Custom Pools Designed Around Your Home, Property & Lifestyle
A beautifully designed home deserves an outdoor space that reflects the same level of thought and craftsmanship.
THE CJR EXPERIENCE
When building a new home, the backyard is often one of the last spaces to be completed. But the decisions made during outdoor planning can have a lasting impact on how the property looks, functions, and feels.
A custom pool should be considered alongside the surrounding concrete, outdoor kitchen, pavilion, landscaping, drainage, lighting, and other improvements—not designed as a separate feature.
For homeowners in Rancho Cordova's newer residential communities, this presents an opportunity to create a complete outdoor environment from the beginning.
Pool placement, patio elevations, utilities, construction access, and future outdoor features can all be coordinated before permanent improvements are installed.
Rather than approaching each feature as an individual project, we consider how the entire backyard will come together.
From the first design discussions through construction, our goal is to create an outdoor space that complements the home's architecture, supports the way your family lives, and feels as thoughtfully designed as the home itself.
Additional Custom Pool Features & Outdoor Living Options Available Upon Request
DESIGNED FOR RANCHO CORDOVA PROPERTIES
Rancho Cordova's growing residential communities offer homeowners the opportunity to design outdoor spaces that feel like a natural extension of their newly constructed homes.
In neighborhoods throughout the Anatolia and Sunridge areas, backyard planning may begin with a relatively open space, making it possible to consider the pool, spa, surrounding concrete, landscape, and entertaining areas together.
A custom pool can become the centerpiece of the outdoor design, but its placement and proportions should be carefully considered in relation to the home, property lines, access, and available yard space.
We also evaluate grading, drainage, utilities, and the surrounding improvements to help establish a cohesive construction plan.
For established Rancho Cordova homes, existing landscaping, concrete, and outdoor features may influence the design differently.
Whether the project begins with a new home or an existing backyard, our focus remains on creating a pool that feels intentional, complements the property, and supports the way you want to enjoy your outdoor space.
Designed Around How You Live
A custom pool should be designed around more than its appearance.
For some homeowners, that means a modern pool with clean architectural lines, an integrated spa, and a Cabo shelf that creates a comfortable place to relax.
Others envision a larger swimming area, custom water features, thoughtfully selected finishes, or a pool that connects directly with an outdoor kitchen, pavilion, and entertaining space.
On newly constructed properties, we also consider how the pool will complement the home's architecture, exterior materials, and overall backyard design.
Patio space, access from the home, sun exposure, seating areas, and the placement of surrounding features all influence how the finished space will function.
Our design process brings these priorities together with the construction considerations so the pool feels like a natural extension of the home.
PLANNING FOR THE PROPERTY
For homeowners building or moving into a new Rancho Cordova home, the backyard may offer an opportunity to coordinate the pool and surrounding improvements before the space is finished. We consider the intended layout, utility locations, drainage, access, and future features so decisions made during pool construction support the complete outdoor plan.
The size and configuration of a residential lot influence what can be built and how the space will function. We evaluate setbacks, construction access, the relationship between the pool and home, and the amount of surrounding patio and entertaining space needed. A well-proportioned design should make the most of the available property without making the backyard feel overcrowded.
Pool construction involves more than excavation and installation. We consider the elevations of the pool, surrounding concrete, drainage systems, utilities, and other outdoor improvements. Coordinating these details during planning helps create a more cohesive finished space and can reduce conflicts between different stages of construction.
Concept to Completion
A complete backyard can involve far more than pool construction.
Concrete, drainage, landscaping, irrigation, lighting, structures, utilities, outdoor kitchens, retaining conditions, and finish work all need to come together in the correct sequence.
CJR provides one team to help plan and coordinate those moving pieces from the beginning.
That means fewer gaps between trades, clearer communication, and one company looking at the project as a whole instead of treating every element as an unrelated scope of work.
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Craftsmanship You Can See
A pool changes more than the appearance of a backyard. It creates a place for summer afternoons, family gatherings, quiet mornings, evenings outside, and the everyday moments that make home feel like home. Take a look at some of the custom pools and outdoor environments our team has had the opportunity to build.
Outdoor projects become much easier to manage when the company planning them understands more than one trade. Here's what sets the CJR experience apart.
We design and build pools, concrete, hardscape, outdoor living, landscape, drainage, and more—so every element works together from the beginning.
CJR is a family-owned and owner-operated company. You work directly with owner Colton Ray from the initial consultation through construction—there isn't a salesperson between you and the person responsible for the work.
Our background in concrete, excavation, pools, and complete outdoor construction helps us anticipate challenges, plan properly, and consider how each part of the project affects the next.
We want our clients to understand what they are building, what is included, how the project will be approached, and who is accountable for bringing it together.
Rancho Cordova's newer residential communities present opportunities to coordinate custom pools, concrete, drainage, landscaping, and outdoor living features from the beginning. Our experience across these different areas of construction allows us to consider how the entire property will function, rather than approaching each improvement separately. We also understand the planning involved when transforming established homes with existing outdoor improvements.
Our focus is thoughtful planning, proper preparation, quality craftsmanship, and doing the work correctly—not taking shortcuts to move a project along.
