---
title: "Pools by Design — Swimming Pool Builders | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/pools-by-design-pfvwus-pf~788865384
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~788865384.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Pools by Design"
category: ["Swimming Pool Builders"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ddf379bd00ec4730_5296-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "3031 West Ina Road, Tucson, Arizona 85741, United States"
latitude: 32.3472
longitude: -111.0419
phone: "(520) 797-6675"
website: https://poolsbydesignaz.com
rating: 4.9
review_count: 20
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 118
last_updated: 2026-09-06
---

# Pools by Design

Original Houzz profile: [Pools by Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/pools-by-design-pfvwus-pf~788865384)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Swimming Pool Builders
- **Location:** Tucson, AZ
- **Serves:** Tucson, Casas Adobes, Marana, Catalina Foothills, Oro Valley, Flowing Wells, Catalina, Tortolita, Catalina 762, Cortaro, Pinal County, Rillito
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (20 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2023), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves
- Family owned
- Free consultation
- Award winning

Designer & builder of custom pools and spas in Tucson, Arizona.
 
If you’re seeking a pool design and construction company that always takes the time to partner with you to make your dream pool and outdoor living paradise a reality, Pools by Design is for you.
 
If you’re seeking a pool design and construction company that provides a planning and design studio for you to see a wide range of high-tech computer drawn illustrations, Pools by Design is for you.
 
If you’re seeking a pool design and construction company whose entire team will continuously work hard to earn your trust by meeting every commitment, Pools by Design is for you.
 
If you’re seeking a pool design and construction company is always available to our customers to answer any questions or concerns, while maintaining flexibility to meet any manageable request, Pools by Design is for you
 
If you’re seeking a pool design and construction company that only employs the most knowledgeable craftsman and supervision at every phase, Pools by Design is for you.
 
Pools by Design of Southern Arizona is a licensed contractor of swimming pools and spas.  Our company was formed in 2009 by Ken Larison, a University of Arizona graduate in Landscape Architecture with 35-years of pool design and construction experience. Ken and his team have an impeccable eye for design and construction quality, coupled with a realistic understanding of budget. Why trust your "dream pool" to anyone other than Pools by Design?

Call us today!

\*We offer Military discounts to show our appreciation for anyone in active duty

### Services Provided

- Swimming Pool Construction
- Swimming Pool Design
- Pool Deck Design & Construction
- Pool Remodeling
- Pond Construction

### Areas Served

- Tucson
- Casas Adobes
- Marana
- Catalina Foothills
- Oro Valley
- Flowing Wells
- Catalina
- Tortolita
- Catalina 762
- Cortaro
- Pinal County
- Rillito

### Typical Job Cost

$45,000 - 450,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Pools by Design |
| Address | 3031 West Ina Road, Tucson, Arizona 85741, United States |
| Phone | (520) 797-6675 |
| Website | https://poolsbydesignaz.com |
| License Number | 259661 |
| Followers on Houzz | 118 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/pools-by-design/203966356288162?fref=ts
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=96638892&locale=en\_us&trk=tyah
- Blog — http://www.poolsbydesignaz.com/category/blog

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Pools by Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/pools-by-design-pfvwus-pf~788865384)
- **Website:** https://poolsbydesignaz.com
- **Phone:** (520) 797-6675

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Members of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Best of Houzz 2014

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2023), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [PHTA Central & Southern Arizona Chapters](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/phta-central-and-southern-arizona-chapters-pfvwus-pf~126664876)
- [Pool & Hot Tub Alliance](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/pool-and-hot-tub-alliance-pfvwus-pf~881802885)
- [Master Pools Guild, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/master-pools-guild-inc-pfvwus-pf~470703961)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 20 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★ — HU-834449451, Dec. 2022**

> Did great with pool. But did not reconnect electric to shed. Nor give me written mechanical info on the pool pump and other mechanical as requested and was told they would.  Also never sent a closing invoice to me. Nor called. Just got mechanical lean on property and charged for attorney fees and late fees thru attorneys.  Even though they call me for a year during construction and had my address.

