa construction industry before becoming eligible to pursue the credential.

     

    The CBP certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge covering the technical, safety, and business aspects of pool and spa construction, including concrete, vinyl liner, and fiberglass pool systems. The program also emphasizes adherence to national codes and standards, ethical business practices, and professional experience. Candidates must successfully pass a proctored examination administered by a third party.

     

    For consumers, working with a Nevada contractor who is both QE licensed and CBP certified means hiring a credentialed expert whose experience, technical knowledge, and ethical business practices have been verified by two sources, helping ensure pools are of superior design, built to code, and professionally managed from start to finish.  Joe Sr and Joe Jr are both QE licensed and certified CBPs.

    PHTA CBP Certification

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  • Yes, a spa can be added to an existing pool. ….. I need more information

We’ll prepare a superior pool design, a detailed construction proposal and walk you through every step of the process.