Play Pools

Designed for Endless Fun & Relaxation

Turn Your Backyard into the Ultimate Play Space

Looking for the perfect blend of relaxation and fun? Play pools are the go-to choice for Arizona families, offering the ultimate backyard entertainment space. Designed with a shallow, uniform depth, they provide the ideal setting for pool games, floaties, and family-friendly activities.. We specialize in crafting custom play pools that fit your lifestyle. Whether you're envisioning a refreshing retreat from the Arizona heat, a game-friendly pool for endless fun, or a stylish addition to your backyard, we’ll bring your dream to life. Let us create the perfect play space for you!

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What is a Play Pool?

A play pool is a shallow, recreational pool designed for fun rather than diving or lap swimming. Typically ranging between 3–5 feet deep, these pools offer a safe and inviting space for games, lounging, and cooling off.

Unlike traditional pools with deep ends, play pools have a uniform depth, making them ideal for families with children or homeowners looking for a lower-maintenance, cost-effective pool option that maximizes backyard space.


Popular Cocktail Pool Features

Play pools provide a balance between recreation and relaxation, making them a smart investment for any backyard. These pools may be compact, but they can be customized to fit your needs. Some of the most common features include:
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Uniform Depth

Shallow design (3ft x 5ft x 4ft) for safer, more versatile use.
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Compact Size

Designed to fit smaller spaces without sacrificing function.
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Built-in Seating

Perfect for lounging & socializing in the water.
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Custom Lighting

Enhance evening ambiance with underwater LEDs.
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Water Features

Add bubblers, fountains, or spillover edges for extra style.

Custom Designs for Any Backyard

Every backyard is different, and a play pool can be tailored to your unique space. Whether you prefer a modern geometric design, a freeform shape that blends into your landscaping, or a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, there are endless options. Our design team will work with you to select materials, finishes, and features that complement your home’s style and outdoor layout while creating a functional, family-friendly retreat.

Why Homeowners Love Play Pools

Lower Maintenance & More Efficient

Lower Maintenance & More Efficient

Play pools are easier to maintain than traditional pools, requiring less water, fewer chemicals, and reduced filtration needs. Their shallow depth means quicker heating, improved energy efficiency, and lower operational costs over time.
Designed for Fun & Family Time

Designed for Fun & Family Time

Play pools are made for games, lounging, and socializing rather than competitive swimming. Whether it’s a poolside game of volleyball, a relaxed summer float, or quality time with loved ones, these pools provide a safe, interactive space for all ages.

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!
Safe & Family-Friendly Design

Safe & Family-Friendly Design

One of the biggest advantages of a play pool is safety. With a uniform depth of 3–5 feet, there’s no deep end to worry about, making it an ideal choice for families with kids. Play pools are less intimidating for beginner swimmers, and built-in seating or tanning ledges provide a place to rest. Paired with non-slip surfaces, pool covers, and safety fencing, they can create a worry-free water environment for homeowners.
Energy-Efficient Heating for Year-Round Enjoyment

Energy-Efficient Heating for Year-Round Enjoyment

With their shallow depth, play pools heat up quickly, making them ideal for year-round use. Many homeowners opt for solar heating, electric heat pumps, or gas heaters to extend the swimming season. Since these pools require less energy to maintain warmth, they’re a cost-effective alternative to larger pools that take longer to heat.
Smart Pool Automation & Filtration

Smart Pool Automation & Filtration

Play pools can be equipped with automation systems to make maintenance effortless. From self-cleaning filtration to smartphone-controlled heating, lighting, and water features, today’s technology lets you spend more time enjoying your pool and less time managing upkeep. Advanced filtration systems like saltwater pools, ozone, or UV sanitization reduce chemical use while keeping water crystal clear and safe.
Water Conservation & Eco-Friendly Benefits

Water Conservation & Eco-Friendly Benefits

Smaller pools use less water overall, making them an eco-friendly backyard feature. Additional sustainability upgrades like high-efficiency pumps, automated covers, and rainwater collection systems help homeowners reduce evaporation and minimize water waste while keeping their pools clean. By choosing a compact, shallow pool, you cut down on water and energy use while still enjoying all the benefits of having a private backyard retreat.


