There’s a good reason why Phoenix is called The Valley of the Sun. With warm temperatures year-round and scorching hot summers, a pool is the perfect complement that transforms a backyard into a breathtaking oasis and a retreat from the heat. While Phoenix is home to vibrant nightlife, gorgeous desert landscapes and numerous spas and golf resorts, there’s nothing quite like having a personalized poolside getaway without leaving the comforts of home.
Based on real estate market statistics, over 58% of homes in the Phoenix metropolitan area include a pool. A well-maintained pool can increase the value of a home between 5% and 8%, offering a sizable return on your investment when the average sale price of a home in Phoenix hovers around $400,000.
Even without looking to future value, adding a pool to your home right now can offer decades of enjoyment. From lively weekend get-togethers to quiet afternoons spent poolside – feet dangling in cool water while enjoying a good book – a custom inground pool complements your lifestyle. It can also be a great place to fit in morning laps as part of an exercise routine. The possibilities are endless!
At Latham, form meets function with durable, expertly-crafted pools backed by over 70 years of expertise. Our network of independent builders spans North America – including Phoenix, Arizona.
But what pool is right for you? Shimmering fiberglass, highly-customizable vinyl liner pools, or compact plunge pools? We’ll help you explore the different types of inground pools, walking you through various materials and design features that bring your vision to life.
Inground Pool Options
Inground swimming pools are extremely versatile. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials designed to suit every backyard lifestyle. Three of the most popular varieties are:
- Fiberglass pools: Designed to be both beautiful and durable, fiberglass pools boast a smooth, scratch-resistant gel coat finish, available in a range of shapes, colors and dazzling finishes. From spacious Baja ledges (sometimes called “tanning ledges”) to swim-up seating, fiberglass models incorporate resort-worthy features that enhance enjoyment.
- Vinyl liner pools: With virtually unlimited customization options and design flexibility, vinyl liner pools are a popular choice for their winning combination of longevity and bespoke beauty.
- Plunge pools: The perfect fit for smaller backyards or when you want a fun-sized pool that delivers full-sized fun, plunge pools offer a more compact footprint that doesn’t sacrifice style for size.
Many Latham pool models are autocover-ready, making it easy to add an automatic safety cover that creates a protective barrier for loved ones and pets when your pool isn’t in use. As an added bonus, autocovers can help prevent water evaporation due to extreme Phoenix heat, saving precious natural resources and reducing time spent rebalancing water chemistry.
All Latham pools and automatic safety covers are backed by industry-leading warranties for added peace of mind.
Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools combine striking good looks, fast installation, exceptional durability and ease of maintenance, making them a standout choice for Phoenix residents who want to transform their backyard into a destination. Their algae-resistant coating makes regular cleaning and maintenance almost effortless, while its smooth finish makes a fiberglass pool comfortable underfoot when wading in with zero worries about snagging your swimsuit.
Strong and stylish, fiberglass pools offer a range of shapes to choose from. Whether you opt for clean modern lines or winding freeform curves, Latham fiberglass pools are made to last and enjoy. Models include a variety of custom features designed to complement your lifestyle, including swim-up seating for poolside conversation to cascading waterfalls that delight the senses and create the feel of an oasis in the desert.
Some of our most popular fiberglass models in Phoenix include:
- Astoria, available in three different sizes, this sleek rectangular fiberglass pool incorporates a spillover spa and shallow wading area perfect for little ones to splash and play.
- Coral 16, a stunning 16’ x 30’ freeform pool, features multiple entry and exit points with slip-resistant steps alongside a generous Baja ledge. It’s equally suited to entertaining guests and quiet mornings spent poolside before hitting the links.
- Olympia, a classic rectangular shape available in three sizes, it’s the ultimate in resort-style relaxation with a built-in Baja ledge and multiple entry points for easy access. It’s also autocover ready, providing an added layer of safety and ease of maintenance.
More than just a pretty face, Latham fiberglass pools are made with our proprietary Crystite Gel Coat that provides an ultra-smooth surface alongside outstanding resistance to scratches, stains, algae, and UV damage.
And because fiberglass pools are hand-drafted and then transported as a single piece to your backyard, it allows for faster installation so you can begin enjoying your pool sooner.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Homeowners in the Phoenix metro area can also look to vinyl liner pools as another option to transform their backyard. From both a practical and aesthetic standpoint, vinyl liner pools deliver considerable benefits.
