Pool & Hot Tub Experts Fresno County CA

Pool & Spa FAQs

How long does it take to build a pool and spa?

Pool and spa construction timelines vary based on design complexity, permitting, inspections, and weather. Most standard builds take several weeks, while more custom projects may take a few months. Fresno‑area heat and soil conditions can also influence scheduling. We provide a clear timeline during your consultation so you know what to expect.

Do you handle permits and regulations?

Yes — we manage all required permits, engineering approvals, and inspections from start to finish. This includes excavation, structural, electrical, plumbing, and safety compliance. Our team ensures everything meets local Fresno and Clovis building codes. You never have to navigate the process alone.

What materials are best for pools in the Fresno/Clovis climate?

Gunite and concrete perform extremely well in the Central Valley’s hot summers and cooler winters. Many homeowners choose pebble or quartz interior finishes because they resist fading and chemical wear. Tile and coping materials are selected for heat resistance and durability. We recommend materials that balance beauty, longevity, and low maintenance.

How long does a gunite pool last?

A properly built gunite pool can last several decades with routine care. The shell itself is extremely durable, and interior finishes can be resurfaced when needed. Many homeowners enjoy 20–30+ years before major renovations are required. This makes gunite one of the best long‑term investments for pool construction.

What features can be added to a custom pool?

Popular features include waterfalls, fountains, bubblers, tanning ledges, integrated spas, and LED lighting. Slides, grottos, and fire elements can create a resort‑style experience. Automation systems allow you to control lighting, temperature, and equipment from your phone. We help you choose features that enhance both beauty and functionality.

How does the Central Valley climate affect pool ownership?

Fresno’s hot summers make pools highly enjoyable and increase overall usage. However, heat can also increase evaporation and chemical demand. We design systems that help maintain water balance efficiently. Proper equipment and finish choices ensure your pool performs well year‑round.

What is the typical maintenance required for a pool?

Routine maintenance includes skimming, brushing, balancing water chemistry, and checking equipment. Many homeowners choose automated systems to simplify daily care. We can recommend local service providers if you prefer professional maintenance. With proper upkeep, your pool will stay clean, safe, and long‑lasting.

Do pools add value to a home?

In the Fresno and Clovis markets, pools are highly desirable and often increase buyer interest. A well‑designed pool can enhance curb appeal, outdoor living, and overall property value. Custom features and quality materials further improve long‑term ROI. Many homeowners see a strong return through lifestyle enjoyment alone.

What affects the cost of building a pool?

Costs vary based on size, depth, materials, features, and site conditions. Custom designs, water features, and premium finishes can influence the final price. Soil type and access to the yard also play a role. We provide transparent estimates during your consultation.

How energy‑efficient are modern pool systems?

Today’s variable‑speed pumps, LED lighting, and smart automation significantly reduce energy use. Many systems can be programmed to run during off‑peak hours for additional savings. Efficient equipment also extends the lifespan of your pool components. We help you choose options that balance performance and cost.

What types of pools do you build?

We specialize in gunite and concrete pools, which are known for their durability, design flexibility, and long lifespan. These materials perform exceptionally well in Central Valley climates. They allow for custom shapes, integrated spas, and premium features. Gunite is the preferred choice for homeowners seeking long‑term value.

Are custom pool designs available?

Yes — every pool we build is custom‑designed to match your space, lifestyle, and budget. We work closely with you to create a layout that fits your yard and aesthetic preferences. Whether you want a simple geometric pool or a resort‑style oasis, we tailor the design to your vision. Our design team provides renderings so you can visualize the final result

What interior finish options are available?

Popular finishes include plaster, pebble, quartz, and tile. Pebble and quartz offer superior durability and color retention, especially in sunny climates. Tile provides a premium, customizable look. We guide you through the pros and cons of each material.

Can you build pools in small or uniquely shaped yards?

Yes — custom gunite construction allows us to design pools for tight, sloped, or irregular spaces. We evaluate your yard layout and create a design that maximizes usable area. Even compact yards can accommodate beautiful, functional pools. Creative design is one of our specialties.

What should I consider when choosing a pool builder?

Look for experience, licensing, reviews, and a strong portfolio of completed projects. A reputable builder should handle permits, provide clear communication, and offer transparent pricing. Longevity in the community is also a major trust factor. Holiday Pools has been serving the Valley since 1970.

Do you offer financing options?

Yes — we partner with trusted lenders who specialize in pool financing. Flexible terms make it easier to start your project without delaying your plans. We help guide you through the application process. Many homeowners are surprised by how accessible financing can be

What is the difference between gunite and fiberglass pools?

Gunite pools are fully customizable and extremely durable, while fiberglass pools come in pre‑made shapes. Gunite allows for unique designs, integrated spas, and premium features. It also performs better in hot climates and expansive soils. Most Central Valley homeowners choose gunite for long‑term value.

How do water features impact maintenance?

Water features add beauty and movement but may require occasional cleaning and pump checks. Modern systems are designed to be efficient and low‑maintenance. Proper filtration and automation help keep everything running smoothly. We design features that balance aesthetics with practicality.

