Custom Pools & Spas
Resort-grade pools designed around your yard, your sun, your life.
How Involved Do You Want to Be?
AE now offers two ways to approach eligible pool and backyard projects: Guided Build for homeowners who want more involvement, and Full Service for homeowners who want one team responsible for the complete process.
Quick planning summary
- Best for
- Homeowners ready to build a real pool — not a kit pool
- Planning investment
- See the Pricing Guide for current pool and pool + spa ranges.
- Typical timeline
- Most pools take roughly 8–16 weeks of build time after permits are approved, depending on complexity, weather, and material lead times.
- Service area
- Phoenix metro — Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, and surrounding cities.
- AE division
- Advant-Edge Pools & Landscape
Ranges are planning guidance and reviewed periodically. Final figures live in your signed proposal.
New River Resort Backyard
A full resort transformation in New River, AZ — pool with in-water basketball, raised infinity-edge spa with fire trough and rain-curtain feature wall, stacked-stone ramada with outdoor TV and fireplace, color-changing pool and landscape lighting, and shade sails framed by metal palm sculptures.
What AE currently offers for this scope
Only options we actively design, source, and build today. Ask in your intake if you don't see what you're picturing.
- 3D design & elevation plans
- PebbleTec & quartz finishes
- Tanning ledges, spas, water features
- Variable-speed energy-efficient equipment
- Salt or chlorine sanitation
- Pool automation & app control
Pool styles
- —Play pools
- —Diving-style pools where lot and code allow
- —Lap-style pools
- —Geometric pools
- —Freeform pools
- —Resort-style pools
- —Family pools
- —Entertaining pools
- —Spools (compact pools)
- —Plunge pools
Spa styles
- —Built-in spa
- —Raised spa with spillover
- —Flush in-ground spa
- —Spillover spa
- —Detached spa-style design
- —Integrated pool / spa combo
- —Above-ground spas (where approved scope applies)
- —Swim spas
Use the right planning tool for this project.
Use these first, then send AE the result so we can review your project with better context.
Pool + Landscape Together
We design and self-perform pools, hardscape, glass fencing, and landscaping under one master plan so trades never collide.
Preconstruction & Access
Our Site Survey Scorecard evaluates setbacks, caliche, utility routing, and access before excavation starts.
Integrated Pavers & Glass
Seamless travertine or paver coping paired with Sonoran Glass frameless pool safety fencing.
What a real Arizona pool build actually takes
Most pool builders sell a start date. AE plans a finish. Under normal circumstances, permitting runs roughly 4–8 weeks before shovels move, and once the permit is in hand a straightforward build typically runs about 8 weeks from dig to swim — longer when landscape scope, weather, inspections, or custom features push the schedule.
- Phase 1
Preconstruction & permitting
— ~4–8 weeksEngineering, plan set, HOA submittal (if applicable), municipal review, corrections, and material coordination. Nothing visible happens in the yard yet — but this is the work that keeps the build on track later.
- Phase 2
Dig to swim (standard build)
— ~8 weeks (typical)Excavation, steel, plumbing/electrical rough-in, gunite, tile & coping, decking, interior finish, equipment set, start-up, and final inspections. Assumes a typical scope and standard equipment and finishes.
- Phase 3
Custom / full-scope builds
— Longer — variesIn-floor cleaning systems, vanishing edges, raised spas with intricate tile, structural retaining, poolside kitchens, glass fencing, full landscape and hardscape packages, and specialty automation all extend the calendar. Material choices, layout, and site access are the biggest drivers.
Can a pool be built in 3 weeks? Technically yes — we could push a bare-bones shell that fast. We won't, and here's why: on a compressed schedule details get overlooked, subs stack on top of each other, and the finish work suffers. A fast build is not a good build.
Weather, inspections, and change orders all move the finish date. AE tracks the schedule weekly and notifies you when something upstream shifts the plan — we don't quote a start date and hope the rest sorts itself out.
Timing FAQ
How long is dig to swim on a typical AE pool?
Once the permit is in hand, a straightforward build is usually around 8 weeks from excavation to first swim. Custom features, larger landscape scopes, and site access can extend that meaningfully.
Can you rush a build for a specific date?
Sometimes — on the right scope. We'd rather quote you an honest calendar than promise a date we know we can't hit responsibly. If a rush is possible we'll put both options in writing, including any added cost.
