Pool School

Start your pool research with the questions that matter: pool type, backyard fit, budget, and what happens during installation.

Quick answer

What should I learn before buying an inground pool?

Start by comparing pool types, thinking through how you will use your backyard, and understanding what a project quote includes. Parrot Bay Pools & Spas builds fiberglass and custom concrete pools; ask which approach fits your yard and priorities.

Step 1 - Set your priorities

What do you want from your pool?

Start with how you want to spend time in the water and around it. Space for swimming, a place to relax, and room for gathering can lead to different design decisions.

  • Who will use the pool, and how do they want to use it?
  • What space should remain for seating, dining, pets, or play?
  • Which features are must-haves, and which could be optional?

Bring photos of your yard and a short list of priorities to your consultation. They can help make the conversation more specific to your home.

What this means for you: Your daily plans for the backyard are a useful starting point for choosing a pool.

Rectangular family pool with a covered porch
Step 2 - Compare your options

Should you explore fiberglass or custom concrete?

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas builds fiberglass and custom concrete pools and is an authorized River Pools fiberglass dealer.

Compare available fiberglass designs with the possibilities of a custom concrete pool. Ask how each approach would address your preferred layout, backyard access, and care expectations.

What this means for you: Compare the whole backyard plan, not just the pool's appearance.

Rectangular fiberglass pool with travertine patio and a stone waterfall
Ideas for your backyard

See what is possible

Fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge and travertine patio
Rectangular pool with a privacy hedge and lounge chairs
Aerial of a freeform fiberglass pool on a lawn
Rectangular pool with umbrellas and a covered patio
Step 3 - Understand the project

What should you ask about cost and installation?

A useful budget conversation starts with a clear scope. Ask what is included in the proposed project and what would be priced separately.

  • What pool, patio, and site work does the quote cover?
  • How could access to the backyard affect the installation plan?
  • What decisions do you need to make before work begins?
  • What care instructions and equipment guidance should you review before using the pool?

Read the inground pool cost guide and the fiberglass pool construction process to prepare your questions.

Pool school

Learn before you build

Guides from the Parrot Bay team on choosing, building and caring for your pool.

What this means for you: Ask for a written scope so you can compare proposals on what they actually include.

Step 4 - Discuss your backyard

Where can you talk through your pool questions?

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas serves Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington, and central and eastern North Carolina.

The Design Center is at 194 Federal Rd Ext, Benson, NC 27504. Visits are by appointment; call (919) 888-0327 to arrange a visit and discuss your questions.

Bring yard photos, designs you like, and your questions about budget, installation, and ongoing care. If you have an existing pool, note the equipment or care questions you would like to discuss when you call.

What this means for you: Schedule your visit before traveling to the Benson Design Center.

Parrot Bay Design Center in Benson with pools on display
Questions homeowners ask

Your questions, answered

Still deciding? Call (919) 888-0327 or book a time at our Benson Design Center and we will walk you through it.

What should I learn before buying a pool?

Start with pool types, backyard layout, project scope, installation, and ongoing care. Write down how you want to use the pool so you can discuss options that fit your priorities.

Does Parrot Bay build fiberglass and concrete pools?

Yes. Parrot Bay Pools & Spas builds fiberglass and custom concrete pools and is an authorized River Pools fiberglass dealer.

How do I compare pool quotes?

Ask each builder to identify what is included and what is priced separately. Compare the proposed pool, patio, site work, and equipment rather than looking only at the total.

What should I bring to a pool consultation?

Bring photos of your yard, examples of designs you like, and a list of must-have features. Include questions about budget, backyard access, installation, and care.

Does Parrot Bay serve my area in North Carolina?

Parrot Bay serves Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington, and central and eastern North Carolina. Call (919) 888-0327 to discuss your project location.

Your next step

Keep planning your pool

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Pool Construction Process

Pool Construction Process
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Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete, Fiberglass and Inground Pools

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Parrot Bay Pools Design Center in Benson, NC
The Parrot Bay Design Center

See it in person before you build

Walk real fiberglass shells, compare finishes, tile and coping side by side, and design your backyard with a Parrot Bay designer.

  • Full-size fiberglass pools on display outside
  • Tile, coping, decking and color samples
  • One-on-one design session with a pool professional

194 Federal Rd Ext, Benson, NC 27504 · By appointment