
Crafting Your Dream Inground Pool
Arizona's Premier Pool Builder
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All Great Builds Start With a Conversation
Whether you need an estimate, funding, or inspiration from our award winning designers, we're ready to roll our sleeves up and start building your dream space. If you're not quite ready... keep scrolling!
Elevate Your New Pool with Custom Features

Baja Shelves

Spas

Water Features

Fire Features

Swim-Up Bar & In-Pool Tables

Negative Edge & Zero Edge Pools

Diving Boards & Slides

LED Pool Lighting
Pool Deck Options

Travertine Pavers

Concrete Pavers

Porcelain Pavers

Acrylic-Topped Concrete
Pool Surfaces

Pebble Pool Interior

Sea Glass Pebble Interior

Plaster Pool Interior
The Process of Building Your Inground Pool

01
Welcome, Planning & Kick-Off
- Consultation & Design: Our expert designers will collaborate with you to create a custom pool plan tailored to your backyard and lifestyle. We'll guide you through every feature, from shape to water elements, ensuring the pool aligns with your vision.
- Pre-site Inspection: We conduct an on-site inspection to assess yard access, verify measurements, setbacks, elevations, and utility locations. This ensures all details are accounted for before beginning construction.
- Blue Stake Utility Marking: We work with Blue Stake, a public service that identifies all public utility lines to avoid any disruption during construction.
- Drafting & Permit Submittal: Our in-house draftsperson will take the renderings and site report to create a detailed CAD-engineered plan. Once finalized, we submit it to your local municipality for permit approval. The turnaround varies by location.

02
Construction & Installation
- Layout & Excavation: Before digging, we mark the outline of your pool, deck, and structures on the ground, giving you a chance to approve the shape and position. Once approved, our team begins excavation using high-strength shotcrete to create the pool shell.
- Plumbing & Electrical Installation: We install energy-efficient plumbing and electrical systems, including pumps, filters, and lighting. Our plumbers and electricians follow a detailed plan to ensure everything is correctly positioned for optimal performance.
- Rebar & Shotcrete Shell: Steel rebar is laid in a grid pattern for reinforcement, followed by the application of shotcrete to form the pool shell. We use high-strength shotcrete that exceeds industry standards, ensuring long-term durability.
- Pre-Shotcrete Inspection: Before applying shotcrete, we schedule a "Pre-Gunite" inspection with the local municipality to ensure all is compliant.
- Custom Features Installation: During construction, any custom features such as Baja shelves, waterfalls, and spas are installed with precision, adding both beauty and function to your pool.

03
Hardscape, Finishes, & Final Touches
- Masonry & Decking: Once the pool shell is in place, we focus on hardscape elements like masonry and decking. Whether you choose concrete, travertine, or artistic pavers, our experts ensure all hardscape work complements your overall design.
- Water Features & Finishing Touches: Features like waterfalls, fire pits, and decorative tiles are installed to bring your vision to life. We also handle the integration of additional utilities like landscape lighting and irrigation.
- Final Inspection & Orientation: After completing the construction, we schedule a final inspection with the local municipality to ensure all safety and structural requirements are met. Once approved, we conduct an orientation with you to familiarize you with your pool's features and maintenance tips.

