Our Arizona Pool Remodel: Before and After

Our pool area has always been an important part of our backyard. In Arizona, the pool isn’t just something pretty to look at. It’s part of how we use the yard, especially during the long, hot months. When our kids were younger, we swam almost every day. We still swim and use the pool frequently.

But after years of use, it was time for an update. The plaster surface was decaying and needed to be replaced. The pool decking had cracks in several places. We also had a built-in “scoot” slide that had never worked very well. The angle was too shallow, and instead of being fun, it mostly felt like an eyesore.

We decided it was time for a pool remodel to make the space look and function better for the way our family actually uses it.

This post was created as part of an agreement with Unique Companies. As always, all thoughts, photos, and opinions are my own.

Before the Pool Remodel

Before the project, the pool still worked, but the space felt dated and a little pieced together.

The plaster needed to be replaced, and the decking had visible cracks. The tile and built-in slide made the whole area feel heavier than I wanted. We also had a freestanding basketball hoop that worked, but it didn’t look very integrated into the space.

We didn’t want to change the shape of the pool. We wanted to update what was already there, remove the parts that weren’t working, and make the space feel more finished and functional for the way our family uses it.

Before:

After:

More views of the pool before the remodel:

What We Changed

For this project, we worked with Unique Companies to update the pool and surrounding area.

• The biggest change was replacing the old plaster surface. We also removed the built-in slide, updated the tile, resurfaced the decking, added lighting, and painted the pool fence so the whole space felt more connected.
• We replaced the freestanding basketball hoop with a built-in one, which made a big difference. Our family uses the basketball hoop all the time, but now it feels like part of the pool rather than something on the deck.
• We also added benches and large self-watering planters to make the area feel more like an outdoor living space instead of just a pool deck.

Choosing Materials for an Arizona Backyard

One thing I kept thinking about during this project was heat. In Arizona, every surface matters. Dark materials can get hot quickly, especially around a pool where people are walking barefoot.

• We chose a lighter color for the decking to help keep it cooler and brighter. The lighter surface also helps the whole space feel cleaner and more open.
• I wanted plants that could handle reflected heat, wouldn’t need much water, and wouldn’t create much litter in the pool. When choosing plants near the pool, I looked for low-water shrubs for desert landscapes that could handle our heat without creating a lot of extra cleanup.
• We used Little Ollie in the large self-watering planters because it stays tidy and has a clean, simple look. In one planting area, we used Texas mountain laurel with oregano because both fit the lower-water, heat-tolerant look I wanted.
• I also included milkweed in one area because I like supporting pollinators, even in more designed spaces like this.

The goal was to soften the space without making more work. Around a pool, I want plants that look good, handle the heat, and don’t constantly drop leaves, flowers, or fruit into the water.

What We Like Most Now

The finished space feels much more uniform and functional. The pool looks cleaner, the tile makes a big impact, and the decking feels more up-to-date.

• Painting the pool fence to match helped the whole area blend together. The benches and planters also make the space feel more useful, not just prettier. It feels like a place to sit, visit, and enjoy the backyard.
• The basketball hoop is still there because that’s how our family uses the pool, but now it feels like it belongs.

We’re happy with the finished space and are already enjoying using it with our family.

What I’d Think About Before a Pool Remodel in Phoenix

If you’re considering pool remodeling in Phoenix, I’d think through more than just the pool surface or tile.

• Think about how you actually use the space. Do you need more seating? Better shade? Cooler surfaces? Less clutter? Easier maintenance? Better lighting?
• For us, it made sense to keep the basketball hoop because our family uses it, but replacing the freestanding hoop with a built-in one made the space feel more finished.
• I’d also think about the whole area, not just the pool. Painting the fence, adding benches, using large self-watering planters, and choosing lower-water plants helped the space feel more connected to the rest of the backyard.

For us, the best part of this project was taking a space we already used and making it feel cleaner, more functional, and better suited for our Arizona backyard.

Final Thoughts

A backyard doesn’t have to be perfect to be useful, but thoughtful updates can make a big difference.

This project gave our pool area a cleaner, more modern look and made the space work better for our family. It still feels like our backyard, just updated and more intentional. For me, that was the goal.