Custom Pool & Outdoor Living
WHAT TO EXPECT
Building a custom pool is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. Here’s a clear, honest look at what the process involves from start to finish — so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
AT A GLANCE
8–14
Weeks Average Build
10+
Construction Phases
2–5
City Inspections
1
Dedicated Project Mgr
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
Every pool is unique, but here’s the typical sequence of construction phases for a custom pool build in Arizona.
Pre-Construction · 2–4 Weeks
Design, Engineering & Permitting
Your 3D design is finalized, structural engineering plans are completed, and we submit for city permits. This phase runs before any ground is broken and typically takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on your municipality.
3D DesignEngineering PlansCity Permit Application
Week 1
Layout & Excavation
The pool shape is staked out on your property and heavy equipment arrives for excavation. Your backyard will be a construction zone — we dig the hole for the pool and spa, haul away the dirt, and grade the site to the engineered specifications.
StakingExcavationDirt Haul-OffGrading
Week 2
Plumbing, Equipment & Reinforcing Steel (Rebar)
All underground plumbing lines are installed — main drains, return lines, skimmer connections, and spa plumbing. Pool equipment is set and connected. The steel rebar cage is constructed inside the excavation, providing the pool shell its structural integrity. Gas lines are run if you’re adding a heater.
PlumbingEquipmentRebar InstallationGas LinesInspection
Week 3
Electrical Rough-In
Electrical conduit is run for lighting, equipment, and automation controls. Wiring is pulled for LED pool and spa lights, the equipment pad, and any automation system. This is also when panel upgrades are completed if required for the pool equipment load.
Electrical ConduitWiringPanel UpgradeCity Inspection
Week 4
Shotcrete
The pool shell is formed by spraying shotcrete (a high-strength concrete mix) over the rebar framework at high pressure. This creates the permanent structural shell of the pool and spa. The shell then cures for approximately 7 days and must be kept wet during the curing process.
Shotcrete Application7-Day CureWatering Schedule
Weeks 5–6
Tile, Coping & Raised Walls
Waterline tile is installed around the pool and spa perimeter. Coping material (travertine, marble, or pavers) is set along the pool edge. Any raised walls are built, finished with stone veneer, and topped with coping. Water features (sheer descents, scuppers, spillways) are installed during this phase.
Waterline TileCopingRaised WallsWater Features
Weeks 6–7
Decking, Hardscape & Electrical Connections
Your pool deck is installed — whether it’s cooldeck, travertine pavers, marble, or limestone. Drainage is addressed, expansion joints are placed, and any additional hardscape features (fire pit pads, outdoor kitchen foundations, walkways) are completed. Final electrical connections are made to pool equipment, lighting, and automation systems.
Deck Pour / Paver InstallDrainageHardscapeElectrical Connections
Week 8
Fencing & Safety Barriers
Arizona law requires a barrier around all residential pools. Your pool fence (minimum 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates) is installed. Door alarms are added to any house doors that open to the pool area.
Pool FenceGate HardwareDoor AlarmsCode ComplianceCity Inspection
Week 9
Interior Finish (Plaster / Pebble)
The interior finish is applied — plaster, NPT Mini Pebble, or PebbleTec PebbleSheen. This is one of the final steps. After application, the pool is immediately filled with water. The fill process takes 12 to 24 hours depending on pool size.
Interior ApplicationPool Fill12–24hr Fill Time
Week 10
Startup, Chemistry & Final Inspection
Once filled, the pool goes through a startup process — chemical balancing, filter cycling, and equipment calibration. The city performs a final inspection. We walk you through equipment operation, automation controls, and a maintenance schedule. Your pool is ready to swim.
Chemical BalanceEquipment WalkthroughFinal InspectionSwim Ready
BEFORE YOU START
A few things every homeowner should know before breaking ground on a pool project in Arizona.
Your Backyard Will Be a Construction ZoneExpect heavy equipment, dirt piles, noise, and temporary disruption. We keep the site as clean as possible, but pool construction is a major project. Plan accordingly for kids, pets, and outdoor access.
Permits Take TimeCity permitting can take 1 to 4 weeks depending on your municipality. We handle the entire process for you, but this is the phase most subject to delays outside our control.
Weather Can Affect the ScheduleArizona monsoon season (June–September) can pause work for a few days at a time. Extreme heat can also affect concrete curing. We build buffer time into every project schedule.
Shotcrete Needs WateringAfter shotcrete application, the shell must be kept wet for 7 days to cure properly. You’ll need to run a hose or sprinkler on it multiple times per day. We’ll give you a specific watering schedule.
Payment Is PhasedPool construction payments are made in stages tied to construction milestones — not all upfront. You’ll know the exact payment schedule before signing the contract. This protects both you and us.
Communication Is ConstantYou’ll receive regular updates throughout construction — photos, progress reports, and advance notice before each new phase begins. Your project manager is always a phone call or text away.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Most of your backyard will be an active construction zone during the build. For safety, the excavation area and surrounding work zones need to be kept clear. You’ll still have access to your home and non-construction areas, but outdoor entertaining and backyard use will be limited until the project is substantially complete.
Some disruption to existing landscaping is unavoidable, especially near the pool area and equipment access paths. Heavy equipment needs a minimum 8-foot-wide access path to your backyard. We take care to minimize damage and will discuss access routes during the site survey. Any landscape restoration needs can be addressed during the decking and hardscape phase.
Filling a typical pool (12,000 to 20,000 gallons) adds roughly $40 to $80 to your water bill as a one-time cost. The shotcrete watering period (7 days) adds a smaller amount. After that, you’ll only need to top off the pool occasionally to replace evaporation — typically 1 to 2 inches per week in Arizona’s dry climate.
Failed inspections are uncommon with experienced builders, but if one occurs, we address the issue immediately and reschedule. The most common inspection points are rebar (structural steel), plumbing pressure tests, electrical connections, and the final barrier inspection. We build to code from the start and pre-inspect each phase before calling the city.
After the pool is filled and chemical startup is complete, you’ll typically be able to swim within 3 to 5 days. The water needs time to balance chemically and the filter system needs to cycle. For pebble finishes specifically, we recommend brushing the interior surface twice daily for the first two weeks to remove any loose aggregate and ensure a smooth finish.
Yes. Final cleanup is included in every project. We remove all construction debris, leftover materials, and equipment. The pool deck is cleaned, the equipment area is organized, and your backyard is left ready to enjoy. We do a final walkthrough with you to make sure everything meets your expectations before we consider the project complete.
From the first phone call to your first swim, Arizona Pool Builders makes the process clear, professional, and stress-free. Licensed, insured, and bonded — ROC 344023.
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