Your home investment. Not a pool cost.
A backyard built right is one of the biggest permanent upgrades you can make to an Arizona home. Larger design-build projects typically include a 3D design phase where useful, alongside an itemized scope, so you see what your investment is buying before we break ground. Honest ranges below — published openly so you can plan without a sales call.
The ranges on this page are educational planning figures — a binding price comes from a signed, written AE proposal.
- Site access
- Size
- Materials
- Engineering
- Drainage
- Utilities
- Permits
- Equipment access
- Existing conditions
- Final scope
Binding pricing is only valid in a written proposal signed by an AE representative after a site walk and design conversation.
Check HFS first while you plan.
The HFS inquiry takes about 60 seconds and uses a soft credit check, so checking your options does not affect your credit score. A soft-credit inquiry is not an application: a full application, underwriting, approval, and funding involve additional steps with the lender, and may include a hard credit inquiry.
HFS connects homeowners with participating third-party lenders. HFS is not a lender, and neither is AE Outdoor Living.
Current HFS program information as of July 2026; subject to change. Not all applicants will qualify.
Choose your next step.
Compare all five planning options
Five ways to budget — pick where you are.
Pricing Overview
General project ranges by category — start here to see what's possible.
Pricing Guide
Deeper education — what actually drives Arizona outdoor living cost.
Budget Builder
Pick the features you want and plan a realistic budget range.
Ballpark Estimate
Answer a few questions and get a fast, educational starting range.
Cost Guides
Single-category deep dives — pools, pavers, turf, kitchens, shade, and more.
Match a planning tool to your situation
Pick the path that fits where you are.
Pricing without pressure. Use the planning tools first, then send AE the result so we can review your project with better context.
- I need rough rangesRead the Pricing Guide
- I want to build a budgetBuild My Project Budget
- I want category-specific costBrowse Cost Guides
- I have another bidCompare My Proposal
- I'm ready to talkRequest My Project Review
The complete build
Full backyard resort builds — pool + spa, pergola or ramada, outdoor kitchen, fire feature, pavers, turf, and landscape lighting — typically land in this investment range depending on lot size, finish level, and feature count. This is permanent value built into the home, not a line on next year's expense report.
Starting investment ranges
Each range is what most AE clients invest in their property for that scope of work across the Phoenix metro. Your final number comes from your property, site conditions, selections, and written project scope, then appears in an itemized proposal that is yours to keep whether you build with us or not.
Not sure where your budget should come from? Read how to plan an outdoor project budget.
Planning ranges · Last reviewed June 2026
Custom Pool & Spa
Most family pools land in this investment range — a permanent upgrade to the home, not a seasonal expense. Plunge pools start lower; full backyard resorts with raised spas, fire bowls, and water features scale up from here.
- 3D design & elevation plans
- Permits, excavation, gunite shell
- Tile, coping, PebbleTec or quartz
- Variable-speed equipment & startup
Pergola or Shade Structure
Aluminum louvered systems, solid roofs, or wood — engineered for AZ sun and monsoon wind loads.
- Engineered footings & framing
- Louvered or solid roof options
- Hidden gutters & drainage
- Optional fans, lighting, misting
Outdoor Kitchen
CMU block construction, premium grills, sealed stone counters, and full gas + power scope.
- Built-in grill & side burners
- Refrigeration, sinks, storage
- Stone or porcelain counters
- Lighting, gas, and electrical
Pavers & Hardscape
Travertine, porcelain, and concrete pavers on properly prepared base appropriate to the approved scope and site conditions, with polymeric joints and proper drainage.
- Compacted aggregate base
- Travertine / porcelain / concrete
- Polymeric sand joints
- Edge restraints & sealing
Artificial Turf
Specialty UV-conscious turf with cooling-style infill options and full base prep — plus custom putting greens on request.
- Decomposed granite base
- UV-stable fibers, including pet-household options
- Cooling-style infill options
- Manufacturer material warranties vary by product; AE provides a separate workmanship warranty on installation
Fire Pits & Features
Built-in gas fire pits start here; fire bowls, water+fire combos, and full fireplace walls scale up.
- Manufacturer-engineered burner & venting
- Lava rock or fire glass media
- Stone surround to match yard
- Optional remote ignition
High-Pressure Misting
1,000+ PSI pumps with stainless anti-drip nozzles — perceived patio cooling depends on humidity, airflow, exposure, pressure, nozzle layout, and maintenance.
- High-pressure pump & lines
- Stainless 0.006" nozzles
- Zoned control
- Hidden routing and quiet operation when conditions allow
Residential Splash Pad
Recirculating systems, soft-impact surfaces, and interactive features sized for your yard.
- Interactive water features
- Slip-resistant rubberized surface
- Recirculation + UV/chlorine
- Drainage & safety design
Outdoor & Permanent Lighting
Low-voltage landscape lighting by AE LEDs. Permanent roofline lighting is quoted per linear foot of eave — typically $32–$48 / ft installed with a programmable controller.