See What Our Customers Are Saying

Rachel G.

Rachel G.

Great experience using California pools! Mike, Tim, and Sara were awesome during the process and went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly! They were thorough, attentive to detail, and addressed any questions or concerns promptly. Everything went great and we are very happy with the finished product!
Donald E.

Donald E.

We had a pool and landscaping performed by California Pools, Chandler. The pool is 10' wide and 30' long and was designed as a lap pool. We had travertine installed. The pool and travertine are both beautiful. The crews were knowledgeable and knew their jobs. We did have a couple of issues where workers did not show when promised but a quick phone call got them here the same day or the following day. No serious issues there. The landscape is beautiful. It melds with the pool and house nicely. The rock they used matches the rock in the front, perfectly. This was a nice surprise. They also used large screened rock, which is very nice. I would recommend them. Paul, the salesman, was very knowledgable and Steve, the supervisor, was complete and handled issues quickly and effectively.
Steve Smith

Steve Smith

Great design services and beautiful pool as a result. Very Professional!
Justin Y.

Justin Y.

California pool company is by far the best pool company in the valley. Their customer service is awesome the correspondence is great, and the workmanship Unbeatable. Please do not waste your time with any other company or build your own pool.
John S.

John S.

I just want to say that every time I have had California Pools service my pool (they built it) they have been outstanding especially Trevor, Kaitlyn and Brandon
Carol P.

Carol P.

California Pools completed our pool project last year in less than 2 1/2 months. We were very pleased. Only one day off schedule. This year we have had an issue with our heater. Cari Grossman has been our customer service rep and has always gotten back to us with status of issues. When no service tech's were available, our warranty manager came to get things going.Today Trevor and Manny were here to assess our problem further. They quickly diagnosed the issue and handled it. Thanks so much guys.We have had a great experience with California Pools. We highly recommend them.
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.
Aaron Piekarz

Aaron Piekarz

Although we didn’t continue with the pool process Ryan was extremely helpful in guiding us in the right direction. His knowledge of the industry and his ability to design a pool is top notch! When ready again will definitely be reaching out to him directly!
Bob Gentile

Bob Gentile

California pools has been excellent to deal with from the very early design/quote stages all the way through project completion. Our Sales/Designer, Brian Fox, was excellent. He not only helped design the backyard and pool that we wanted, he provided excellent insight and suggestions along the way. His knowledge was invaluable in helping us make the many decisions required to come up with our end result. California support staff like Marissa (scheduling) and Darrin (construction superintendent) provided consistent and excellent customer support. The communication with the entire team was great and the app that they used to provide updates on progress, scheduling and milestone completion was very helpful. With any large project, challenges along the way are given, but having a team that was focused on our satisfaction made the process much easier. I would say that CA Pools is not necessarily the least expensive pool builder; but, as they say.... 'you get what you pay for' and that was certainly true in our case.
John C.

John C.

Had a few minor issues that arose with our recently completed pool. Contacted the service folks and we quickly had Ryan come out to take a look. Ryan was very professional and knowledgeable and took the time to explain each issue and the immediate fix he could make. After 30 minutes he was done and we were very pleased with our experience. Quick and professional, what more could you ask for...just another reason that our choice of California Pools was the justified. I whole-heartedly recommend anyone looking for a top-notch pool builder to make the right choice with California Pools!
Robert F.

Robert F.

I'm doing a new pool with California Pools and Landscpe. From the original meeting with our designer Kyle to our contacts with our scheduler Anna and construction superintendent Jeremiah construction has gone as planned. We are currently through shotcrete and the pool already is looking great. We really appreciate how everyone keeps us informed about what's coming next and how the subs always leave the site clean. We would recommend California Pools to anyone looking to significantly improve the value of their property.
Megan A.

Megan A.

