The True Cost of Owning a Swimming Pool in Phoenix

If you're thinking about building a pool in Phoenix, you're probably asking yourself one very important question: "What's this really going to cost me?"

People verbally throw numbers around and maybe a neighbor mentions they spent $60,000. You might even see a package price or starting number of $33,495. The truth is, pool prices in Arizona can range anywhere from $40,000 to well over $120,000. That's before you factor in everything else that comes with the cost of pool ownership.

Those crystal-clear waters sound pretty amazing when it's 115°F outside. What most people don't realize until after they've signed on the dotted line: the sticker price is just the beginning.

Your monthly expenses can jump from $95 to $400 every single month for maintenance, chemicals, and utilities. Comparatively, the pool pump that moves your water from the pool to the equipment that keeps it clean can add another $30 to $150 to your electric bill each month during swimming season. You might be wondering why the gap in monthly ownership cost can be so great...simply put, it's the equipment that is selected for your pool and how well it is calibrated to your specific pool. You should have the choice and you deserve to be educated by every company you meet with.

We've spent years helping Arizona families create their backyard retreats. Basically, those happiest with their investment came in with their eyes wide open about the real costs and how their choices in equipment affect those monthly numbers so dramatically.

That's exactly what this article is going to do for you. We'll walk through every expense you need to know about. We'll explain the initial installation price tag to the monthly upkeep, the hidden costs that pop up years later, and some smart ways to manage it all.

Specifically, understanding the complete financial picture isn't just helpful, it's essential for making the right decision.

What does it actually cost to build a pool in Phoenix?

OK, now that you know what you're getting into financially, let's talk about the actual installation costs. At Shasta Pools, we've been helping Arizona families figure this out for over 59 years. Moreover, the material and equipment you choose makes a huge difference in both what you'll pay upfront and what you'll spend down the road.

Should you go with concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl?

Concrete pools (sometimes called shotcrete or, in rare installation cases, gunite) currently showcase the most popular pool type in Arizona. They can handle Arizona's crazy temperature swings and often challenging expansive soil conditions. Plus, you can build them in literally any shape you want. The catch, you'll need to resurface them about every 10 or 20 years (depending on the interior finish type you select). A resurfaced interior finish, in today's cost, can range anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 for the average pool.

Fiberglass pools show up at your house as an already "designed", molded shell. This means a much faster installation and a smooth, comfortable finish that feels great under your feet. While a fiberglass is no where near the most common in Arizona, it's the only pool type that has continuously increased in percentage of popularity, compared to the other two types, over the last 10 years. They need less day-to-day maintenance and tend to run a lower cost in chemicals needed too. But here's the thing, its already designed and, outside of creating your own deck space around it, there are almost no customization options within the body of the water. If you picture yourself as a pool shape "Picasso", put those paint brushes down. The really nice thing is, especially if you'll be in your home for a while, you won't have to replace an interior finish and that is a huge long-term savings compared to a concrete pool.

Vinyl liner pools cost the least upfront, but they're not exactly built for our desert climate. Between the intense sun and extreme temperatures, those liners fade, wrinkle, and basically fall apart faster here than anywhere else. You'll be replacing that liner in Arizona every 2 to 5 years, which is why most Phoenix homeowners skip this option entirely.

Here's what each type will actually cost you, initially

*Costs below are based on public permit records with the Arizona municipalities

Concrete pools run anywhere from $40,000 to $120,000+, with most falling between $50,000 and $100,000. 

Fiberglass pools typically cost $50,000 to $85,000+. However, if you want all the bells and whistles, you could hit $110,000+.

Vinyl liner pools offer a budget option at $25,000 to $55,000.

What about size and extras?

The overall average for an inground pool for 2025 in Arizona sits around $45,000 to $70,000, but prices keep climbing every year, just like gas and eggs - "thanks a ton inflation" (read in a very sarcastic tone). Altogether, size matters here but not as dramatically as you might think. The "guts" of the pool, like equipment and construction quality tend to make up the most dramatic jump up or down in the initial price of the pool; see WHY 5 POOL BIDS CAN HAVE 5 VERY DIFFERENT PRICES.

Then you've got all the extras that make pool life more fun: spas can add another $15,000 to $20,000.  Poolside life-style features like firepits, pergolas and outdoor lighting can add anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000.

"If you added a spa to the $40,000 pool, it could cost an additional $20,000..." - Jordan Isaac Shasta Pools Sales and Design Consultant

What does it actually cost to own a pool every month?

