Building a custom pool and transforming your backyard is one of the most exciting investments you can make in your home. But let’s be honest: pricing in the pool and landscape industry can feel incredibly confusing. Quotes vary wildly, and it’s hard to know what you’re actually getting for your money.
At Urban Outdoor Solutions, we believe you deserve complete transparency. This guide is designed to answer every pricing question you might have, from what drives costs up or down, to how we compare to other builders, to whether a pool is truly a good financial investment. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the knowledge to make a confident, informed decision for your family.
| Decking Type | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete Pavers | Most affordable | Can get very hot in summer sun |
| Travertine / Natural Stone | Mid-range | Stays cooler; seal if you have a salt pool |
| Porcelain | Premium | More labor-intensive installation; beautiful result |
We are not the cheapest pool builder in the East Valley, and we are proud of that. We are also not the most expensive. We know there are volume builders who will quote a lower initial price, often by using lower-grade materials or providing a less comprehensive service.
Our pricing is built on a foundation of engineering integrity and transparency. We provide incredibly detailed, 10-page proposals broken down by square footage and line item, not a one-page lump sum. We do this so you know exactly where every dollar is going.
Our goal is always to provide a price that is competitive and fair for the level of craftsmanship, design expertise, and project management we deliver. We refuse to build pools that will crack or fail in five years. We want to be proud of every project we complete, and we want you to love your backyard for decades. We don’t play the price comparison game. If someone shows us a quote that is dramatically lower than ours, we won’t try to match it or tear it apart. We will simply make sure you understand exactly what you are getting with us, and let you make the decision that is right for your family.
If you built a pool before 2020, the prices you remember are no longer accurate. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to the construction supply chain, and material prices, particularly for concrete, PVC, and pool equipment, increased dramatically.
As a general benchmark, a pool that cost $50,000 before 2020 would cost significantly more today, driven by inflation, supply chain factors, and increased labor costs. We share this not to alarm you, but to set accurate expectations as you begin your planning process. The cost of building a pool has shifted, but the value it brings to your home and lifestyle remains as strong as ever.
Most pool excavations are straightforward, but every property is a little different. In some cases, the ground may require additional excavation time due to soil conditions, underground material, or access limitations.
When we review your property, we will look for anything that may affect the excavation process and talk through it with you ahead of time whenever possible. Our goal is simply to make sure you understand what can influence the process before work begins.
If additional excavation work is needed, we will communicate clearly, explain what we are seeing, and walk you through the next steps. For most homeowners, this is not something to worry about upfront. It is just one of the site-specific factors we pay attention to so your project can be planned and managed the right way.
A custom pool and backyard is one of the most meaningful upgrades you can make to your home and the way you enjoy it. In places like the East Valley, where outdoor living is part of everyday life for most of the year, a well-designed backyard becomes a natural extension of the home. It creates a place to relax, entertain, cool off, and spend more time outside.
While pools can add value to a home, the real value is in how the space improves everyday life. It gives you a reason to enjoy more weekends at home, host friends and family with ease, and create a backyard that feels comfortable, beautiful, and built around the way you want to live.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pool service (weekly) | $150 to $160/month |
| DIY chemicals | A few hundred dollars per year |
| Salt cell replacement | Every 3 to 5 years |
| Pool light replacement | Every 3 to 7 years depending on use |
| Pump and filter | Long lifespan with proper water chemistry |
| Gas for spa or heater | Variable; can be significant if left running |
A note on water chemistry:
This is the single most important thing you can do to protect your investment. Keeping your calcium levels, CYA, and pH in the right ranges will dramatically extend the life of your equipment, your plaster, and your plumbing. We have seen pools go through three filters in 10 years simply because the calcium levels were never managed. A good pool service company or a commitment to learning the chemistry yourself will save you thousands over the life of your pool.
A note on electricity:
Modern variable-speed pumps are incredibly energy-efficient. You can run your cleaner at high speed for a couple of hours and then let it circulate at a low speed for the rest of the day at almost no cost. You will barely notice the pool on your electric bill. Gas, however, is a different story, especially if you have a spa. If you forget to turn off your spa and leave it heated for a week, you will notice it on your gas bill.
At Urban Outdoor Solutions, we don’t just build pools. We design curated outdoor environments tailored to your exact lifestyle. Our process starts with a deep conversation about how you and your family actually live, entertain, and spend time outside. That is what separates a backyard you love from one you just tolerate
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, we’d love to talk.
