For more than five decades, Aiken Swimming Pool Company has quietly influenced the landscapes where life unfolds at home. Founded in 1975 by Ronnie Hines, the company has matured alongside Aiken itself, earning distinction as one of South Carolina’s oldest and most established pool builders. Today, under the second-generation leadership of his sons – Billy Hines, President and Director of Operations, and Frank Hines, Director of Residential/Commercial Sales – that enduring legacy continues to define some of the CSRA’s most beautiful backyard retreats.
As Aiken’s architecture and lifestyle have evolved, so too have the expectations of its homeowners. Inground vinyl pools defined much of the local landscape during the company’s first quarter century. Over time, however, the market naturally shifted toward a more customized gunite, or shotcrete, construction. It was a transition driven by clients seeking greater durability and aesthetic refinement. Aiken Swimming Pool Company adapted naturally with that demand. Today its construction teams are expertly trained across every installation type, employing time-tested techniques that deliver structural integrity.
Gunite pools allow for greater customization in design features. Outdoor living spaces have become extensions of the home, complete with covered porches, outdoor kitchens and fire features. Pools have transformed from simple rectangles into personalized retreats. Aiken Swimming Pool Company has adapted seamlessly, designing pools that reflect the architectural character and relaxed Southern elegance of the region.
“When you are looking for a particular feel, it’s all about the finishes,” Frank says. “We can build very similar structures with completely different aesthetics based on the tile, decking and interior selections.
Today’s homeowners are asking for thoughtful features that enhance both aesthetics and usability. Sunledges, which are shallow platforms with 6 to 10 inches of water, have surged in popularity. Spacious enough for lounge chairs and umbrellas, they offer a way to cool off without fully submerging and provide a gentle entry point for young swimmers.
With more than 60 years of combined experience, Frank and Billy have watched demand for new homes and outdoor living spaces accelerate in recent years. That surge, however, has also ushered in an influx of first-time operators entering the industry.
Aiken Swimming Pool Company’s teams are expertly trained across every installation type, applying trusted construction methods that ensure structural integrity. Repair, renovation and weekly cleaning services remain natural extensions of that foundational knowledge.
“These market conditions inevitably bring in new players with little to no experience,” Frank explains. “That is particularly risky for the buyer when you consider that most of a swimming pool structure is buried underground. I don’t recommend purchasing a pool from someone who has not physically worked for an established pool builder for at least three to five years.”
Frank considers it one of his most important responsibilities to help clients understand how materials perform over time in underwater and water-adjacent environments. Not all finishes are created equal, and durability matters as much as initial impressions.
“This topic has nothing to do with design and everything to do with what you want out of the product and what the budget allows,” he explains.
The process begins with an onsite visit. Evaluating site conditions, elevation and structural factors ensures that design dreams align with practical realities. The team will then refine the vision until it fits both the property and the budget. They balance quality, cost and expectations as one of the most nuanced aspects of pool construction. Aiken Swimming Pool regularly spends hours in conversation with clients before the work begins.
For Frank and his team, pool construction is the art of creating spaces where families gather and everyday life feels a little more extraordinary.
“Most of us that spend a career in this industry get some level of satisfaction knowing that our efforts are going toward a product and experience that enhances the owners’ and their families’ lives,” he explains. “It’s definitely rewarding to create or renovate spaces that homeowners can use for improved family time or health benefits.”
Technology has also reshaped pool ownership. Automation systems, saltwater conversions and smart controls allow homeowners to monitor water chemistry, extend the life of surfaces and even turn on a spa remotely before arriving home.
Yet for all the innovation, Frank believes longevity is still the standard that matters most.
“In my opinion, what makes a pool timeless instead of trendy is using finishes that hold up over time,” he says. “I love walking up to a great-looking 15-plus-year-old pool that we built and telling homeowners it’s still not ready for a renovation.”
Aiken Swimming Pool Company has developed through generational leadership and an unwavering commitment to quality for more than five decades. In a community that values heritage, that depth of knowledge is more than a selling point. It’s a promise buried deep beneath the surface while supporting memories for decades to come. The Aiken Swimming Pool Company showroom is located at 2085 Whiskey Road in Aiken. You can contact them at (803) 649-7413 or info@aikenswimmingpool.com.
“Experience matters in pool construction. The structure you don’t see is just as important as the beauty you do. Quality craftsmanship is what makes a pool truly timeless.”