Illustrative image for the 7 best Pool Builders in Orlando, FL
Updated October 20, 2026 · Launch edition

The 7 Best Pool Builders in Orlando, FL

In our October 20, 2026 edition, the best pool builder in Orlando is Pools by Bradley in Lake Mary (International Parkway); showroom in downtown Sanford, followed by Premier Pools of Central Florida and Dreamscapes Pools and Spas. We screened 31 candidates for independent recognition, scored the strongest on public reputation, recognition and years in business, and these seven scored highest.

Covers Orlando and nearby cities in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties

See the 7 →How we rank
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The seven at a glance

Score of 100 · Updated Oct 20, 2026
  1. 1Pools by BradleyLake Mary (International Parkway); showroom in downtown Sanford · FSPA Gold lazy river; perennial readers' poll pick75
  2. 2Premier Pools of Central FloridaWinter Park (North Palmetto Avenue) · Readers' poll favorite with FSPA-winning vanishing edges69
  3. 3Dreamscapes Pools and SpasSanford (Bellagio Circle) · Top pick in 2026 Home Design Awards65
  4. 4Southern Pool DesignsSanford (Specialty Point) · High-end gunite pools; 2026 PSN Top 5062
  5. 5Bluescape Pools & SpasKissimmee (North John Young Parkway) · Kissimmee builder of custom pools and remodels51
  6. 6Artesian PoolsEast Orlando (East Colonial Drive) · Orlando gunite pool builder since 197650
  7. 7Paradise Pools By DesignAltamonte Springs (Douglas Avenue) · 3D-designed custom pools, residential and commercial50
  1. Illustrative image: FSPA Gold lazy river; perennial readers' poll pick
    Illustrative image · AI-generated, not from this business
    1Gold · No. 1
    75/ 100

    Lake Mary (International Parkway); showroom in downtown Sanford · Custom residential pools, spas and lazy rivers

    Pools by Bradley

    Pools by Bradley has built custom pools in Central Florida since 1996, the year it was incorporated in Florida; its licensed office is on International Parkway in Lake Mary and it lists showrooms in downtown Sanford and New Smyrna Beach.

    • 4.9★ 261 reviews
    • Since 1996
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    Details, sources & score

    Orlando Magazine readers ranked it first among pool builders in the 2024 Home Design Awards and second in 2025 and 2026, and it was a Best of ORL finalist every year from 2024 to 2026. It won a 2026 Florida Swimming Pool Association Gold Award for a residential lazy river.

    How this score adds up

    Reputation 41 of 50. 4.9 stars from 261 Google reviews, seen Oct 20, 2026, adjusted to 4.66 after adding 250 reviews at 4.4 stars. Adjusted 4.0 or lower earns 0 and 4.8 or higher earns 50.

    Recognition 14 of 30. Each publication counts once, at its highest value; the total stops at 30.

    • Orlando Magazine 2024 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 1 (readers' vote) — 8 pts
    • FSPA Design Awards 2026 - Gold, Other: Lazy River — 6 pts
    • Orlando Magazine 2025 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 2 (readers' vote) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
    • Orlando Magazine 2026 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 2 (readers' vote) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
    • Orlando Magazine Best of ORL 2026 - Pool Builder, finalist (readers' poll) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
    • Orlando Magazine Best of ORL 2025 - Pool Builder, finalist (readers' poll) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
    • Orlando Magazine Best of ORL 2024 - Pool Builder, listed No. 3 (readers' poll) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value

    Years in business 20 of 20. Open since 1996, 30 years.

    Activity. Latest Google review a week ago, so it competes normally.

    Total 75 of 100. Full method

  2. Illustrative image: Readers' poll favorite with FSPA-winning vanishing edges
    Illustrative image · AI-generated, not from this business
    2Silver · No. 2
    69/ 100

    Winter Park (North Palmetto Avenue) · Custom residential pools and spas, including vanishing-edge, geometric and lagoon designs

    Premier Pools of Central Florida

    Premier Pools of Central Florida is a family-owned builder on North Palmetto Avenue in Winter Park, incorporated in Florida in 1995.