Can a pool be remodeled or upgraded later?

Yes — older pools can be resurfaced, reshaped, or enhanced with new features. Many homeowners add LED lighting, automation, or updated finishes during remodels. Equipment upgrades can also improve efficiency and performance. We offer guidance on the best improvements for your goals.

What should I expect during the construction process?

Construction typically includes design, permitting, excavation, steel installation, plumbing, electrical work, gunite application, finishing, and final inspection. We keep you informed at every stage so you always know what’s happening. Our in‑house crew ensures consistent quality and communication. The result is a pool built to last for decades.

Warranty Info

Our Warranty Overview*

Every new pool we build includes a one‑year workmanship warranty. We guarantee our installations to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date the pool is fully operational. We also provide a structural guarantee ensuring the pool remains capable of retaining water for as long as the original buyer owns the property. Items like coping, tile, decking, plaster, plumbing, and electrical components are classified separately and are not part of the structural guarantee.

Equipment & Interior Finishes

Most of our custom pools feature PebbleTec interior finishes, which are covered by the manufacturer’s own limited material warranty. We primarily install Jandy pool equipment, which carries a robust 3-year manufacturer warranty. This Jandy equipment coverage includes one year for parts and labor, followed by two additional years for parts only.

Natural Conditions & Normal Variations

Outdoor environments and concrete products possess natural characteristics that are not considered material or workmanship defects. These include the normal cracking, checking, raising, settling, or discoloration of walkways and pool decking. Plaster staining from dust or local water conditions, along with wind checks that cause small non-structural cracks during installation, are also natural occurrences.

Colored Plaster & Concrete

When color is added to plaster or concrete, the interior finish will naturally develop a non-uniform appearance over time. Visual variations such as uneven color, blotching, streaking, fading, shading, or mottling are inherent to the materials and are not covered as defects. It is also important to note that certain chemical treatments suitable for white plaster might adversely affect the appearance of colored plaster.

Exclusions & Limitations

Warranty coverage is strictly non-transferable and becomes void if there is a change of property ownership. Guarantees are also voided if the pool is not kept full of water, allowing only for a standard 10-day maintenance period each year. Furthermore, coverage does not apply if damage results from a rising water table, earth movement, acts of God, or other severe external forces.

Owner Responsibilities & Third Parties

Any defects or failures resulting from owner mistreatment, neglect, or improper chemical use will be repaired solely at the buyer’s expense. We do not warrant and are not liable for work performed by third parties, including landscaping, electrical panel changes, or fence and retaining wall construction. Additionally, we are not responsible for any unavoidable damage to existing stucco or house paint that may occur during the removal of old concrete.

*This page provides a general overview of our warranties. Actual warranty terms, limitations, and coverage details are defined in your signed contract. Please refer to your contract for the specific warranty that applies to your project.

Grilling Recipes

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

1/3 cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon steak sauce
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions:

  1. Preheat the grill for medium heat.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix the mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and steak sauce. Set aside a small amount of honey mustard sauce for basting, and dip the chicken into the remaining sauce to coat.
  3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken over indirect heat for 18 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until juices run clear. Baste occasionally with the reserved sauce during the last 10 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
grilled Honey mustard chicken thighs with herbs.

Teriyaki Beef & Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients:

½ cup teriyaki sauce
½ cup honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ pinch ground ginger
2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges
1 ½ cups whole fresh mushrooms
1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into cubes
Skewers

Directions:

  1. In a large resealable plastic bag, mix the teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger. Place red bell peppers, onion wedges, mushrooms, beef and chicken in the bag with the marinade. Seal, and refrigerate 4 to 24 hours.
  2. Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
  3. Discard marinate, and thread the meat and vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each item.
  4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill skewers for 10 minutes, turning as needed, or until meat is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Teriyaki Beef and Chicken Kabobs

Crispy Grilled Pizza Margherita

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) package pizza dough, at room temperature
¼ cup olive oil
4 ounces shredded Asiago cheese
3 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup packed whole basil leaves
1 (8 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat and outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
  2. Place pizza dough in a bowl to rise 2 to 3 times the original size, about 1 hour. Flour a work surface and a rolling pin. Divide dough in half; roll each half to a 10- to 12-inch diameter circle.
  3. Place pizza dough rounds on the preheated grill using a wooden paddle (pizza peel) and close lid; cook until grill marks appear on the bottom of each round, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from grill and flip over on a work surface. Lower grill heat to medium.
  4. Brush each round with olive oil. Spread half the Asiago cheese on each crust; add tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Transfer pizzas to grill with wooden paddle and close lid. Cook until bottom of rounds is cooked with grill marks and cheese is melted, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from grill and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Crispy Grilled Pizza Margherita