Colton and his team were EXCEPTIONAL in their work at our home. We had a big backyard of flat dirt and he helped turn it into a beautiful resort like feel.
— Heather A. · CJR client, via Google
Our Pool Construction Process
We believe every homeowner deserves a clear understanding of the pool construction process. That’s why we’ve outlined our proven process, guiding you through each phase of your project, from your first design consultation to the day you get your toes wet.
View Our Step-by-Step ProcessThe Details That Matter
Ideally, before the backyard is finished.
Early planning allows us to consider pool placement, construction access, utilities, drainage, patio elevations, and other outdoor features before permanent improvements are installed.
Even if you aren't ready to begin pool construction immediately, understanding the long-term backyard plan can help avoid decisions that complicate future work.
Absolutely.
CJR provides custom pools and spas alongside concrete, outdoor kitchens, pavilions, fire features, landscaping, irrigation, drainage, lighting, turf, and other outdoor improvements.
Planning these features together allows us to coordinate the layout, construction sequencing, utilities, and overall design.
Start with how you want to use the pool and the surrounding outdoor space.
Pool size, shape, spa integration, Cabo shelves, water features, finishes, and patio areas should complement both your lifestyle and the home's architecture.
We also consider the available yard space, access, setbacks, drainage, and how the pool will connect with other outdoor features.
Yes. CJR offers Design + Pre-Construction Services to help homeowners develop their project before moving into construction.
Depending on the scope, this may include conceptual pool designs, 2D or 3D layouts, hardscape planning, material selections, and coordination of surrounding improvements.
This process helps establish a clearer direction for the project and the construction proposal.
Potentially, depending on the lot dimensions, setbacks, access, utilities, and applicable requirements.
A smaller backyard doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing thoughtful design, but the layout needs to be carefully considered.
We evaluate the available space and discuss pool proportions, surrounding patio areas, and how the different features can function together.
The investment depends on the pool's size, design, equipment, finishes, spa integration, water features, site conditions, access, and surrounding improvements.
For homeowners planning a complete backyard, concrete, drainage, landscaping, outdoor structures, and other features may represent a significant part of the overall project.
Discussing your targeted comfort zone of investment early helps us understand what may align with your expectations.
Compare the complete scope of work, not just the total price.
Pool specifications, equipment, finishes, excavation allowances, concrete, drainage, electrical and plumbing work, and exclusions can differ between contractors.
It's also important to understand who will oversee construction and how communication will be handled throughout the project.
You'll meet directly with CJR owner Colton Ray rather than a salesperson.
Colton is personally involved in evaluating your project, discussing the design and construction considerations, and overseeing the work.
Our team coordinates the different stages of construction with an emphasis on clear communication, accountability, and quality workmanship.
Planning an outdoor project comes with a lot of questions. We’re here to help you understand your options, what may make sense for your property, and the right next step.
More than just your average pool builder. We specialize in complete outdoor construction, including decorative concrete, structural concrete foundations, landscape installations, artificial turf, outdoor living, and more. One point of contact. One seamless experience thoughtfully designed and built by one experienced team.
Explore All ServicesBuilding your dream backyard may be more attainable than you think. Through our trusted financing partners, Lyon Financial and HFS Financial, we offer flexible financing options for custom pools and outdoor living projects. Get pre-approved today with a soft credit inquiry and explore financing that fits your budget and goals.
Explore FinancingTrusted Partners & Suppliers
Take a look at a few of the trusted suppliers and local businesses we rely on for quality products and professional services.
Local Suppliers & Partners →CJR's Local Picks
Rudy's Hideaway has been a CJR family favorite for generations. From holidays and anniversaries to birthdays and family celebrations, we've spent countless occasions gathered around a table at Rudy's over the years. It's one of those restaurants that holds so many special memories for our family. There's something about returning to a familiar place where you've celebrated so many milestones together. We love supporting longtime local establishments that have become part of our own family traditions, and Rudy's will always have a special place on our list!
Visit
If you're in the mood for some good barbecue, The Hangry Herd BBQ is a local spot worth checking out! Known for its smoked meats, generous portions, and laid-back atmosphere, it's the kind of place where you can enjoy a hearty meal without anything too fancy. We always appreciate local businesses that put care into what they serve, and this is a great stop for anyone who enjoys a good plate of BBQ.
Visit
Bringing a little taste of Brazil to Rancho Cordova, Mimo Bake Studio is a locally owned bakery and café founded by two moms with a shared passion for Brazilian food and traditions. From their signature Bolo de Rolo, a traditional Brazilian rolled cake, to fresh açaí bowls, tapioca sandwiches, and specialty coffee, Mimo offers something a little different from your typical neighborhood bakery. We love seeing small, family-founded businesses introduce their culture and traditions to our local communities. It's a wonderful addition to Rancho Cordova and a great spot to stop in and try something new!
Visit
Whether you're building a custom pool for a newly constructed home or transforming an existing backyard, we'd love to hear what you have in mind.
From the first consultation through construction, our team will help you evaluate your property, understand your options, and plan the next steps toward creating an outdoor space that complements your home.
