Unique Landscapes & Custom Pools is a trusted custom pool builder in Tempe, AZ, specializing in pool design, pool construction, pool remodeling and complete backyard environments. Situated along the Salt River, Tempe is mostly flat except for Hayden Butte and enjoys a hot desert climate with about 300 sunny days per year.
Whether you’re planning a new pool, upgrading an existing one or building a full backyard environment, working with a professional Tempe pool builder ensures your project is engineered correctly, built efficiently and performs long‑term.
Homeowners searching for a trusted pool builder in Tempe are looking for backyards that blend modern amenities with the city’s diverse mix of waterfront communities, historic neighborhoods and contemporary urban infill. Along The Lakes and Tempe Town Lake, pools often incorporate vanishing edges, raised beam walls or spillovers to merge with the water and frame sunset views. Materials must stand up to reflective glare off the lake and resist mineral buildup from irrigation.
What sets Unique Companies apart:
Unique Landscapes & Custom Pools has built pools across Tempe’s varied neighborhoods—from waterfront properties at The Lakes to mid‑century ranch homes along Rural Road and hillside lots beneath “A Mountain.”
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As a custom pool builder in Tempe, we design and construct swimming pools that respond to each property’s terrain, architecture and intended use. Waterfront homes along Tempe Town Lake demand setback compliance, seawall integration and careful management of high groundwater.
Landscape Design Tempe
Our landscape architects create detailed 3D concepts that allow homeowners to visualize their backyard before construction begins. Landscape design in Tempe blends desert‑adapted vegetation with irrigated lawns and waterfront plantings.
Pool Remodeling in Tempe
Pool remodeling in Tempe includes resurfacing, tile and coping replacement, equipment upgrades and structural modifications. Many pools built in the 1970s and 1980s—particularly in communities like The Lakes—use basic plaster interiors and outdated plumbing; remodels allow us to upgrade to pebble or quartz finishes, add energy‑efficient pumps and automation.
Backyard Builder in Tempe
As a full backyard builder in Tempe, we integrate pool construction, landscaping and outdoor living into one coordinated project. This approach is essential in downtown districts where lot sizes are small and every square foot counts; designing the entire space together ensures patios, outdoor kitchens and shade structures fit seamlessly into the yard.
What Our Tempe Customers Are Saying
Our Pool Design & Construction Process
From Vision to Poolside — In 5 Easy Steps
Step 1
Schedule Consultation
We start with a quick conversation about your goals, space, and budget. Whether in-person or virtual
Step 2
Design & Showroom
You’ll visit our design studio and showroom to hand-pick materials, finishes, and features. See 3D renderings of your pool and landscape
Step 3
Construction Begins
Our project team handles permits, prep, and build. We coordinate everything — excavation, plumbing, electrical, and installation
Step 4
Updates & Walkthrough
We keep you informed at every milestone. You’ll see progress photos, get timeline updates, and do a final walkthrough
Step 5
Enjoy Your New Backyard
Fire up the grill, pour a drink, and dive in. Your new outdoor space is ready for years of relaxation, entertainment, and pride.
What Tempe Homeowners Should Know Before Building a Pool
Tempe’s neighborhoods range from irrigated mid‑century cores to modern high‑density developments and hillside parcels. Homes in irrigated districts often share SRP canals and alley easements that require careful planning when placing pools, utilities and patios. Waterfront properties along The Lakes or Tempe Town Lake must account for seawall integrity, high groundwater and association restrictions on fencing and lighting.
One Team, Your Vision
Rather than coordinating multiple contractors, working with a single design‑build team streamlines your project. Our integrated approach ensures that design, engineering and construction stay aligned from start to finish, especially when dealing with irrigation shutdowns, lake associations or downtown permitting.
Designed for Arizona Living
Tempe’s desert climate features blistering heat, intense sun and seasonal monsoon storms. Pools should be oriented to capture morning sun and provide afternoon shade; materials must withstand UV exposure, thermal cycling and dust infiltration.
Building a pool is one of the most impactful upgrades a homeowner can make, and choosing the right pool contractor in Tempe has a major effect on the final outcome. The best projects are not just visually attractive; they are properly planned for the lot, the home and the way the backyard will actually be used. Waterfront properties may incorporate vanishing edges or negative‑edge designs, while urban lots might benefit from plunge pools or integrated spas.