What actually causes delays after we break ground?
Monsoon weather, city inspection windows, gunite and plaster crew scheduling, HOA re-review on changes, utility discoveries in the dig, and homeowner change orders are the most common. We flag each one when it happens instead of quietly slipping the finish.
Why not just build faster like some other builders quote?
Because a 3-week build cuts corners that show up 2–5 years later — thin base prep, rushed plumbing pressure tests, plaster applied over a green shell, skipped inspections. AE's schedule protects the finish and the warranty.
Typical timing depends on design, selections, access, site conditions, materials, weather, approvals, inspections, engineering, product availability, and current schedule. On-site install time is different from the full project timeline — preconstruction, approvals, materials, and coordination happen before visible field work begins.
Want to preview pool finishes in 3D?
The 3D pool-finish studio is heavy — it loads only when you ask for it. Open it when you're ready to play with materials.
Custom pools and spas we build across the Valley
Engineered gunite pools, attached spas, and water features — designed for Arizona soils, sun exposure, and equipment longevity. Every build is permitted, structurally engineered, and finished with the interior, tile, and decking matched to the home.
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Paradise Valley
- Arcadia
- Cave Creek
- Carefree
- Fountain Hills
- Peoria
- Glendale
- Surprise
- Goodyear
- Litchfield Park
- Avondale
- Chandler
- Gilbert
- Mesa
We pre-qualify every pool project on lot access, soils, and fit before scheduling design.
The 13 questions AE answers for every custom pools & spas project
Each link goes to the canonical AE page that answers the question — cost guide, planning tool, warranty scope, real project, or homeowner FAQ. Anything we haven't verified is kept in our owner-confirmation queue rather than guessed at.
- What is it?
Custom gunite pools and spas — full pools, pool+spa combos, spools, plunge pools, and integrated water/fire features.
See answer - Who is it for?
Owners building a new pool, replacing an aging shell, or adding a spa or spool to an existing yard.
See answer - Is AE the right fit?
Use the mutual project-fit page to see how AE evaluates lifestyle, property, timing, and investment before we commit to a build.
See answer - What are my options?
Geometric, freeform, play, lap, plunge, spool, spa-only, and remodel paths — each with finish, tile, coping, deck, automation, and lighting choices.
See answer - What drives the cost?
Pool budget calculator walks through size, depth, shell shape, finish, decking, equipment, and add-ons.
See answer - What drives the timeline?
Typical schedule, weather/inspection variables, and what slips a pool build are documented in the homeowner FAQ.
See answer - What goes wrong if it's planned poorly?
Real failure modes — bond beam, plumbing, deck movement, equipment mismatch — explained in the pools & spas authority page.
See answer - How does it hold up in Arizona conditions?
Heat, monsoon, expansive soils, and water chemistry are addressed in the Arizona pool planning guide.
See answer - What does maintenance look like?
Ongoing chemical, equipment, and surface maintenance costs documented honestly.
See answer - Permits, HOA, and engineering?
Pool permits, barrier code, HOA submittals, and engineering requirements covered in the dedicated guide.
See answer - Warranty and manufacturer docs?
Pool shell, interior, tile/water, and equipment warranty scopes listed on the warranty care page.
See answer - Show me a real project.
Real AE pool projects with photos and scope are published in the projects index.
See answer - Is there a planning tool?
Pool cost calculator is the primary planning tool for this service.
See answer
The scope items that move the number
Size, selections, access, demolition, utilities, engineering, drainage, permitting, HOA requirements, site conditions, and specialty trades. We surface each one in your written scope instead of teasing a price that omits common cost drivers.
- Pool size
- Depth
- Excavation conditions
- Site access for equipment
- Soil and caliche
- Engineering
- Spa
- Water features
- Fire features
- Decking scope
- Equipment tier
- Automation
- Lighting
- Permits
- HOA
- Finish materials
From first conversation to walkthrough
- 01
Design consultation
We tour your yard, talk through how you'll actually use the space, and confirm budget range.
- 02
3D model & proposal
You see a full 3D rendering with materials, finishes, and an itemized scope before signing anything.
- 03
Permits & excavation
We pull all city permits, mark utilities, and dig the shell — usually 1–3 days.
- 04
Steel, plumbing, gunite
Engineered rebar cage, plumbing rough-in, and pneumatically applied gunite shell.