We shopped around and had other companies give quotes. It was California Pools we decided to go with. They had great pricing and good warranties. All in all it was a good experience as we did start our pool project right when the pandemic hit. Even with that they stayed on schedule and had our pool finished in time for us to enjoy for 4th of July! Our Construction Manager Roy D. was great! He answered all our questions and addressed any issues that would come up during construction. During our final walk through with Roy we did have a few items that needed to be addressed. Roy had all the corrections made and did check back to make sure we were happy with the corrections. He would come often to the house to check on the project. He made sure we were 100% happy with our investment. Daniel A. with the landscape team, came to our house to show us how to take care of our new landscape. He took his time and was very thorough with explaining how to care of our new yard. Very nice and knowledgeable guy. Ray M. the service technician that thought us how to take care of our pool was absolutely awesome! He spent a lot of time with us as we have never owned a pool before and we were totally lost on how to maintain our new pool. He noticed our pool light was not working and alerted the office. Due to it being a holiday weekend we were not able to get it fixed until the following week. Ray knew we were having a small pool reveal for the 4th of July holiday and went the extra mile for us. He told the office he would fix the light for us. Ray went and drove to pick up the part and drove back to our house to fix it the same day. It's around a 40 minute drive from our house to the show room in Chandler. Not a quick drive. Customer service like that is what makes companies like California Pools who they are and why we would recommend them! Our scheduling manager, Valerie W. was a so great to work with. At times we had a lot of questions and she would answer them almost instantly. She would keep us up to date of where the project was and what was to come next. She would let us know if something had to be rescheduled due to crews being short staffed or whatever other issues might had come up. She kept us posted about the permits and other areas of the project as well. She was great to work with! Meghan G. did an excellent job with helping us finance our project. She gave us all options and explained everything in details to us. Brian E. project manage/designer did a really good job with the design and was easy to work with even when we made changes. Over all we are very happy with the outcome of our project. We would use California Pools for our next project. We had a great team and over all a good experience.
Rebecca G.

Rebecca G.

Our project manager, Jordan Thrasher, made our pool process an easy one. He is reliable, able to manage many small details on dozens of projects at one time, has timely communication, never rushes us when we have questions or concerns, and goes out of his way to be sure our service is excellent. I am constantly amazed by what he manages and keeps organized, and I would recommend him as a project manager without hesitation. Thank you, Jordan, for always going above and beyond for our project. We LOVE our finished pool, landscape, and hardscape additions.
Sheri S.

Sheri S.

Wanted to give a huge thank you to my team at California Pools! It all started with Brian Fox and the design of my entire backyard. Then I was passed to Jordan Thrasher and Sara Dougan which was a wonderful relationship. I have gotten so many compliments on my backyard. Best investment I have ever made!
Jeff F.

Jeff F.

We recently selected California Pools to install our pavers and extend our seating area into our backyard along with some re-grading of our yard. We found this to be an extremely easy process from start to finish, they were on time, communicated well and worked with us through a couple changes with no hassle at all We highly recommend them for anyone looking to improve their backyard living!
Shelly S.

Shelly S.

This review has been removed for violating our Terms of Service
Kris S.

Kris S.

Great design by Matt and customer service by Rebecca and Sean! I'd recommend and use again. California designed the patio, pool, spa and fire pit. Thank you!
Bill K.

Bill K.

My pool is a couple months short of 5 years old now and all systems are working well. Much appreciation to Alison in the shop and Matt in the field - they've helped me through some tough and typically costly repairs by negotiating with equipment manufacturers and distributors.
Bill And Jen B.

Bill And Jen B.

California Pools provided an outstanding experience in the transformation of our backyard. They were very competitively priced and did not try to upsell us on unreasonable features, in fact helping us understand that some of the operating features that we had in mind were unnecessary. We signed in Oct 2021, expecting a lengthy process, knowing most pools around this time were taking 12 months or more. The pool and landscape was completed 7 months later. There were a couple of delays along the way, but the level of communication was so high that we were prepared for any curve in the road. And since completion, they have reached out numerous times to ensure all is well. Outstanding product! Outstanding service! - Bill B
Leah B.

