Planning an Inground Pool in Murfreesboro, TN: A Homeowner''s Guide (2026)
Planning an inground pool in Murfreesboro, TN? This homeowner''s guide covers the key decisions — pool type, site planning, design choices, construction considerations and questions to ask — to help you approach a Rutherford County pool project with confidence.
Planning an inground pool in Murfreesboro involves a range of decisions — pool type, site conditions, design scope, equipment, and the construction process itself. This guide covers the key considerations for Rutherford County homeowners who are in the early stages of planning, so you can approach the project with a clearer picture of what is involved before you begin talking to builders.
For homeowners ready to move from research to discussing a specific project, our Murfreesboro pool builder page covers the full range of pool types Marlin Exteriors builds in Rutherford County and what the process looks like from consultation through completion.
Choosing a Pool Type
The three primary new-construction pool types are fiberglass, gunite and vinyl liner. Each has different construction methods, design characteristics and ownership considerations. Understanding the differences helps you identify which type is the right fit for your property and goals.
Fiberglass
A fiberglass pool shell is manufactured off-site and delivered to the property as a pre-formed unit. Homeowners select from the manufacturer's available models — shape, size and depth are determined by the shell design. The interior surface is a smooth, non-porous gel coat. Integrated features such as tanning ledges, built-in steps and benches depend on the selected model.
Because the shell arrives as a finished unit, the on-site installation process is generally more streamlined than gunite. Fiberglass is a practical choice for homeowners whose design goals can be met by an available model. For more detail on fiberglass construction and available shell options, visit our fiberglass pools page.
Gunite
A gunite pool is constructed entirely on-site. After excavation, a reinforced steel framework is assembled in the shape of the pool. Gunite — a dry mixture of sand and cement applied pneumatically — is sprayed over the steel framework to form the shell. Because the structure is built in place, the shape, depth and layout can be designed around the specific conditions and dimensions of the property.
Gunite is particularly relevant when a homeowner wants a highly customized configuration — a shape, depth or feature set that falls outside the available fiberglass model range, or a design that needs to be built around specific property conditions. The on-site construction process is more extensive than setting a manufactured shell. For more on gunite construction, visit our gunite pools page.
Vinyl Liner
A vinyl liner pool uses structural walls and a floor installed on-site, with a flexible vinyl liner fitted over the structure to form the swimming surface. The liner is a replaceable component and is available in a range of patterns and colors. Vinyl liner pools generally have a lower initial cost than fiberglass or gunite. For a broader overview of inground pool types and how they compare, visit our swimming pool page.
Site Planning Considerations
Before a pool project begins, the property needs to be evaluated. Several site factors affect how the project is planned and where the pool can be positioned.
Available Space and Pool Placement
The available backyard space and its relationship to the house are the starting point for any pool placement discussion. How the pool is positioned affects the deck and patio area around it, circulation paths, and where pool equipment will be located. For a fiberglass pool, the available shell models set the outer dimensions of what can fit in the space. For a gunite pool, the shape and layout can be designed to work with the available space.
Excavation and Site Conditions
Excavation involves removing material to the depth and shape of the designed pool. Grade and slope affect how the site is prepared and how drainage is managed around the finished pool. Underground utility locations are identified before excavation begins. If rock or limestone is encountered during excavation, specialized equipment may be required, which can affect the excavation process. These factors are assessed during the site consultation.
Shell Delivery and Access
For a fiberglass pool, the shell is delivered to the property as a pre-formed unit. Depending on the property layout and any overhead obstacles — such as power lines or tree canopy — crane access may be needed to place the shell. Property access is evaluated as part of the pre-construction planning.
Drainage and Grade
How water drains away from the pool and the surrounding deck area is an important planning consideration. Poor drainage can affect the pool structure and the surrounding yard over time. Grade and drainage are addressed during site planning and reflected in how the deck and patio area are designed.
Equipment Location
Pool equipment — pump, filter, heater and any automation components — needs a designated location near the pool. Equipment placement affects plumbing run lengths and access for maintenance. This is planned as part of the overall pool and deck layout.
Design Choices
Once the pool type and site placement are established, the design conversation moves to the features and finishes that make up the finished project.
Pool Features
Common design features available in new inground pool construction include:
- Tanning ledges — shallow entry areas suitable for lounging or young children
- Integrated steps and benches — built into the pool structure
- Attached spas — connected to the pool with shared equipment where applicable
- Water features — spillways, deck jets, waterfalls and sheer descents
- Lighting — underwater and perimeter LED lighting for nighttime use
For fiberglass pools, available features depend on the selected shell model. For gunite pools, features can be incorporated into the custom design.
Interior Finish
For gunite pools, the interior finish is applied on-site after the shell is formed. Options include plaster, aggregate blends and tile. Each has different appearance, texture and maintenance characteristics. For fiberglass pools, the interior surface is the gel coat of the manufactured shell.
Decking and Coping
The deck and patio area surrounding the pool is a significant part of the overall project. Material options include concrete, pavers and natural stone. Coping — the material bordering the pool edge — is selected as part of the design. Material choices affect both the appearance and the long-term use of the space.
Outdoor Living Scope
Many homeowners plan the pool alongside a broader outdoor living space — covered areas, outdoor kitchens, fire features and landscaping. Planning these elements together from the beginning is generally more cost-effective than adding them as separate projects later.
Equipment and Technology
Pool equipment has a direct effect on how the pool operates and how much ongoing attention it requires. Common equipment considerations include:
- Pump — variable-speed pumps adjust flow based on the pool's needs and are more energy-efficient than older single-speed models
- Filtration — filter type and sizing affect water clarity and maintenance frequency
- Heating and cooling — heat pumps extend the usable swimming season; cooling options are available for warmer months
- Automation — systems that allow remote monitoring and control of pump, lighting, heating and water features from a smartphone
- Sanitization — salt chlorine generators and other sanitization options reduce the manual effort of water chemistry management
Equipment selections are made during the design process and affect both the initial project cost and the ongoing operating experience.
Permitting and Safety Requirements
Pool projects must comply with applicable local permitting, inspection and safety requirements. Specific requirements can vary by property and jurisdiction, and applicable project requirements should be confirmed for the individual property. Marlin Exteriors coordinates applicable project requirements as part of the construction process.
The Construction Process
A new inground pool project involves multiple phases: site evaluation and design, permitting, excavation, pool construction, plumbing and electrical, decking and finishing, and final inspection. The sequence and duration of each phase depend on the pool type, the scope of the surrounding work and site-specific conditions.
Marlin Exteriors provides a project schedule at the start of construction so homeowners understand what to expect at each phase. Questions about the construction process are best addressed during the site consultation, when the specific conditions of the property can be taken into account.
Supporting Resources
For homeowners researching specific pool types or cost factors in Murfreesboro, these articles cover the topics in more depth:
- Fiberglass pool builders in Murfreesboro, TN — what to look for in a fiberglass pool contractor in Rutherford County
- Fiberglass pool cost in Murfreesboro, TN — the major factors that affect total fiberglass pool project cost
- Gunite pool builders in Murfreesboro, TN — how gunite pools are built and what custom construction involves
About Marlin Exteriors
Marlin Exteriors is based in Mt. Juliet and serves homeowners in Murfreesboro, Smyrna and throughout Rutherford County. We bring more than 20 years of Middle Tennessee construction experience to every project and build fiberglass, gunite and vinyl liner pools. We are BBB A+ rated and offer a free site consultation for homeowners considering a new inground pool.
Contact Marlin Exteriors to schedule your free site consultation.
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John Maynard
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