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The Pool Building Process in Phoenix, AZ: From Concept to Completion

  • Writer: Wilzave Quiles Guzmán
    Wilzave Quiles Guzmán
  • Jun 20
  • 4 min read

In Phoenix and throughout the Valley, a custom pool isn’t just a home upgrade — it’s a lifestyle transformation. With triple-digit summers and outdoor living at the heart of Arizona culture, a well-designed pool becomes the centerpiece of your home.


At Botanist of the Valley, we specialize in creating luxury outdoor environments that begin with bold vision and end in flawless execution. Whether you’re in Scottsdale, Chandler, or Queen Creek, here’s what to expect when building your dream pool in the desert.

Luxury backyard with pool, water feature, paver flooring, outdoor kitchen, and pergola-covered lounge area with sofas.
A luxurious backyard in Arizona featuring a custom pool with a built-in water feature, surrounded by elegant pavers and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. The focal point is a shaded lounge area with comfortable sofas placed beneath a modern pergola — designed for relaxation, entertaining, and seamless indoor-outdoor living..

Why the Process Matters


Building a pool in Phoenix requires more than just digging a hole and pouring concrete. Desert soil, intense sun, HOA requirements, and city permitting all play a role in shaping the timeline, design, and construction approach. Our team has deep experience managing every step — and our in-house crews, designers, and project managers ensure seamless execution with luxury-level quality.


Phase 1: Consultation & Design Discovery


Your pool journey begins with a design consultation where we dive deep into your goals, space, and vision. During this phase, we’ll:


  • Assess your lot size, slope, and sun exposure

  • Discuss design preferences (e.g., modern, Mediterranean, natural)

  • Explore pool features like baja shelves, glass tile, fire bowls, and smart automation

  • Review your long-term goals: Is this pool for family, entertaining, or resale value?


Once aligned, our team creates a custom 3D landscape rendering, so you can visually explore your future pool — from every angle — before a shovel hits the dirt.

Phase 2: Engineering, Permits & HOA Approvals


Before we can build, we handle all technical groundwork, including:

  • Structural engineering plans

  • Electrical and gas layouts

  • City permit applications

  • HOA submissions and revisions


Each city in the Phoenix metro area has different requirements. Our in-house permitting team is experienced in navigating approvals in:


  • Phoenix and Scottsdale (strict plan reviews)

  • Queen Creek (fast-growing and permit-heavy)

  • Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and more


This phase can take 4–8 weeks, depending on your municipality and HOA. We stay in communication throughout to ensure no delays on your end.

Phase 3: Excavation & Forming


Once permits are secured, we begin excavation using our own fleet of machinery. This includes:


  • Digging the exact pool shape and depth per plan

  • Removing soil and compacting sub-grade

  • Installing wood forms to define pool edges


Our crew double-checks measurements against your approved 3D design so everything matches what you envisioned.

Phase 4: Plumbing, Rebar & Electrical


This is the hidden backbone of your pool. At this stage, we install:


  • Main drain lines, returns, and in-floor cleaning systems (if applicable)

  • Gas lines for fire bowls or heaters (all up to city code)

  • Steel rebar grid for structure and durability

  • Electrical lines for pool lighting and automation panels


Every element is inspected before the next step to ensure safety and longevity.

⚙️ We install premium brands like Pentair, Hayward, and FX Luminaire.

Phase 5: Shotcrete Application


Shotcrete — a high-pressure concrete application — forms the structural shell of your pool. It’s applied over the rebar frame and sculpted for precision. After application:


  • The shell must cure for 28 days

  • We lightly spray water daily to help it set properly


This phase is critical — a properly cured shell means a lifetime of durability.

Phase 6: Hardscape, Tile & Coping Installation


Once the shell is cured, we begin customizing your pool with finishes like:


  • Glass or porcelain tile around the waterline

  • Travertine or paver coping for the pool border

  • Decking (pavers, concrete, porcelain, turf inlays)


This is when your backyard really starts to transform. We match finishes to your home’s architecture and surrounding landscape.

Phase 7: Interior Finish & Fill


The final pool surface is applied — your choice of:


  • Plaster (cost-effective but less durable)

  • Pebble (more texture and longevity)

  • PebbleTec (luxury, premium finish)

  • Glass tile (high-end look, ultimate durability)


Once cured, we begin the pool fill and startup process. We test pH, balance chemicals, and ensure all systems run smoothly.

⚠️ Your pool startup matters. We work with trusted partners like Accent Pool/Spa to ensure proper startup procedures are followed.

Phase 8: Final Walkthrough & Orientation


Our final step is your first swim — and we make it unforgettable. We’ll:


  • Walk you through how your equipment works

  • Explain maintenance or hand you off to a recommended pool service

  • Showcase lighting systems, app control, and automation


You’ll also receive your warranty documents and a care guide.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool in Phoenix?


Timelines vary, but here’s a general range:


  • Permitting: 4–8 weeks

  • Construction: 8–12 weeks

  • Total: 3–5 months


We work efficiently while keeping quality at the forefront — and communicate every step of the way.

Why Build Your Pool with Botanist of the Valley?


At Botanist of the Valley, we don’t just build pools — we create environments that feel like an extension of your home and the Arizona landscape.


Our design philosophy blends luxury with authenticity. Every pool we build is tailored to the rhythms of desert living — reflecting the curves of your lot, the palette of the surrounding terrain, and the way your family truly lives outside. From freeform pools that feel carved from nature to infinity edges that blur into the horizon, our work is about harmony, not just aesthetics.


What sets us apart is our holistic approach:


  • In-house design and construction teams who understand Arizona's soil, sunlight, and seasons

  • Thoughtful material choices that stay cool, age beautifully, and blend with native plantings

  • A transparent process — from consultation and 3D design to final walkthrough


We’re not chasing trends. We’re crafting timeless outdoor experiences that elevate your lifestyle and respect your environment.


Our clients choose us because we stay with them — from initial design through remodels, resurfacing, and long-term care. And their satisfaction speaks louder than anything we could write. Just browse our project gallery or check out our work on Instagram to see how your dream pool can come to life.


Schedule Your Pool Consultation in Phoenix Today

Ready to bring your dream pool to life?


📞 Call us at 480-789-9056

📸 See more of our work on Instagram


 
 
 

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