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Arrowhead Deck & Pools | Phoenix & Scottsdale
Your Pool Project
Starts Here
A complete planning checklist for Valley homeowners. Know the right questions to ask, what to watch for, and what to confirm before any money changes hands.
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New Construction
Pool Build Checklist
For homeowners planning a new custom pool in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area. From vetting builders through your first swim.
Evaluating Arizona pool builders
Design, permits & ROC licensing
Contracts, payments & timelines
Construction milestones to monitor
Final walkthrough & handover
Open Checklist
Remodel & Renovation
Pool Remodel Checklist
For homeowners updating or transforming an existing pool. From condition assessment through startup after renovation.
Assessing existing pool condition
Scope, materials & contractor vetting
Contracts & hidden damage protections
Renovation milestones to monitor
Startup & water chemistry after resurface
Open Checklist
Questions? Call us at (855) 833-2525 or book a free consultation.
New Pool Construction
Pool Build
Checklist
What to ask, confirm, and document before breaking ground on your new Phoenix or Scottsdale pool. Progress saves automatically.
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A new pool is one of the largest investments you will make in a Phoenix or Scottsdale home. The difference between a project that goes smoothly and one that does not usually comes down to what was asked, confirmed, and documented before construction began.
Work through each section at your own pace. Your progress saves automatically. Items marked with a red indicator are warning signs that deserve a direct conversation with your builder before you move forward.
Not all pool builders operate at the same standard. These items help you identify who is qualified, accountable, and financially stable before a single dollar changes hands.
Licensing & Insurance
Confirm the builder holds a current, valid Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) licenseRequest the ROC license number and verify it at roc.az.gov before your first meeting. For a new build, confirm the license is a swimming pool construction classification (such as B-5, B-6, A-9, A-19, or a dual KA-5 or KA-6), not a service and repair only license.
Check the ROC record for active complaints or disciplinary actionsWatch forUnresolved or repeated complaints are worth a direct conversation before proceeding. The ROC public lookup shows complaint history.
Confirm active general liability and workers’ compensation insuranceRequest a certificate of insurance naming you as certificate holder for the duration of the project.
Ask how long the company has operated under its current name and ownershipLongevity under the same name signals financial stability and accountability for past work.
References & Portfolio
Request at least three references from completed projects similar in scope and style to yoursAsk specifically how the builder handled unexpected issues, not just whether the finished pool looks good.
Review the portfolio for projects that match your backyard size, shape, and stylePhoenix and Scottsdale yards vary significantly. Make sure the builder has experience with your lot type.
Read recent Google and BBB reviews independently, not just testimonials on their own websiteWatch forHow a company responds to negative reviews often tells you more than the review itself.
Business Practices
Be cautious of any builder who pressures you to sign quickly or quotes significantly below competitorsWatch forLow bids in the Valley typically reflect missing scope, inferior materials, or subcontractor instability. A rushed signature is rarely in your interest.
Confirm the builder has completed projects in Maricopa County and is familiar with local city permittingScottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, and other Valley cities each have their own permitting offices and requirements.
A well-designed pool starts with a plan that accounts for your property, your lifestyle, and the Arizona desert environment. These questions ensure nothing is left to assumption.
Site & Property
Confirm the builder has reviewed your property survey or will obtain one before design beginsSetback requirements vary by city and lot type across the Valley. A survey prevents costly redesigns later.
Ask whether soil conditions in your area will affect the design, foundation, or engineering requirementsCaliche layers, expansive soils, and rocky terrain are common across the Phoenix metro and can affect excavation cost and method.
Verify HOA approval requirements are understood and addressed before permit applications are submitted
Design Deliverables
Receive a detailed 2D or 3D design rendering that accurately reflects your conversations
Confirm all finish selections (plaster or pebble, tile, coping, decking) are documented in writing before signingVerbal agreements about materials are difficult to enforce. Written specifications protect you.
Ask what equipment brands will be used and confirm they are included in the written proposalVariable speed pumps are required by Arizona code for most new installations and reduce long-term operating costs significantly.