Pool Party Games

Balloon Toss
Have the kids wait in a designated space (in or out of the water) and toss water balloons for them to catch. After throwing a couple, tell them that they don’t get anymore unless they sing a song (can be anything, such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or “Humpty Dumpty.”) Every time they sing a song, throw in a few more balloons and try a different song, or make them say something like: “I love swimming!” or “Happy birthday!” Keep doing this until you are out of balloons.
Frozen Tag
Played preferably in a smaller pool, it’s just like regular frozen tag but, once tagged, another player has to swim under your legs to free you.
London River
Everyone walks clockwise around the swimming pool without stopping. One person is in the water with a hose, which is turned on. Everyone sings, “London river’s flooding up, flooding up …” as everyone else walks whenever “flooding up” is sung; the person in the water can then move the hose out of the water and spray someone else. During the part in the song that says “Take the key and lock her up,” you hold the hose out to another person; this person holds the hose and jumps into the pool.
Cannonball Contest
Form two groups: one for the cannonballs, and the other a team of judges. The cannonball group lines up behind a diving board and has to make the biggest splash to get the highest vote. The judges are the voters and give each person a vote between one and 10. An adult is needed to decide what the majority of the judges want to give each person.
Balloon Squat
This is a relay race that needs two teams with an equal amount of players. You also need enough water balloons so there’s one for each player (plus a few extras for mistakes). Make start and finish lines about 20 feet apart. Place the water balloons in two piles at the starting line. Call out “go,” and the first person on each team picks up their balloon and runs to the finish line. There, they must sit on their balloon and pop it, and then run back to the start line. Then the next player grabs their balloon and does the same thing. If a player drops their balloon or pops it on the way, they must go back to the start line, take a new balloon and start again. The first team to finish popping all its balloons is the winning team.
Penny Hunt
Throw a large amount of pennies (depending on the number of kids) into a good-size pool. Cover about a third of the pennies with correction fluid, and then send the children in to dive for them. If a child finds a penny covered with correction fluid, that child gets a prize. Great for all ages! Shallow water for the younger kids, and deeper for the older kids.

Pool Party Ideas

January: Beat the Blues by the Pool
Once the hectic holidays are over, most people are feeling a little blue in mid- to late January. Why not try a progressive pool party? Like a progressive dinner, a few (or more) families join together, and each hosts part of the evening … from munchies to main meals to coffee and dessert, everyone shares in the planning, the costs AND the “beat the blues” fun!
February: For Cupid’s Couples Only
Candlelight, music, dinner and beverages … a perfect date for couples to share a romantic evening by the pool. Whether you celebrate Cupid before or after February 14, create a heartfelt night for one couple or many … and don’t forget to enjoy the midnight swim – a perfect end to a perfect pool date!
March: My March Pool Madness
March madness? Are you ready for college basketball tourney madness? Show your support for your favorite team – get your hats, T-shirts, banners or “cry towels” – and meet me at my pool. The pool hoops are ready for my March madness. For fun or competition, co-ed teams are a must. Get fun prizes together and finish up with a cookout. No one will even think about turning on the TV (unless it’s outdoors).
April: Garden Pool Party
Create your own garden party for the millennium. Guests arrive with their favorite gardening secrets or plants … perhaps add a secret surprise gift exchange (small garden tools?) … Everyone knows that a garden needs plenty of water, so get in the pool … relax, enjoy and soak in the pleasure your garden pool party.
May: May Showers
A bridal shower? A baby shower? A graduation shower? Your pool will make the picture perfect spot for the bride-to-be, an expectant couple or a student to capture special memories of a most memorable time in their lives. Hosted on your own or with a group of friends, you and your guests will remember this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. And there’s no rain in the forecast – remember, it’s April showers that bring May flowers!
September: Back-to-School Splash
With Labor Day comes the official end of summer. And the back-to-school blahs take over for most students. What a great time to EXTEND THE POOL SEASON by inviting classmates (and parents/teachers if desired) to get together and renew friendships and make new ones. Keep cool by the pool and add your own theme – perhaps with a wacky hat contest and plenty of games, activities and fun for all!
October: Tricks and Treats by the Pool
Get spooked in the coolest way by hosting the young or young at heart at your backyard pool. Halloween decorations are a must and, with the natural night light, let your ghostly imagination take over. Create your own unique costume themes (bathing suits included) and refreshments to brew up a magical party that guests will be screaming about!
November: Turkey Barbeque
Start a new family tradition with a turkey barbeque by the pool. Everyone brings their favorite Thanksgiving dish and, whether or not the turkey is actually cooked on an open fire or in the kitchen oven, everyone can enjoy the traditional day of thanks in a non-traditional, but most memorable way by your pool. Last one in the pool is a real turkey!
December: Independence in December
Perhaps you’ve heard of Christmas in July? Well, turn your backyard escape into a sparkling holiday season that everyone will be cheering about. Complete with Santa decked out in red, white and blue, let your patriotism shine through for your guests. The theme is set, costumes should be encouraged, and food and drink should be an all-American affair. Fireworks are optional (as local laws permit) but, remember, first one in the pool gets the biggest present – Ho! Ho! Ho!