OK, now that we've covered the upfront investment, let's talk about the part that catches a lot of people off guard. Specifically, what happens after your pool is built.

Here's the thing and we wish more pool companies were upfront about this, owning a pool is like owning a car. The initial purchase price that's just your entry point. Basically, the pool becomes an ongoing relationship with monthly expenses.

The typical monthly cost of pool ownership in Phoenix sits anywhere from $100 to $400. We know that's a big range, but it really depends on how much you want to handle yourself vs hiring professionals and the equipment you choose (and hopefully you're the one choosing it, not the biased pool company).

"Good water balance and chemistry help reduce monthly costs. Unexpected costs from poor maintenance adds up." - Aric Metelski Shasta Pools Sales and Design Consultant

How much will my monthly pool maintenance really cost?

If you hire a pool service company (and honestly, its estimated up to 40% of Phoenix homeowners do), you're looking at around $85 per month for the cheapest service up to $250 per month for the "white glove", no hassle pool service.

Now, if you're the DIY type, you can bring that down to an average of $83 per month by handling the chemicals and cleaning yourself; unless you're into nanobubbles, then it would be much less.

Pool maintenance in Arizona is no joke. Between our intense sun, dust storms, and high temperatures, you'll be out there skimming and testing water more than you might think.

When you add up everything maintenance, repairs, equipment replacement (after warranties are expired) and utilities, most Phoenix pool owners spend somewhere between $1,800 to $4,000 yearly.

Why is my electric bill higher?

Remember when we mentioned your pool pump can add to your monthly electricity bill? Yeah, that can translate to about $35 to $100 extra per month on your electric bill (depending on your pool schedule, run time and how nice the automation is that you own).

The good news, variable-speed pumps and a good automation system can cut those costs down dramatically, although, they cost more upfront. Think of it as an investment that pays you back over time.

If you're considering a pool heater, even in Phoenix, that monthly cost can range dramatically depending on the type of heater you choose and how often you run it. The great thing is, a heater can be added to a pool later with no alteration to the pool shell at all, so it can be something you budget for later (also see, our heat pump blog for specific information on cost of ownership from the Department of Energy).

What about chemicals and professional cleaning?

Pool chemicals alone can run you $50 to $100 monthly. Many pools are set up to need chlorine, muriatic acid, soda ash, and other treatments to keep your water clean and clear. Skimping on chemicals yields a poor and disappointing way to save money.

Professional cleaning services offer different levels of care:

• Basic service (water testing and skimming, no chemicals included): $80+ monthly
• Standard service (adds brushing, emptying baskets, sometimes basic chems): $95+ monthly
• Premium service (includes vacuuming, equipment check, basic chemicals): $150+ monthly
• Best service (includes all of the above, all chemicals, periodic filter cleaning, salt cell cleaning, basket and o-ring replacement, additional chemicals included): $205+ monthly

What Inevitable Repair and Replacement Costs do You Need to Plan For?

Here's where it gets tricky. Even with perfect maintenance, pool equipment breaks down overtime, like components of a new car. We tell homeowners to set aside about $100 every quarter, specifically after the warranty coverage is expired, for repairs and replacements. Something will need fixing eventually.

Common repair costs include:

• Pool pump repairs: $200 to $800
• Pool pump replacement: $1,500 to $1,800 
• Filter cartridge replacement: $100 to $2,000
• Pool heater repairs: $300 to $1,200
• Pool resurfacing (every 10-15 years): $8,000 to $12,000

What about water costs in our desert climate?

Here's something that surprises a lot of new pool owners: Phoenix pools lose about 1/4 to 1 full inch of water weekly just from evaporation (that can be per day in heat of the summer). An uncovered pool can lose 5-6 feet of water annually. Basically, a pool can loses its entire volume over a couple of summers.

The water itself isn't terribly expensive. This can add about $50 - $60 yearly for a typical 12,000-gallon pool. Here's a pro tip: If your pool doesn't have an automatic water leveler, Phoenix offers lower water rates during winter months, so January through March provides the perfect time to top off or refill your pool.

What are the hidden costs of owning a pool that most people don't think about?

Here's something very few companies ever talk about when they're selling you a pool: the big-ticket expenses that hit you years down the road.

We've had countless conversations with pool owners since 1966 who thought they had budgeted properly, only to get blindsided by a $8,000 interior finish resurfacing bill or a $2,000 equipment replacement, post warranty coverage of course. These aren't "if" expenses — they're "when" expenses.

"Investing in low maintenance systems has higher initial costs but reduces long-term repairs and costs." - Aric Metelski Shasta Pools Sales and Design Consultant

Pool resurfacing and major renovations

Your pool surface wears out. Period.

