Choosing a pool company in Stony Brook or Port Jefferson, NY is about more than comparing bids. A well-designed pool adds long-term value, enhances how you use your outdoor space, and should work with your property. In this guide, we’ll walk through what defines a premium pool company and the qualities to look for before starting your project.
Related: The Best Swimming Pool Features for Luxury Vacation Properties in Brookville and Sands Point, NY
Design Expertise Comes First
When it comes to high-end pools, design isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of the entire project. A premium pool company understands that successful outcomes start with a clear vision, not a construction schedule. That vision should be tailored to your property, your lifestyle, and how the pool fits into your broader outdoor space.
Before any plans are finalized, the design process should address essential factors like site grading, drainage, sun exposure, privacy, surrounding architecture, and long-term use. It should also consider how people will move through the space, where shade or structure might be needed, and how the pool connects to elements like patios, walkways, or garden areas.
Homeowners should look for a company with in-house design capabilities, not just subcontracted drafting or generic templates. When the same team that designs your pool also understands the entire landscape, it results in a more seamless and visually balanced outdoor environment.
That’s why Gary Duff Designs approaches pool design through the lens of landscape architecture. We consider how every element—from pool layout to materials, elevations, and transitions—supports the look, feel, and function of the entire property. The result isn’t just a pool—it’s a space that feels purposeful and well-composed from every angle.
Customization, Not Catalogs
A truly well-designed pool should never feel like an off-the-shelf solution. For properties in Stony Brook and Port Jefferson—where architectural styles, topography, and homeowner priorities vary widely—customization is essential. A premium pool company doesn’t just install a structure; it designs a space that reflects the property’s layout, the home’s architecture, and how the outdoor environment is meant to be used.
Customization includes everything from the shape and dimensions of the pool to the selection of materials, the elevation relative to patios or grade, the placement of steps or benches, and the integration of features like water walls, spas, or surrounding plantings. These are not aesthetic details—they are core design elements that influence the experience of the space.
With decades of experience designing and building pools on Long Island’s North Shore, Gary Duff Designs is known for site-specific pool layouts that feel intentional, balanced, and enduring. Every decision is guided by our deep understanding of structure, drainage, and outdoor living flow. Material selections—whether stone, tile, or decking—are made with long-term performance and aesthetic harmony in mind.
Full-Property Integration: Why the Right Pool Company Should Think Beyond the Water
A luxury pool should never exist in isolation. While the water may be the visual centerpiece, the true success of a pool project lies in how well it integrates with the rest of the property. On high-end homes in Stony Brook and Port Jefferson, that means creating a space where architecture, landscape, and outdoor living all work together—visually and functionally.
It’s Not Just About the Pool
Installing a pool without considering the surrounding environment can lead to awkward transitions, drainage issues, poor flow between spaces, or a design that feels disconnected from the home. A pool that looks impressive on paper can fall short in real life if it doesn't:
Align with the grades and elevation of the site
Allow for comfortable transitions between indoor and outdoor living areas
Incorporate shading, privacy screening, and traffic flow
Tie into outdoor kitchens, dining areas, fire features, or planted zones
In short, a successful pool design considers the entire picture—something not every pool company is equipped to do.
Why Full-Scope Expertise Matters
The best pool companies aren’t just builders. They understand drainage, retaining structures, lighting, hardscape flow, and how plantings can shape views or soften edges. These layers elevate the pool from a standalone feature to a central part of a carefully curated outdoor lifestyle.
At Gary Duff Designs, every pool is conceived as part of a complete outdoor transformation. Our design process includes:
Landscape Architecture – Understanding how a pool fits into the larger property plan
Grading and Drainage – Ensuring the space not only looks right, but functions correctly
Hardscape Design – Creating walkways, terraces, steps, and patios that work together
Lighting and Ambience – Incorporating fixtures that provide both safety and atmosphere
Planting Design – Softening hard edges, framing views, and enhancing seasonal interest
Because we manage every aspect in-house—from design to execution—we’re able to maintain consistency across materials, construction methods, and timelines. This creates not only a more beautiful result, but also a smoother, more efficient experience for the client.
A Pool That Fits—Because the Whole Property Was Considered
In our view, a pool should never feel dropped in. It should feel like a natural continuation of the home, tailored to the site and customized to how the space will actually be used. That level of integration isn’t possible when the pool is treated as a separate project.
Gary Duff Designs brings everything together—from water to stone to greenery—so that the final result feels whole, functional, and unmistakably yours.
Project Spotlight: Backyard Resort – Centereach, NY
Designed alongside the home’s construction, this outdoor retreat by Gary Duff Designs was planned with total indoor-outdoor integration in mind.
Guests step directly from the kitchen or basement onto an elevated deck with a full outdoor kitchen, clad in the same veneer stone as the home’s chimney—seamlessly tying the two spaces together.
A custom-shaped pool with a natural rock water feature anchors the backyard, creating a calming focal point. Beyond the pool, the property offers space for tennis, basketball, putting greens, a bocce pit, horseshoe pit, and a gaming area, all designed for flow and function.
In the front, layered plantings frame the driveway, with separate guest parking for convenience and curb appeal.
From layout to materials, this project reflects Gary Duff Designs’ ability to deliver complete outdoor environments that enhance every aspect of the property. Read the full case study here.
Craftsmanship and Construction Excellence
Even the best design falls flat without exceptional execution. When it comes to premium pools and outdoor spaces, craftsmanship is what turns ideas into lasting value. A well-built pool should not only look beautiful on day one—it should continue to perform, function, and impress for years to come.
