Initial Considerations
How much backyard real estate can we work with?
Your property dimensions are the first piece of the puzzle in determining the ideal size, shape, and placement of your pool and/or spa. Importantly for our East Valley homeowners, all cities have specific regulations regarding setback requirements a pool or spa must be from your home and property lines for structural integrity and safety. Good news: Apricity Pools is well-versed in all local zoning requirements and will ensure your design adheres to these guidelines, maximizing your space while staying compliant.
Extend your living space beyond the indoors with these popular options.
What's your vision for your pool and spa experience?
Think about how you primarily envision using your pool. Is it for energetic family fun, a tranquil spot for exercise, a hub for entertaining guests, or a combination? Understanding your lifestyle helps us recommend the best pool type for you. Here are some popular options:
Play Pools: The go-to choice for all-around enjoyment! Perfect for casual swimming, splashing, sunbathing, and light water games. Typically range around 28′ x 14′ (or about 75 perimeter feet for freeform designs) with depths from 3 to 5 feet. Imagine adding a swim-up bar or a relaxing baja shelf! Ideal for medium to large yards.
Lap Pools: Designed for the dedicated swimmer, these longer, narrower pools (often 35-40’+, some up to 75′) allow for uninterrupted strokes. Great for larger properties. Consider adding varied depths or a built-in ledge for a quick rest.- Diving Pools: For the thrill-seekers! To safely accommodate a diving board or platform, these pools require a deeper end, typically 8.5 to 10 feet. They can also incorporate features of play or lap pools, depending on your yard size. Safety is always a priority, but especially so when designing diving pools.
Spools & Cocktail (Plunge) Pools: Perfect for smaller spaces! - Spools: Think of a compact pool or an oversized spa, generally around 20′ x 10′ with a 3-5 foot depth.
- Cocktail/Plunge Pools: Slightly larger, around 24′ x 12′ with similar depths. Don’t let the size fool you – they can still include sitting ledges, baja shelves, and captivating water features! Great for small to medium yards.
See the Pool sizing chart below for side by side comparisons. These are standard measurements only but may give you a sense what your property will facilitate. If you can imagine it, Apricity Pools can create a pool of any size and depth desired.
|
Pool Type |
Approximate Gallons |
Typical Pool Dimensions |
Typical Depths |
Usages |
|
Spool |
6,000 to 6,800 |
20-22’ x 10’ |
3-5’ |
Small pool or large spa |
|
Cocktail Pool |
8,000 to 10,000 |
23-26’ x 12-13’ |
3-5’ |
Small plunge pool |
|
Play Pool |
12,000 to 14,000 |
28-30’ x 14-15’ |
3-5’ |
Swimming and casual sports |
|
Diving Pool |
23,000 to 26,000 |
35-38’ x 16-18’ |
3’-8’6” (up to 10’) |
Swimming and diving |
|
Swim/Lap Pool |
16,000 to 20,000 |
36-40’ x 14-16’ |
3-5’ |
Lap swimming |
What pool shape resonates with your style?
If space isn’t a constraint, Apricity Pools can bring virtually any free-form shape to life! Consider how the pool’s shape will complement your home’s architecture and landscaping. Our design experts excel at creating a harmonious flow between your home, pool, and outdoor
environment. Here are some common pool shapes:
- Geometric: Clean lines and defined shapes (often rectangular or square) offer a classic yet contemporary aesthetic.
- Negative Edge (Infinity/Zero/Vanishing Edge): A stunning design where water appears to spill seamlessly over one or more edges, creating a visual connection with the surrounding landscape. Especially impactful if you have a beautiful view! While often seen with geometric pools, this effect can be incorporated into various shapes.
- Free-Form: Embrace curves and unique designs that can perfectly adapt to your landscape and home’s character. Let your imagination run wild! These pools can accommodate a wide range of features and depths.
- Roman & Grecian: Traditional geometric pools with distinctive edge treatments. Roman pools feature elegant rounded corners, while Grecian pools have more defined, cut edges, often resulting in an octagonal appearance. Both offer a timeless, symmetrical look.
- Lazy Rivers: Transform your backyard into a relaxing waterway! These extended pool sections with gentle currents allow you to float along effortlessly.
Do I have a choice between a salt water or chlorine pool? Which option is right for me?