Leah B.

Our experience with California pools has been an extremely positive experience. Our pool and waterfall is absolutely beautiful. The layout and design is a view from our windows I enjoy seeing throughout my day. We enjoy our evening hours sitting with the pool lights on with the sound of the waterfall. My zen space for sure. Most importantly has been the Warranty department. Shelley has answered all my questions with such satisfactory, caring response with follow up in a timely manner. Everything I expect! Great job Shelley and California pools!
Jennifer P.

Jennifer P.

Thank you Jordan, Cody & the rest of the team for the most beautiful backyard. its even better than i could ever imagine. 🙂
CheeseHead

CheeseHead

We just opened our new pool this past week and we love it. We collected quotes from 5 different pool builders before deciding on California Pools. Pricing was, for the most part, consistent across all of the builders. It was the communication and customer service that made choosing California Pools the right decision. Although we had a change in project manager after we had initially completed our design, the new project manager got up to speed on our project quickly. Lori M. was very helpful as we selected the various materials and finishes for our pool project, to ensure that they complemented each other for a beautifully finished backyard retreat. Sarese F., our scheduling coordinator, was fantastic at communicating exactly what to expect during each stage of the construction. And Pete B., our construction manager, kept us informed on-site throughout the entire construction phase, offering useful insight and suggestions for decisions that had to be made after the construction had begun. Overall, it has been a great experience with California Pools and we're very excited to enjoy our first summer cooling off in our new pool!
Gwen O.

Gwen O.

CAL POOLS (Gabe equipment specialist) showed up today to check pool equipment. Gabe covered all concerns and answered all questions clearly putting our minds at ease. He went over backwash procedures, chemical maintenance, and equipment operation, this was all covered on pool completion back in AUG but since we do all upkeep we wanted to be clear on doing everything properly. Gabe has a lot of knowledge, experience, and easy to talk to, so glad CALPOOLS has people like Gabe working for them.
Kirby Bayerle

Kirby Bayerle

We used CPL for our landscaping and pool at our new home. We were happy with responsiveness from initial plans and consultation through the final phases and completion. The team did a good job of communicating throughout the project on their CPL App. Steve D did a nice job as our project manager. We would recommend CPL for pool and landscaping.
Katie G.

Katie G.

We redid our ENTIRE yard with California Pools last spring. We were a little cautious when selecting such a large pool company. We were afraid we'd get lost in the mix. Let me just say, that could'nt be farther from the truth! We were able to reach someone immediately, including weekends! They went above and beyond and gave us OUTSTANDING attention from start to finish. Even after our project was complete we have still contacted them and have always had any questions/concerns answered immediately! Our backyard was transformed into an outdoor oasis for our family and meets the needs of our pets, small children and my husband and I. Customer service was top notch with every person we dealt with! We would do business with them again and again and will always refer California Pools so anyone! We just wish customer service were like this everywhere, beacause it's rare to find these days! We consider them friends and felt cared for from start to finish and beyond!
Mary D.

Mary D.

Our pool is six months old so we are under warranty with Calpools. Their warranty service is excellant! Chelle McCarthy not only took my call immediately, but she took time to completely address my questions and further explained her part in the warranty program. She never made me feel like I was imposing or dumb for asking questions. In the past, I have found that one is not treated very well in warranty programs with other companies. Not so at Calpools, Chelle followed up with an email with even more information and again told me to contact her anytime. I definitely think it is wonderful testament to California Pools that their service continues to be unsurpassed after installation.
jamie galvan

jamie galvan

As a first time pool owner California Pools made our experience easy and we love the outcome. Our designer Les created exactly what we wanted. We had a wonderful and very helpful construction manager Pete B working our project along with our scheduler Sarese F. Communication is key and they always kept us informed and we saw Pete onsite regularly making sure we knew what was going on and taking care of our new pool project . We are very happy with the process and our experience with California Pools. I highly recommend them!
Dennis A.

