Pools by Design
Owner Gary personally visits job sites for quality checks, even coming out on weekends when needed.
From 77 Google reviewsThe standout pattern is their willingness to tackle complex projects that other pool companies refuse - multiple customers mention they solved sewer line issues, worked with poor site access, and coordinated with new home builds where competitors walked away. While most experiences are highly positive, a few customers from earlier years mention communication gaps after handover and some completion issues that required QBCC intervention.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of recent customer reviews (77 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 41 pool builders in Sunshine Coast
Credentials & background
Sourced from 4 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Pools by Design
Gary leads the business with hands-on involvement, often visiting sites personally to check work quality and even emptying pools of rainwater before tiling. The team specializes in custom designs for challenging sites - customers mention non-standard blocks, poor access, complex soil conditions, and coordination with new home builds. Clint handles much of the customer communication and is consistently praised for responsiveness to texts and calls, while Cameron provides technical expertise and Tommy the tiler receives specific recognition for finishing work. They focus heavily on magnesium pools with custom finishes like salt-and-pepper pebblecrete, and include weekly check-ups after first fill to optimize chemical balance. Several customers mention they tackled projects other companies put in the 'too hard basket', particularly around sewer line complications and restricted access situations.
Best for: custom pool designs on challenging sites, magnesium and saltwater pool installations, coordination with new home builds, and projects requiring specialized access solutions.
Location
Often needed together
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Pools by Design
What makes Pools by Design different from other pool builders?+
Multiple customers mention they tackle projects other companies put in the 'too hard basket' - including non-standard blocks, poor site access, sewer line complications, and coordination with new home builds. Owner Gary personally visits sites to check work quality, sometimes even on weekends. They also provide weekly check-ups after pool completion to optimize chemical balance and ensure everything runs properly.
Who will I be dealing with during the build process?+
Gary is the owner who often visits sites personally and handles quality checks. Clint manages much of the customer communication and is consistently praised for responding to texts and phone calls promptly. Cameron provides technical expertise, and Tommy is their tiler who receives specific recognition from customers. Reviews show they're responsive and available to answer questions throughout the build.
Do they specialize in any particular type of pool?+
Several customers specifically mention magnesium pools and custom finishes like salt-and-pepper pebblecrete. They appear to focus on unique, custom designs rather than standard rectangular pools. Multiple reviews mention they understood customers' visions for one-of-a-kind pools and delivered exactly what was requested, even for challenging sites.
What do customers say about their after-sales service?+
Reviews mention weekly check-ups after first fill to ensure optimal operation and chemical balance. However, some older reviews note communication could be better after handover. Recent customers seem more satisfied with follow-up service, with mentions of continued availability to help new pool owners learn maintenance routines.