Pool Construction

Our Process, Your Dream

Expert Pool Construction for a Backyard Built to Last

At California Pools & Landscape, building a pool is more than a construction project. It’s the beginning of your backyard transformation and the foundation of countless memories to come. Whether you're dreaming of a resort-style retreat, a sleek modern design, or a space where your family can grow and gather, the journey matters just as much as the destination. That’s why we’re committed to making the entire experience smooth, exciting, and stress-free. We believe that the best results come from informed decisions, so this page was designed to walk you through every stage of our pool construction journey. From the initial design and permitting to the finishing touches and startup, you'll find detailed insights, helpful videos, and expert guidance along the way. With decades of experience and a passion for creating outdoor spaces that bring people together, we’re here to turn your vision into a reality, crafted with care, built to last, and tailored to your lifestyle. Let’s dive into what it really takes to build the perfect pool, and how we make every step feel effortless.

The Pool Construction Process

Initial Consultation & Design

The process starts with a consultation where homeowners work with a designer to create a custom pool layout that fits their space, style, and budget. During this stage, size, shape, and features like Baja shelves, waterfalls, and materials are selected to match your overall vision.

Permitting & Approvals

Before digging begins, permits must be obtained to ensure the pool meets building codes and safety regulations. Our team handles the entire permitting process, making it a smooth and stress-free experience.

Site Preparation & Excavation

Once permits are secured, site preparation begins. The designated area is cleared and carefully excavated according to the approved design, ensuring precise location, depth, and shape.

Preconstruction Process

Are you curious about the Pre-Construction process for building a pool with California Pools & Landscape? In this video, Senior Manager Nicole Shoppach takes you through every step, from planning to pool excavation, to answer all of your questions.

Plumbing & Electrical Installation

Essential systems are installed, including plumbing lines for water circulation, filtration, and heating, along with electrical wiring for pool lights, automation controls, and equipment. Proper positioning of pool equipment ensures energy efficiency and long-term performance.

Structural Reinforcement

We reinforce every pool shell with a steel rebar framework to ensure structural strength, stability, and long-term durability. This critical step helps prevent future cracking and supports the integrity of your pool for years to come. Plus, our warranty protects against rebar bleed-through, so you can enjoy peace of mind, built right in.

Shotcrete Application

We use high-strength shotcrete, cured to a compressive strength of 4,000 PSI, to form a durable pool shell built to last a lifetime. Water curing over several days ensures maximum structural integrity and long-term performance. For added peace of mind, every California Pools & Landscape shell is backed by our lifetime shotcrete warranty.

Coping & Tile Installation

Waterline tile and coping not only elevate the look of your pool, but also serve an important purpose. These finishing touches define the pool’s perimeter, protect the shell, and create a smooth, stylish transition between the water and your surrounding deck.

Decking & Landscaping

The surrounding pool deck is constructed using durable materials such as pavers, concrete, or travertine, chosen for both aesthetic appeal and long-term performance. Landscaping features, such as plants, rock formations, or integrated lighting, are added to complete the outdoor space.

Pool Construction

Interior Finish Application

The interior finish is the final flourish that brings your entire pool design to life. Our exclusive SeaGlass Pebble finish combines natural beauty, inviting texture, and exceptional comfort, creating a surface that shimmers beneath the water and feels smooth underfoot. Built for durability and designed for everyday luxury, our pebble interiors are backed by a lifetime material warranty, so you can enjoy your backyard retreat with complete confidence.

The interior finish is the final flourish that brings your entire pool design to life. Our exclusive SeaGlass Pebble finish combines natural beauty, inviting texture, and exceptional comfort, creating a surface that shimmers beneath the water and feels smooth underfoot. Built for durability and designed for everyday luxury, our pebble interiors are backed by a lifetime material warranty, so you can enjoy your backyard retreat with complete confidence.

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Pool Construction Process

Want to learn more about the Pool Construction Process? We consulted the dynamic duo of Scott Nagy, Senior Manager & Head of Construction, and Cammy Dreher, Senior Manager & Head of Processing, to take you step by step through the Pool Construction Process.

Project Completion & Startup

Final Inspection & Water Fill

Before your first swim, we conduct a comprehensive final inspection to ensure every system is operating safely and efficiently. Once everything checks out, we fill the pool, balance the water chemistry, and test all equipment, setting the stage for a seamless, swim-ready experience.

