Irrigated citrus lots in Arcadia, foothill homes along South Mountain, newer streets in Desert Ridge. Each part of Phoenix asks for a different yard.
Pictured: Family Focused, Gilbert
Phoenix is big enough that a pool in Arcadia and a pool in Desert Ridge have little in common. Arcadia, at the south foot of Camelback Mountain, began as citrus groves watered by the Arcadia Water Company, founded in 1919. Ahwatukee Foothills follows the edge of South Mountain Park, and Desert Ridge is a 5,700-acre master plan in northeast Phoenix. We start every design by reading the lot in front of us.
The City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department handles residential pool and spa permits, and the process can be completed online. Reviews take longer when a pool sits on a hillside, uses a custom plan or adds structural elements such as water features, so we flag those early and build the time into your schedule.
Hillside lots carry their own rules. The city adopted its Hillside Ordinance in 1972 to limit grading and scarring on desert slopes, and it caps how much of a hillside lot can be disturbed. Those limits decide where a pool, deck and retaining walls can go.
Three situations we plan for across the city.
SRP still delivers flood irrigation to parts of the Valley, including some older Phoenix neighborhoods like Arcadia. On an irrigated lot we set pool and deck elevations, berms and drainage so irrigation water stays out of the pool and away from the equipment.
Many Arcadia lots still hold old citrus trees. We design around the healthiest ones and often let a grove become the backdrop for a fire pit or a dining terrace, the way the citrus row frames the fire pit at Family Focused.
Along South Mountain in Ahwatukee and in the north Phoenix foothills, grade changes bring engineering, retaining walls and drainage into the plan. A raised spa or a terraced deck can turn the slope into the best seat in the yard.
Older estates, foothill villages and newer master plans.
At the south foot of Camelback Mountain, first planted as citrus groves. Irrigated lots and mature trees suit classic pools, lawns and shaded terraces.
A Phoenix village along the foothills of South Mountain Park, made up of quiet master-planned neighborhoods. Desert views and nearby trails pair well with native landscaping.
A 5,700-acre master plan in northeast Phoenix, developed on former State Trust land. Its newer homes make clean contemporary pools a natural fit.
Established homes close to the heart of the city. Where a pool is already in place, a remodel can update it without a full rebuild.
Three that suit Phoenix homes well, each designed and built by our team.
New finishes, tile, steps and Pentair automation for Phoenix yards that already have a pool.
Plans that keep mature citrus and shade trees, add native plantings and manage irrigation and drainage.
Pergolas, covered bars, kitchens and fire features that turn a backyard into an evening room.
One team from the first call to the first swim, anywhere in Phoenix.
Thirty minutes on the phone about your vision, timeline and budget.
A complimentary on-site visit, then custom 3D renderings and a detailed proposal within a week.
We prepare the engineering, file with the City of Phoenix and package any HOA submittal.
Eight to fourteen weeks of construction with weekly owner updates, then your first swim.
Family Focused is in Gilbert, southeast of Phoenix. Its fire pit in a row of citrus is the kind of moment an Arcadia lot is made for.
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A round stacked-stone fire pit with a travertine cap sits on its own patio, framed by white benches and the citrus trees, the last stop after a swim and dinner under the pergola.
The City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department issues residential pool and spa permits, and submittals can be handled online. We prepare the drawings and engineering, submit them and coordinate inspections during the build.
Yes. Phoenix reviews take longer for hillside pools, and the Hillside Ordinance limits how much of a hillside lot can be graded or built on. We map those limits during design so the pool, deck and walls fit within them.
Yes, with the right grading. We set elevations, berms and drainage so irrigation water flows around the pool area, keep the equipment pad high and dry, and plan the barrier and gates to work with the irrigation layout.
Often. We place the pool and footings with root zones in mind, protect trees during construction where we can and give you an honest read on which ones are worth keeping.
Yes. Ahwatukee sits along South Mountain on the Chandler and Tempe side of the city, and Desert Ridge is in northeast Phoenix. If your home is in an HOA, we handle that review alongside the city permit.
Tell us what you want to build, your budget and timing, then pick a time for a free 30-minute call with our design manager.