Is It Cheaper to Build a Pool During the Off-Season in Arizona?
August 8th, 2025
4 min. read

Is there really a “best time” to build a pool in Arizona?
Can the month you choose actually save you thousands - or delay your dream backyard?
Here’s the good news: yes, timing matters - and building during Arizona’s off-season could save you money, time, and headaches.
At Shasta Pools, we’ve built thousands of pools in Arizona over the past 50+ years, so we know exactly how timing affects cost and construction schedules.
We’ve seen homeowners start during peak season and face delays - or plan ahead and save thousands by building in the off-season.
While we build pools year-round, we’ll always give you the honest truth: some months are simply smarter for your budget and timeline.
In the next section, we’ll show you when to start so you can save money, avoid stress, and enjoy your pool sooner.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- When Arizona’s pool-building “off-season” actually happens
- If and how much you can save by starting your project early
- What real families have saved by timing it right
- And how to plan now to swim by next summer - without rushing or overpaying
Let’s help you build smart, save more, and enjoy your pool sooner.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Build a Pool in Arizona?
The “off-season” for pool construction in Arizona usually runs from October through January.
That’s when most families are focused on the holidays - not backyard remodels - so demand slows down.
- Cooler temps mean fewer builds - and less competition for crews.
- Rain is rare, and concrete cures well in mild weather.
- Some builders (like Shasta) may offer off-season incentives to fill open calendar slots.
Bonus tip: If you’re building a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, seasonality matters even more since factory production can be faster in winter.
Can I Really Save Money by Building in the Off-Season?
Yes, in many cases, you can save $3,000–$10,000 or more - just by starting your build earlier.
Here’s how:
- Some builders offer winter discounts or upgrade promos.
- Labor and subcontractor rates may be lower due to lighter schedules.
- Materials ordered early can avoid spring price hikes.
Planning in fall also means you're ahead of the rush - no fighting for permit approvals or contractor availability come spring.
How Much Do Arizona Families Actually Save in the Off-Season?
Here’s what we’ve seen in real projects at Shasta Pools:
Off-Season Pool Savings (Based on Past Customer Projects)
Feature |
In-Season Cost |
Off-Season Perks or Savings |
Upgrade Discounts |
~$5,000 |
Save $1,000–$2,500 |
Build Schedule Availability |
6–10 week wait |
Start sooner, finish faster |
Spring Price Hike Avoidance |
+$2,000–$4,000 |
Lock in lower pre-season pricing |
Permit/Design Fees |
~$500 |
Sometimes waived or discounted |
Savings range from $3,000–$10,000+ depending on timing, size, and features.
What Other Benefits Come With Off-Season Pool Building?
Beyond the cost savings, off-season construction comes with other perks:
- Faster builds. Crews have fewer jobs, so timelines shrink.
- Better scheduling. It’s easier to coordinate with designers and city inspectors.
- More flexibility. Want a rare tile? Less chance it’s backordered.
Off-season builds are less stressful - and often more fun - because there’s no rush.
What Are the Downsides of Building a Pool in Fall or Winter?
Okay, let’s be honest. Off-season building isn’t always perfect.
- Cold weather can slow down concrete curing in rare cases (mainly in Northern Arizona).
- Some permit offices reduce hours around holidays, which can delay inspections.
- Final landscaping may be harder to finish in cold or wet conditions.
But for most areas in Phoenix, Tucson, and the Valley, these risks are minimal.
How Do I Start Planning for an Off-Season Pool Build?
It’s smart to start planning 2–3 months ahead of your target build date. If you want to break ground in November, start design work by August or September.
Here’s how to get ahead:
- ✅ Schedule a consultation with your builder early
- ✅ Finalize design and features before fall
- ✅ Ask if you can lock in today’s pricing - even if you build in a few months
Planning now = peace of mind + price protection.
What’s the Best Timeline If I Want to Swim by Summer?
Let’s say your goal is to be swimming by Memorial Day. When should you start?
Typical Pool Build Timeline:
Phase |
Time Needed |
Design + Permitting |
4–6 weeks |
Excavation to Finish |
8–12 weeks |
Total Time |
~3–4 months |
So, if you start in October or November - you’ll be swim-ready by spring.
Fall is actually the best time to build if summer swimming is the goal.
What Off-Season Deals or Promotions Does Shasta Offer?
Every year, Shasta Pools offers select off-season savings such as:
- Upgrade incentives (e.g., discounted lighting, water features, or automation)
- Free design consultations
- Early build scheduling with flexible timelines
And yes - you can bundle these with financing options to stretch your dollar even further.
FAQs About Building a Pool in the Off-Season
Is fall or winter the best time to start?
Yes - October to January is ideal for scheduling and saving.
Can supply chain issues affect winter builds?
Rarely. In fact, ordering early often helps you avoid spring shortages.
Will my pool be ready by swim season if I build now?
Yes - just plan at least 3–4 months ahead for design, permits, and construction.
Want to Know If Now Is the Right Time to Build Your Pool?
Let’s make it easy.
- Schedule a free design consultation with a Shasta Pools expert
- Get your design started now - build later, save more
- Learn what promotions or pricing apply to your timeline
Talk to our team today and find your perfect pool timeline →
You want a pool - but not if it means paying more or waiting longer than you need to. Fall and winter give you a unique chance to save money, skip delays, and get a head start before the rush. Chat with a Shasta Design Specialist to see what kind of savings, features, and start dates fit your plans. We’ve helped thousands of Arizona families build smarter - not just sooner.
Let’s help you do the same.
Dhruv Gangwal is the Marketing Director at Shasta Pools, Arizona’s leading pool builder. With extensive experience in strategic marketing, consumer behavior, and the evolving trends of outdoor living, Dhruv is dedicated to helping homeowners make informed, confident decisions about their pool investments. He works closely with Shasta’s design and sales teams to craft educational resources that simplify the pool-buying process and highlight the latest innovations in backyard living. Dhruv’s articles provide practical advice that homeowners can trust.
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