- Brass or copper low-voltage fixtures
- Transformer, wire runs, and controls
- Tree, path, architectural, and pool-area zones
- App-based scenes and scheduling
Glass Pool Fencing & Railings
Frameless glass fencing and railings by Sonoran Glass — 1/2" tempered glass on stainless core-mount spigots, field-measured and fabricated for your exact layout. Footing work, when required, is a separate add-on.
- 1/2" tempered safety glass
- Stainless core-mount spigots (bolt-down where the approved detail requires)
- Field measure, custom panel fabrication
- Footing add-on: $75–$100 / ft in open areas; $110–$125 / ft where pavers or turf must be removed and reinstalled
Pool ranges above are for pools built by AE Outdoor Living's pool-construction team. The contracting entity, its Arizona ROC license numbers, and permit responsibility are listed on the AE pool builder vetting page — verify each license's classification and current status at roc.az.gov. New pool builds follow AE's 15/25/25/25/10 milestone schedule, and warranty terms are set by category in the signed agreement.
Every range, side by side
Same numbers as the cards above, in one scannable view — so you can compare how each scope is priced and which one fits what you are trying to solve.
Planning ranges · Last reviewed June 2026 · Signed proposal controls
| Project type | Typical investment | Priced by | Best for | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Pool & Spa | $65k – $150k+ home investment | Per project | Making the yard usable year-round and adding permanent value to the home. | View Custom Pool & Spa details |
| Pergola or Shade Structure | $15k – $45k | Per structure | Shading a patio or seating area so it works through Arizona summer afternoons. | View Pergola or Shade Structure details |
| Outdoor Kitchen | $18k – $60k+ | Per project | Cooking and entertaining outside without running back into the house. | View Outdoor Kitchen details |
| Pavers & Hardscape | $14 – $35 / sq ft | Per square foot installed | Replacing cracked concrete or defining patios, walkways, and driveways. | View Pavers & Hardscape details |
| Artificial Turf | $11 – $18 / sq ft | Per square foot installed | Cutting water use and keeping a green yard with kids, pets, or a putting green. | View Artificial Turf details |
| Fire Pits & Features | $4.5k – $15k+ | Per feature | Adding a gathering point and extending evenings into the cooler months. | View Fire Pits & Features details |
| High-Pressure Misting | $1.8k – $6k | Per system / zone | Adding perceived cooling to a covered patio when conditions allow. | View High-Pressure Misting details |
| Residential Splash Pad | $25k – $70k | Per project | Water play for young kids when a full pool is not the right fit yet. | View Residential Splash Pad details |
| Outdoor & Permanent Lighting | $3.5k – $12k | Per project · roofline priced per linear foot | Using the yard after dark and adding year-round roofline lighting scenes. | View Outdoor & Permanent Lighting details |
| Glass Pool Fencing & Railings | $225 – $325 / linear ft | Per linear foot · footing add-on separate | Keeping views open around a pool or patio edge with a custom glass system. | View Glass Pool Fencing & Railings details |
Custom Pool & Spa
$65k – $150k+ home investmentPer projectMaking the yard usable year-round and adding permanent value to the home.
Pergola or Shade Structure
$15k – $45kPer structureShading a patio or seating area so it works through Arizona summer afternoons.
Outdoor Kitchen
$18k – $60k+Per projectCooking and entertaining outside without running back into the house.
Pavers & Hardscape
$14 – $35 / sq ftPer square foot installedReplacing cracked concrete or defining patios, walkways, and driveways.
Artificial Turf
$11 – $18 / sq ftPer square foot installedCutting water use and keeping a green yard with kids, pets, or a putting green.
Fire Pits & Features
$4.5k – $15k+Per featureAdding a gathering point and extending evenings into the cooler months.
High-Pressure Misting
$1.8k – $6kPer system / zoneAdding perceived cooling to a covered patio when conditions allow.
Residential Splash Pad
$25k – $70kPer projectWater play for young kids when a full pool is not the right fit yet.
Outdoor & Permanent Lighting
$3.5k – $12kPer project · roofline priced per linear footUsing the yard after dark and adding year-round roofline lighting scenes.
Glass Pool Fencing & Railings
$225 – $325 / linear ftPer linear foot · footing add-on separateKeeping views open around a pool or patio edge with a custom glass system.
Take the pricing with you
Every planning range on this page, plus what moves your number inside a range and a print-and-check list for comparing bids line by line — two pages, no form, no sales call. Planning ranges only; your exact number lives in a written itemized proposal.
Why this is an investment, not a cost.
An AE backyard is engineered to add daily livability and long-term home value. We publish honest ranges and build to code with a licensed and bonded Arizona crew. AE provides project-specific workmanship and manufacturer-warranty information in the signed agreement. Website summaries are for planning only.