Pool Startup & System Calibration

With your pool filled and ready, our team fine-tunes every system to ensure everything runs at peak performance. This essential step guarantees crystal-clear water, balanced circulation, and energy-efficient operation, so you can enjoy a stress-free start to poolside living.

Your Backyard Oasis Awaits

With construction complete, your dream outdoor space is ready for its grand debut. Whether you're hosting friends for a sunset swim, or simply soaking in the serenity, your will become your personal retreat. At California Pools & Landscape, we don’t just build pools—we create spaces that bring people together and set the stage for lasting memories.

Pool Startup & Warranty

Our commitment doesn’t end when construction does. It’s just the beginning.
We pride ourselves on building not just beautiful backyards, but relationships. Long after your pool is complete, we’re still here, providing support, service, and peace of mind.
Our Sales Manager, Brian Magrath, walks you through every step of our Start Up & Warranty process. Because at California Pools & Landscape, you’re not just another project, you’re part of our pool family.

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!

REQUEST AN ESTIMATE

MEET A DESIGNER

Understanding Pool Construction Timelines

From Planning to Poolside in Just Weeks, Building a pool is an exciting process, but understanding the timeline helps set clear expectations. While every project is unique, most pools take 8–12 weeks from excavation to the final water fill. Larger or more complex designs with custom features may take 12–16 weeks. At California Pools & Landscape, we pride ourselves on efficient, high-quality construction. Our team keeps you informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

Weeks 1–3

Construction Plans & Permitting. Once your design is finalized, our team will handle all construction plans, engineering, and city permits.

Weeks 4–5

Site Prep & Excavation. The pool area is prepared, and excavation begins. Steel reinforcement and plumbing/electric are installed.

Weeks 6–8

Shotcrete Application. The pool shell is formed, followed by a curing period.

Weeks 9–10

Tile, Coping & Decking. Aesthetic details like tile, coping, and decking are added to enhance functionality and style.

Weeks 11–12.

Interior Finish & Startup. The pool’s interior finish is applied, water is added, and equipment is tested for optimal performance.

CPL Warranty & Service Guarantee

At California Pools & Landscape, we stand behind our craftsmanship with industry-leading warranties on both construction and equipment. Our structural warranty ensures long-term durability, while manufacturer-backed warranties on pumps, heaters, and filtration systems provide added peace of mind. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we’re here to support you long after your pool is complete.

Warranty & Service

Easy Financing Solutions

Easy Financing Solutions

We partner with top lenders to offer flexible financing, making pool ownership more accessible. With low-interest loans and extended payment plans, we help you find a solution that works for you.

Smart Budget Planning

Smart Budget Planning

Pool costs vary by size, materials, and features. We provide transparent pricing and customized designs to fit your budget, no hidden fees, just a straightforward path to your dream pool.

See What Our Customers Are Saying

elena Cordova

California Pools and Landscape came to our rescue! Another contractor left us with a half-finished project, an empty pool, and a giant mess. After seeing our disaster broadcast on 3 By-Your-Side, the owner of Cal Pools actually reached out to us and offered to help. We have done many, many construction/remodel projects over the years. Never have we worked with such a professional, organized, honest company. They truly set a new standard. Stephen, our project manager, seamlessly coordinated each aspect of our complicated redo. They have an App for your phone that provides continued updates, alerting you to when and who will be in your yard, what the steps are to complete the project etc. Each subcontractor is part of Cal Pools, so they know their aspect of the job and performs at the same high standard. Our yard is beautiful!

John G.

John G.

I have a pool designed and built by California Pools that is a little over 1 year old. After the pool was completed I have had two self-induced problems that had me coming back to Cal Pools to have fixed and my experience on both occasions has been exceptional. The service representative, Leslie Gallegos, was extremely friendly and responsive, and had someone out the very next day on both occasions that looked into the problem(s) and fixed them on the spot. On the most recent service call this past week, Leslie had a service technician, Trevor Gossmann, come out who was exceptional. Trevor addressed a problem with the DE filter I had serviced by another pool service company and he knew immediately what was wrong and disassembled the DE filter assembly to confirm his initial assessment. Our other pool service company did not know what they were doing and Trevor jumped in and fixed the problem as well as made sure the pool was operating the way it should. Wow, what a difference. I cannot say how much I appreciate the professionalism and expertise you get when dealing with Cal Pools, especially getting treated so well a year after the pool construction was complete. Leslie and Trevor are terrific people to deal with and I am so glad that I had Cal Pools build my pool. I would recommend them to anyone considering having a pool built and who may be concerned with service after the pool has been completed. And, oh by the way, our pool design and functionality is the best thanks to the superior workmanship of Cal Pools. I definitely made the right choice when I selected Cal Pools do our pool.