    • 4.7★ 277 reviews
    • Since 1995
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    Details, sources & score

    Orlando Magazine readers named it the top Pool Builder in Best of ORL 2026 and in the 2025 Orlando Home Design Awards, and it placed in both polls in 2024. At the 2026 Florida Swimming Pool Association Design Awards it won a Gold for a mid-size residential pool and a Silver for a vanishing-edge pool.

    How this score adds up

    Reputation 35 of 50. 4.7 stars from 277 Google reviews, seen Oct 20, 2026, adjusted to 4.56 after adding 250 reviews at 4.4 stars. Adjusted 4.0 or lower earns 0 and 4.8 or higher earns 50.

    Recognition 14 of 30. Each publication counts once, at its highest value; the total stops at 30.

    • Orlando Magazine Best of ORL 2026 - Pool Builder, winner (readers' poll) — 8 pts
    • Orlando Magazine 2025 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 1 (readers' vote) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
    • FSPA Design Awards 2026 - Gold, Residential Pool 250-500 sq ft — 6 pts
    • FSPA Design Awards 2026 - Silver, Residential Pool Vanishing Edge — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
    • Orlando Magazine Best of ORL 2025 - Pool Builder, finalist (readers' poll) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
    • Orlando Magazine Best of ORL 2024 - Pool Builder, listed No. 2 (readers' poll) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
    • Orlando Magazine 2024 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 2 (readers' vote) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value

    Years in business 20 of 20. Open since 1995, 31 years.

    Activity. Latest Google review a week ago, so it competes normally.

    Total 69 of 100. Full method

  3. Illustrative image: Top pick in 2026 Home Design Awards
    Illustrative image · AI-generated, not from this business
    3Bronze · No. 3
    65/ 100

    Sanford (Bellagio Circle) · Custom residential pools and spas

    Dreamscapes Pools and Spas

    Dreamscapes Pools and Spas is a Sanford-based builder of custom pools and spas; its Florida LLC was formed in 2006.

    • 4.8★ 244 reviews
    • Since 2006
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    Details, sources & score

    Orlando Magazine readers ranked it the No. 1 Pool Builder in the 2026 Orlando Home Design Awards after a third-place finish in 2025. Commenters recommended it by name in r/orlando threads in 2025 and 2026.

    How this score adds up

    Reputation 37 of 50. 4.8 stars from 244 Google reviews, seen Oct 20, 2026, adjusted to 4.60 after adding 250 reviews at 4.4 stars. Adjusted 4.0 or lower earns 0 and 4.8 or higher earns 50.

    Recognition 8 of 30. Each publication counts once, at its highest value; the total stops at 30.

    • Orlando Magazine 2026 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 1 (readers' vote) — 8 pts
    • Orlando Magazine 2025 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 3 (readers' vote) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value

    Years in business 20 of 20. Open since 2006, 20 years.

    Activity. Latest Google review 3 weeks ago, so it competes normally.

    Total 65 of 100. Full method

  4. Illustrative image: High-end gunite pools; 2026 PSN Top 50
    Illustrative image · AI-generated, not from this business
    4
    62/ 100

    Sanford (Specialty Point) · Luxury custom gunite pools and spas, including vanishing-edge and perimeter-overflow designs

    Southern Pool Designs

    Southern Pool Designs builds custom gunite pools and spas from a Sanford showroom and has used that name since 1997, when its original corporation was filed.

    • 5.0★ 104 reviews
    • $120,000+ (company site: 'Custom pools start at $120,000')
    • Since 1997
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    Details, sources & score

    Pool & Spa News ranked it No. 18 on the 2026 PSN/Hayward Top 50 Builders list, reporting 18 pools built in 2025 at an average pool-and-deck price of about $300,000. The company publishes a starting price of $120,000 for custom pools.

    • Known forHigh-end gunite pools; 2026 PSN Top 50
    • On Google5.0★ · 104 reviews (seen Oct 20, 2026)
    • Latest Google reviewa month ago (seen Oct 20, 2026)
    • Score breakdownReputation 36 of 50 · recognition 6 of 30 · years in business 20 of 20
    • Open since1997
    • Recognized byPool & Spa News / Hayward Top 50 Builders 2026 - No. 18
    • Address150 Specialty Point, Sanford, FL 32771
    • Price$120,000+ (company site: 'Custom pools start at $120,000')
    • Florida licenseCertified Pool/Spa Contractor CPC1461548 · active on DBPR (checked Oct 20, 2026)
    • Service areaOrlando and Central Florida, with listed offices in Sanford (Seminole) and Lake Nona (Orange), plus Cocoa Beach and St. Augustine (company site)
    How this score adds up

    Reputation 36 of 50. 5.0 stars from 104 Google reviews, seen Oct 20, 2026, adjusted to 4.58 after adding 250 reviews at 4.4 stars. Adjusted 4.0 or lower earns 0 and 4.8 or higher earns 50.

