Before you start your search for the right pool builder, know that the first phase unfolds well ahead of excavation. Early planning, permitting and layout decisions keep your project on track.
Here’s what savvy homeowners should get in order prior to any digging.
Get Your Permits & Approvals in Order
Pool construction in Phoenix comes with a few must-have approvals. A good pool builder will typically manage the process, but it’s smart to know what they (and you) are responsible for:
- Residential Pool/Spa Permit: Submit a Residential Pool/Spa Permit Application via the City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department with a plot plan or property survey showing your proposed pool location.
- Safety & Barrier Compliance: All residential pools must meet the city’s barrier and fence requirements. That means either a fenced barrier around the pool or the house wall.
- Utility & Zoning Considerations: Arizona law requires calling Arizona 811 to mark underground utilities before excavation. If your design affects property lines or easements, you may need a licensed land survey.
- Permits for Additional Work: Features like pergolas, cabanas, retaining walls or automated covers often require separate permits beyond the pool itself.
Don’t Forget the HOA’s Pool Construction Requirements
If your home falls under a Homeowners Association (HOA) — which is true for about one-third of Arizona households, according to the Foundation for Community Association Research — expect rules around pool placement, equipment visibility, barriers and style choices. A Phoenix-area pool builder can help you design something that fits your vision while staying up to code.
Map a Backyard Layout That’s Actually Practical
A thoughtful layout makes your pool feel intentional; not crammed into the only open corner. The best pool builders pay close attention to the layout details most homeowners overlook, including:
- How the afternoon sun hits seating areas
- Where monsoon runoff naturally collects
- How close the pool is to the home’s electrical panel
- The path service techs will use for equipment maintenance
- Wind direction patterns, which determine pool cleanliness
Design With Phoenix Weather in Mind
Phoenix is one of the best places to own a pool — but triple-digit heat and intense UV exposure mean your design choices have to work with the climate. UV light accelerates “photodegradation,” breaking down pigments in plaster, pebble and quartz interiors.
Extreme temperatures also stress decking and hardscape through thermal expansion, or the swelling and contracting of materials as they heat and cool. Over time, that movement can lead to cracking or discoloration if the materials aren’t suited for Phoenix conditions.
Make Your Backyard Fantasies a Reality with Phoenix’s Trusted Pool Builders
Ready to turn the planning phase into something real? Work with a custom pool builder in Phoenix that knows how to design for our climate and our soil, but your style.
Poolhub delivers one-stop pool construction in-house — layout, engineering, finishes, hardscape and the details you likely won’t catch until they matter.
