Delano Pool Builders You Can Trust

Pool Tek builds custom inground swimming pools and handles pool remodeling for homeowners in Delano, CA. We are based in Bakersfield, fully licensed under C-53 contractor license number 1007752, and we have been doing this work for over 15 years. Delano is part of our regular service area and we have built and remodeled pools throughout Kern County for homeowners who want the job done right.


James Ratliff owns and operates Pool Tek. He is involved in every project we take on, which means when you have a question, you are talking to the person with the answers. There is no sales team in the middle, no subcontractor running your job without oversight.


What separates Pool Tek from other pool contractors in Delano is our in-house plaster crew. Most pool companies hand the plastering step off to a subcontractor. We do not. The people finishing your pool work for us, answer to us, and meet our standard on every single job.

Custom Pool Construction in Delano CA

Delano summers are long and hot, and a well-built backyard pool changes how you use your property for the next 20 years. We build custom inground pools for Delano homeowners who want something that fits their yard, their family, and the way they actually spend time outside. Every pool we build is designed around you, not pulled from a catalog.


We handle the entire process from start to finish. That means design, permits, excavation, plumbing, steel, shotcrete, tile, coping, decking, and plaster. We coordinate directly with inspectors so your project moves forward without you having to chase anyone down.



Here are the pool styles we build most often for Delano homeowners.

Geometric Pools

Geometric pools have straight lines, sharp corners, and a clean modern look. They work well in yards with existing structure or hardscape and are easy to automate and cover. If you want a pool that looks polished and is practical to maintain, geometric is usually the right call.

Freeform Pools

Freeform pools follow a natural, curved shape that blends into the yard rather than sitting on top of it. They work especially well on larger lots where you want the pool to feel like part of the landscape. If your backyard has room to breathe, a freeform design gives it a relaxed, natural feel.

Beach Entry Pools

A beach entry pool has a gradual slope into the water with no steps or ledge. You walk in slowly, like wading into a lake. These are popular with families who have small kids or older adults who want easier access. They also look impressive and hold up well in the Central Valley heat.

Pools with Spas

We build attached spas as part of most new pool projects. A connected spa shares the same equipment and plumbing, which simplifies maintenance and keeps operating costs down. Even in Delano, evenings cool off fast enough that a heated spa gets real use outside of summer.

Pools with Tanning Ledges

A tanning ledge is a shallow, flat platform built into the pool where you can set a chair or lounger in a few inches of water. It is one of the most requested features we add to new builds. Kids use it as a play area and adults use it to cool off without getting fully in the water.

Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools use a salt-chlorine generator instead of adding chlorine by hand. The water feels softer, it is gentler on skin and eyes, and most homeowners find it easier to manage day to day. We install saltwater systems regularly and will tell you honestly whether it is a good fit for your yard before recommending it.

Pool Remodeling in Delano

If you have an older pool that has seen better days, Pool Tek can bring it back. We handle pool remodeling for Delano homeowners who want to update their plaster, replace tile and coping, upgrade to modern equipment, or fix issues that have built up over time. Many pools in the Central Valley were built 15 to 25 years ago and are overdue for real attention.


We start with an honest look at what the pool actually needs. Some pools need a full replaster and equipment overhaul. Others just need new tile and coping to look completely different. We will tell you what is necessary and what can wait. Our pool renovation work follows the same process and standards we use on every new build.


Common remodeling projects we handle include pool resurfacing with modern plaster or pebble finishes, waterline tile replacement, coping repairs, energy-efficient pump and filter upgrades, and plumbing repairs. If your pool needs it, we can handle it from start to finish.


(661) 817-7909

In House Plaster Crew and NPT Approved Finishes

Pool plaster is the final step in any new build or remodel and one of the most important decisions you will make about your pool. The finish affects how the water looks, how the surface feels underfoot, how easy it is to maintain, and how long it holds up before needing to be redone. It is not just cosmetic.


Pool Tek completes all plastering using our own crew. We do not subcontract this step. We control the material, the mix, the application, and the result. If you want to learn more about our approach to plastering, the plaster company Bakersfield page covers it in detail.


James Ratliff is a trusted member of the National Plasterers Council, the leading trade organization for pool plastering professionals. He is also an NPT Approved Applicator through National Pool Tile, one of the most respected finish manufacturers in the industry. That status is earned through NPT's certification program and is not available to every contractor.


For Delano homeowners, NPT Approved Applicator status has a real practical benefit. If you choose a qualifying NPT finish — including QuartzScapes, StoneScapes, or Colorscapes — you may be eligible for the NPT Lifetime Limited Warranty. That is a meaningful upgrade from the standard 10-year warranty available through non-certified contractors. We will walk you through your finish options and warranty eligibility during your consultation.

Why Delano Homeowners Choose Pool Tek

Pool Tek is owned and operated by James Ratliff, who has been building and remodeling pools for over 15 years. We hold a California C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor license, number 1007752, and we are fully insured on every job. We are a locally owned business based in Bakersfield, and we serve Delano and the surrounding Kern County area as a regular part of our work.


James is a member of the National Plasterers Council and an NPT Approved Applicator. These are real, verifiable credentials that reflect a serious commitment to finish quality. We use our own in-house plaster crew, give you honest timelines, and explain every line of your quote before you sign anything.


If you want to see the full scope of what we build, take a look at our Bakersfield pool builders page. The same team, the same standards, and the same process apply to every project we take on in Delano.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take to build a pool in Delano CA?

    Most new pool builds take between 8 and 14 weeks from the day we break ground. The exact timeline depends on the size and features of the pool and how quickly permits move through the local process. We give you a project schedule before we start and keep you updated throughout the build.

  • Do I need a permit to build a pool in Delano?

    Yes. Pool construction in Delano requires a permit through the City of Delano Building Department. We handle all permit paperwork for you, coordinate with local inspectors, and make sure each phase of the build is approved before we move on. You do not need to deal with the permit office directly.

  • Does Pool Tek serve Delano CA?

    Yes. Delano is part of our regular service area. We are based in Bakersfield and serve Delano and surrounding Kern County communities on a consistent basis. Call us at (661) 817-7909 to confirm availability and schedule a consultation.

  • What types of pools do you build in Delano?

    We build custom inground swimming pools including geometric pools, freeform pools, beach entry pools, pools with attached spas, pools with tanning ledges, and saltwater pool systems. Every pool is designed around the homeowner's yard and how they plan to use the space.

  • What makes Pool Tek different from other pool contractors?

    The biggest difference is our in-house plaster crew. Most pool contractors subcontract the plastering step, which means handing your project off to another team at the most critical stage of the build. We keep plastering in-house so we control the quality, the schedule, and the final result. James Ratliff owns and runs this company and is on every job.

  • Does Pool Tek offer pool financing for Delano homeowners?

    Yes. We work with financing partners who offer options for pool construction and remodeling projects. During your consultation we will go over what is available and help you find something that fits your budget. Ask about financing when you call or during your site visit.

Get a Free Pool Consultation in Delano

If you are ready to build a new pool or update an existing one, contact Pool Tek today. We will come out for a site visit, give you a clear quote, and walk you through exactly what your project involves. Call us at (661) 817-7909 or visit www.pooltekcorp.com to get started.