04
Start-Up & Landscaping
- Pool Start-Up: After the pool is filled, our start-up crew will fine-tune the water chemistry and ensure everything functions correctly. This phase also includes the installation of the final interior surface, whether you’ve chosen plaster or Sea Glass Pebble.
- Landscaping: We finish by ensuring your yard is restored and ready for landscaping. We can also assist with planting, irrigation, and finishing touches to create a seamless backyard oasis.
- Consultation & Design: Our expert designers will collaborate with you to create a custom pool plan tailored to your backyard and lifestyle. We'll guide you through every feature, from shape to water elements, ensuring the pool aligns with your vision.
- Pre-site Inspection: We conduct an on-site inspection to assess yard access, verify measurements, setbacks, elevations, and utility locations. This ensures all details are accounted for before beginning construction.
- Blue Stake Utility Marking: We work with Blue Stake, a public service that identifies all public utility lines to avoid any disruption during construction.
- Drafting & Permit Submittal: Our in-house draftsperson will take the renderings and site report to create a detailed CAD-engineered plan. Once finalized, we submit it to your local municipality for permit approval. The turnaround varies by location.
- Layout & Excavation: Before digging, we mark the outline of your pool, deck, and structures on the ground, giving you a chance to approve the shape and position. Once approved, our team begins excavation using high-strength shotcrete to create the pool shell.
- Plumbing & Electrical Installation: We install energy-efficient plumbing and electrical systems, including pumps, filters, and lighting. Our plumbers and electricians follow a detailed plan to ensure everything is correctly positioned for optimal performance.
- Rebar & Shotcrete Shell: Steel rebar is laid in a grid pattern for reinforcement, followed by the application of shotcrete to form the pool shell. We use high-strength shotcrete that exceeds industry standards, ensuring long-term durability.
- Pre-Shotcrete Inspection: Before applying shotcrete, we schedule a "Pre-Gunite" inspection with the local municipality to ensure all is compliant.
- Custom Features Installation: During construction, any custom features such as Baja shelves, waterfalls, and spas are installed with precision, adding both beauty and function to your pool.
- Masonry & Decking: Once the pool shell is in place, we focus on hardscape elements like masonry and decking. Whether you choose concrete, travertine, or artistic pavers, our experts ensure all hardscape work complements your overall design.
- Water Features & Finishing Touches: Features like waterfalls, fire pits, and decorative tiles are installed to bring your vision to life. We also handle the integration of additional utilities like landscape lighting and irrigation.
- Final Inspection & Orientation: After completing the construction, we schedule a final inspection with the local municipality to ensure all safety and structural requirements are met. Once approved, we conduct an orientation with you to familiarize you with your pool's features and maintenance tips.
- Pool Start-Up: After the pool is filled, our start-up crew will fine-tune the water chemistry and ensure everything functions correctly. This phase also includes the installation of the final interior surface, whether you’ve chosen plaster or Sea Glass Pebble.
- Landscaping: We finish by ensuring your yard is restored and ready for landscaping. We can also assist with planting, irrigation, and finishing touches to create a seamless backyard oasis.
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How are pools priced?
What is the best way to begin planning for a pool?
How do I decide what shape and features I would like?
What pumps, filters, cleaners, water features, automatic systems, deck products, interior surfaces, masonry effects and lighting are best?
How do I pick a pool builder? Isn’t every pool the same in its basic construction?
How long will my pool take to build?
What should I know about pool layout?
I’ve heard there is a lot of dust, noise and destruction at dig. Is this true?
What is a rock (hard) dig, and how are the extra costs involved handled?
How do I know that my plumbing is done correctly and will not leak?
When is my equipment plumbed in place?
What does steel reinforcing do for my pool?
What protects my pool from electrical problems?
When does the city inspect my pool?
When will my pool start looking like a pool?
What has to happen before my deck is installed?
What are my responsibilities concerning the deck?
How do I make my pool safe and ready to pass final inspection?
When do I get rid of this construction mess?
How do I get the go-ahead to finish the pool?
How do they get the plaster or Sea Glass Pebble Sheen into my pool?
Q: How are pools priced?
Q: What is the best way to begin planning for a pool?
Q: How do I decide what shape and features I would like?
Q: What pumps, filters, cleaners, water features, automatic systems, deck products, interior surfaces, masonry effects and lighting are best?
Q: How do I pick a pool builder? Isn’t every pool the same in its basic construction?
California Pools & Landscape enjoys a solid reputation for our unique construction practices and providing cutting-edge technology and constant customer communication. We believe in building the “best value” into every project.
After our designer completes the design of your custom backyard living area with you, the plan is prepared for construction. The CAD construction plans are created, and any special engineering is generated. Our processing department, construction team and designer review these plans together and then apply for permits. The project is then painted on the ground followed by a site visit from your construction superintendent. This is his first of many quality control inspections.
The next phase of the process begins with the excavation of the pool, spa and any sunken bar areas. We construct our pools with vertically excavated walls, create slight radius at the transition to the floor and flat floors. This type of construction requires more steel and concrete but our customers find a larger, more usable pool. This method of building also allows us to provide the best warranty in the pool industry. We can warranty your shell for as long as you own your home and this warranty can be transferred to a new owner. What really makes this building practice even more special is it also allows us to warranty the pool against rust “migration or bleed through” from the steel in the shell to the surface of the pool. I would ask this of any pool company you are considering constructing your pool.
