Custom Pools Designed Around Your Home, Property & Lifestyle
Sacramento's neighborhoods offer a wide variety of homes and property conditions, from established residences in East Sacramento and Land Park to newer homes throughout North Natomas.
THE CJR EXPERIENCE
A custom pool is only one part of a well-planned outdoor space.
In Sacramento's established neighborhoods, pool construction may involve working around mature trees, existing patios, older utility installations, property access limitations, and drainage conditions that need to be addressed before excavation begins.
For newly constructed homes, there's an opportunity to plan the pool, concrete, landscaping, drainage, and outdoor living features together before permanent improvements are installed.
CJR brings experience across custom pools, concrete, outdoor kitchens, pavilions, landscaping, irrigation, and drainage. We consider how these improvements need to work together rather than approaching each feature independently.
Our goal is a complete outdoor space that complements the home, functions well, and reflects how the family wants to use the property.
Additional Custom Pool Features & Outdoor Living Options Available Upon Request
DESIGNED FOR SACRAMENTO PROPERTIES
Sacramento's residential properties can present very different design and construction considerations depending on their location, age, and existing improvements.
In established neighborhoods such as East Sacramento, Land Park, and Pocket-Greenhaven, pool construction may require careful coordination around mature landscaping, existing concrete, underground utilities, drainage, and limited construction access.
Newer residential communities in North Natomas offer opportunities to plan complete outdoor spaces from the beginning, coordinating the pool with surrounding patios, landscaping, and future outdoor living features.
We evaluate the property itself before developing the design, considering how the pool will fit within the available space, how construction will be accessed, and how the finished improvements will connect with the home.
The result should feel appropriate to the property—not like a feature that was added without considering everything around it.
Designed Around How You Live
A custom pool should reflect more than a preferred shape or finish.
We begin by understanding how you want to use your backyard, whether that's swimming with family, entertaining friends, relaxing in a spa, or creating a complete outdoor space for everyday enjoyment.
From there, we consider the property's layout, sun exposure, pool placement, equipment locations, surrounding concrete, drainage, and how the design connects with the home.
Features such as Cabo shelves, spas, water features, and integrated outdoor entertaining areas can be incorporated into the overall design.
For established Sacramento properties, we also evaluate how the proposed improvements will work with existing landscaping, structures, and utilities.
Our focus is on creating a design that's both attractive and practical to construct.
PLANNING FOR THE PROPERTY
Sacramento's established neighborhoods often include mature trees, older concrete, existing landscaping, and utility installations that need to be evaluated before construction. We consider which features can remain, what may need to be removed or modified, and how the new pool will connect with the surrounding property.
Construction access can influence excavation, equipment movement, material deliveries, and the sequence of work. Properties with narrow side yards, existing structures, mature landscaping, or limited access require additional planning. We also evaluate drainage, elevations, and known ground conditions while recognizing that some concealed conditions cannot be confirmed until excavation begins.
For newer homes and complete backyard transformations, we consider the pool alongside patios, landscaping, drainage, utilities, and future outdoor features. We also evaluate applicable permitting requirements and HOA architectural guidelines where relevant, coordinating necessary design information during pre-construction planning.
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.
From established neighborhoods with mature landscaping and existing hardscape to newer residential communities requiring complete backyard construction, Sacramento properties call for thoughtful planning. Our experience across pools, concrete, drainage, landscaping, and outdoor living allows us to evaluate the entire project rather than focusing only on the pool. We consider construction access, existing improvements, property conditions, and the coordination needed to bring the finished space together.
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
Established Sacramento homes often have existing improvements that need to be evaluated before a new pool can be designed and constructed.
Mature trees, older concrete, existing utilities, drainage systems, access limitations, and nearby structures can all influence the project.
We begin by evaluating the property and discussing how the new pool should function within the available space.
Depending on the site, construction may require demolition, utility coordination, drainage improvements, or additional planning around excavation access.
Our design and pre-construction process helps identify these considerations early so homeowners have a clearer understanding of the proposed scope before construction begins.
Absolutely. One of the advantages of working with CJR is that our services extend beyond pool construction.
We design and build custom pools and spas alongside concrete, outdoor kitchens, pavilions, fire features, landscaping, irrigation, drainage, lighting, turf, and other outdoor living improvements.
We consider how these features need to work together, including shared elevations, underground utilities, drainage, construction access, and the proper sequence of work.
For established Sacramento homes, this may involve incorporating existing improvements into the design or removing and replacing features that no longer serve the property.
For newer homes, it provides an opportunity to plan the entire backyard before permanent improvements are installed.