Concrete pools need resurfacing every 10-15 years, and we're talking about $8,500 to $15,000+ when that time comes. This isn't optional maintenance, it's essential for preventing much more expensive structural problems down the line.

Vinyl liner pools might seem like they avoid this problem, but here's the catch: you'll need liner replacements averaging $2,505. Another, cost ranging anywhere from $1,243 to $3,871 depending on your pool size and the liner thickness you choose. Above-ground pools get off easier at $500 to $900, but if you've got an in-ground vinyl pool, expect $1,200 to $2,100 for that replacement. You luck out with the latest fiberglass interior gelcoat technology because you would not have to replace an interior finish, a few manufacturers actually include an interior life-time warranty.

What happens if you ignore Arizona's safety requirements?

Arizona doesn't mess around with pool safety laws. Every pool must have a primary barrier that are at least five feet tall, most property line walls or fences are five feet in height. Think of the primary barrier the way that you keep the neighborhood kids out of your backyard. The secondary barriers, like your slider door to the backyard, need to be self-closing, self-latching. Think of the secondary barrier requirements the ways you keep everyone inside of your home safe, including welcomed visitors.

If you're in Chandler, the rules get even stricter, six feet high with primary barriers made of masonry, concrete, or decorative fencing. Miss these requirements, and you're looking at a stop to the progress of pool construction or penalties up to $1,000 per violation for completed or existing pools.

What Insurance changes nobody warns you about?

Most insurance pros recommend bumping your liability coverage to $300,000 to $500,000. Since standard homeowner's policies usually only give you $100,000 in liability protection, you'll probably need to ask your provider how you can increase that. It's not a law but it's a good idea.

 Forget to mention it, and they can deny your claims when you need them most.

What's the smartest way to pay for your pool without breaking the bank?

OK, we know we've just spent a lot of time talking about all the costs involved with owning a pool. Here's some good news, there are several smart ways reduce these expenses and make your pool investment much more manageable.

After helping thousands of homeowners build their dream pools, we've seen which strategies actually work when it comes to saving money. Let's share the ones that can put real cash back in your pocket.

When should you build a pool in Arizona to get the best deal?

October through January is when the magic happens. Pool construction basically goes into hibernation mode during these cooler month and that's exactly when you want to strike. Most customers buy when it's hot out or after an agonizing summer without a pool.

Building during off-season can save you $3,000 to $5,000 or more. Why? Pool builders and their laborers are hungry for work when it's not blazing hot outside. They'll often throw in upgrades, offer winter discounts, and generally be more flexible on pricing.

There's another reason to plan ahead: material costs typically jump every spring. So, if you can lock in your pricing during winter months, you're basically protecting yourself from those price increases. Additionally, pool construction materials and many manufacturers' products have not seen a cost reduction since before 2020...inflation has been brutal. In other words, except for fall and winter promotions from builders, it's rare that the true price would ever come down. If you go back to the early 2000's, the average pool price was in the $20k's, today the state average, according to the public permit service, it's nearly triple for the average.

How can you finance a pool without emptying your savings account?

Look, most people don't have $60,000 just sitting around waiting to become a pool. That's totally normal, and there are several ways to make it work.

Personal loans give you fixed rates without putting your home on the line. You can get terms up to 15 years, and if your credit's solid, rates start around 6%. Home equity loans and HELOCs let you borrow up to 85% of your home's value, and sometimes greater, with longer payback periods. Generally, these loans can make monthly payments much more manageable.

Most pool builders also work with financing companies. These third-party lenders often approve loans over $200,000. Therefore, you're not limited by what your bank might offer.  The key here is to shop the terms and rates companies offer and be cautious from the pool companies that have "in-house financing" like a car dealership...if you can deal directly with the lender, do it, so you can save some money that the pool company may have otherwise pocketed.

Which equipment choices will actually save you money long-term?

This is where being an empowered and educated shopper upfront pays off for years. Certain automation systems, like Poolside Tech's Attendant, can actually help manage your weekly and monthly energy cost so you can make adjustments to the pool schedule and actually see how much money you reduced in your electric bill.

Same goes for LED lighting, it can cut energy use by 80% compared to old incandescent bulbs. Also, look for hydraulicly efficient pool filters. You can have the most energy efficient pool pump in the world but if you pair it with a pool filter that isn't the best in allowing pool water to flow effortlessly through the system, it's like putting a Ferrari engine in an old beat-up clunker. The engine may be able to get up to 200 miles per hour but if it's in a bad car, you might only be able to get up to 30 miles per hour and spend a lot on gas along the way.