    Recognition 6 of 30. Each publication counts once, at its highest value; the total stops at 30.

    • Pool & Spa News / Hayward Top 50 Builders 2026 - No. 18 — 6 pts

    Years in business 20 of 20. Open since 1997, 29 years.

    Activity. Latest Google review a month ago, so it competes normally.

    Total 62 of 100. Full method

  5. Illustrative image: Kissimmee builder of custom pools and remodels
    Illustrative image · AI-generated, not from this business
    5
    51/ 100

    Kissimmee (North John Young Parkway) · New custom pools, remodels and commercial pools

    Bluescape Pools & Spas

    Bluescape Pools & Spas is based on John Young Parkway in Kissimmee and builds new custom pools, remodels existing ones and takes on commercial pool work.

    • 4.6★ 237 reviews
    • Since 2009
    CallWebsiteDirections
    Details, sources & score

    Its Florida corporation was filed in 2009 and took its current name in 2014. Its Google listing shows 237 reviews averaging 4.6 stars.

    • Known forKissimmee builder of custom pools and remodels
    • On Google4.6★ · 237 reviews (seen Oct 20, 2026)
    • Latest Google review2 weeks ago (seen Oct 20, 2026)
    • Score breakdownReputation 31 of 50 · recognition 0 of 30 · years in business 20 of 20
    • Open since2009
    • Address830 N John Young Pkwy #840, Kissimmee, FL 34741
    • Florida licenseCertified Pool/Spa Contractor CPC1458511 · active on DBPR (checked Oct 20, 2026)
    • Service areaOrlando, Kissimmee and Central Florida (testimonials on company site; no county list)
    How this score adds up

    Reputation 31 of 50. 4.6 stars from 237 Google reviews, seen Oct 20, 2026, adjusted to 4.50 after adding 250 reviews at 4.4 stars. Adjusted 4.0 or lower earns 0 and 4.8 or higher earns 50.

    Recognition 0 of 30. Each publication counts once, at its highest value; the total stops at 30.

      Years in business 20 of 20. Open since 2009, 17 years.

      Activity. Latest Google review 2 weeks ago, so it competes normally.

      Total 51 of 100. Full method

    • Illustrative image: Orlando gunite pool builder since 1976
      Illustrative image · AI-generated, not from this business
      6
      50/ 100

      East Orlando (East Colonial Drive) · Custom in-ground gunite pools and spas

      Artesian Pools

      Artesian Pools has designed and built custom in-ground gunite pools from its East Colonial Drive office since 1976, the year it was incorporated in Florida.

      • 4.3★ 167 reviews
      • Since 1976
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      Details, sources & score

      Orlando Magazine readers ranked it first among pool builders in Best of ORL 2024 and 2025 and a finalist in 2026. The Better Business Bureau lists it as accredited since 1983 with an A+ rating.

      How this score adds up

      Reputation 22 of 50. 4.3 stars from 167 Google reviews, seen Oct 20, 2026, adjusted to 4.36 after adding 250 reviews at 4.4 stars. Adjusted 4.0 or lower earns 0 and 4.8 or higher earns 50.

      Recognition 8 of 30. Each publication counts once, at its highest value; the total stops at 30.

      • Orlando Magazine Best of ORL 2025 - Pool Builder, winner (readers' poll) — 8 pts
      • Orlando Magazine Best of ORL 2024 - Pool Builder, listed No. 1 (readers' poll) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
      • Orlando Magazine Best of ORL 2026 - Pool Builder, finalist (readers' poll) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value
      • Orlando Magazine 2024 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 3 (readers' vote) — not counted: the same publication already counts at a higher value

      Years in business 20 of 20. Open since 1976, 50 years.

      Activity. Latest Google review 2 months ago, so it competes normally.