**★★★★★ — Kachina Custom Homes, Aug. 2018**

> Great to work with, I could trust their judgment and guidance through the whole project.
>
> Their pricing was affordable. The finish project was outstanding.

**★★★★★ — Carbo Productions LLC, Dec. 2016**

> We had the pleasure of photographing a pool that Ken and Pools by Design created. It was more than just a pool. It was a complete outdoor masterpiece. You can tell that his attention to detail is second to none. I would be proud to have a pool created by Pools by Design in my yard.

**★★★★★ — sam3nau, Oct. 2016**

> BLUF - Exceptional experience, very happy all around.  We worked with Candis for design/contracts and Mike was our foreman/builder.  I can't say enough about either of these folks as they made a 2 month endeavor as painless as possible.  They know what they're doing - period - they have the experience and will take care of you.  Scott did a great job with start up and is always avail for our questions.
>
> We contacted 4 pool companies to build our pool.  One did not call back and as for the second, even though we visited them in their showroom, they never followed up.  Easy to eliminate those two.  We received two bids/proposals and it seemed pretty clear that cost of items/services were pretty close -- pump / filter / in-floor cleaning / salt system / lights / shotcrete / pebbletech -- all were priced relatively close.  Difference was in the sale each was advertising.  So if price is essentially the same, the decision becomes who do you want to work with.
>
> Patio Pools advertises that they have their own crews where everyone else contracts out.  Honestly, this is a non-issue and they do contract out some of the work, ie PebbleTech,
>
> Pools by Design contracts out the work.  They have established relationships and it is very apparent that the relationships are strong because every crew was professional and did a fantastic job.  We had a couple minor issues with one/two of the crews, but Mike listened to our concerns and fixed it.  Excavation / Plumbing / Electrician / concrete / finishing / decking / start up - just about perfect.
>
> It's hard have crews of folks in your back yard on and off for 2 months, Mike was exceptional in getting through the schedule, dealing with a couple monsoons that caved in side walls, and ensuring we got what we wanted.

**★★★★★ — deborah\_rice\_gilbert, May 2016**

> We highly recommend Pools By Design!  Ken, Maryanne, Tracy and all of the hardworking crews were top notch!  From start to finish we were kept informed of the progress and knew exactly when each step would be completed.  We were impressed with how quickly our pool was installed, especially with us living in a rural area.  Pools by Design offered the most affordable price and installed a beautiful pool that we will enjoy for many years to come!

**★★★★★ — Jane Mills-Haug, March 2016**

> We looked at 3 pool companies and Pools by Design did a beautiful pool design, simple elegance, that we chose.  They started their work exactly when the said they would and completed it a couple days early.  The workers many days actually showed up early, worked hard all day long and completed each step of the pool building process efficiently.   Their workmanship was outstanding.  The designer, Marianne, came by each step just to see if we had any concerns.  We are extremely pleased with Pools by Design attention to detail and with how our pool turned out.

**★★★★★ — Susan Wood, March 2016**

> I would recommend this company highly. Very professional, easy to work with and honest.  Work was done in a timely manner.  Alway on time and keeping me informed. Easy to work with and responsive to requests.  Also stands behind their work and products.  Would hire them again.

**★★★★★ — Richard Haug, March 2016**

> Pools by Design were a pleasure to work with.  Maryanne assisted us with all our needs and the design was perfect for the space.  Every member of the construction team were professional, nice, on time and cleaned up after themselves.  They met time expectations and the cost was just as expected.  I would recommend them to anyone who is looking at a new pool.  Very pleased with the quality of the work, including decking and the pool equipment.

