By Allen 
When I first bought my home in Thousand Oaks, the backyard was nothing special — a patch of uneven grass, a tired-looking patio, and a view that deserved better. I’d always imagined having a pool where I could relax after long days, host barbecues, and make the space feel alive. But between work and life, I kept putting it off. It wasn’t until last spring that I finally decided it was time.
I started my search online, scrolling through endless “pool contractors near me” results, reading reviews, and checking project photos. Most companies looked the same — polished websites, generic promises. But then I stumbled upon Encore Builders. Their portfolio stood out: modern designs, clean finishes, and glowing testimonials from real homeowners in Thousand Oaks. I sent a quick inquiry, not expecting much — but within an hour, I got a call back from their project consultant, Alex.
The First Impression That Changed Everything
From the very first conversation, I felt like I was talking to a team that actually listened. Alex didn’t push a sales pitch; instead, he asked about my vision — what I imagined the space to feel like, not just how it should look. I told him I wanted something simple yet elegant: a rectangular pool, natural stone around the edges, and enough space for a couple of lounge chairs.
Within two days, Encore Builders scheduled an on-site visit. Their designer, Michelle, arrived with sketches and a 3D rendering based on my initial ideas. Seeing my boring backyard transformed into a serene, resort-style space on her tablet nearly made me emotional. It looked perfect.
I signed the contract that same week. The estimated timeline was eight weeks, which seemed ambitious, but they explained their phased approach clearly — excavation, plumbing, framing, tiling, decking, and final finishes — all handled in-house to keep things efficient.
Watching the Transformation Happen
The work began fast. Within the first week, my backyard was buzzing with energy — trucks, equipment, and a focused crew that somehow managed to keep everything clean and organized.
Encore Builders, my trusted swimming pool contractor in Thousand Oaks, kept me updated almost daily. Every time I stepped outside, I saw progress: the pool shape taking form, plumbing lines set perfectly, and soon after, the tile and coping installation that made the whole structure come to life.
By week five, the plastering began, and they installed a variable-speed pump and saltwater system — both energy-efficient and low maintenance. Alex explained how this setup would save me hundreds in electricity and reduce chemical use. Small details like that made me realize I wasn’t just paying for a pool — I was paying for expertise.
Throughout the process, communication was seamless. If rain caused delays, I knew immediately. If they needed my input on finishes or lighting, they texted photos. It never felt like I was left wondering what was going on.
The Reveal — And the Moment It Hit Me
Exactly seven and a half weeks after they broke ground, Encore Builders filled the pool with crystal-clear water. The sound of the first splash from the return jets was oddly satisfying.
That evening, I turned on the LED lighting system they had installed — soft blues and warm ambers reflecting off the surface — and for the first time, my backyard didn’t feel like an afterthought. It felt like part of my home.
A week later, they added the finishing touches — a custom stone fire pit, modern deck furniture placement, and subtle landscaping around the pool edge. When I stood there that night with a cup of coffee, lights shimmering across the water, I realized I finally had the space I’d been dreaming about for years.
What Made Encore Builders Different
Looking back, a few things made Encore Builders stand out:
- Communication — They never left me guessing; every step was explained in simple, honest terms.
- Precision — Every tile, every joint, every measurement was done with visible care.
- Speed without shortcuts — They finished ahead of schedule but didn’t compromise quality.
- Aftercare — Even after project completion, they followed up to check on water chemistry and equipment performance.
They didn’t just build me a pool — they created a space where my family now spends most of our evenings. It’s where my kids swim, where friends gather for dinner, and where I unwind after a long day.
A Backyard Worth Every Penny
In total, the project took just under eight weeks from design to completion, and it stayed within the quoted budget. No surprise costs, no vague “extras,” no frustration — just a smooth, professional experience from start to finish.
Now, when I sit by the water at sunset, watching the lights ripple across the pool, I can’t help but smile. Hiring Encore Builders wasn’t just a home improvement decision — it was an investment in happiness, and one of the best I’ve ever made.