Before You Build a Custom Pool in Phoenix…

Building a custom pool in Phoenix is one of the most exciting—and valuable—investments you can make in your property and personal life…

But before you break ground, there are a few essential aspects of custom pool construction to consider. This process involves much more than choosing the right tile color or pool shape. You’re planning a backyard oasis that will enhance your lifestyle, increase your home’s value, and serve as a retreat for years to come.

In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before starting your custom pool project—from understanding design options and technology upgrades to asking the right questions when hiring a pool builder. Whether you want a tranquil luxury escape or a high-end entertainment space, making the right decisions early ensures your pool is a dream come true.

Custom Pool Build Cost Budgeting & Financing

Before construction begins, it’s essential to understand the real costs of building a custom pool in Phoenix. The average custom inground pool installation cost in Phoenix typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000. More elaborate projects with spas, water features, or automation may climb to $75,000–$95,000 or more.

Your total investment depends on pool type, size, depth, materials, decking, lighting, smart controls, and features like tanning ledges or waterfalls. A concrete pool with upgraded finishes and landscaping may land in the $80,000+ range.

In addition to construction, consider monthly and annual expenses:

Electricity and water: $50–$130/month
Maintenance and service: $100–$200/month
Annual upkeep: $1,000–$3,000

Smart equipment and energy-efficient systems can help reduce long-term operating costs. Learn more in our Phoenix pool upkeep guide.

To make pool ownership accessible, many homeowners turn to swimming pool financing options and pool loans. Options include:

Home equity loans or HELOCs
Pool-specific financing (e.g., Lyon Financial)
Builder-assisted loan programs

Depending on your pool loan structure and credit, many homeowners can secure affordable monthly payments through trusted pool financing partners like Lyon Financial and HFS Financial. Always request a line-item estimate and discuss phased build options if needed to meet your budget.

With Your Custom Pool Design Goals

When envisioning your own dream custom pool design, start by listing your top must-haves. Are you picturing clean, modern lines or a tropical lagoon-style retreat? Do you want to swim laps or relax with a spa feature? Establishing your pool’s purpose—from recreation to relaxation—will help shape key design decisions.

Considerations include:

Pool shape and size: Tailor this to your lot’s dimensions, architectural style, and usage goals.
Deck layout and landscaping: How your pool integrates with surrounding outdoor living spaces matters.
Shallow vs. deep ends: Will children use the pool, or is it strictly for adult use or diving?

A skilled pool designer can take your ideas and merge them with your property’s unique layout. Look at photo galleries from local builders and collect inspiration from Pinterest or Houzz outdoor design.

Saltwater vs. Chlorine Systems: What’s Right for You?

Water treatment is one of the most important custom pool decisions. Homeowners often choose between traditional chlorinated systems or modern saltwater pools. Each offers pros and cons depending on your budget, maintenance preferences, and skin sensitivity.

Saltwater Pools:

Use salt chlorinators to naturally convert salt into chlorine
Offer softer water with lower chlorine concentrations
Require less manual chemical balancing

Chlorine Pools:

Easier and more cost-effective to install upfront
Require periodic chemical adjustments
May feel harsher on skin or eyes if not properly maintained

Speak with your pool contractor about the long-term pool upkeep costs and maintenance implications for both. Learn more about water sanitation options from this CDC pool health resource.

Custom Water Features & Lighting That Elevate Your Pool

Want your pool to feel like a five-star resort? Then don’t overlook the importance of pool lighting and custom water features. These additions go beyond aesthetics—they enhance mood, function, and fun.

Popular enhancements include:

LED color-changing lights for ambiance and safety
Sheer descent waterfalls or rock-inspired cascades
Rain curtains and fountains for peaceful soundscapes
Fire features or swim-up bars for upscale entertaining
Built-in slides or beach entries for family-friendly fun

These features can be incorporated during the design phase or retrofitted later, but it’s often more cost-efficient to plan them from the start.

Embrace Smart Pool Control Technology

Modern pool ownership means smart pool automation—and it’s a game-changer. Today’s smart pool systems give you complete control over pumps, lights, temperature, and cleaning via smartphone apps or voice commands.

Benefits of smart pool control systems:

Remote monitoring from anywhere via phone or tablet
Automated scheduling for energy efficiency
Real-time maintenance alerts
Voice compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, etc.

Make sure your builder is experienced with integrating smart pool technology during construction so your equipment cabinet and wiring are future-proof. Brands like Pentair and Jandy offer leading-edge automation systems.

Integrate a Spa for Added Relaxation

If unwinding in bubbling water after a long day sounds appealing, a custom spa addition is well worth the upgrade. These spa features can be seamlessly built into the pool design or stand alone.

Spa design features to consider:

Hydrotherapy jets and customizable seating
Heater integration for year-round use
Overflow edges that blend into the main pool
Natural stone accents and premium tilework

Spas not only enhance relaxation but also provide resale appeal and expand your pool’s usability well into Arizona’s cooler months.

Essential Questions to Ask Your Phoenix Pool Builder Before You Sign

Not all pool builders offer the same expertise, materials, or customer experience. Before selecting your contractor, ask these critical questions:

What materials do you use?
Pool surface materials, such as tile, pebble, stone, and concrete finishes, result in greater durability and aesthetics. Avoid builders who cut corners on materials.
Can the pool be fully custom?
Some companies push clients toward cookie-cutter shapes. Make sure your builder allows full design flexibility.
What is the expected timeline?
Ask for a breakdown of phases: design, permitting, excavation, plumbing, plastering, and startup.
Do you offer custom pool warranties?
Get clarity on workmanship, equipment, and finish warranties—this shows the builder’s confidence in their craftsmanship.
Is financing available?
A quality pool builder often partners with lenders or provides guidance for breaking up your investment into monthly payments.
Can you give a reliable quote?
A trustworthy pool contractor will provide a detailed and transparent estimate upfront—and honor it.
Do I need permits or HOA approvals?
In most areas, including Phoenix, pool construction permits and HOA clearances are mandatory. A good pool builder will help handle this process for you.

Trusted & Local Custom Pool Builders in Phoenix, AZ

Your dream oasis deserves the best custom pool builder in Phoenix, who listens, collaborates, and delivers excellence.

At Sun State Pools, we specialize in transforming Phoenix-area backyards into resort-style escapes with custom-built pools, spas, and water features. As a family-owned and operated company with generations of experience, we treat your project as if it were our own.

We use premium materials, advanced smart technology, and fully personalized custom pool designs to bring your vision to life—no pre-designed templates or limitations. From permitting to final walkthrough, we guide you through each step with clarity and professionalism.

Call us today at 602-584-7867 to schedule your FREE custom pool consultation and experience the Sun State Pools difference.