Clarify what is not included in the quote before assuming it is coveredWatch forElectrical upgrades, fencing, landscaping restoration, and permits often surface after signing if not addressed upfront.
Confirm the construction method: shotcrete (wet-mix) is preferred in Arizona for its strength and consistencyShotcrete is widely considered the superior method for Arizona conditions compared to dry-mix alternatives.
The contract is where your entire agreement becomes enforceable. Read it carefully. If something is unclear, ask before signing.
Scope & Pricing
Confirm the full scope of work, all materials and equipment, and all finishes are listed in the contract
Understand the payment schedule: when each payment is due and which construction milestone triggers itPayments should be tied to milestones, not calendar dates. Large upfront deposits warrant scrutiny.
Review the change order clause carefullyWatch forEvery change after signing should require a written change order with cost and timeline adjustments. Verbal approvals lead to disputes.
Timeline & Permits
Confirm the estimated start date, construction timeline, and conditions that could affect itPhoenix-area permit timelines vary by city. A realistic estimate includes permitting time, not just construction days.
Confirm the builder will pull all necessary permits and that permit costs are included in the quoted price
Warranty
Understand what the builder’s warranty covers, for how long, and what voids itAsk specifically whether the warranty requires paid annual inspections to remain valid. Some contractors charge for this; others do not.
Confirm equipment manufacturer warranties are separate from and in addition to the workmanship warranty
Ask specifically whether any warranty terms require paid ongoing maintenance or inspections to remain validWatch forSome contractors structure warranties with annual inspection fees that add thousands to the true 10-year cost. Confirm this is not the case before signing.
Arizona-specific: Arizona has an eight-year statute of repose for construction defects, extended to nine years for a latent defect discovered in the eighth year (ARS §12-552). For a project of this size, confirm the builder’s workmanship warranty aligns with your state protections and that you understand how to file a ROC complaint if needed.
You do not need to be on site every day, but knowing what to watch for at each stage protects your investment and keeps the builder accountable.
Communication
Confirm your dedicated point of contact during construction and how frequently updates will be provided
Ask who to contact if you have a concern while work is underwayThere should be a direct line to a project manager, not just field crews.
Construction Milestones
Layout and excavation: confirm pool position and dimensions match the approved design before excavation deepensRocky terrain and caliche in parts of the Valley can make repositioning after excavation starts very costly.
Steel inspection: the rebar framework passes city inspection before shotcrete is appliedAsk to be notified when the inspection is scheduled so you can be present if you choose.
Plumbing and electrical rough-in: confirm all lines are run before the deck is poured
Tile and coping: verify the installed materials match your approved selections exactly
Document any deviation from the original plan in writing before authorizing the builder to proceedWatch forField decisions made verbally and without documentation create disputes at final payment time.
The final walkthrough is your opportunity to confirm everything was delivered as agreed. Take your time. A thorough review here protects you long after the builder leaves.
Finishes & Surfaces
Confirm the interior finish color and texture match the approved selection exactly
Inspect tile work for consistent grout lines, level placement, and no visible chips or cracks
Walk the entire deck and note any uneven sections, cracks, or areas that need sealingArizona heat cycles cause expansion and contraction. Expansion joints should be properly finished.
Equipment & Systems
Watch the builder operate all equipment live: pump, filter, heater, automation, and water featuresDo not accept handoff without a live demonstration of every system.
Receive all equipment manuals, warranty cards, and model and serial numbers in writing
Receive a written orientation on water chemistry startup, evaporation management, and ongoing maintenanceArizona evaporation rates are among the highest in the country. Understanding baseline water loss vs. a leak is important in your first season.
Safety & Compliance
Confirm your pool barrier or fence meets Arizona pool barrier law (ARS §36-1681)Watch forArizona requires barriers at least 5 feet high, self-closing and self-latching gates, and specific spacing rules. Some cities add stricter requirements. Final city inspection will check this.
Confirm main drain covers are VGB-compliant (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act)Federal law requires anti-entrapment compliant drain covers on all new pools. Ask for the manufacturer certification and keep it with your records.