When you're already looking at higher electric bills in Arizona, still better than California (sorry, not sorry), these efficiency upgrades become no-brainers.

Should you build everything at once or in phases?

Here's something most people don't consider: you don't have to build your entire dream pool setup on day one. Start with the essentials, the pool itself, solid, energy efficient equipment and required safety features. Then add the bells and whistles like upgraded water chemistry systems or heaters to get that year-round use, instead of the typical five months of swim season.

This approach lets you spread costs over time while still getting to enjoy your pool. Plus, it gives you a chance to figure out which upgrades you actually want after living with your pool for a while.

So what does all of this mean for you?

Look, we're not going to sugarcoat it, you deserve the "eyes wide open" truth — owning a pool in Phoenix is a big financial commitment but it can be a significant life enhancement. We're talking about a substantial upfront investment, plus ongoing monthly expenses that will be part of your budget for as long as you own that home and pool.

But here's the thing we've learned after helping thousands of Arizona families through this decision: The ones who regret their pool aren't the ones who spent too much money. They're the ones who went in blind and went with the cheapest price. Trust us, we've remodeled thousands of pools and many were not original Shasta pools. The "I wish I would have" stories we have heard are countless and most boil down to opting for the cheaper options and often it isn't the families' fault...some pool companies are more motivated by getting the sale rather than teaching and empowering you the customer with all of your options. 

They're the families who got sticker shock when their first electric bill arrived who didn't know they should have had choice on the automation system rather than just a time clock or pool pump to control the pool schedule. The ones who didn't budget for that $8,000 resurfacing job that popped up in year twelve. The homeowners who financed the whole thing without thinking about the monthly utility costs on top of everything else.

The families who absolutely love their pools? They're the ones who did exactly what you just did — they educated themselves on the real costs before making the decision and made sure that any company they met with demonstrated the claims they made about the efficiencies of the equipment they offered.

You now know that your installation is just the beginning. You understand that pumps and heaters will need repairs, that Arizona's sun will eventually require resurfacing, and that your monthly expenses can be meaningful. You also know there are smart ways to save money, from building in the off-season to choosing energy-efficient equipment that pays for itself over time.

Most importantly, you know that this isn't just about buying a pool — you're investing in a lifestyle change that affects how your family experiences living in the desert. Every reason is valid from a safe family vacation in your backyard, an escape from the reality of taxes and politics, to a nice quiet way to improve your personal health and wellness.

At Shasta Pools, we've been part of that decision for almost 60 years. We've seen families gather around their pools for decades, watched kids learn to swim, and helped create the backdrop for countless celebrations and quiet Zen-moments in summer evenings. That's the real return on investment — the memories, the relief from our brutal heat, and the joy of having your own private oasis.

If you're ready to move forward with creating your backyard retreat, our New Pool team can walk you through design options that fit both your vision and your budget. We'll make sure you know exactly what to expect, when to expect it, and how to get the most value from every dollar you invest.

Because at the end of the day, the question isn't whether a pool is expensive — the question for you should be "is it worth it" and with the right education and knowledge, it most certainly can be life enhancing.

 Now, if after this you're not completely empowered to make a confident decision, check out our learning center to educate yourself on more topics. 

Key Takeaways

Understanding the complete financial picture of pool ownership in Phoenix helps you make an informed decision about this significant lifestyle investment.

• Pool installation costs range from $40,000-$120,000+ depending on material and equipment choices, with concrete offering durability and fiberglass providing lower maintenance.
  
  
• Budget $100-$400 monthly for ongoing expenses including utilities, chemicals, and maintenance.
  
  
• Plan for major long-term costs like resurfacing the interior finish on a concrete pool every 10-15 years ($8,500-$15,000) and ensure compliance with Arizona's mandatory 5-6 foot safety fencing requirements.
  
  
• Contract with a pool company during October-January off-season to save $3,000-$5,000, and choose variable-speed pumps to reduce energy consumption by up to 75%.
  
  
• Consider phased construction, like adding a heater later, and financing options like HELOCs to spread costs while still achieving your backyard oasis goals.

The key to successful pool ownership lies in realistic budgeting for both upfront and ongoing expenses, allowing you to enjoy your desert retreat without financial stress.


References

Phoenix.gov Water and Sewer Rates

Chandleraz.gov Pool Fencing Requirements

Bankrate.com Does homeowners insurance cover your swimming pool?

Energystar.gov Pool Pumps