We build all of our decks specifically for expansive soil. All of our poured decks have a continuous 4-inch turndown to prevent moisture from getting under the deck. Our decks are not tied into our shell with sky bars. If the ground underneath is expansive and needs to move, we want it to move independently from the pool shell. By floating the deck we can prevent damage to the shell and elaborate repairs to the surface of the deck.
At California Pools & Landscape we provide technology that helps reduce the cost of running, maintaining and using your pool. We can offer control systems, multiple speed pumps and sanitation systems that can benefit you for many years to come. We are also continually searching for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our product. LED pool and spa lights are now available and offer lower wattage than standard pool lights typically used in the industry. You will get many more hours of usage before the light bulbs need to be changed. The additional benefit to LED lights is that the customer has the ability to change the color of the pool water at night. The LED lights come with an array of colors and color shows that can be upgraded to run by remote.
Q: How long will my pool take to build?
Q: What should I know about pool layout?
Q: I’ve heard there is a lot of dust, noise and destruction at dig. Is this true?
There is no gentle way to remove 15 to 30 dump truck loads of dirt out of a backyard. This will be one of the noisiest and is certainly the dustiest stage of construction. It is also one of the most exciting. We routinely see kids of all ages with their noses pressed against the window as the pool begins to take shape.
Protecting plants and existing landscape is a must because anything between the street and the pool that is not cared for will be ground into the soil by this heavy machinery. Fences need to be removed, dogs put up, and the right machinery must meet the conditions in your particular yard. Your pool designer will discuss the options and pricing with you when you design your pool.
Q: What is a rock (hard) dig, and how are the extra costs involved handled?
A rock excavation is encountered when the machinery that’s has been planned for your yard cannot dig the pool without using special techniques and equipment due to the soil conditions. If the crew finds that their machinery is incapable of the dig, the excavators will expose the soil condition by digging a hole and leaving it open. Typically, we will secure three bids and get your approval on the extra costs prior to proceeding.
If you suspect you are in a rocky area, we can secure a bid and make it part of the original agreement. This can save time and allow for the extra costs to be financed. Many times excavators can dig a rock pool in about the same time as a pool in softer soil. To accomplish this task, we contract with highly skilled machine operators. These workers are more experienced and skilled than typical laborers, providing peace of mind that the job will be done right.
Q: How do I know that my plumbing is done correctly and will not leak?
Q: When is my equipment plumbed in place?
Q: What does steel reinforcing do for my pool?
The steel rebar is installed in a grid pattern. Depending on the loads and soil condition, it can be 12″ apart, 6″ apart, or in rare cases 3″ apart. Our civil engineers work out the exact pattern to be used for your pool, and this is part of the engineering required for your pool permit and for our structural specifications. The steel is blocked 2” to 3″ off of the excavated floor and walls of the pool. It greatly strengthens concrete by providing tensile strength.
Be careful — although we cover or bend the ends of the bars to protect people, the wires used to tie the steel together are very sharp. Please ensure the safety of children and pets. A scratch from the steel or tie wire can infect easily and may require a tetanus vaccination.
Q: What protects my pool from electrical problems?
Q: When does the city inspect my pool?
The first inspection occurs after electric and before shotcrete. The city inspector ensures that all electrical connections and work are proper. They also review the pool’s structural engineering and steelwork. They do not inspect the shape of the pool, pool depth, or in most cases, pool plumbing, as these are not safety or code issues. They will check the pool’s location to ensure it is out of all setbacks and easements. We typically have very little problem and get a green tag to proceed quickly.
In some cases, inspectors will ask to see more engineering verification than is normally necessary. We provide this at our expense. While the delay can be frustrating, it is better to be safe now than sorry later. Remember that these inspectors are trying to ensure the best and safest possible construction. We do not control their schedules, but in most cases, they are remarkably responsive.
Q: When will my pool start looking like a pool?
The pool really begins to take shape when the concrete is placed. Steps and benches are formed, spas take shape, and the pool begins to look like a pool. Shotcrete (premixed concrete) is sprayed into your pool through a hose under pressure. It’s noisy, messy, surprisingly artistic and fun to watch.
A curtain is put up around the pool to block the over-spray from getting on you house. Shotcrete dries and gets hard very quickly. As a matter of fact, it can dry too quickly. It is necessary for you to water-cure your shotcrete to slow the drying time. In the summer, wet the pool down at least five times a day, more often if you can. In the cooler months (temperatures below 80 degrees F), two to three times a day is fine. Spray water on the sides until it starts to “sheet” off. Then move on to another part of the pool. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete a pool watering.
Don’t worry, you can’t over water a pool. A puddle will accumulate in the bottom of the pool, and that’s ok; we will pump it out later. You will also notice cracks forming in the pool, particularly in the floor. This is normal. These are shrinkage cracks and do not affect the structural integrity of the pool. The shotcrete shell needs to cure for three to four days before we can proceed with construction.