A complete Tempe pool remodel gives homeowners the opportunity to transform an outdated or underperforming pool into a more functional and modern outdoor space. In established neighborhoods like The Lakes and Tempe Gardens, many pools are decades old; surfaces have aged and equipment may be inefficient. Remodeling allows those pools to be updated visually and structurally while integrating features like spas, baja shelves or updated lighting. When you work with our Tempe pool remodeling experts, you’ll see how a thoughtful upgrade can extend the life of your backyard investment.
Building a new pool in Tempe creates an opportunity to design the backyard as a complete outdoor environment rather than a standalone project. Our design‑build approach plans the pool, hardscape and outdoor living in Tempe elements together so the entire space feels connected and intentional.
A complete backyard doesn’t stop at the pool. Professional landscape design in Tempe plays a major role in how the space looks, functions and holds up over time. In Arizona’s climate, landscape planning is not just about appearance—it directly impacts maintenance, water usage, drainage and long‑term durability.
Tempe Is One of Arizona’s Best Pool Markets
Every backyard we build is fully customized—not pre‑designed or templated. As experienced Tempe AZ pool builders, we provide detailed 3D designs, realistic timelines and consistent oversight so homeowners always know what to expect. Our familiarity with SRP irrigation, lake associations and hillside engineering ensures that each project not only looks stunning but also functions properly for decades.
Start Your Free Design Today
Don’t settle for a mediocre backyard. Get the transformation you deserve and start living the good life.
Before starting new pool construction in Tempe, homeowners should understand that lot size and existing structures are often the biggest constraints. Many homes have smaller backyards, existing patios, or older landscaping that limit where and how a pool can be built.
It’s also important to plan around access for construction, since tighter neighborhoods can make equipment and excavation more complex. In many cases, homeowners get better results by designing the pool alongside the patio, shade, and landscape layout from the beginning. This helps avoid running out of usable space and creates a more functional backyard overall.
The best pool designs in Tempe are usually space-efficient and layout-driven, not oversized or overly complex. With many homes sitting on smaller or mid-sized lots, geometric pools with Baja shelves, bench seating, and clean layouts tend to perform best.
Homeowners often prioritize designs that allow room for both the pool and usable outdoor space like patios or turf. In Tempe, the most successful designs are not the largest — they are the ones that make the best use of the available space.
The right time to consider a pool remodel in Tempe is when the existing pool feels outdated, inefficient, or no longer fits how the backyard is used. Because many homes were built decades ago, older finishes, worn decking, and outdated layouts are very common.
Homeowners also remodel when they want to improve usability — adding features like Baja shelves, updated lighting, or better deck space. In Tempe, remodels are often less about fixing the pool and more about bringing the entire backyard up to a modern standard.
The upgrades that add the most value in a Tempe pool remodel are the ones that improve both function and appearance, especially in older backyards.
High-impact upgrades often include:
In Tempe, many pools were built as standalone features, so the biggest value often comes from making the pool and surrounding space feel connected and updated.
Yes, and in Tempe it is often the best approach. Because space is more limited, planning the pool and landscape design in Tempe together helps homeowners avoid layout issues and maximize usable space.
Designing everything at once also improves drainage, circulation, and how the backyard functions overall. This is especially important in older neighborhoods where the original layout was not designed for modern outdoor living.
Professional landscape design in Tempe should focus on creating a backyard that is both functional and easy to maintain. Since many homes have smaller lots, the goal is to define clear zones for seating, movement, and relaxation.
A strong design typically includes:
In Tempe, good landscape design is less about filling space and more about using it efficiently.
Choosing the right pool builder in Tempe means finding a company that understands remodels, tight layouts, and working within existing conditions. A builder should be able to explain how they will approach limited space, older structures, and backyard flow — not just show photos of large new builds.
Homeowners should also look for a team that can handle design, construction, and outdoor integration in one process. The best results come from working with a builder who can improve the entire backyard, not just install a pool.
The cost to build a custom pool in Tempe typically starts around $50,000 for a basic pool, but most projects range between $60,000 to $150,000+, depending on size, design, and features. As a custom pool builder, full backyard projects with landscaping, hardscape, and outdoor living can range anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000+.
In Tempe, many homes already have existing pools or established yards, so remodels are very common and can vary widely depending on what is being updated. Projects that include new decking, lighting, turf, or outdoor living features will naturally fall on the higher end. The best way to approach cost in Tempe is to plan the entire backyard together so everything works as one finished space.
