Some businesses are built on opportunity. Longhorn Pools, however, is built on a vision rooted in craftsmanship, family values, and a deep connection to the community. This full-service boutique pool company proudly serves Dripping Springs and the surrounding Hill Country.
“We originally started Longhorn Pools as a dedicated builder for custom home projects,” says co-founder Chris Cockrell. “It was all about quality work, mostly in the background, partnering with builders who trusted us to deliver.”
As the real estate market boomed during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, the team at Longhorn Pools stayed busy, but they also knew the wave wouldn’t last forever.
“My business partner and I made a conscious decision to pivot early. We wanted to work directly with homeowners to create custom pools,” Chris explains.
That decision, he says, completely transformed the way they saw their work.
“Now, it’s not just about building a pool. It’s about bringing someone’s dream to life, helping them create a space where they’ll make memories for years to come,” he says. “There’s nothing better than seeing a client’s face light up at the finished product.”
What sets Longhorn Pools apart is its boutique approach. Rather than taking on as many projects as possible, the team prioritizes quality over volume, allowing them to stay hands-on with every build and maintain the high standards they’re known for.
“We take the time to truly understand each client’s vision and bring it to life in a way that feels personal and lasting,” Chris says.
Longhorn Pools designs and builds complete outdoor spaces that elevate everyday living. This includes pools and spas, hardscapes, and full landscaping renovations. “We have the ability to fully transform a backyard,” he explains.
That personalized approach reflects the team’s commitment to being part of the community it serves. In 2022, Chris and his family relocated to Dripping Springs. “The small-town charm and strong sense of community immediately stood out,” he says.
Chris recalls visiting a local distillery that was buzzing with energy on a sunny afternoon. “We saw families gathered, kids playing on the playscapes, and people just enjoying the beautiful weather together. It was a kind of atmosphere we hadn’t experienced before, and it made a lasting impression on us.”
The move wasn’t their first in Texas. From north Houston and east Texas to downtown Austin and Lubbock, where both Chris and his wife, Shana, graduated from Texas Tech University. They had experienced many parts of the Lone Star State, but none compared to the Hill Country.
The views were absolutely breathtaking, something we hadn’t experienced anywhere else we’d lived,” Chris says. “We saw families gathering, kids running around, and it just felt like home.
Deeply embedded in the Dripping Springs community, the Cockrell family has embraced everything from education to baseball. Shana works for the school district, and their two boys, aged 12 and 8, have fully leaned into the area’s rich sports culture.
“If we’re not at a practice or a tournament, we’re usually exploring all the great local spots nearby. It’s been a busy but rewarding chapter for our family,” says Chris.
That local connection shapes the way Longhorn Pools does business.
“Working with local clients means a lot to us; it’s personal. We take immense pride in our work because we’re building for people we might see at Friday night football games, school events, or down the street at H-E-B. That kind of trust is something we don’t take lightly,” Chris shares.
“The small-town feel is something built and preserved by generations of families who take immense pride in this community. We truly admire that,” he continues.
That same pride runs through every project Longhorn Pools takes on.
“There’s something really special about helping neighbors bring their vision to life and creating spaces where families can truly enjoy their time together,” says Chris. “We’re not just building pools; we’re building memories for families right here in our community.”
LonghornPools.com | @longhornpools
The Team
At Longhorn Pools, family and community connection are at the heart of the business. The team includes Chris’s business partner, Bryan, and his wife, as well as Andrew, who leads sales for the company. Andrew, along with his wife and son, are proud to call Dripping Springs home.