Available in an assortment of sizes, shapes and styles, vinyl liner pools are a beautifully blank canvas for customization. Homeowners can add or remove features through the years to accommodate lifestyle changes. For instance, a pool originally designed to delight kids with slides and LED lights can be remodeled to more sophisticated adult tastes with a spillover spa and soothing bubble jets.
Vinyl liner pools are also popular for their low-maintenance longevity. They require significantly less regular and long-term maintenance compared to concrete and gunite pools. And unlike concrete pools that can take months to install, vinyl liner pools offer a faster path to installation and a means to cool off on hot Phoenix summer days.
Latham offers an extensive array of vinyl liners pools, ranging from full-size models to more compact plunge pools. Some of our models that are most popular with Phoenix residents include:
Beyond the ability to fully customize your pool, your pool’s liner lets you further personalize it, creating a striking centerpiece for your backyard that’s uniquely yours. Latham liners are constructed from ultra-durable vinyl, designed to endure even the most intense Phoenix temperatures and sunshine. Choose from a range of dazzling colors and patterns inspired by nature.
Backed by industry-best warranties, you can count on your Latham liner to last. A well-cared for liner can last for 10 years or more. However, pool owners who want to change the look of their pool can swap it out for a new color or style. This offers a faster, cost-efficient way to refresh your pool’s aesthetics without a full-scale remodel.
Plunge Pools
Plunge pools offer a smaller, space-saving option that delivers all the enjoyment of a full-size pool while scaling back on cost and upkeep. They’re an ideal fit for narrow backyards or for homeowners who want their backyard to be a multi-purpose space. Plunge pools are an ideal complement that adds to your backyard without dominating it, adding even more fun alongside other backyard amenities like a grilling station, landscaping, and more.
Latham offers both vinyl liner and fiberglass plunge pools, including:
- Our fiberglass Enchantment collection features easy-access steps and a generous tanning ledge that doubles as a shallow play area for kids or an idyllic spot for adults to lounge.
- Our Milan series is small in size and big on fun. Choose from a range of sizes, the smallest of which is 10’ x 16’.
- The Calypso series (Calypso I, II, III, and IV), our collection of versatile, autocover-ready vinyl liner plunge pools.
Our plunge pools offer the same range of built-in options or custom features on par with any full-size pool, including swim-up seating, Baja ledges and remote-operated LED lights.
Explore Latham’s vinyl plunge pools and fiberglass plunge pools to bring a more beautiful backyard experience to your Phoenix home.
Pool Financing Options
A new pool in Phoenix is in closer reach than many homeowners might expect. Financing your pool allows you to move forward sooner while spreading costs over time in a way that fits your budget.
Latham works with established lending partners to simplify the process. Many homeowners choose from options like home equity loans, HELOCs, or unsecured personal loans, depending on their financial profile and long-term plans.
In the Phoenix market, the total cost of an inground pool is shaped by size, materials, and features like spas, Baja shelves, or integrated lighting. For a more precise estimate, Latham’s pool cost calculator can help you map out your project before you begin. Please note that estimates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a loan offer.
Whether you’re planning a simple, modern design or a fully customized backyard retreat, financing can make it easier to get started without delay.
Start Your Pool Project in Phoenix
In a city packed with arts, culture, and desert landscapes– not to mention summer temperatures that soar past 100℉ – owning a pool in Phoenix provides a slice of luxury and a practical addition to your lifestyle without having to leave home. Thanks to a mix of superior engineering and an eye for bespoke details, Latham pools are built for long Arizona summers, outdoor living, and year-round enjoyment.
Latham connects you with experienced, independent pool professionals throughout Maricopa County and the San Tan Valley. You can rely on their deep understanding of local conditions that can impact your build, from soil to sun exposure. Every Latham pool is backed by warranties that offer peace of mind and built with materials designed to perform in extreme heat.
With more than 70 years of experience, we bring proven craftsmanship to homeowners throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Gilbert, Queen Creek, North Scottsdale, Chandler, Goodyear, Surprise, Anthem, Mesa, and surrounding communities.