      Total 50 of 100. Tied at 50 with Paradise Pools By Design; ties go to the business with more Google reviews. Full method

    • Illustrative image: 3D-designed custom pools, residential and commercial
      Illustrative image · AI-generated, not from this business
      7
      50/ 100

      Altamonte Springs (Douglas Avenue) · Custom residential pools and spas with 3D design, plus commercial pools and splash pads

      Paradise Pools By Design

      Paradise Pools by Design is a family-owned builder in Altamonte Springs that designs custom residential pools and spas in 3D and also builds commercial pools and splash pads.

      • 4.5★ 62 reviews
      • Since 2006
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      Details, sources & score

      Orlando Magazine readers ranked it third among pool builders in the 2026 Orlando Home Design Awards. The company says it has been in business for about two decades; its first Florida LLC was filed in 2006.

      How this score adds up

      Reputation 26 of 50. 4.5 stars from 62 Google reviews, seen Oct 20, 2026, adjusted to 4.42 after adding 250 reviews at 4.4 stars. Adjusted 4.0 or lower earns 0 and 4.8 or higher earns 50.

      Recognition 4 of 30. Each publication counts once, at its highest value; the total stops at 30.

      • Orlando Magazine 2026 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 3 (readers' vote) — 4 pts

      Years in business 20 of 20. Open since 2006, 20 years.

      Activity. Latest Google review 6 months ago, so it competes normally.

      Total 50 of 100. Tied at 50 with Artesian Pools; ties go to the business with more Google reviews. Full method

    The guide

    How to choose a pool builder in Orlando

    01Custom gunite or a signature feature

    Artesian Pools and Southern Pool Designs both build custom gunite pools. Artesian has done it from East Colonial Drive since 1976, and Southern Pool Designs works at the high end, including vanishing-edge and perimeter-overflow designs. If you want a specific feature, look at award work: at the Florida Swimming Pool Association's 2026 Design Awards, Premier Pools of Central Florida won a Silver for a vanishing-edge pool and Pools by Bradley won a Gold for a residential lazy river. Paradise Pools By Design plans its custom pools and spas in 3D.

    02Where the builders are

    Pools by Bradley has its licensed office on International Parkway in Lake Mary and a showroom in downtown Sanford. Dreamscapes Pools and Spas and Southern Pool Designs are also based in Sanford, and Southern Pool Designs lists a second office in Lake Nona. Premier Pools of Central Florida is on North Palmetto Avenue in Winter Park, and Paradise Pools By Design is in Altamonte Springs. Artesian Pools works from East Colonial Drive in east Orlando and also runs a Daytona Beach office. Bluescape Pools & Spas, on John Young Parkway in Kissimmee, is the one Osceola County builder on the list.

    03License, permits and the barrier law

    We checked each license on the state's DBPR lookup: all seven hold an active Certified Pool/Spa Contractor license. A pool also needs permits. Orange County requires a building permit, electrical, plumbing and gas sub-permits where they apply, and a separate building permit for the safety barrier. Under Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, a new home pool cannot pass final inspection without at least one safety feature: a barrier at least 4 feet high, an approved safety cover, exit alarms on doors and windows with direct access to the pool, self-closing and self-latching doors, or a certified pool alarm.

    04What happens during the build

    The City of Orlando's pool checklist shows the order: an engineering pre-walk before work starts, then inspections of the pool steel, underground electrical, deck and piping pressure, and electrical and building pool safety inspections before the pool is filled with water. The child barrier is checked at the building final. When you sign, Florida law requires the contractor to give you the state's pool safety requirements and its drowning-prevention publication. If you pay more than 10 percent up front, the contractor is expected to apply for permits within 30 days.

    How we picked these seven

    Every candidate is a pool builder open today in Orange, Seminole or Osceola county. The score has three parts, all from public evidence we can show you:

    • Public reputation: star rating weighted by how many people left it50 pts
    • Recognition from independent guides and awards, 2024 to 202630 pts
    • Track record in Orlando, in years20 pts

    Scored but outside the seven this edition: American Pools & Spas (A Cody Pools Company) (47), Signature Pools, Inc. (47), Bowles Custom Pools & Spas (46), Grunit Pool Contractors (46), All Seasons Pools (42), Blue Haven Pools & Spas (Orlando) (41), Next Level Pools and Spas (40).