Our process begins with an on-site consultation with owner Colton Ray, where we discuss your property, design ideas, intended use of the space, and targeted comfort zone of investment.
We believe in discussing budget early rather than developing a design that doesn't align with the homeowner's expectations.
Depending on the project, our design and pre-construction services may include conceptual 3D designs, revisions, hardscape planning, material selections, drainage considerations, and coordination of surrounding improvements.
Once the design and construction details are developed, we prepare a detailed proposal outlining the scope, specifications, and pricing.
We want our clients to understand what they're planning to build, what is included, and what they can realistically expect to invest before construction begins.
Access is an important consideration for any pool project, particularly on established properties with narrow side yards, mature landscaping, fences, existing structures, or limited equipment access.
The available access can influence the equipment used for excavation, how materials are delivered, the movement of crews, and the overall construction approach.
During our site evaluation, we consider how excavation equipment, concrete deliveries, and other construction activities can be accommodated.
If special equipment, additional labor, temporary removal of improvements, or alternative construction methods are necessary, we discuss those requirements as part of the planning and proposal process.
Our goal is to develop a practical construction plan before work begins rather than discover major access challenges after mobilization.
Two pool proposals may describe similar finished pools while including very different construction specifications, equipment, materials, allowances, and surrounding improvements.
Pricing can be affected by excavation, structural construction, plumbing, electrical, equipment, finishes, tile, coping, drainage, decking, and access.
One proposal may include work that another excludes or leaves as an allowance.
At CJR, we prepare detailed proposals and take time to explain the specifications, included work, exclusions, and potential additional costs.
We encourage homeowners to compare more than the final price and understand who will oversee construction, what is included, and how unforeseen conditions will be addressed.
Even with careful pre-construction planning, certain conditions cannot be confirmed until excavation begins.
Depending on the property, excavation may uncover unsuitable soils, groundwater, buried debris, unexpected utilities, hard material, or other concealed conditions.
If an unforeseen condition is encountered, Colton and our team will evaluate the situation, explain what additional work may be necessary, and communicate any potential changes to the project's cost or timeline before proceeding with that additional work.
We discuss excavation allowances and how unforeseen conditions are handled during the planning and contracting process.
Our goal is to keep homeowners informed and work through unexpected conditions with clear communication and a practical construction plan.
Choosing a pool contractor involves much more than comparing photographs and prices.
A custom pool requires major excavation, structural construction, plumbing, electrical work, concrete, and finishes, often alongside surrounding outdoor improvements.
Review the proposed construction specifications, equipment, materials, excavation allowances, drainage, warranties, and exclusions.
Ask about licensing, insurance, workers' compensation, project management, and who will actually be overseeing the work.
At CJR, you'll meet directly with owner Colton Ray rather than a salesperson. We believe homeowners should understand the construction process and feel confident about the company they're trusting with their property.
Our pool construction process follows a series of coordinated stages, beginning with design and pre-construction planning and continuing through excavation, structural construction, plumbing, electrical, gunite, masonry, tile, concrete, finishes, and surrounding improvements.
Before construction begins, we work through important design decisions, material selections, property conditions, and project requirements.
Throughout construction, we emphasize communication and keeping our clients informed about the current phase, upcoming work, and any conditions that may affect the schedule.
Once the pool is complete, we provide Pool School to walk homeowners through their equipment, automation, water chemistry basics, and ongoing care. We also coordinate the first month of weekly pool service through a trusted partner.
Our goal is for homeowners to feel confident using and enjoying their pool long after construction is complete.
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
Echo & Rig is one of our favorite Sacramento spots for a good lunch or dinner. Known for its steakhouse menu and inviting atmosphere, it's a great place to enjoy a quality meal when we're spending time in Sacramento. Whether it's a casual lunch or a dinner out, Echo & Rig is one of those places we're always happy to recommend.
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Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates is a wonderful Sacramento business and one of our favorite places to shop for thoughtful gifts. Their beautifully crafted chocolates make great gifts for special occasions, holidays, or simply showing someone a little appreciation. We especially love having a local business like Ginger Elizabeth to turn to when we're looking for something special while supporting a Sacramento business.
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Scott's Seafood on the River is a longtime favorite when we're looking for a nicer meal in Sacramento. With its beautiful riverfront setting and seafood menu, it's a wonderful place to enjoy dinner, celebrate a special occasion, or spend an evening together. It's one of those Sacramento restaurants we enjoy returning to and are always happy to recommend.
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Whether you're adding a custom pool to an established backyard or planning a complete outdoor space for a newly constructed home, we'd love to hear what you have in mind.
From the first consultation through construction, CJR brings together thoughtful planning, quality workmanship, and personal attention to help bring your outdoor vision to life.