Dennis A.

When I moved to Arizona, I knew I wanted a pool in my backyard. Happened to see the California Pool office as I was shopping for furniture so I stopped in. Didn't know exactly what I wanted but gave Brian Egge some of my thoughts. He came out to my house to measure and talk about what they had to offer. No pressure sales and just great information. End result, a few months later, was nothing but fabulous. I now have my retirement oasis, all thanks to California Pools and Landscape.
Erna T.

Erna T.

We are thrilled with our pool and landscaping! We went with California Pools because they did EVERYTHING! They transformed a small, very plain backyard into our own little oasis with a freeform pool complete with a Baja Shelf, lighting, landscaping, and a soothing water feature. Leann Madar kept us well informed on what was happening and when. Matt Sauer got us started with a beautiful plan and Matt White checked on us all along the way, making sure we were satisfied, feeling comfortable, and answering our many questions. Each team in the construction of the pool and yard did their part in this project in a timely fashion and the worksite was kept tidy throughout. Todd Stewart was extremely patient and helpful in teaching us how to care for our pool and Luis is continuing to assist us with the new plants.
Bill and Jen Burkhead

Bill and Jen Burkhead

2 minutes ago California Pools provided an outstanding experience in the transformation of our backyard. They were very competitively priced and did not try to upsell us on unreasonable features, in fact helping us understand that some of the operating features that we had in mind were unnecessary. We signed in Oct 2021, expecting a lengthy process, knowing most pools around this time were taking 12 months or more. The pool and landscape was completed 7 months later. There were a couple of delays along the way, but the level of communication was so high that we were prepared for any curve in the road. And since completion, they have reached out numerous times to ensure all is well. Outstanding product! Outstanding service! - Bill B

Frequently Asked Questions About Play Pools


Q: What is a play pool used for?

These pools are designed for family fun, relaxation, and casual water activities like pool games, lounging, and cooling off. They’re not intended for deep diving or intense swimming workouts.

Q: How deep are play pools?

Most range from 3 to 5 feet deep, offering a safe and versatile space for games and water activities.

Q: Are play pools safe for kids?

Yes! The shallow, uniform depth makes them a safer option than pools with deep ends. However, adult supervision is always recommended.

Q: Do play pools require less maintenance than traditional pools?

Absolutely. With their smaller water volume, these pools use fewer chemicals, require less filtration, and are easier to keep clean compared to full-size pools.

Q: Can I add extra features like lighting or heating?

Yes! Many homeowners customize their play pools with underwater lighting, heating systems, water features, and tanning ledges for added comfort and style.

Q: How much does a play pool cost?

Play pools are more affordable than larger pools, with costs typically ranging from $33,000 to $40,000, depending on size, materials, and added features.

Q: What is the best pool material for a play pool?

Options include concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liners, with concrete offering the most customization and fiberglass providing a smoother, low-maintenance finish.

Q: Can play pools be built in small backyards?

Yes! These pools are designed specifically for compact spaces and can be customized to fit a variety of layouts.

Q: Do play pools add value to a home?

Yes! Adding a pool, especially one that maximizes backyard space and is easy to maintain is an attractive feature for potential buyers.


Ready to Create Your Dream Oasis?

Start by establishing your budget today, and let us help you bring your vision to life with features like a Baja shelf that elevate both the luxury and enjoyment of your backyard. Get started now!
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MEET A DESIGNER
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Get an Estimate

We pride ourselves on understanding your unique needs and budget, and then delivering on our promise to build the perfect backyard at the right price. Fill out the form below, and get started on turning your vision into reality!

Meet a Designer

Visit one of our state-of-the-art pool, spa, and landscape design centers in Chandler, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Surprise, Arizona, or schedule an in-home meeting with one of our designers. Let’s start the conversation about your own personal resort. From there, it won’t take you long to see for yourself why we’re Arizona’s preferred swimming pool builder.

Get Funded

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?