Confirm electrical bonding has been inspected and signed offAll metal components within 5 feet of the water (rebar shell, ladders, light niches, equipment) must be electrically bonded together. This is a code requirement and a safety issue.
Documentation
Receive a copy of the signed-off permit and final city inspection approval
Confirm any outstanding punch list items are documented in writing with a committed completion date before releasing final payment
Receive lien releases from the builder and all subcontractors before or at the time of final payment
Checklist Complete
You are ready to
break ground
You have worked through every question that protects your investment. The next step is a conversation with a builder you trust. We would be honored to be on that list.
Book Your Free Consultation
(855) 833-2525
Ready to Build?
Let’s Talk About
Your Project
15+ years and 5,000+ projects across the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. We are ready to walk through every one of these items with you.
Book a Free Consultation
(855) 833-2525
Pool Remodel & Renovation
Pool Remodel
Checklist
What to assess, ask, and verify when remodeling an existing Phoenix or Scottsdale pool. From initial condition review through your first swim after renovation.
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A pool remodel is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to a Phoenix or Scottsdale home. The difference between a remodel that holds up and one that fails early almost always comes down to preparation, material quality, and what was confirmed before work began.
Work through each section at your own pace. Your progress saves automatically. Items marked with a red indicator are warning signs that deserve a direct conversation with your contractor before you proceed.
Before scoping a remodel, understand what your pool actually needs. Arizona’s heat, UV exposure, and hard water accelerate deterioration. A proper assessment prevents surprises once the pool is drained.
Interior Surface
Note any visible staining, etching, rough texture, or calcium deposits on the interior surfaceArizona’s hard water and intense UV exposure accelerate surface deterioration compared to other climates.
Check for surface delamination, hollow spots, or areas where the plaster is separating from the shell
Identify any visible cracks in the shell and confirm whether they are cosmetic or structuralWatch forStructural cracks require repair before any new surface is applied. Applying plaster over active cracks leads to early failure.
Deck & Coping
Inspect the deck for cracking, surface spalling, faded sealant, or lifting at expansion jointsArizona heat cycles create significant expansion and contraction. Expansion joint failure is one of the most common deck issues in the Valley.
Check coping for loose sections, cracked mortar, or misalignment at the bond beam
Equipment & Systems
Note the age and operating condition of the pump, filter, heater, and any automation systemsIf equipment is 8+ years old, evaluate whether replacing it during the remodel makes financial sense rather than addressing it separately later.
Check for visible plumbing leaks, slow water loss beyond normal evaporation, or pressure issuesArizona evaporation can mask slow leaks. A bucket test is a useful baseline check before a remodel consultation.
A remodel contractor should be evaluated just as carefully as a new pool builder. The stakes are just as high, and shortcuts in material prep are harder to detect once the new surface is applied.
Licensing & Track Record
Verify the contractor holds a current Arizona ROC license and look them up at roc.az.gov
Request references from remodel projects specifically, not just new constructionRemodel work requires different skills and attention than new builds. Ask about projects with similar scope to yours.
Be cautious of any contractor quoting significantly below others for the same scopeWatch forLow remodel bids usually mean abbreviated surface preparation, lower-grade materials, or shortcuts on shell repair. The apparent savings disappear quickly when the finish fails early.
Materials & Methods
Ask specifically what interior finish material will be used and why they recommend it for your poolPebble and aggregate finishes typically outperform standard plaster in Arizona conditions due to heat, UV, and hard water.
Ask what surface preparation process they use before applying new plaster or pebbleProper prep includes full chip-out of the old surface, acid washing, and crack repair before any new material is applied.
Confirm the decking system being proposed for your project and how it handles Arizona heat and UVCommercial-grade multi-layer systems hold up significantly better in the Valley than standard two-layer applications.
Remodel contracts carry unique risks that new construction contracts do not. The provisions for hidden damage and change orders deserve particular attention.
Scope & Pricing
Confirm every line item of the renovation is listed explicitly in the contract
Understand the payment schedule and confirm payments are milestone-based, not calendar-based
Review how hidden damage discovered during demolition will be documented and pricedWatch forThis should be spelled out in writing. Any additional work triggered by discovered conditions should require a written change order before that work begins.
