Meridian is Idaho's fastest-growing city — and Universal Pools has been building backyard escapes here for over three decades. From Paramount to The Lakes at Cherry Lane, we're the Meridian pool contractor families recommend.
Meridian has grown into one of America's fastest-growing cities — and we've watched (and built in) that growth since the very beginning. Universal Pools has been serving Meridian, Idaho since founder Scott Pahl started the company in 1979, and we've delivered custom gunite pools in nearly every subdivision in town.
We specialize in gunite and shotcrete pool construction — the most durable option for Meridian's freeze-thaw climate. Unlike vinyl-liner or fiberglass alternatives, gunite pools are formed to whatever shape, depth, or design your Meridian backyard calls for, and they stand up to Idaho's soil conditions for decades.
Whether you're in Paramount, Bridgetower, The Lakes at Cherry Lane, or any of Meridian's newer master-planned communities — we know the local HOA review process and the City of Meridian's permitting steps. Get started with a free Meridian pool quote or explore our full pool services.
From brand-new gunite pool construction to pool remodels, HOA-friendly designs, and electric cover installations — we offer the full range of pool services for Meridian homeowners. Every project gets owner-level attention from Scott and Cary Pahl.
Custom-designed gunite and shotcrete pools tailored to your Meridian lot. Whether you've got a generous Paramount backyard or a compact Heritage lot, we build to fit your space and your HOA.
Learn More →Meridian's older pools deserve a refresh. We resurface plaster, replace coping and tile, modernize equipment, and re-engineer hydraulics to bring tired pools back to life.
Learn More →Meridian real estate moves fast. Get a pro inspection on a pool before you buy or sell — we evaluate structure, mechanicals, and lifecycle costs so there are no surprises at closing.
Learn More →Automatic and electric pool cover installations and replacements — essential for Meridian pools to cut evaporation, hold heat, keep kids safer, and reduce chemical use.
Learn More →Save substantially on labor by partnering with us on your own Meridian pool. You contribute where it makes sense — we handle the licensed, technical, and engineered work.
Learn More →Integrated spas, sheer-descent walls, bubblers, tanning ledges, and deck jets. The features Meridian families love — built right into the pool shell, not bolted on later.
Learn More →Meridian's master-planned communities each have their own architectural standards, lot characteristics, and HOA review steps. We've built pools across every part of the city and know what each subdivision requires.
One of Meridian's premier master-planned communities. Generous lots, mature landscaping, and a strict ARC — we've shepherded multiple pool builds through approval here.
Established North Meridian neighborhood with broad backyards. A great fit for full pool, spa, and outdoor kitchen builds.
Family-friendly subdivision with lots of pool-ready yards. We design pools that maximize swim space without crowding the rest of the backyard.
Established Meridian community with mature trees and tighter access. We're set up to build without disturbing landscaping or hardscape.
Upscale South Meridian neighborhood. The pools we build here are show-stoppers — infinity edges, raised spas, and stone-finished decks.
Golf-course community on Meridian's west side. Our pool designs respect both the architectural review and the views.
Newer North Meridian community. Plenty of pool-friendly lots and growing demand for custom backyard escapes.
Active South Meridian subdivisions. We're well-acquainted with the HOA architectural review boards in this part of the city.
From acreage properties south of I-84 to compact lots in established neighborhoods — we build pools across every part of Meridian.
We've been building pools in Meridian since long before the city's growth boom — meaning we know the soils, the climate, and the permit process inside and out.
Meridian's planned communities almost always involve HOA architectural review. We prepare the renderings, plans, and specs your ARC needs — and run the full City of Meridian permit process.
"A pool should not cost a lot to own once it's built." — Scott Pahl. We design with hydraulics and equipment that keep monthly costs and maintenance low for Meridian homeowners.
Father and son. Local. No franchise overhead, no project managers between you and the owners. Scott and Cary are personally involved on every Meridian build.
Scott and Cary built our gunite pool in Meridian and the whole experience was exceptional. Scott's knowledge of hydraulics and construction is unmatched. Our pool has been running perfectly for five years with almost no maintenance issues.
Most custom gunite pool builds in Meridian start around $80,000 and grow with size, depth, finishes, and added features like spas, water features, or automation. Many Meridian HOAs also have specific finish or screening requirements that can affect the cost. Request a free Meridian pool quote for a number tailored to your property.
Yes. The City of Meridian Building Department requires permits for inground pools — covering structural, electrical, gas (for heaters), and barrier code requirements. As your licensed Idaho contractor (RCE-35911), Universal Pools handles every permit step from your kickoff through final inspection.
Yes — and we've been doing it for years. Most Meridian master-planned communities (Paramount, Bridgetower, Heritage, Tuscany, Spurwing, and more) require Architectural Review Committee approval before pool construction begins. We prepare the renderings, site plans, material samples, and specifications your ARC needs.
Almost every active subdivision in Meridian — Paramount, Bridgetower, Heritage, The Lakes at Cherry Lane, Tuscany, Spurwing, Lochsa Falls, Bainbridge, Solterra, and many more. We routinely build across South, North, and West Meridian.
Yes. Beyond Meridian we serve all of the Treasure Valley — including Boise, Nampa, Eagle, Kuna, Star, and Caldwell — plus Magic Valley cities like Twin Falls and Jerome. Contact us if you're outside Meridian.
Typical Meridian gunite pool projects run 3 to 5 months from contract signing to swim-ready. Add a few weeks for HOA architectural review if your subdivision requires it. We'll give you a week-by-week timeline up front so you know what to expect.
Whether you're just exploring options for your backyard or you're ready to break ground next month, we'd love to talk. Call or text Scott or Cary directly, or send us a quick note about your Meridian project.
We respond to every Meridian quote request within one business day.