Building a small in-ground pool (20 to 24 feet) in Arizona typically costs between $40,000 and $65,000 on average, including basic decking and filtration. Above-ground or stock tank alternatives are significantly cheaper, ranging from $150 to $400 for a DIY setup.
Small Pool (20'–24' range): ~$52,000 average. Medium Pool (28'–32' range, most common residential build): ~$74,000 average. Large Pool (35'+ or engineered/custom depth builds): ~$109,000 average.
A well-built and properly maintained pool can increase a home's value by about 5% to 8% on average in Arizona, depending on location and property type. For a $600,000 home, that can translate to roughly $30,000 to $48,000 in added value. However, the condition of the pool matters just as much as its presence.
Yes — you absolutely need permits to build a backyard pool in Arizona. While the permitting process adds extra steps to your project, it ensures your pool is safe, legally compliant, and built to last in the harsh desert climate.
Yes. The S-Series Inground line starts at $26,530 for the 8'×8' and includes fully inground installation capability. The 8'×20' Container Pool at $29,970 can also be installed partially or fully inground. The S-Series Canvas models are designed primarily for above-ground or partial inground installations.
A cowboy pool (also known as a stock tank pool) is a large, galvanized steel livestock tank that has been repurposed into an above-ground swimming pool or soaking tub. They serve as a popular, budget-friendly alternative to traditional in-ground pools.
Pool Barrier Laws
Under Arizona law, a swimming pool (or other contained body of water intended for swimming that is 18 inches or more in depth at any point and wider than eight feet at any point) must be entirely enclosed by at least a five-foot wall, fence or other barrier.
Yes, homeowners insurance is generally increased on homes with pools compared to similar houses without pools. Homeowners insurance with a pool is more expensive for two main reasons: Pools increase the replacement cost of your home. Pools increase the liability risk of your home.
In-ground pools generally last 20 to 50+ years, but their exact lifespan is heavily dependent on the pool material and regular upkeep. While the structural shell usually outlasts the house, specific components—like liners and finishes—require periodic replacement.
IMO, I would say the most common reasons people decide to leave (from the Phoenix and surrounding area) is due to increase in cost of living, the summer heat, pollution, and rising crime.
In warmer climates where outdoor living is a big part of everyday life — think Florida, Arizona, Texas, or Southern California — a pool can be a major advantage. Many buyers in these regions see a pool as a must-have feature for family fun, entertaining, and staying cool in the summer heat.
Choose a Basic Pool Shape
Opting for a rectangular or square pool will help keep costs lower compared to more complex shapes. As you now know, rectangular and square designs are often the cheapest pool shapes. They require fewer materials and less labor, and they offer efficient use of space.
For concrete or gunite pools, the shell is often the single most expensive component. Furthermore, it requires extensive engineering and highly specialized labor.
Building a pool in Arizona typically takes 3 to 5 months total. This includes 2 to 4 weeks for permitting and 8 to 12 weeks for the actual physical construction of the pool. Complex luxury builds with extensive landscaping can push the timeline past 16 weeks.
Filling a pool usually takes anywhere from 12 to 48 hours, depending on your pool's size and your hose's flow rate. Divide your pool's gallon volume by your hose's gallons per minute and you'll know your fill time in minutes.
Adding vinegar (acetic acid) to a pool temporarily lowers the water's pH and helps dissolve calcium buildup. However, it is a weak acid. Because you need massive quantities to adjust pool chemistry, it introduces organic sugars that can feed bacteria and algae.
Pool shock is a chemical treatment that helps break down contaminants – such as leaves, dirt and debris, even oils from your skin -- that can gradually build up in your pool water. Shocking your pool as part of your weekly pool maintenance routine will help keep your water clear and balanced.
Pools shall be enclosed by a permanent non-climbable fence that is at least five feet in height. All gates must be self-closing and self-latching and must open outward and away from the pool. All latches must be four and one-half feet above the ground or be inaccessible from the outside by small children.
Yes, an empty pool can "pop" (or float) out of the ground due to hydrostatic pressure from groundwater pushing up on the pool shell, which normally holds back this pressure. This usually occurs when the groundwater level is higher than the pool water.
General Guideline: 8–12 Hours Per Day in Summer
For Arizona summers, most pool professionals recommend running your pump between 8 to 12 hours per day. The goal is to turn over (or circulate) the entire volume of your pool water at least once a day, sometimes twice during extreme heat or heavy use.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) acts as a natural buffer that raises both your pool's total alkalinity and its pH. It prevents severe pH fluctuations (known as "pH bounce"), clears cloudy water, prevents equipment corrosion, and helps your chlorine sanitize more effectively.
Block and PVC liner pool
This is one of the cheapest ways of creating a permanent pool but it's not without its drawbacks. Concrete is unforgiving of any ground movement so the base can crack. Liners also require replacing every five years or so, and can be fairly prone to punctures which can be difficult to find.
The healthiest swimming pools minimize harsh chemicals to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs. The healthiest options are Natural Swimming Pools (which use plant-based biological filtration), AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process) systems, and Ozone/UV systems. These alternatives provide crystal-clear water with little to no toxic chloramine byproducts.