It’s a hot Phoenix afternoon, and your backyard feels, well, ordinary. You picture a sparkling pool, the kids laughing, friends hanging out, maybe even a sunset from your deck, but how do you turn that daydream into a real backyard oasis?

At Tribal Waters, we’ve been doing custom pool builds in Phoenix for close to 20 years, and the best part is helping homeowners with pool designs that turn their space into something that feels completely theirs. From modern pools to creative pool shape options, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your pool should fit your yard, your style, and the way you live.

Start with Your Lifestyle and Goals

Before looking at colors, tiles, or water features, think about how you’ll use your pool. Will it be for family fun, fitness, entertaining friends, or quiet relaxation? Knowing the primary purpose of your pool helps narrow down pool shape options and pool design ideas.

For Families With Kids: Consider shallow tanning shelves, safe steps, or gentle entry zones.
For Fitness or Lap Swimming: A long, rectangular pool works best and supports modern pool designs.
For Entertaining and Luxury: Built-in spas, swim-up bars, or water features can turn your pool into a private resort.

Look at Your Yard

Next, think about your backyard itself. Your yard sets the stage for your pool. Size, layout, sun exposure, and even slopes all matter when figuring out how to choose a pool design:

Small or Narrow Yards: Freeform or kidney-shaped pools often work best. They fit the space naturally and leave room for lounging or a small patio.
Bigger Yards: Rectangular or L-shaped pools give plenty of room for swimming, playing, or adding features like slides or spa areas.
Sun and Shade: In Phoenix, the sun is everywhere. Consider how to balance sun exposure with some shaded areas using pergolas, umbrellas, or strategically planted trees.

The goal is to make your pool feel like it belongs. Custom pool designs let you do that, making every inch of your backyard work for you.

Pool Shape Options

The shape of your pool affects both function and style. Some of the most popular pool shape options include:

Rectangular: Clean, modern, and great for laps. Perfect for homes with a contemporary look.
Freeform: Curvy and organic, freeform pools give your backyard a relaxed, natural feel.
L-shaped: Combines two areas in one pool—one for laps or deep water, one for lounging or kids.
Oval or Circular: Cozy and social, these shapes are great for smaller yards and create a nice gathering spot.
Kidney-Shaped: Smooth, gentle curves that fit into most yards and work well with natural landscaping.

Explore Modern Pool Designs and Features

Trends in modern pool designs are all about combining style, function, and convenience. Here are some pool features to consider:

Smart Technology: Remote-controlled pumps, LED lighting, or automated chemical systems make pool care easy.
Infinity Edges: Perfect for properties with a view, offering a seamless, luxurious effect.
Multipurpose Areas: Tanning ledges, integrated spas, or swim-up bars create spaces for both relaxation and entertainment.
Custom Materials: Stone coping, mosaic tiles, or epoxy finishes can give your pool a one-of-a-kind look.

When choosing pool features, think about what you’ll actually use. Waterfalls and fountains add beauty and sound, while slides or diving boards add fun. For Phoenix, shallow sun shelves are also a must for lounging in the sun safely.

Planning for Long-Term Enjoyment

A beautiful pool is amazing on day one, but thinking ahead can make it just as enjoyable for years to come. When planning custom pool builds, consider how easy it will be to maintain, clean, and operate. Consider:

Equipment Choices: Modern pumps, filters, and automated systems make pool care simpler and save money in the long run.
Durable Finishes: Choose materials and finishes that stand up to the Phoenix sun and frequent use. Tiles, stone, and quality plaster keep your pool looking great for years.
Energy Efficiency: Solar heating, LED lighting, and variable-speed pumps reduce energy costs while keeping your pool comfortable.
Smart Design for Maintenance: A pool layout that allows easy access to equipment, skimmers, and drains makes cleaning faster and less of a chore.

Combine Pool and Outdoor Living

A pool doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Pairing your pool with landscaping or hardscaping makes your backyard feel complete. Tribal Waters offers landscaping and hardscaping design only when paired with custom pool construction, ensuring everything looks cohesive.

Decking and Patios: Extend your living space with seating areas or outdoor kitchens.
Plants and Trees: Drought-tolerant plants add beauty, shade, and privacy.
Lighting and Ambiance: LED lights, fire features, or subtle path lights set the mood for evenings.

Why Choose Tribal Waters

With close to 20 years in business, Tribal Waters Custom Pools & Spas is a trusted partner for Phoenix homeowners looking for custom pool designs. Here’s why:

Local Expertise: We know the Phoenix climate and what materials and features work best.
Full-Service Design and Construction: From 3D renderings to pool construction and final landscaping, we handle every step.
Personalized Approach: We focus on your vision, helping you explore pool design ideas and refine your plan.
Custom Pool Builds and Remodeling: We can design a brand-new pool or update an existing one with new finishes and features.

Next Steps

Finding the best pool design for your backyard starts with dreaming, planning, and getting expert guidance. Tribal Waters can help you choose your shape, style, and features while guiding you through every step of custom pool construction.

If you’re ready to explore custom pool designs in Phoenix, the West Valley, or the East Valley, contact Tribal Waters Pools today for a free consultation. Let’s turn your backyard into the poolside retreat you’ve always wanted.