    The 31 candidates we screened

    All Pool Aquatics Group / Amenity Pools (formerly All Pool), All Seasons Pools, American Pools & Spas (A Cody Pools Company), Aqua Custom Pools and Spas, Artesian Pools, ASP of Orlando (America's Swimming Pool Co.), Atlas Pools of Central Florida, Blue Haven Pools & Spas (Orlando, operated by Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf), Bluescape Pools & Spas, Bowles Custom Pools & Spas, Custom Orlando Pools, Deeply Pools LLC, Dreamscapes Pools and Spas, Florida Aquatics Custom Pools (also branded AquaScape Creations), Gator Pools, Grunit Pool Contractors, Kura Design, Mad River Pool Construction, Next Level Pools and Spas, Pacific Pools of Orlando, Paradise Pools By Design, Payne Pool Professionals, Pinnacle Pools & Spas, Pools by Bradley, Premier Pools of Central Florida, Presidential Pools (Presidential Pools of Florida LLC), Prima Pools, Professional Pool Company, Signature Pools, Inc., Southern Pool Designs, Water Creations, Inc..

    Nobody paid to appear here or to move up. This is the launch edition, so anonymous visits and calls, health-inspection records and owner responses are not part of these scores yet; when we add them, the page will say so and the date will change. Read the full method.

    Questions, answered

    What is the best pool builder in Orlando?

    In our October 20, 2026 edition, Pools by Bradley ranks first with 75 of 100 points, followed by Premier Pools of Central Florida with 69 and Dreamscapes Pools and Spas with 65. Its strongest recognition: Orlando Magazine 2024 Orlando Home Design Awards - Pool Builder, No. 1 (readers' vote). Scores combine the public Google rating, independent recognition and years in business.

    How do I check a pool builder's license in Florida?

    Search the company name or license number on myfloridalicense.com, the free lookup run by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), then search the qualifying contractor's own name to confirm that person qualifies the business. A certified license is valid statewide; a registered one only where it is registered. Contractors must show their license number on bids, contracts and ads.

    Do I need a permit to build a pool in Orange County?

    Yes. Orange County requires a building permit for a residential pool, plus electrical, plumbing and gas sub-permits where they apply, a site-specific Swimming Pool Safety Affirmation naming the barrier you will use, and a separate building permit for the barrier itself. The permit closes only after a passed final inspection. In the City of Orlando, a typical pool needs at least three permits: building, electrical and engineering.

    What safety barrier does a new pool need in Florida?

    A new home pool needs at least one of five safety features to pass final inspection. If you choose a barrier, Florida law requires it to be at least 4 feet high on the outside, with no gaps a young child could crawl under, squeeze through or climb, and gates that open outward and are self-closing and self-latching. The other options are an approved safety cover, exit alarms, self-closing doors or a certified pool alarm.

    Which of these builders do vanishing-edge pools or lazy rivers?

    Premier Pools of Central Florida won a Silver for a vanishing-edge pool at the Florida Swimming Pool Association's 2026 Design Awards, along with a Gold for a residential pool of 250 to 500 square feet. Southern Pool Designs also builds vanishing-edge and perimeter-overflow pools. For a lazy river, Pools by Bradley includes them in its custom work and won a 2026 FSPA Gold Award for one.

    How much does a custom pool cost with these builders?

    Southern Pool Designs is the only one of the seven whose published price we found: it says custom pools start at $120,000. Pool & Spa News reported an average pool-and-deck price of about $300,000 across the 18 pools it built in 2025. Those figures come from a builder focused on high-end gunite pools, so they are not a guide to what the other six charge. Ask each builder for a written bid.

    Which of these builders remodel pools or build commercial pools?

    Bluescape Pools & Spas in Kissimmee builds new custom pools, remodels existing ones and takes on commercial pool work. Paradise Pools By Design in Altamonte Springs builds commercial pools and splash pads as well as residential pools and spas. Artesian Pools says on its website that major renovations and resurfacing are handled only through its Daytona Beach office.

    Are these companies paid to be listed?

    No. Nobody can pay to be listed on Orlando Best 7 or to move up, and none of these seven builders paid to appear. The list is built from public evidence: Google ratings weighted by how many people left them, recognition from independent guides and awards dated 2024 to 2026, and years in business. A builder also needs an active Florida pool contractor license on DBPR to be eligible.

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