Nobody starts thinking about a pool remodel because they’re excited to spend six weeks choosing between two pieces of tile that look almost identical.
Yet somehow, here we are.
Here’s something Arizona homeowners should know before starting a pool remodel:
The construction itself doesn’t have to be the slow part.
At Arrowhead Deck & Pools, once the project is permitted, approved and ready for construction, our goal is to move.
What can hold up a start date are the decisions that need to happen before the crews arrive.
If you’re thinking about remodeling your pool, building a new one or tackling the entire backyard, getting these five things handled early can make the process considerably smoother.
1. Make Your Material Selections Before You’re Under Pressure
Pool finish.
Waterline tile.
Coping.
Decking.
Pavers.
Colors.
Textures.
And approximately 400 shades of “Arizona beige.”
There are more choices involved in a pool remodel than most homeowners expect.
The worst time to make them is when your project is ready to move and everyone is waiting for a decision.
Come to the showroom early.
Seeing materials in person is very different from looking at them on a phone.
You can compare combinations, feel finishes, see actual colors and work through what makes sense for your home.
Getting selections finalized early also allows us to verify availability and make sure the scope matches what you’ve selected.
Your future self will appreciate not making a $20,000 design decision from a screenshot while standing in the grocery store.
2. Decide What You’re Actually Remodeling
This sounds obvious.
It frequently isn’t.
A homeowner may start by saying:
“We just want to redo the pool.”
Then we start talking.
The deck is also failing.
They want a Baja shelf.
That equipment is getting old.
The waterline tile needs replacing.
And since we’re already doing that…
Welcome to construction.
Before scheduling the project, determine whether you are:
- Resurfacing the existing pool
- Replacing tile or coping
- Remodeling the pool structure
- Adding a Baja shelf, bench or steps
- Replacing or expanding decking
- Updating equipment or automation
- Adding lighting or water features
- Creating a larger outdoor-living project
Those decisions can affect design, engineering, permitting, materials and the final construction scope.
Figure it out before the project starts, not halfway through it.
3. Get Financing Handled Early If You Need It
If you’re planning to finance a residential pool or outdoor-living project, don’t wait until everything else is ready.
Know your financing options early.
That lets you establish a realistic project budget before falling deeply in love with the outdoor kitchen, new decking, giant Baja shelf, fire feature and pergola.
Because apparently pools have a way of inviting friends.
Getting financing lined up also removes another possible delay when your project is otherwise ready to move forward.
4. Get the Design and Permit Process Moving
Depending on the scope of your project, permits, plans or engineering may be required.
That can include new pool construction and certain structural changes to an existing pool.
This is exactly why we encourage homeowners to start planning before they’re desperate to be swimming.
The goal isn’t to spend months “in construction.”
It’s to handle the planning and approvals first so the construction team can move when the project is released.
Think of permitting as standing in line before the roller coaster.
We don’t control how quickly the line moves.
But we can make sure you’re actually standing in it.
5. Reserve Your Preferred Start Window
This is the big one.
If you know you want your backyard ready for spring or summer, don’t wait until Arizona hits its first 100-degree day to call.
At that point, you and several thousand other people have had the exact same revelation:
“We should probably do something about the pool.”
Planning earlier gives you more control over your preferred construction window.
Get the scope finalized.
Make your selections.
Get financing handled if needed.
Get permitting underway.
And reserve your place on the schedule.
Then when your project is cleared to build, we can build.
The Bottom Line
A fast pool remodel starts before demolition.
The homeowners who have the smoothest projects aren’t necessarily the ones with the simplest pools.
They’re the ones who made the important decisions before construction started.
So if you’re considering an Arizona pool remodel, don’t wait until you’re ready to drain the pool.
Come see us now.
- Bring the photos.
- Bring the ideas.
- Bring the screenshots you’ve saved for three years.
We’ll help you figure out what belongs in the project, what doesn’t, and what needs to happen next.
Ready to Start Planning?
Visit the Arrowhead Deck & Pools showroom or schedule an on-site consultation to begin planning your pool remodel, new pool or outdoor-living project.
FAQs
When should I start planning an Arizona pool remodel?
Start planning before your desired construction date so you have time to finalize scope and selections, complete any required permitting or engineering, arrange financing if needed and reserve a preferred start window.
Can I choose my pool finishes before construction begins?
Yes. Making your pool finish, tile, coping and decking selections early helps prevent avoidable delays once the project is ready for construction.
Do all Arizona pool remodels require permits?
No. Permit requirements depend on the scope and jurisdiction. Structural changes, pool reshaping and other work may require permitting or engineering.
Does Arrowhead Deck & Pools offer financing?
Financing options are available for qualifying residential projects.