- Licensed, bonded & insured in Arizona. ROC 340966 (R-62) · ROC 341002 (R-3) · ROC 347738 (KA-5) · ROC 211530 (CR-21). Most Arizona contracting work valued at $1,000 or more — or requiring a permit — must be performed by a properly licensed contractor, subject to statutory exemptions. Verify the legal entity, license status, and classification with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
- Real ranges, itemized scope. You see materials, finishes, equipment models, and a line-item budget before you sign — not a one-line "pool — $90,000."
Plan your investment with a designer.
Five minutes, a real range, and no sales pressure. Or vet any Arizona contractor (us included) before you spend a dollar.
What actually moves the number
Six variables explain almost every dollar of difference between two projects that look similar on the surface.
Lot conditions
Access width, elevation change, soil type, and utility locations can meaningfully shift cost on otherwise similar scopes.
Finish level
Standard plaster vs. PebbleTec vs. glass tile waterline. Concrete vs. travertine vs. porcelain deck. Finishes drive a meaningful portion of total cost.
Feature count
Each spa, baja shelf, fire bowl, water wall, or automation upgrade adds a defined line item — not a vague markup.
Equipment & automation
Variable-speed pumps, salt systems, heaters, and app-based automation are worth the spend long-term but add to the upfront number.
Permits, engineering & HOA
When permitting, engineering, or HOA coordination is included in AE's written scope, our team coordinates the applicable preparation and submittals. Requirements, fees, responsibilities, and approval timelines vary by project and governing authority.
Timeline
Project timing varies by scope, approvals, selections, site conditions, procurement, and current availability. We confirm a working schedule with you before construction begins.
From estimate to itemized proposal
- 01
Ballpark estimator
Answer a few questions and get a transparent starting range in about 5 minutes — no sales call required.
- 02
On-site design consult
We walk your yard, confirm scope and budget range, and talk through how you'll actually use the space.
- 03
3D design + itemized proposal
You see your project in 3D with materials, finishes, and a fully itemized scope before signing anything.
- 04
Build
AE self-performs much of its work with its internal team and coordinates qualified specialty trade partners where specialized equipment, licensing, or expertise is required. AE remains responsible for coordinating the contracted scope. Payment milestones for your project are set in the signed agreement; pool and non-pool projects follow different schedules.
HFS Financial is AE's featured first path to review. Its initial inquiry takes about 60 seconds and uses a soft credit check; it is not an application or approval. Credit Union West is the second available path. Compare both on the financing page. AE is not a lender and does not approve, originate, service, or set loan terms.
Licensed, bonded & insured. ROC 340966 (R-62) · ROC 341002 (R-3) · ROC 347738 (KA-5) · ROC 211530 (CR-21)
Arizona pricing questions we answer most
What is a typical home investment for a custom pool in Arizona?
Most AE custom pool projects in the Phoenix metro are a $65,000 to $150,000 home investment, depending on size, finish, attached spa, water features, and decking scope. Think of it as an investment in the property and how your family lives outside — not a one-time pool cost. Plunge pools start lower; full backyard resorts with pool, spa, kitchen, and pergola can run $175,000–$500,000.
How much does a backyard pergola cost in Arizona?
Custom pergolas typically run $15,000–$45,000 in the Phoenix metro, depending on size, material (aluminum, wood, louvered), and integrated features like fans, lighting, and misting.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
Most AE outdoor kitchens fall between $18,000 and $60,000+, depending on size, appliance selection (grill, refrigeration, pizza oven), counter material, and gas and electrical scope.
How much do pavers cost installed in Arizona?
Installed travertine runs roughly $18–$28 per square foot, porcelain pavers $22–$35, and concrete pavers $14–$22 — pricing varies with base prep, pattern, and site access.
How much does artificial turf cost in Arizona?
Most AE turf installs run $11–$18 per square foot installed, including base prep, UV-stable turf, cooling-style infill, and edging. Custom putting greens with bent grass turf run higher.
What is the average cost of a full backyard remodel in Arizona?
Full backyard resort builds combining pool, spa, pergola, outdoor kitchen, landscape, and lighting typically range from $175,000 to $500,000 in the Phoenix metro.
Related pages people open next
Pricing is one piece of the picture — here's where to go for portfolio proof, service scope, and getting in touch.
- PortfolioReal AE Projects
Browse completed backyards, front yards, patios, and pools — grouped by scope and neighborhood.
- What we buildEvery Service We Offer
Pools, hardscape, permanent lighting, glass fence, artificial turf, kitchens, water features, more.
- Who we areAbout AE Outdoor Living
Family-owned since day one. ROC-licensed, insured, and led by the SW Hardscapes Association president.
- Get in touchTalk to AE
Questions, timeline, itemized pricing — reach the team directly and get real answers, not a call center.