- 05
Tile, coping, deck, plaster
Finishes installed in sequence, then plaster applied and pool filled the same day.
What this looks like in Arizona heat, soil, and monsoon
Caliche & soil
Caliche layers under most of the Valley change how a pool is excavated and engineered. We test for it during design so it's priced in, not surprise-billed.
Summer heat & decking
Concrete pool decks routinely read 140°F+ in July. We default to travertine, light porcelain, or pavers around pools — and publish the trade-offs honestly.
Monsoon drainage
Pool deck grading is sloped away from the house with overflow paths planned for 1"+ rain events. Skipped grading is the most common cause of post-monsoon water in the garage.
ROC milestone billing
Pool projects use a milestone schedule aligned with Arizona ROC requirements. The exact milestones and amounts are set in your signed agreement before work starts.
How we build it, summarized
- — Written, itemized scope before any work begins; no verbal change orders.
- — Engineering, drainage, and code review documented in the approved design.
- — Manufacturer instructions and current AZ code govern installation methods.
- — Photo documentation captured at each major milestone for the project file.
Final specifications depend on the approved design, site conditions, engineering, applicable code, manufacturer instructions, and signed scope.
See full Construction Standards →Set in your signed proposal
Your signed proposal and agreement control payment milestones, permitting responsibilities, warranty coverage, exclusions, and project scope. Pool projects use a milestone schedule aligned with Arizona ROC requirements; non-pool projects follow a different schedule.
What's covered, and by whom
AE provides a two-year workmanship warranty unless a signed agreement states otherwise. Manufacturer warranties apply where applicable and vary by product. Your signed agreement and manufacturer documentation control coverage.
- Pool shell & structureAE workmanship: 2-year AE workmanship
- Pool interior surfaceAE workmanship: Manufacturer warranty appliesManufacturer: Per manufacturer
- Pool tile & water featuresAE workmanship: 2-year AE workmanship
- Pool equipmentAE workmanship: Manufacturer warranty appliesManufacturer: Per manufacturer (varies by product)
Website information is for planning purposes. Your signed proposal and agreement control the scope, payment schedule, warranty, and project responsibilities.
Custom Pools & Spas questions, answered
What is a typical home investment for a custom pool in Arizona?+
Most AE pool projects are a $65,000 to $150,000 home investment, depending on size, finish, spa, water features, and deck scope. Plunge pools start lower; full backyard resorts go higher. Final pricing depends on site conditions, scope, and your signed agreement.
How long does a pool build take?+
Most pools take 8 to 16 weeks after permits are approved, depending on complexity, weather, and custom features.
How is a pool project paid for?+
Pool projects use a milestone draw schedule: 15% at signing, 25% after excavation, 25% after steel/plumbing/shotcrete, 25% after decking, and 10% before interior finish. Your signed agreement controls.
What warranty applies to my pool?+
AE provides a two-year workmanship warranty on the work we self-perform unless a signed agreement states otherwise. Pool interior finish and equipment are covered by manufacturer warranties that vary by product. Your signed agreement and manufacturer documentation control coverage.
Who pulls the permits and handles HOA?+
When permitting and HOA coordination are in AE's written scope, our team prepares and submits the applicable documents and inspections. Approval remains subject to the city and your HOA.
What about challenging soil or caliche?+
When we hit challenging soil or caliche, we use engineered solutions to support the structure. It can impact cost, but we flag it during design — not after we break ground.
What's the best pool finish for Arizona?+
PebbleTec and quartz aggregate finishes tend to hold up well against Arizona's hard water and UV. We'll walk you through finish options during design.
Do you offer financing?+
We work with independent third-party lenders that specialize in home-improvement loans. AE is not a lender; all loans are issued and serviced by the lender.
Published specifications are typical AE planning or construction baselines. Final specifications depend on site conditions, engineering, manufacturer requirements, applicable code, and the signed scope.
What to clarify before choosing — common planning mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the pool layout before planning the rest of the yard
- Not planning shade alongside the pool
- Putting pool equipment somewhere ugly and loud
- Ignoring drainage around the pool deck
- Underestimating decking square footage and budget
- Adding lighting after pavers are down
Often built alongside
Project Proof & Transformations
Ready to plan this the right way?
One accountable team — design, written scope, build, and aftercare.