Metin Gurbuz

Dave is an amazing designer and a great person to work with. He is very professional, responds fast ans easy to work with. If you are going to work with California pools definitely ask for Dave Grau. Hope to work with you in our future projects.

Lisa T.

Lisa T.

I had a great experience with California Pools. My designer Joshua Turnbull was amazing. He adjusted the plans as many times as I asked and he ended up giving me a fantastic pool and backyard design. I also received above and beyond service from Stephen Dreher, the construction manager. He was always available for phone calls and made regular site visits. He was easy to talk to and he explained everything I needed to know in detail. He was simply amazing. Jessica Zaragoza in scheduling was also excellent. She always answered her phone, or made timely return calls. She was always available to give me a heads up on when the trades would be at my house to do work. We had no delays and the entire pool and yard was one in just a little over 2 months. Would definitely recommend and use California pools again.

Stan Taylor

We were thoroughly impressed with California Pools. Vina and Matt were excellent and communicative through the process. They always got back to us in a timely fashion. Brian was the only designer of 4 pool companies that we talked with that found a solution for our pool equipment, notice it is not in the backyard!!! it is on the side of the house and keeps the pool/spa area quiet. And the Porcelain looks amazing. Was it perfect, no, but it was very good, and when there was an issue they gave me choices, suggesting the best for us long term. Thank you all, I would highly recommend CalPools Queen Creek!! Stan.

bryan geoffrey

Absolutely perfect experience with California Pools. They completed our job in record time with the hole being dug 10/11/23 and the pool being filled in late January 24'. I think it would have been fasted but we actually held them up a bit. Donnie was our project manager and was OUTSTANDING. He was at the job site daily and fixed things before I even noticed they needed fixing. Ashton handled our hardscapes and had the same "whatever it takes" attitude. Really impressed and highly recommend them.

Jeff C.

Jeff C.

Brian/ Ciarra and Stephen were exceptional at every level. From start to finish they were on top of their game. Couldn't have had a better Team and pool company!!

Brian G.

We absolutely love our new pool from California Pools & Landscape! Kyle Morse did an outstanding job designing our pool! Kyle is very knowledgeable and gave us many suggestions as he was designing our pool. Kyle was also great at answering questions during the pool installation! Stephen Dreher oversaw the entire pool installation from start to finish. He came to our house numerous times to check on the process of the installation. Stephen would also take the time to explain what was going on as our pool was being installed. I would definitely recommend California Pools & Landscape! I would also recommend Kyle Morse and Stephen Dreher!

Kristy Y.

When we moved to Arizona, our first priority was to build a pool. We received quotes and design plans from many pool companies. I honestly feel like other companies tried to take advantage of our lack of "pool knowledge" and tried to sell us all of the bells & whistles. After talking to friends, we were referred to California Pools. We were pleasantly surprised at how easy the sales process was. Our sales guy, Travis, paid attention to what we wanted, didn't try to oversell us and designed a pool with our input. Although the building process took a little longer than we anticipated, we couldn't be happier with the end result! We have a beautiful pool that exceeded our expectations!

Barbara C.

Barbara C.

They did a fantastic job on our pool. They were fast and efficient and kept us up to date on what was happening at each stage of the build. They wore masks when we had to meet and if there was a delay or small problem it was readily fixed within a week. We love our pool!

Charles L.

Charles L.

After receiving several quotes from regional pool companies, we chose CalPool because their presentation was far and above the most thorough, and their pricing was below that of their competition for like pool designs and features. Designing, scheduling and building any construction project while dealing with the Covid pandemic can be challenging at all levels, not to mention the Arizona monsoon rains that decimated a number of their construction sites. Throughout the entire project CalPool constantly strived to meet the schedule deadline, and if they couldn't, reached out to us immediately with updates that worked for the both of us. I would highly recommend CalPool to anyone interested in a future pool project!!! Thank you for such a beautiful swimming pool!!!!

