Is your backyard starting to feel more like a relic of the past than a refreshing desert retreat? In the Phoenix East Valley, our pools aren't just a luxury: they are the heart of the home. However, between the blistering summer sun and the constant battle with hard water, even the most beautiful installations eventually show their age. If you’re noticing worn surfaces, outdated tile, or an aesthetic that doesn't match your modern lifestyle, it’s time to rethink your outdoor space.
At We Do It Pools LLC, we believe a renovation is more than just a repair; it’s an opportunity to reimagine your lifestyle. As a fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured contractor with over 20 years of experience, we specialize in transforming tired backyards into stunning, high-end oases. Whether you're in Tempe, Mesa, or central Phoenix, these 10 pool renovation ideas will help you create a space that is as durable as it is beautiful.
1. Upgrade to a Premium Pebble Finish
If your pool currently has a traditional white plaster finish, you’ve likely noticed staining or "etching" caused by Arizona’s high mineral content. Plaster often lasts only 5 to 7 years in our climate before it begins to degrade.
Upgrade to a high-quality pebble finish for a surface that is as tough as the desert landscape. These aggregate interiors use small, polished river stones or glass beads to create a durable, non-slip surface that resists chemical wear and staining. Not only does a pebble finish extend the life of your pool to 15–25 years, but it also creates a breathtaking, natural water color that mimics the deep blues of a mountain lake.
2. Refresh with Cool Deck Resurfacing
The Phoenix sun is unforgiving, and a standard concrete pool deck can quickly become a literal "hot spot" that is impossible to walk on barefoot. If your current deck is cracked or uncomfortably hot, cool deck resurfacing is the solution.
This specialized acrylic coating is designed to significantly lower the surface temperature of your concrete, making your pool area usable even in the triple-digit heat of July. We apply a fresh, textured lace finish in earthy, sun-bleached tones that complement the natural Arizona aesthetic while providing much-needed relief for your feet.
3. Add a Tanning Ledge or Baja Shelf
One of the most popular trends in backyard pool design Phoenix homeowners are requesting is the addition of a tanning ledge, often called a Baja shelf. This shallow, flat area: usually 6 to 12 inches deep: is the perfect spot to lounge in a submerged chaise chair while keeping your feet in the water.
It’s an ideal upgrade for families with young children or pets who need a safe, shallow place to play. During your swimming pool renovation Arizona project, we can even integrate umbrella sleeves directly into the shelf, ensuring you have a shaded spot to sip a cold drink while you soak.
4. Integrate Modern Water Features
Nothing transforms the atmosphere of a backyard quite like the sound of moving water. It masks neighborhood noise and provides a sensory experience that makes your pool feel like a resort.
Consider adding:
- Sheer Descents: A clean, glass-like curtain of water that spills from a raised wall into the pool.
- Bubblers: Small fountains located on tanning ledges that create a playful "bubbling" effect.
- Scuppers: Architectural spouts that provide a modern, rhythmic flow of water.
For a more organic look, a custom rock waterfall can turn a standard pool into a lush, desert canyon retreat.
5. Convert to Energy-Efficient LED Lighting
If you are still using a single, incandescent pool light, you are missing out on an incredible nighttime transformation. Modern LED lighting allows you to change the color of your pool with the touch of a button. From a deep Mediterranean blue to a vibrant sunset orange, LED lights create a high-impact visual change for a relatively low investment. Plus, they are far more energy-efficient and last significantly longer than traditional bulbs, saving you money on maintenance and electricity.
6. Replace Worn Beam and Coping
The "coping" is the border around the edge of your pool that separates the water from the deck. In older pools, this is often made of brick or small stones that can become loose or cracked over time.
Replacing the coping is a structural and aesthetic necessity. By installing new, modern bullnose coping or sleek stone edges, you reinforce the pool's "beam" (the top edge of the pool wall) while giving the entire project a crisp, updated frame. This is also the best time to check for any underlying pool plaster cracking issues to ensure the longevity of your remodel.
7. Install a Spillover Spa
If your pool doesn't have an attached spa, adding one during a renovation is a major value-add for your Phoenix home. A spillover spa provides a dedicated space for relaxation and hydrotherapy during the cooler Arizona winters. When the spa is in use, the water spills over a decorative weir into the main pool, creating a beautiful water feature and helping with water circulation.
8. Smart Automation Upgrades
Join the modern age by upgrading your pool’s brain. As expert custom pool builders Phoenix residents trust, we often recommend automation systems that allow you to control your pump, heater, lights, and water features directly from your smartphone.
Imagine turning on your spa and warming it up while you're still driving home from work in Tempe. Beyond convenience, smart automation paired with a variable-speed pump can cut your energy bills significantly, often paying for itself over just a few seasons.
9. Modernize with New Waterline Tile
The tile at your waterline is often the first thing people notice, and it's also where hard water scale and "calcium lines" are most visible. If your tile looks dated or is covered in white crust, a full replacement can make the entire pool look brand new.
Current trends include large-format porcelain tiles, vibrant glass mosaics, or earthy stone looks that blend seamlessly with the Arizona landscape. Replacing the tile is one of the most effective ways to modernize the look of your pool remodeling Tempe project without a full rebuild.
10. Upgrade to Natural Stone Travertine Decking
For the ultimate luxury transformation, replace your old concrete deck with natural stone travertine pavers. Travertine is a staple of high-end backyard pool design Phoenix for a reason: it is naturally slip-resistant, incredibly durable, and: most importantly: it stays much cooler than concrete or brick.
Travertine pavers are also "sand-set," meaning they don't require grout. This makes them resistant to the shifting ground common in the East Valley, as individual stones can move slightly without cracking the entire surface.
Ready to Join the Family?
A pool renovation is a significant investment, and you deserve a partner who values your home as much as you do. Whether you are looking for a simple resurfacing or a complete backyard overhaul, We Do It Pools LLC is here to guide you through every step of the process.
We pride ourselves on clear communication, local expertise, and results that stand up to the desert heat. Don't let another summer go by in a pool that doesn't inspire you. Request a consultation with our team today and let’s start designing the oasis you’ve always wanted.
Join the family of satisfied homeowners across the Phoenix East Valley who have upgraded their lifestyle with a professional pool remodel. Call us today to get started as quickly as possible on your transformation!