Q: What has to happen before my deck is installed?
Q: What are my responsibilities concerning the deck?
Here’s where the pool starts to look really pretty. We always find that once the deck gets started, our customers get very excited and start planning their first pool party.
The deck crew will come out and put up forms (thin strips of wood) outlining the deck. You will see where any steps and drains go. You must approve these forms prior to the pouring of deck. Once the deck is poured, it cannot be changed. It’s a good idea to double check the color and texture you have chosen to make sure it is still your favorite. The concrete for the deck will be poured into the forms and troweled to a smooth finish. If you have Kool Deck®, it will be applied now. If you have Cal Deck, it will be applied when the concrete is dry enough to let it adhere.
Other types of toppings and deck, such as flagstone, tiles, pavers or artistic stone, have their own requirements. Regardless of what kind of deck you have, stop water-curing your pool, do not walk on or get water on the deck, and do not cover the deck with anything for at least 48 hours. Concrete does not dry evenly so it will appear to be darker in some places and lighter in others. Don’t worry, it will reach a consistent hue after it gets through a full summer’s heat.
Q: How do I make my pool safe and ready to pass final inspection?
Q: When do I get rid of this construction mess?
We would like your help in policing any personal trash. It is absolutely our policy that gum wrappers, drink cups, lunch sacks, etc., never be left on your property. We consider it to be a great help if you let us know at any time you see trash of this kind left in your yard. By staying on top of this problem together, we can keep it to a minimum!
The unavoidable construction mess begins at shotcrete as the concrete truck gets cleaned out and continues until the deck gets cleaned up just prior to the pool being finished. Trenches are all filled, light grading is done, and the yard is raked. Basically we make everything neat and presentable. Landscaping is not provided unless it was part of your pool contract.
Q: How do I get the go-ahead to finish the pool?
We will call the city for a pre-interior finish inspection. This is where the city checks that all of your barriers are to code. Types of required barriers can differ depending on the city you live in. We cannot schedule a specific time for an inspection, nor will the city agree to a specific inspection time. Because the inspector needs access to your home to check some of the required barriers, you must be there to give him/her access. This can be frustrating, but if the inspector cannot inspect all barriers, he/she will leave and we will need to call for another inspection. We are at the mercy of the city here. We cannot legally proceed with construction until the city gives us permission.
Your construction scheduler can advise you of the barrier code requirements if you are installing them yourself. In any event, whether we install them or you install them, you still need to be home for the inspection so the inspector can enter your home. Some cities do not have interior barrier requirements and final inspection goes much easier there.
Q: How do they get the plaster or Sea Glass Pebble Sheen into my pool?
At last! All interior finishes are pumped into the pool from the street.
Plaster: Plaster will be applied, and the plasterers will start your hose to fill the pool as soon as they are done. Do not turn off the water until your pool is full! Let the pool fill all of the way up until it reaches about an inch below the deck; then turn the water off. This is slightly overfilled but you will be backwashing, and it helps to have a little extra water in the pool until the plaster dust is filtered out. Follow the plaster care instructions given to you by California Pools.
The plaster may appear a little mottled because the plaster does not dry evenly. (Yes, it really does dry under water). Some parts stay wet longer and so appear darker, like a wet spot on a shirt. Brushing the pool and chemical balancing are extremely important on a plaster pool. Plan to spend a lot of time during that first week caring for your pool.
Sea Glass Pebble®: Your Sea Glass Pebble will be applied on the first day and acid washed the next. The acid wash exposes the pebble aggregate. The workers will start the hose filling the pool as soon as they finish acid washing. Do not turn off the water until your pool is full! Let the pool fill all the way up until it is about one-half the way up the skimmer opening. The color will appear slightly mottled for about three months. It takes that long for the chemicals to finish the curing and bleaching process.
You will have a much easier time taking care of the pebble finish than a plaster finish. The product’s main and popular feature is that it is naturally forgiving. You will see variations in stone colors and concrete exposure. This is why Sea Glass Pebble camouflages many of the traditional problems with pool plaster—it is to be expected and is desirable.
Q: When do I learn how to use the pool?
At startup we turn the pool on and check the system to make sure everything is working properly. Then, at the orientation, you will be told everything you wanted to know about a pool and probably even more than that. Plus, we show you how to work the pump, filter, light and the rest of the equipment. Video cameras are permitted and encouraged.
You can also refer to our Pool Care FAQs here some of the most common questions. Also, you can request a re-instruction at no charge within 30 days. We recommend you wait about a week before requesting a re-instruction. By then, you will have specific questions that can be addressed.
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At California Pools we, know that a pool is an investment — in your home and in your family’s lifestyle. That’s why we offer pool funding options to help make your dream pool affordable.
California Pools & Landscape’s financial strength has enabled us to build exceptional relationships with financial institutions across the Valley. We have numerous unsecured and secured loan products available to you. How can we help make your dream backyard a reality today?
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