Cameron

We first had our pool drafted in 2019, got cold feet and backed away from the idea. In 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic we contacted Chris to get ball rolling again. They still had our draft, which made it easy to restart the process. Due to the pandemic, construction and completion of out project was somewhat delayed, but not nearly as bad as that I'm currently hearing build times are now. Fast forward to today 5/28/2021. We are 95% happy with CalPools and our pool build out. Chris was great to work with. We did have a small issue with deck cracks, and grout separation at the water line, but CalPools worked quick to rectify the situation. Cari was incredible at getting our needs taken care of in a timely manner. The only issue I have with the over project, which in hind sight and not knowing much about pools. I wish we would have made the very last step a bit smaller and reduced the depth of our Baja/sun step. It stands at about 12", two less inches would have been perfect. So far so good. Happy with our choice, happy with our pool. Our landscape was completed by another company. In the end it all came out exactly as we planned it.

Marc Steadman

Nicholas was the project manager for our pool/yard remodel and stayed involved from beginning to end. His design analysis and expertise was always appreciated. But most of all we were thankful that Nicholas took personal responsibility that our project would end well. We could always count on Nicholas to respond quickly, and to find the right person to get our concerns resolved. Thank you.

M. K.

i would recommend california pools to anyone who is wanting to build a pool. we are 1st time pool buyers and we were so nervous! special thanks goes out to : joe m (project manager), rick f (construction manager) shannon h.( schedule manager ) they helped us with everything. great work guys! wish i could give higher then 5 star!

Chuck Martinez

Cal Pools really stands behind their warranty statement and provides an exceptional customer experience. I recently had a warranty issue and Jesse R (Service Mgr.) and his team: Bianca, Gabe, Trevor & Ray immediately came out and addressed the issue. Throughout the entire process the service team was professional, courteous and maintained great follow-up; a real pleasure to work with. CPL truly takes care of their customers. What an outstanding team and company!

Ron Smith

My wife Shelly Smith works at California Pool & Landscape. She has never been happier. She loves the camaraderie of the staff and owners. I have met many of them and they are all great! The customers have to get great service with these happy employees.

Allyson M.

Allyson M.

California Pools designed our pool and we love it! Chelle McCarthy has done a superb job of responding to all requests and providing us with outstanding customer service. We would highly recommend this company for designing and installing your dream pool. Best of all, they proide continued customer support!

Christa Gentile

Christa Gentile

Brian Fox and the whole team at CPL are fantastic. Brian was very creative in designing our entire backyard environment. We had so much fun each time we met with him in the design phase and other associates that helped us along the way. When we had issues/changes during the process; they were addressed very quickly. Everyone was very responsive, professional and friendly. I would highly recommend CPL to anyone looking to build a unique, personalized pool.

Leilanie R.

We are so happy with our pool and landscape! We had just moved to AZ and it was our first time having a pool. We bought a new construction and Cali Pools was able to start construction before we even closed on the house. We are so happy with Dave's vision and Cari who helped with the warranty requests. We highly recommend them. Even our pool guy complimented how nice and high quality work California Pools did.

S.

Brian E, Nathan and Michelle were absolutely incredible!! We had the best experience from design all the way through completion. Communication throughout the entire process was outstanding. We could not be happier with our new pool and backyard from California Pools & Landscape!!!! ❤️

Andy C.

Andy C.

I had a great experience with my pool build. But even better is the continued excellent support I receive from Chelle McCarthy of the warranty department. I had tree die just outside of its warranty period (due to the extreme heat) and I contacted her and explained the situation and she agreed to have it replanted after summer. She is very friendly and responsive, and a great representation of the California Pools staff!

Joe T.

Completely satisfied from start to finish. While Cal may not be the least expensive pool you can build in this market, it is an excellent product. Having had multiple pools over the years, I am very comfortable recommending this company. The professionalism and friendliness of this team are extraordinary from start to finish!

Jeremy James

Jon Utz was awesome as the construction manager. Responded immediately to the questions and concerns we had during the process. We had pool and entire backyard landscape designed and constructed by CPL and we love it! Yes, pool construction is expensive and issues with supply chains, worker delays, etc but CPL does not compromise on quality which cannot be said for other pool companies in the valley. A few (very) minor issues with equipment, etc. were promptly remedied with ongoing warranty. Great customer service and quality. Highly recommend, would use them again.

Suzanne P.

Suzanne P.

Tiffany with CA Pools and Landscaping was a huge help with getting us setup on the portal!!! Thanks so much for your patience with all of my questions!