**★★★★★ — nanofnapa, March 2016**

> I had an existing plaster pool re-surfaced with PebbleTec PebbleSheen, replaced the pool filter, pump, heater, sweep and automated the entire pool system.  I obtained 4 bids and chose Pools by Design although they weren't the lowest bid because they seemed the most experienced and communicated with me the best and seemed the best value.
> They completed the project on schedule and on budget.  The project was completed in a manner that had a minimum impact on our lives.  They did a top quality job and left our premises looking like there had been no one there - not even the slightest damage to our landscaping.  Following the installation, they were exceedingly responsive to our questions to operation of the new system.  I feel fortunate to have a professionally managed project from start to finish and would highly recommend them!

**Comment from Pools by Design:**

> Thank you for your glowing accolades!  We continue to grow our small business through referrals and reviews such as yours. We sincerely appreciate your time and efforts.

**★★★★★ — myles023, Nov. 2013**

> Ken Larison with Pools by Design built the pool & spa we wanted when no other Pool company could get it right. Ken is a very talented designer & business man. Our pool is beautiful & we loved working with Jen. His customer service is superb. He made sure we received exactly what we wanted. Thank you Ken!

**★★★★★ — browneyes1275, Oct. 2013**

> I have worked with Pools by Design and the owners for ten plus years.  My experience has been that they are very professional and want to design/build a pool that the customer wants.  They only use the best products and subcontractors when they are building the pool.  I would definitely recommend them for any pool/spa project you have.

**★★★★★ — Insight Homes, Inc., Sept. 2013**

> Ken Larison and Pools by Design have been building pools for Insight Homes and its customers for over 10 years.  Pools by Design has built at least 25 pools for Insight Homes.  We are extremely pleased with Kens work and follow thought.  All of our customers who have used Pools by Design have always expressed complete satisfaction.  If you are looking for a well designed high quality custom pool Pools by design is the best choice in Tucson.

## Selected projects

- [Glass Wall Infinity Edge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glass-wall-infinity-edge-pj-vj~759789)
  - Location: Tucson, AZ
  - Photos: 17
- [Contemporary Patio with Fire Feature](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-patio-with-fire-feature-pj-vj~1107381)
  - Location: Catalina, AZ
  - Photos: 5
- [Mountainside Infinity Pool with Multicolored Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountainside-infinity-pool-with-multicolored-lighting-pj-vj~1107363)
  - Location: Tucson, AZ
  - Photos: 12
- [Mediterranean Patio & Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-patio-and-pool-pj-vj~1105229)
  - Location: Tucson, AZ
  - Photos: 13
- [Infinity Pool Portfolio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/infinity-pool-portfolio-pj-vj~574441)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Infinity Edge Pool with recirculating overflow creates a reflective surface to mirror the city lights and dramatic Tucson sunsets. Noche Travertine Deck, Black Granite water line Tile and Ocean Blue Pebble Sheen with extra Abolone Shells accentuate the design. Automatic Cover Lid and track are cleverly hidden from sight.
- [Geometric Pool with Rock Waterfall](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/geometric-pool-with-rock-waterfall-pj-vj~1107401)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Jacuzzi with Multicolored Lights](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jacuzzi-with-multicolored-lights-pj-vj~1107374)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 19
- [Infinity Pool with Blue Tilework](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/infinity-pool-with-blue-tilework-pj-vj~1105220)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Our Pools](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/our-pools-pj-vj~140760)
  - Location: Tucson, AZ
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Custom swimming pool and spas by Pools by Design, Tucson, Arizona

[See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/pools-by-design-pfvwus-pf~788865384)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Love the design of this pool!! What kind of lighting is that?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: It's a mixture of Pentair Intellibrite 5G LED Color lights in the pool and spa and Fiber Optic lighting on the Magicfalls.

**Q: Please let me know the interior finish of the pool, brand and color.** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The interior is Pebble Tec in Tahoe Blue

**Q: What type of tile was used?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Tico Taco Series Tile SAI TITA GRI 6

**Q: What is the name of the tile?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Poolstone Sole Blu (NSPS 636) available through Noble Tile Supply

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-06.*