Homeowners investing in a custom pool should expect more than standard installation. That means precise construction techniques, premium materials chosen for both form and function, and a team experienced in managing complex, high-end projects. Details like stonework alignment, tile selection, drainage planning, and material transitions can make or break the overall experience of the space.
At Gary Duff Designs, construction is never handed off to a revolving cast of subcontractors. Our team provides hands-on project management from start to finish, ensuring that the vision created during the design phase is carried through with care and consistency. From the excavation phase to the final walkthrough, every stage is executed with a sharp eye for detail, clear communication, and respect for the property.
Experience With Coastal Long Island Conditions
Building a pool in Stony Brook or Port Jefferson isn’t just about selecting finishes and choosing a shape—it’s about understanding the land. These coastal communities are known for their elevated properties, varied topography, clay-heavy soils, and proximity to wetlands and conservation areas. Add in the strict permitting and zoning regulations across Suffolk County, and it becomes clear: local expertise isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Why Regional Knowledge Matters
Coastal Long Island properties often present site-specific challenges that directly impact pool design and construction. These include:
Soil and Slope Considerations – Many properties sit on sloped or uneven terrain, requiring detailed grading and structural planning to support proper drainage and long-term stability.
Drainage and Water Management – Close proximity to the Sound or lower-lying areas means drainage must be carefully controlled to avoid runoff issues, erosion, or water pooling.Environmental Regulations – Navigating local wetlands buffers, tree removal rules, and building setbacks can be time-consuming and complex without experience.
Permit and Variance Requirements – Each municipality has its own requirements and review processes, which can delay projects if not managed correctly from the start.
What Is the Most Expensive Part to Install an Inground Pool?
The most expensive aspect of installing an inground pool is typically the site preparation and structural work, especially when the property requires grading, retaining walls, or specialized drainage. For custom pools, complex shapes, premium materials, and integrated features like spas, sun shelves, and automation can significantly increase costs. In high-end projects, it’s the combination of design, customization, and construction detail that drives investment.
What Is the Most Expensive Pool Shape?
Freeform or custom-shaped pools tend to be the most expensive, especially when designed to complement unique site conditions or integrate with multi-level hardscapes. These shapes require custom engineering, more complex formwork, and additional finish materials, which all contribute to higher overall costs—though the result is often far more visually striking and tailored to the property.
What Type of Pool Lasts the Longest?
Concrete (or gunite) pools are known for their longevity, often lasting 30–50 years with proper care. They allow for maximum customization and structural strength, though they require resurfacing over time. When designed and built by experienced professionals, a concrete pool becomes a long-term investment that can evolve with the property through updates and enhancements.
What Is a Good Length for a Home Pool?
A good length for a residential pool is typically 30 to 40 feet, depending on available space and how the pool will be used. For lap swimming or multi-purpose recreation, 35–40 feet provides ample room for movement while still allowing for design flexibility. The length should also be considered in relation to seating areas, steps, and water features for a balanced layout.
What Size Pool Is Best for a Family of 6?
For a family of six, a pool that’s at least 16 feet wide by 34–36 feet long is generally ideal. This allows for comfortable swimming space, room for play or lounging, and options for shallow and deep ends. Custom features like bench seating, sun shelves, or a separate spa can enhance functionality without requiring a larger footprint.
How Many Years Does a Pool Last?
The lifespan of a pool depends on the materials, construction quality, and maintenance. Concrete pools often last several decades, with properly maintained systems and finishes lasting 30+ years. Equipment like pumps, filters, and lighting typically require updates every 8–15 years, but a well-built pool structure can serve as a long-term asset to the home.
A Premium Process from Start to Finish
Luxury pool projects are about more than the final result—they’re defined by the experience along the way. A premium pool company should provide clarity, responsiveness, and professionalism from the first meeting to the final walkthrough.
At Gary Duff Designs, that experience begins with a collaborative consultation where we explore the vision for your space and evaluate the unique features of your property. From there, our team manages every step—from design and approvals to construction oversight—with a focus on quality, communication, and attention to detail.
Clients can expect:
Design concepts that align with the site and the lifestyle it supports
Transparent timelines and regular updates throughout the process
A single, accountable team guiding each phase of the project
A final walkthrough that ensures every detail meets our standards—and yours
We don’t just build pools. We build lasting client relationships rooted in trust, consistency, and craftsmanship—the very qualities that define a premium experience from start to finish.
Red Flags to Watch For When Choosing a Pool Company
Not all pool companies offer the same level of care or expertise. Here are a few signs you may not be working with a premium partner:
Lack of Design Integration – If the pool is treated as a stand-alone feature with no attention to landscape or site flow.
Generic Plans – Pre-set shapes or materials with no customization to your property or lifestyle.
No Involvement in Permitting – Coastal and sloped properties require local knowledge and coordination.
Subcontractor-Led Builds – Little visibility into who’s managing your project day-to-day.
Minimal Experience in High-End Residential Work – Premium projects demand a different level of planning and precision.
A truly professional pool company will guide the full process—from concept to completion—with clarity, creativity, and accountability.
The Pool Is Just the Starting Point
A well-designed pool adds far more than a place to swim—it becomes the centerpiece of a carefully planned outdoor experience. When designed with intention and executed with precision, a pool can transform the way you use your property, connect with guests, and enjoy your time at home.
For homeowners in Stony Brook and Port Jefferson, choosing the right pool company means finding a partner who understands how to elevate the entire landscape. At Gary Duff Designs, we take a comprehensive approach—blending water, structure, and greenery into one cohesive vision.
Contact our team to begin a custom pool and landscape design tailored to your property, your lifestyle, and your long-term vision.