Jennifer Lawson

Jennifer Lawson

I give 5 stars to CA POOLS they were great. Whenever i had a concern it was addressed. I have a beautiful pool. Thanks to Myra O, Pete B and Joel P

Juli W.

Juli W.

My pool is beautiful and my landscaping superb. Cody Risdon helped me design my pool and it is perfection Steve Dreher and Jessica. Zaragoza, where are my points of contact for project management and status of my job. The attention to detail That was given to my project was far above my expectations. The standards that CalPools sets for their finished products Is better than any company I have ever worked with. If you're in the market for a pool and landscaping, I highly recommend them. I totally got more out of this experience than I ever dreamed possible. if I ever needed another pool i woukd go back in a heartbeat.

Molly B.

Molly B.

Had to get Cal pools to replace only 1 tree out of about 30 plants and trees..Cari Gossmann set it up right away. The young man assigned to replace the tree...Josh...aka Josue M. Was wonderful, so careful with our yard...and so full of helpful information for me. Really appreciated his knowledge & helpfulness. Thanks California Pools and Landscaping...loving EVERYTHING you have done!

Mike F.

Mike F.

California Pools & Landscape designed and built my pool, spa and landscaped the backyard nearly 10 years ago. They did a terrific job and since then, have provided very good service and equipment maintenance. For me, there are two people that have been great and make all the difference that I would say have been outstanding; Alison Sherwood and Jesse who heads up their pool/spa field work. The best and I highly recommend them.

dominick V (DVX1738)

dominick V (DVX1738)

When we decided to have a pool built we checked out several pool companies and found that only California Pools understood our vision. Other pools companies gave us boring and outdated designs and some even pushed back when we asked for new designs. Our designer at Cal pools Matt Sauer worked with us until we were 100% satisfied with our design (and 8 change orders during the construction because we were super indecisive) and we felt no pressure. During the construction our construction manager Jeremiah was extreemly helpful and ensured our pool was built properly and with excellent quality. He always worked with our scheduling coordinator Sara and let us know the phases of construction that we were in and helped us make any last min changes to ensure we were happy. I would definitely recommend California Pools to design and build your pool!

Gonzalo C.

Gonzalo C.

Just wanted to share some appreciation for one of your fantastic team members, Gabe Wenzel. I purchased a pool from you about 2 years ago, and Gabe has been a constant source of support, always ready to assist and address any concerns I've had.This level of customer care truly deserves recognition.As a Realtor, I'm always thrilled to recommend businesses that go above and beyond, and employees like Gabe make that decision easy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Construction

How long does it take to build a swimming pool?

What factors influence the cost of building a pool?

Do I need a permit to build a pool in Arizona?

Can I customize the design of my pool?

What is the difference between saltwater & chlorine pools?

How can I ensure my pool is energy-efficient?

What are the benefits of adding a spa to my pool design?

Q: How long does it take to build a swimming pool?

The construction timeline varies based on the pool's design, size, and additional features. Typically, projects are completed in 8–10 weeks, with larger or more complex designs taking up to 12–16 weeks.

Q: What factors influence the cost of building a pool?

Several elements affect the overall cost, including the pool's size, materials used, chosen features (like waterfalls or lighting), and site-specific considerations such as accessibility and soil conditions.

Q: Do I need a permit to build a pool in Arizona?

Yes, constructing a pool in Arizona requires obtaining the necessary permits to ensure compliance with local building codes and safety regulations.

Q: Can I customize the design of my pool?

Absolutely. Pools can be tailored to fit your backyard space, aesthetic preferences, and functional needs. Options include various shapes, sizes, depths, and features like Baja shelves, infinity edges, or swim-up bars.

Q: What is the difference between saltwater & chlorine pools?

Both systems utilize chlorine to sanitize the water. In saltwater pools, a generator converts salt into chlorine, often resulting in gentler or softer water. Traditional pools require manual addition of chlorine. The choice depends on maintenance preferences and sensitivity considerations.

Q: How can I ensure my pool is energy-efficient?

Incorporating energy-efficient equipment like variable-speed pumps, LED lighting, and solar heaters can significantly reduce energy consumption. Regular maintenance and proper pool covers also help conserve energy.

Q: What are the benefits of adding a spa to my pool design?

Integrating a spa offers therapeutic benefits, such as muscle relaxation and stress relief. It also enhances the aesthetic appeal and increases the overall value of your outdoor space.