If you’re ready to move forward, we’re here to help you explore designs, estimate costs, and connect with a licensed independent pool builder today.
FAQs
What is the average cost to install a pool in Phoenix?
The average cost to install a pool in Phoenix depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your pool, the materials you choose, custom features, and any backyard constraints. For instance, your builder may require specialized excavation equipment to break through caliche, a hardened calcium carbonate layer common in Arizona soil. common in Arizona soil.
Custom features like Baja ledges, a spillover spa, or remote-operated LED pool lighting can also add to the total cost of building your pool. On average, costs can start as low as $50,000 and run upwards of $150,000 for larger pools with more ornate design features.
Are there any specific regulations for pool installations in Phoenix?
Phoenix has several specific regulations for residential pool construction and installation. As outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes 36-1681, residential swimming pools must be entirely enclosed by a wall, fence, or barrier of at least five feet, measured on the exterior side. These laws apply to swimming pools or any contained body of water with more than 18 inches depth and that is wider than eight feet at any point.
Additionally, the city of Phoenix requires two separate sets of inspections before a pool can be filled. While these inspections are called “pre-plaster” and “pre-gunite,” they may still apply to pools that do not include concrete in their construction, such as fiberglass and vinyl liner pools. Phoenix Building Construction Code requires that in addition to Arizona state-mandated fencing of at least five feet high, pool fencing must separate the pool from neighboring properties and there must be a physical barrier between a house and a swimming pool located on the same property. One approved option is the addition of a motorized safety cover that meets compliance with ASTM F 1346.
Maricopa County also has strict barrier requirements. All pools must be set back at least three feet from surrounding property lines and pool barriers must conform to specific measurements. Requirements dictate that barriers must contain “no openings in the wall, fence or barrier through which a spherical object four inches in diameter can pass” and must be located at least 20 inches from the water’s edge.
Working with an experienced pool builder can help you more easily navigate the layered city, county, and state regulations that impact Arizona pool designs and construction. Latham’s network of independent pool builders in Phoenix have a deep working knowledge of these requirements and can ensure your pool meets all state and local building codes.
What are the typical challenges homeowners face when installing a pool in Phoenix?
Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert — a region of the U.S. where extreme heat, intense UV exposure, and seasonal monsoons create year-round challenges for pool owners. Summer temperatures regularly spike above 110°F, and the city averages over 300 days of sunshine annually. Without quality materials or proper maintenance, intense heat and UV exposure can fade pool finishes, accelerate chlorine breakdown, and contribute to rapid water evaporation.
Another challenge is that many residential properties in Phoenix sit on either hard caliche layers or expansive clay soils. Clay soil can shift seasonally, requiring pool wall reinforcement during construction, while yards with caliche may need specialized excavation equipment to properly situate your pool.
Latham pools give Phoenix residents more intentional finishes and choices that make their pool more enjoyable, from fade-free fiberglass pools in an array of eye-catching colors and finishes to automatic pool covers that help reduce evaporation and maintain more consistent water temperatures.
How does a pool typically affect property values in Phoenix?
For Phoenix residents, a swimming pool can greatly increase your property’s value and attract potential buyers, delivering a substantial return on your investment. A well-built and properly maintained pool can boost home value by an average of 5% to 8%.
In Phoenix specifically, it’s almost expected to have a pool as a way to relax and cool off from record-high temperatures. Phoenix ranks as the top city with the most swimming pools, with roughly 32% of homes having a pool. Keep in mind that ROI varies based on pool size, construction materials, neighborhood, and overall pool condition at the time of sale.
What financing options are commonly used by Phoenix homeowners for pool installations?
Homeowners in Phoenix typically use a mix of financing options depending on their goals and available home equity.
Home equity loans and HELOCs are common, especially for larger projects, since they often offer lower interest rates. Personal loans are another option for those who prefer a faster approval process or don’t want to use their home as collateral. Established lenders like LightStream Financial offer straightforward terms for unsecured financing scenarios.
Some pool builders also work directly with lending partners to help streamline financing. Latham partners with providers like Lyon Financial, which specializes in pool financing and can help coordinate funding alongside your project timeline.
The right option depends on your credit profile, timeline, and how you prefer to manage monthly payments. A lender or financial advisor can help you compare terms and choose what works best to bring your backyard vision to life.