Confirm all finish selections are documented in the contract before signingInterior plaster or pebble finish, tile, coping, and decking materials should all be itemized in writing.
Timeline & Permits
Confirm the estimated project duration from drain day through refill and startupMost Valley pool remodels run 1 to 3 weeks depending on scope. Get a realistic range in writing.
Confirm whether permits are required for the scope of work and who is responsible for obtaining themReplaster alone typically does not require a permit in most Valley cities, but tile, coping, equipment replacement, or structural work often does.
Warranty
Understand the warranty on the new interior finish and what voids itAsk whether the warranty requires paid annual inspections. Some Phoenix-area contractors charge $750/year to maintain warranty validity.
Confirm any new equipment carries manufacturer warranty separate from the contractor’s workmanship warranty
Renovation milestones are different from new construction. There is no excavation or steel work, but there are specific stages where your attention matters.
Demolition & Prep
Confirm all old finish material has been fully chipped and removed before new surface is appliedApplying new plaster over deteriorating old plaster shortens the life of the new finish significantly, particularly in Arizona’s high-heat environment.
Confirm the shell surface has been properly prepared before new plaster or pebble is applied
If any cracks or voids are found in the shell after chip-out, confirm they are properly repaired before finishing work continuesWatch forCovering over cracks without proper structural repair is a common shortcut that leads to early finish failure in Arizona conditions.
Tile, Coping & Deck
Verify that new tile and coping materials match your approved selections before installation begins
Confirm coping is set at the correct height relative to the existing deck and bond beam
If deck work is included, confirm expansion joints are properly addressed for Arizona heat cyclesExpansion joints are critical in the Valley. Skipping or improperly sealing them leads to deck cracking within a few seasons.
Equipment
Confirm any replaced equipment is installed per manufacturer specifications and local code
If the shell or surface was chipped out, ask the contractor to verify electrical bonding is still intactWatch forDemolition can disturb the bonding wire connecting the rebar shell to other metal components. Compromised bonding is a code violation and a safety hazard that is easy to miss after refill.
Document any deviation from the agreed scope in writing before authorizing the contractor to proceedWatch forField decisions made verbally and without documentation create disputes at final payment time.
The startup period after a renovation is particularly important. New plaster and pebble finishes require a specific chemical startup process, and your actions in the first two weeks directly affect the longevity of the finish.
Surface & Finishes
Inspect the interior finish for consistent color, texture, and no visible holidays or missed spots
Inspect tile for consistent grout lines and clean installation with no chips, cracks, or lippage
Walk the deck and confirm any deck work is level, sealed, and free of cracking at joints
Equipment & Systems
Watch the contractor operate all equipment after refill: pump, filter, heater, automation, and any new features
Receive manuals and warranty documentation for any replaced or new equipment
Startup & Water Chemistry
Receive written startup instructions specific to your new interior finish, including brushing schedule and chemical sequenceNew plaster and pebble finishes require daily brushing for the first week and careful chemical balance. Arizona’s hard water makes this especially important. Skipping this step can void your finish warranty.
Confirm when it is safe to swim and what ongoing chemical levels to maintain in Arizona’s climateHigh evaporation in the Valley means more frequent water additions, which affects chemistry balance. Understand your baseline.
Documentation
Confirm any punch list items are documented in writing with a committed completion date before releasing final payment
Receive lien releases from the contractor and any subcontractors before or at final payment
One more thing: If your remodel came out exactly as you hoped, a Google review genuinely helps other Valley homeowners find the right contractor. It takes two minutes and makes a real difference for a family-owned business.
Checklist Complete
You are ready for your
remodel consultation
You now know exactly what to ask and what to watch for. The next step is having someone walk through your pool with you. We would be glad to be that conversation.
Book Your Free Consultation
(855) 833-2525
Ready to Transform Your Pool?
Let’s Talk About
Your Remodel
15+ years and 5,000+ projects across Phoenix and Scottsdale. We are happy to walk through your existing pool and tell you exactly what we see.
Book a Free Consultation
(855) 833-2525
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