With more than three decades of hands-on experience in the swimming pool design and construction industry, Wendy Schneider, Founder of Build Your Own Pool of Georgia, is leading a quiet transformation in how backyard pools are built across the state. By focusing on financial transparency and homeowner empowerment, Schneider has developed a unique service model that directly addresses longstanding issues in the traditional contractor-led pool building process.
At the core of Build Your Own Pool of Georgia’s approach is a strategic departure from the standard financial structure used by most pool builders. In many conventional agreements, customers pay a large portion of the contract amount early in the construction process—often far in advance of the work completed. This arrangement can result in significant delays and, in some cases, leave projects unfinished if the builder deprioritizes or abandons the site after being paid most of the funds upfront.
Schneider’s model is fundamentally different. The company acts as a guide and manager for the homeowner, helping them oversee the process while maintaining full control of their budget and payments. Payments are issued as work is completed, not before, ensuring that financial outlays are tied to tangible progress. This model reduces financial risk for the homeowner while promoting accountability among subcontractors and suppliers.
“Most homeowners are unaware of how front-loaded pool contracts are,” said Schneider. “The imbalance between what has been paid and what has been completed creates an incentive problem. Our approach prevents that by tying every dollar spent to visible progress on the ground.”
By emphasizing clear timelines, vendor transparency, and homeowner control, Build Your Own Pool of Georgia offers a more predictable and collaborative building experience. Homeowners are encouraged to be actively involved throughout the project—something Schneider believes leads to better outcomes and stronger trust between parties. While this method may be unfamiliar to those new to pool construction, it reflects practices more commonly seen in custom home building, where phased payments and milestone-based funding are standard.
Schneider’s long-standing experience—spanning more than 34 years in the field—has enabled her to create a highly structured, repeatable process that suits a wide variety of homeowners and pool designs. Her work has earned respect among peers and clients alike, particularly for her ability to navigate complex projects without compromising on quality or budget integrity.
The company’s mission also addresses a deeper challenge in the residential construction industry: homeowner vulnerability. By shifting decision-making power back to the client, Build Your Own Pool of Georgia mitigates many of the risks associated with delayed builds and over-budget outcomes. It also improves project pacing, as builders and subcontractors are incentivized to meet deadlines in order to receive payment.
Although Build Your Own Pool of Georgia does not position itself as a traditional contractor, it fills a growing niche among homeowners seeking value, control, and transparency in a major home improvement investment. Schneider and her team focus on client education, guiding each homeowner through the logistics of managing a pool build without taking on the full overhead typically charged by general contractors.
This model may not be the norm in Georgia’s pool market, but its appeal is increasing. Homeowners seeking alternatives to conventional builders have found the balance of autonomy and expert guidance an appealing option, particularly when coupled with the financial safeguards Schneider’s model provides.
Build Your Own Pool of Georgia continues to expand its reach, educating consumers about industry norms and offering a replicable alternative. With decades of experience, a clear operational framework, and a growing client base, the company represents a steadily emerging shift in how residential pools are financed, built, and managed in Georgia.
More information about Build Your Own Pool of Georgia can be found on the official website, as well as the brand’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
