The sun in Phoenix doesn’t just shine – it scorches. If you’ve ever touched a metal handrail or walked barefoot near your pool deck in July, you know exactly what that means. But here’s something you may not realize: that same intensity wreaks havoc on your pool equipment.
Many homeowners in Phoenix, Arizona invest in beautiful pools only to discover their gear gives out after a few seasons. Cracked pumps, fried control panels, failed seals, and salt systems that quit before the warranty expires, and these aren’t rare cases.
Unfortunately, they’re quite common.
And the worst part? Most of these failures could have been avoided with the right equipment and a team that understands the desert inside and out.
That’s where we come in. At Unique Companies, we’ve spent over two decades building and upgrading pools in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Our systems don’t just work, they’re designed to last, even when it’s 115° out.
So if you’re tired of patch jobs and replacing gear every other summer, stick around. Let’s break down what pool equipment really performs in Phoenix, and how to get it installed the right way – without the drama.
Understanding Phoenix’s Pool Equipment Needs
Phoenix summers are relentless. Temperatures regularly cross 110°F, UV rays are unforgiving, and dust storms don’t take a day off. Pool equipment isn’t just operating, it’s surviving.
- Rubber and plastic components like seals, gaskets, and housing degrade faster in heat.
- UV exposure fades control panels and weakens wiring insulation.
- Pool water evaporates rapidly, affecting circulation and straining your pump and filtration system.
If your equipment isn’t rated for hot environments, you’re basically feeding it to the wolves. That’s why every component we install is selected specifically for the Arizona desert, not just any U.S. climate.
Water Quality Considerations
Hard water is another Phoenix trademark. The high mineral content leads to scale buildup on everything – pool walls, tile, and inside your equipment.
- Heat exchangers in your heater or heat pump? Prone to scaling.
- Filter media clogs up faster, reducing water flow and stressing your pump.
Installing gear that manages mineral-rich water is key. We often recommend sand filters or high-end cartridge filters, paired with systems that reduce calcium buildup and help stabilize chlorine levels.
Essential Pool Equipment Categories
Filtration Systems
Keeping your pool water crystal clear is more than just a cosmetic issue, it’s about health and efficiency.
Types of filters we trust:
- Sand filters: Popular for their simplicity and long lifespan.
- Cartridge filters: Excellent for water clarity, minimal backwashing.
- DE filters: Fine particle removal, though they require more maintenance.
We often pair high-quality sand filters with multiport valves for easy cleaning and control. When you’re fighting dust and debris on a daily basis, low-maintenance filtration isn’t optional, it’s survival.
Pumps and Motors
The pump is the heart of your swimming pool. If it’s weak or overworked, everything else struggles.
What to look for:
- Variable-speed & flow pumps (VSF): Use less energy, run quieter, and last longer. Great for lowering NOx emissions and utility bills.
- Horsepower that matches your pool size: Oversized motors waste energy. Undersized ones die early.
- Reliable brands like Pentair: We install these because they handle Phoenix’s abuse and keep going.
A properly sized and installed VSF can cut energy costs significantly. Bonus: many qualify for rebates through SRP or APS.
Heating Solutions
Yes, even in Phoenix, a pool heater is a game changer, especially in spring, fall, or if you have a spa or hot tub.
Options include:
- Gas heaters: Fast heating, ideal for spas.
- Electric heat pumps: Efficient for daily pool use.
- Solar-powered heating: Great long-term savings, depending on sun exposure.
We’ll help you weigh price vs. practicality. Sometimes a gas heater for your spa and a solar blanket for your pool is the perfect combo.
Sanitation Systems
Crystal clear doesn’t always mean clean. The right sanitation setup keeps algae and bacteria in check, without turning your pool into a chemical soup.
Best options:
- Saltwater chlorination: Softer feel, fewer chemicals. Just watch for scale buildup.
- Traditional chlorine: Reliable and predictable.
- UV/Ozone combos: Reduces chlorine needs, kills bacteria faster.
A proper check valve setup helps prevent backflow and damage to your chlorinator. Something too many installers forget.
Automation and Control
Your pool should work for you, not the other way around. Smart control systems make it easy to run everything from your phone.
Key features:
- Pentair IntelliTouch and ScreenLogic: Full automation, from pump speed to lighting.
- Timers and remote valves: Set and forget.
- Mobile app integration: Monitor temperature, lighting, and filter cycles from anywhere.
What Unique Companies Installs and Why
Image source: https://www.1paramount.com/in-floor-systems/pcc2000/
Paramount In-Floor Cleaning Systems
Forget hauling out a vacuum. The PCC2000 system from Paramount cleans your pool floor automatically using pop-up jets that push debris toward drains.
- Great for desert debris
- Less maintenance
- Seamless integration during pool construction
This system is built into the pool floor – meaning there is nothing to break, trip over, or store.
Pentair Automation Systems
We’re proud to work with the Pentair brand for most of our pool automation builds. Their systems are reliable, sleek, and fully compatible with smart home devices.
- IntelliCenter handles complex multi-pool and spa setups.
- Pentair APP – Built in Pump Wi-Fi, a more economical version by Pentair, allows smaller pools with a basic budget to control basic settings, pumps & lighting through your phone & tablet.
We set up everything for you and show you how to run it in 15 minutes flat.
Image source: https://www.pentair.com/en-us/products/residential/pool-spa-equipment/pool-automation.html
Energy-Efficient Pool Equipment
We always recommend variable-speed pumps, efficient heaters, and solar integration where possible.
Here’s what a smart pool upgrade looks like:
| Equipment Type | Traditional Option | Energy-Efficient Upgrade | Avg. Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pump | Single-Speed 1.5 HP | Variable-Speed Pentair IntelliFlo | $500/year |
| Heater | Gas Only | Solar + Heat Pump Combo | $300/year |
| Lighting | Halogen | LED Pool Lighting | $100/year |
That’s over $900 in annual savings. And with rebates and better lifespan? It’s a no-brainer.
Pool Installation and Support: What Sets Us Apart
From Design to Install – No Subcontractors
We’re not calling a third-party to install your pump or filter. Everything’s handled in-house—from design to digging to wiring.
- Licensed, bonded, and insured
- Four contractor licenses under one roof
- No passing the buck if something goes wrong
It’s all on us – and that’s how we like it.
Support That Stays with You
We offer regular maintenance packages, equipment checks, and cleaning services. And if something breaks under warranty? We handle the claim and fix it.
Need a new hose or check valve? Just call us. We probably already have the part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should pool equipment be replaced in Phoenix?
Most pumps and heaters last 7–10 years with regular maintenance. In Phoenix heat? Closer to 5–7 if they’re not desert-rated.
Is saltwater better than chlorine for desert pools?
Saltwater is softer on skin and eyes but can lead to scaling in hard water areas. We recommend it only with proper mineral control systems.
Can I upgrade just my pump without changing everything else?
Yes, as long as your plumbing and filter can handle the new flow rate. We’ll inspect it and advise.
Do automated systems work with older pools?
Absolutely. We’ve retrofitted pool automation into 20-year-old pools with great results.
Shop Pool Equipment in Phoenix Today!
If you live in Phoenix or Scottsdale, your pool gear needs to fight sun, sand, and scale – and still run clean. That’s why we don’t sell “off-the-shelf” installs.
We customize everything, using premium brands like Paramount, installed by one team from start to finish. No guesswork. No cheap parts. No callbacks needed.
Want pool gear that lasts and installs fast?
Let’s make it happen. Contact Unique Companies today and let’s build a backyard system that works as hard as you do.
