Arizona pool payment schedules: what homeowners should know

The Arizona milestone structure: 15 / 25 / 25 / 25 / 10

Arizona law includes specific payment provisions for swimming pool and spa construction contracts. Every draw is tied to a visible milestone. Here's the structure a compliant contract should follow:

1. 15%

   Draw 1
   Down payment at signing

   Capped at 15% of the original contract price under Arizona pool and spa contract law. This is the deposit — not a request to fund the whole project.

2. 25%

   Draw 2
   After excavation

   Due when excavation is complete. Plus approved written change orders for that stage.

3. 25%

   Draw 3
   After steel, plumbing, and shotcrete/gunite

   Or after installation of a prefabricated pool or spa. Plus approved written change orders.

4. 25%

   Draw 4
   After decking installation

   Due when decking materials are installed. Plus approved written change orders.

5. 10%

   Draw 5
   Before interior finish

   Final draw, due before finish interior materials are applied (or before completion on a prefab pool). Plus approved written change orders.

Because laws can change and contract details matter, homeowners should verify the current requirements before signing. If a proposal asks for a larger deposit or requests money outside this milestone structure, ask why in writing.

Be careful with large upfront payments

A contractor who needs more than 15% before meaningful work begins may have cash-flow problems, may be using new deposits to fund older jobs, or simply may not be following the proper structure. Before paying, ask: What is this payment for? What milestone has been completed? Is this amount tied to the contract? Are any change orders included, and are they written and approved? What work happens next?

Progress payments should match progress

You should be able to walk out into your backyard and understand why a payment is being requested. Excavation, steel, plumbing, shotcrete, decking, and finish stages are all visible. If a contractor requests money but the milestone isn't complete, ask for clarification before paying. You aren't being difficult — you're protecting the project.

Change orders should be written

Change orders are normal. Homeowners upgrade materials, add decking, adjust lighting, or discover site conditions that require additional work. But every change order should be written, priced, and approved by both parties before work happens. A good change order explains what is changing, why, the added or reduced cost, any schedule impact, and carries signatures from both sides.

What a responsible builder should explain

• Deposit amount and what it covers
• Every milestone and when it triggers a draw
• What each payment specifically covers
• How change orders are handled and approved
• What happens if inspections or weather delay a stage
• What warranty applies after completion
• Who to contact with billing questions

If a builder can't explain the payment process clearly, that's a problem.

Our approach

At Advant-Edge Pools & Landscape, we want the contract to be clear because the relationship should start with trust. A clear payment schedule helps the homeowner know what to expect and helps us schedule labor and materials responsibly. It reduces confusion, frustration, and surprises.