A Guide to Custom Pool Building in Phoenix, AZ

So, you want a custom pool, not just any pool, but one that makes your backyard feel like an actual escape. It is the kind of pool that turns a hot Arizona afternoon into paradise—the kind where your friends suddenly “just happen to be in the neighborhood” every weekend.

You’re in the right place.

At Tribal Waters Custom Pools and Spas, we’ve been helping people in Phoenix and the surrounding areas turn their backyards into something special for close to 20 years. We know the process inside and out, and we also know it can feel overwhelming. We’ve got you covered. This guide walks you through everything, from design to construction to financing, so you can turn that dream pool into reality.

Step 1: Designing Your Dream Custom Pool

A pool isn’t just a hole filled with water. It’s an experience. Maybe you want a sleek, modern design with infinity edges, or maybe you’re dreaming of a tropical paradise with waterfalls and hidden grottos. Love the idea of a built-in tanning ledge? A swim-up bar? LED lights that make nighttime swims magical? If you can imagine it, we can build it. Here’s what to think about:

Size & Shape – Freeform, geometric, L-shaped—there’s no wrong choice, just what works best for your space and needs.
Depth & Functionality – Want a deep end for diving? Or a shallow Baja shelf for lounging with a cold drink in hand?
Materials Matter – We build gunite (concrete) pools because they’re durable, long-lasting, and fully customizable.
Extras That Wow – Fire features, spas, waterfalls, slides—you name it, we can integrate it.

What Kind of Custom Pool Fits Your Lifestyle?

Not all pools are created equal. A custom swimming pool means you get exactly what fits your space, your budget, and how you plan to use it. Which pool will work best for your lifestyle:

The Lap Pool – You’re all about fitness. Straight lines, long swim lanes, no distractions.
The Resort-Style Escape – A Baja shelf for lounging. Maybe a built-in spa. Vacation vibes every day.
The Party Pool – Swim-up bar? Check. LED lights? Of course. Room for a crowd? Absolutely.
The Natural Lagoon – Freeform shape, stone accents, a waterfall or two—like a private oasis in your backyard.
The Small but Mighty “Spools” – A combo spa and pool, great for relaxation and tight spaces.

The Finishing Touches: Hardscaping & Landscaping

A pool by itself is great, but a pool with the right surroundings? That’s next level. We offer hardscaping design and can add elements such as decking, fire pits, and custom seating to your outdoor space. Our landscaping design adds those finishing touches that make the space feel complete.

Custom Acrylic Spa Design

Take relaxation to the next level with a custom acrylic spa. Integrated seamlessly into your pool design, our spas offer the perfect way to unwind after a long day.

Step 2: What’s Your Budget? (And How to Make It Work)

Let’s talk money. Custom pool builds are an investment, but they don’t have to break the bank.

How Much Does a Custom Pool Cost?

Short answer? It depends.
Longer answer? It depends on size, design, materials, and any extra features.

But before you panic, let’s talk about pool financing.

Step 3: How to Pay for Your Pool Without Stress

A lot of homeowners don’t realize that pool financing is even an option. But just like a car or a house, you don’t have to pay for it all at once. Here are some of your options:

Home Equity Loan – Use the equity in your home for a lower-interest loan.
Pool-Specific Loans – Some lenders offer financing just for pools.
Personal Loan – Quick and flexible but may have a higher interest rate.
HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) – Works like a credit card but backed by your home.

Use a Pool Financing Calculator

Not sure what you can afford? A pool financing calculator lets you play with loan amounts, interest rates, and terms to estimate your monthly payments. It’s a great way to plan without guessing.

Step 4: How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool?

The million-dollar question: “How long until I can jump in?” Let’s be real. You’re already picturing yourself floating in that crystal-clear water. But how long before that happens? Here’s the typical timeline for swimming pool construction in Phoenix, AZ:

Design & Permits (2-4 weeks) – We finalize your pool design and get the paperwork handled.
Excavation & Framing (1-2 weeks) – We dig. It gets messy. But progress is happening.
Plumbing & Electrical (1-2 weeks) – Pipes, filters, lights—it all starts coming together.
Gunite or Shotcrete (1 week) – Your pool shell is formed, and then it cures for a bit.
Tile, Decking & Coping (2-3 weeks) – The pretty stuff gets added.
Plaster & Water Fill (1 week) – The finishing touches go in, and then… water!
Final Start-Up & Inspection (1 week) – We test everything to make sure it’s perfect.

Total time? About 6-12 weeks. It’s not instant, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Step 5: Pool Remodeling & Renovations

Already have a pool, but it’s looking outdated? Or maybe you want to add new features? We specialize in pool remodeling, from resurfacing and retiling to adding LED lighting, waterfalls, spas, and more. A refresh can breathe new life into your backyard without starting from scratch.

Step 6: Keeping Your Pool in Perfect Shape

Owning a pool is all fun and games until you forget to take care of it. But once you know what you need to do, routine maintenance is fairly straightforward. Here’s what you need to stay on top of:

Skimming & Cleaning – Keep leaves and debris out of your water with regular skimming.
Balancing Chemicals – The right pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels keep your pool clean and safe.
Filter Care – A dirty filter can make your pool water cloudy and less efficient.
Seasonal Maintenance – Even in Phoenix, colder months may require adjustments to your pool care routine.

If DIY maintenance sounds like a hassle, professional services can help keep your custom swimming pool in perfect shape year-round.

Why Choose Tribal Waters Custom Pools and Spas?

There are plenty of pool builders in Phoenix, so why work with us?

Close to 20 Years of Experience – We’ve seen it all and built it all.
Completely Custom Designs – No cookie-cutter pools here.
Top-Quality Materials – No fiberglass. No vinyl. Just durable, high-quality builds.
Integrated Hardscaping – We offer landscaping and hardscaping, but only as part of a full pool project.
Full-Service Process – We handle everything, from permits to final inspections.

Let’s Build Something Amazing

Your backyard should be more than just a patch of grass—it should be a place where you can unwind, entertain, and make memories. Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new custom swimming pool or want to refresh the one you already have, we’re ready to bring your vision to life. Reach out to Tribal Waters Custom Pools and Spas today, and let’s start designing a pool that fits your lifestyle, your space, and your budget. Your backyard paradise is closer than you think. Let’s make it happen.