Pool Builder Boise, Idaho
Universal Pools has been building gunite swimming pools across the City of Trees since 1979. From the Foothills to Harris Ranch, we're the Boise pool contractor families trust to get it right the first time.
Universal Pools has been building gunite swimming pools across the City of Trees since 1979. From the Foothills to Harris Ranch, we're the Boise pool contractor families trust to get it right the first time.
There's no shortage of pool installers in the Treasure Valley, but very few have the depth of Boise experience that Universal Pools brings to every project. Founder Scott Pahl began building pools in Boise on May 1st, 1979 — making us one of the most experienced and credentialed pool contractors anywhere in Idaho.
We specialize in gunite and shotcrete pools — the gold standard for new pool construction in Boise. Concrete-based pools can be designed to any shape or size your backyard demands, and unlike vinyl or fiberglass, they're engineered to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles, clay soils, and dramatic temperature swings that make Boise a uniquely challenging place to build a pool.
Whether you're in the Boise Foothills, the North End, or planning a backyard transformation in Harris Ranch or Southeast Boise — we've already built in your neighborhood. Get started with a free Boise pool quote or browse our full pool services.
From brand-new gunite pool construction to remodels and electric cover installations — we offer a full slate of pool services for Boise homeowners. Every project is handled directly by Scott or Cary Pahl, never a project manager.
Custom-designed gunite and shotcrete pools built from the ground up for Boise backyards. Any shape, depth, or feature set — engineered to handle Idaho's climate and last decades.
Learn More →Bringing tired Boise pools back to life with new finishes, tile, coping, and modern equipment. Most remodel projects deliver decades of new life at a fraction of new-build cost.
Learn More →Comprehensive pool and mechanical-system inspections for Boise homeowners buying or selling a property with a pool. Find issues before they become surprises at closing.
Learn More →Automatic and electric pool cover installations and replacements. Critical for Boise pools — covers reduce evaporation, save heat, and keep the pool clean year-round.
Learn More →Save on labor by partnering with us on your own Boise pool build. We handle the licensed and technical work — you contribute where you can to keep costs down.
Learn More →Integrated spas, sheer-descent waterfalls, bubblers, deck jets, and tanning ledges. Boise homeowners love these add-ons — and we build them right into the pool shell.
Learn More →Boise is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own backyard challenges — clay soils, sloped lots, tight access, or strict HOA covenants. We've built pools in every corner of the city and know what each area requires.
Sloped lots and rocky soils require engineered structural design. We've delivered stunning hillside and infinity-edge pools across the Foothills.
Historic Boise neighborhoods with tight access. We're set up to build in compact backyards without damaging mature trees or landscaping.
Newer East Boise community with larger lots. A great fit for full backyard transformations with pool, spa, and outdoor living areas.
Elevated views and big backyards make this one of Boise's premier pool neighborhoods. We've built dozens of pools in the area.
Established neighborhoods with plenty of pool-friendly lots. We work efficiently here, with crews that know the local permit process inside and out.
From State Street to Pierce Park, we build across West Boise — and have the soil and drainage know-how this side of town demands.
Master-planned community north of Boise. We're familiar with the architectural review process and have built pools that fit the neighborhood guidelines.
Classic mid-century Boise neighborhoods. Modest lot sizes don't stop us — we design pools that maximize backyards of any shape.
Greenbelt-adjacent properties with unique zoning. We navigate Garden City's specific permit requirements as part of every build.
Scott Pahl has been building pools in Boise since 1979 — there's almost no soil condition, permit hurdle, or design challenge in this city he hasn't already solved.
Fully licensed and insured to build pools in the City of Boise and across Ada County. We handle every permit, inspection, and code requirement from start to finish.
"A pool should not cost a lot of money or time to own once it's built." — Scott Pahl. We design Boise pools with hydraulics and equipment choices that minimize lifetime cost.
Scott and Cary Pahl — father and son, both Boise locals. No national franchise, no project managers between you and the owners. We answer the phone, every time.
Scott's experience shows in every detail — the pool is beautiful, efficient, and exactly what we envisioned for our Boise backyard. We've wanted a pool for years and finally pulled the trigger with Universal Pools. Best decision we ever made.
Most gunite pool projects in Boise start around $80,000 and scale up based on size, depth, and the features you choose — spas, waterfalls, automation, and decking all factor in. Boise's freeze-thaw winters and variable soils make engineered gunite construction the most durable long-term value. For a project-specific number, request a free Boise pool quote.
Yes. The City of Boise and Ada County both require building permits for inground pools, including review of barriers, electrical, gas (for heaters or fire features), and setbacks. As your licensed contractor, Universal Pools handles the full permit process so you don't have to navigate it.
Every part of Boise. We routinely build in the Boise Foothills, North End, Harris Ranch, Warm Springs Mesa, Southeast Boise, Northwest Boise, West Boise, Hidden Springs, Collister, the Bench, and Garden City. If you're inside the City of Boise, we serve your neighborhood.
A typical Boise gunite pool runs 3 to 5 months from signed contract to swim-ready. Boise permit timing, weather windows, and the features you choose all affect schedule. We give every Boise homeowner a realistic week-by-week timeline before we break ground.
We serve all of the Treasure Valley and Magic Valley. Beyond Boise, our most active service areas include Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Kuna, Star, and Caldwell — plus Magic Valley cities like Twin Falls and Jerome. Contact us if your city isn't listed.
Yes. Universal Pools LLC holds Idaho contractor license RCE-35911 and is fully insured for pool construction in Boise and statewide. You'll find our license details on every contract and proposal — and we're happy to provide a certificate of insurance on request.
Whether you're just starting to dream up your backyard or you're ready to dig next month — let's talk. Call or text Scott or Cary directly, or send us a quick note about your Boise project.
We respond to every Boise quote request within one business day.