You certainly have a choice. Unless you have a strong viewpoint towards one versus the other, at Apricity Pools we recommend saltwater pools and this is what most of our customers opt for. Allow us to educate you on how both operate.
The truth is, all pools use chlorine. Saltwater pools and chlorine pools both sanitize pool water, but they differ in how they achieve that. Saltwater pools use an electrolysis process to generate chlorine from salt, while chlorine pools use traditional chlorine products. Saltwater pools are often preferred for their gentler water, lower maintenance costs, and lack of chlorine smell. However, they require a higher initial investment and specialized equipment. Chlorine pools are more cost-effective upfront but require ongoing chemical management.
Pros of Saltwater Pools:
Softer Water: Saltwater pools are known for their gentler water, which is easier on skin and eyes than traditional chlorine pools.- Reduced Chemical Usage: Saltwater pools generally require less additional chemicals like algaecides or shock treatments.
- Lower Maintenance Costs: The automated chlorine generation in saltwater pools can lead to lower maintenance costs compared to chlorine pools.
- No Chlorine Smell: Saltwater pools typically have a less noticeable chlorine smell compared to traditional chlorine pools.
Cons of Saltwater Pools:
- Higher Initial Cost: The initial installation of a saltwater system, including the salt cell and generator, is typically more expensive than a traditional chlorine system.
- Salt Corrosion: Salt can corrode metal parts of the pool equipment, leading to potential repairs or replacements.
- Potential Electrical Costs: Salt cells require electricity to operate, which can add to the overall operating costs.
- Complexity: Maintaining optimal salt levels and ensuring proper salt cell function can be more complex than traditional chlorine systems.
Pros of Chlorine Pools:
Lower Initial Cost: Chlorine pools are generally less expensive to install initially, especially for smaller pools.
Quick Sanitization: Chlorine provides quick and effective sanitization of pool water.
Cons of Chlorine Pools:
Ongoing Chemical Management: Chlorine pools require regular testing and balancing of chemical levels.
Potential Irritation: High chlorine levels can irritate skin and eyes, especially for sensitive individuals.
Chlorine Smell: The distinct chlorine smell can be a drawback for some pool owners.
Storage and Handling: Chlorine chemicals require careful storage and handling to ensure safety.
Let's talk budget – what's your comfort zone?
We understand that a pool and spa are significant investments. Establishing your budget parameters (whether a firm “not-to-exceed” figure or your pre-approved financing amount) is a crucial first step for us to provide realistic and creative solutions. While we strive to accommodate various budgets, remember our caution offered in previous FAQs, prioritizing the absolute lowest bid can sometimes compromise the quality of materials, labor, and equipment, potentially leading to costly issues down the line. We believe in delivering long-term value and a pool that you’ll enjoy for years to come. We also have lenders available, specializing in pool and outdoor space improvements, to support your financing needs. Most are surprised to learn that they can enjoy a resort-style backyard every day at the same cost as an automotive loan.
Choosing the Right Pool Builder Matters
Pool pricing is important, but long-term quality matters even more. Apricity Pools notes the importance of hiring licensed contractors and references active Arizona ROC licensing, including B-5 General Swimming Pool Contractor licensing.
Arizona homeowners should always compare:
1. License status
- 2. Reputation and reviews
- 3. Communication style
- 4. Scope clarity
- 5. Warranty support
- 6. Build quality
- 7. Timeline realism
Lowest price is not always best value when it comes to major construction.
Build It Right the First Time
A well-designed 15×30 pool can become the centerpiece of your backyard for years. The right builder helps avoid costly shortcuts, poor drainage planning, undersized equipment, or layout mistakes that reduce enjoyment later.
Apricity Pools emphasizes listening carefully and building projects correctly the first time, with design-build services focused on Arizona outdoor living.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 15x30 inground pool cost in Arizona?
Most Arizona homeowners should expect broad custom project ranges starting around the mid five figures and increasing based on finishes and features. Simpler projects cost less, while luxury packages can rise substantially. Site conditions and backyard extras often make a major difference.
Is a 15x30 pool big enough for a family?
What is the most expensive part of building a pool?
Excavation, structural shell work, decking, and premium upgrades are often among the largest cost categories. Custom features like spas, fire elements, and outdoor kitchens can also raise budgets quickly. Labor and engineering complexity matter too.