Tempe, Arizona
Pool Resurfacing in Tempe, AZ
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Ready for pool resurfacing in Tempe? Most homes can drain without a permit, because Tempe only requires one for pools over 35,000 gallons. Plaster typically runs about $3,500 to $6,500 in Arizona, and landscape irrigation is Tempe's preferred drain method. Tell us about your pool and a licensed Tempe-area company will follow up with a free quote.
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- Drain permit check for large pools
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- 1Tell us what you need. Answer a few quick questions. It takes about 30 seconds.
- 2Get matched. We share your request with up to 5 licensed, insured local pool resurfacing companies.
- 3Compare and decide. Compare quotes from the companies that reach out and decide what's right for you. No obligation.
Do you need a permit to drain a pool in Tempe?
For most homes, no. The City of Tempe says pools less than 35,000 gallons may be drained without a permit. Draining a pool over 35,000 gallons requires one, which you get by contacting a Tempe Environmental Compliance Inspector at (480) 350-2678.
Not sure how big your pool is? Your contractor can estimate the gallons from its size and depth during the inspection.
Where pool water can go in Tempe
| Option | What Tempe requires |
|---|---|
| Landscape irrigation (preferred) | Tempe's recommended method. For sensitive plants, remove chlorine sources for 48 hours first. With a small yard, spread it over several days to avoid runoff. |
| Sewer cleanout | Secure the hose, use a pump of 1.5 hp or less, keep flow at or below 12 gallons per minute and watch for backups. |
| Street or right of way | Water must be clear, debris-free and dechlorinated so a test kit reads zero. Pump 1.5 hp or less. Watch for flooding and traffic hazards. |
| Alley | Not allowed. |
Source: City of Tempe pool draining guidelines.
Filter backwash is different. Tempe says it can't go to the street or right of way. It may go only to your sewer cleanout or onto your own property.
Rules vary across the Valley. See how Tempe compares with other Valley cities in our side-by-side table of pool draining rules.
Pool resurfacing cost in Tempe
Using an Arizona builder's January 2026 price list, a Tempe homeowner can expect roughly $3,500–$6,500 for plaster, $7,000–$10,000 for quartz or $6,000–$15,000 for pebble. Two things specific to Tempe are worth asking about in your quote.
- Prep on older pools. A pool that's been replastered before may have layers that need chipping out, which adds labor.
- Pool volume. If the contractor estimates your pool at over 35,000 gallons, ask who will get Tempe's drain permit and whether that time is in the schedule.
The pool resurfacing cost guide explains every other price factor.
Get free quotes from licensed Tempe companies that can size your pool and plan the drain.
Get My Free QuotesPlaster, quartz or pebble for a Tempe pool?
If budget is tight, pool replastering costs the least upfront but wears fastest in the heat. A quartz pool finish is a middle path with a smooth feel. A pebble pool finish reports the longest life of cement-based options.
If you're selling in the next few years, plaster may be enough. If you're staying, the cost per year of a tougher finish often looks better.
Our plaster vs. pebble vs. quartz comparison adds cost per year and upkeep.
When to resurface a pool in Tempe
Arizona builders recommend late fall through early spring for cement-based finishes and call July and August the hardest months. Rosie on the House suggests avoiding summer draining unless necessary because dry heat can crack plaster.
If you're draining to the street under Tempe's rules, avoid monsoon storms. The city requires you to watch for flooding and traffic hazards, and runoff from a storm adds to both. Monsoon season officially runs June 15 to September 30.
Neighboring cities: pool resurfacing in Mesa and pool resurfacing in Chandler.
Planning around Tempe's permit rule? Our pool resurfacing process guide shows where draining falls in the schedule and how long each step takes.
More pool resurfacing resources
Frequently asked questions
How big does my pool have to be to need a drain permit in Tempe?
Tempe says pools less than 35,000 gallons may be drained without a permit. If your pool is over 35,000 gallons, you'll need a permit from a Tempe Environmental Compliance Inspector, reachable at (480) 350-2678. Your contractor can estimate your pool's gallons from its size and depth.
Can I drain my pool to the street in Tempe?
Yes, under conditions. Tempe allows street or right-of-way discharge only if the water is clear, free of debris and dechlorinated so a test kit reads zero, using a pump of 1.5 hp or less while watching for flooding and traffic hazards. Alleys are prohibited, and filter backwash can never go to the street.
What's the preferred way to drain a pool in Tempe?
Tempe calls landscape irrigation the recommended and most effective method. Remove chlorine sources for 48 hours before using the water on sensitive plants, and spread it over several days if your yard is small. For a full drain before resurfacing, your sewer cleanout at 12 gallons per minute or less is usually practical.
How do I protect my plants when draining a pool in Tempe?
Tempe suggests removing chlorine sources for 48 hours before using pool water on sensitive plants. If your yard is small, spread the water over several days so it soaks in instead of running off. Keep salty water away from citrus and other salt-sensitive plants, and send the rest of a full drain to the sewer cleanout at 12 gallons per minute or less.
What pump should I use to drain my Tempe pool?
Tempe's guidelines call for a pump rated at 1.5 horsepower or less, whether you're draining to the sewer cleanout or the street. Secure the hose so it can't pop loose, keep flow to the cleanout at or below 12 gallons per minute, and watch for backups. Most resurfacing contractors bring their own pumps.
Neighborhoods and ZIP codes we cover in Tempe
Homeowners in every part of Tempe can request a free pool resurfacing match. Enter your ZIP code on the form and we match you with a licensed local company that serves your area.
Tempe neighborhoods and communities
- The Lakes
- Warner Ranch
- Maple Ash
- University Park
- Lindon Park
- Alameda Estates
- Optimist Park
- Broadmor
- Rio Salado
- Raintree
- Tempe Royal Palms
- Papago Park Village
- Riverside
- Shalimar
- Sierra Tempe
- Tally Ho Farms
- Hudson Manor
- Cavalier Hills
- Corona Del Sol Estates
- Escalante
- Mission Ridge
- Carver Terrace
- Date Palm Manor
- University Heights
Tempe ZIP codes
85281 · 85282 · 85283 · 85284 · 85288 · 85287
Phoenix-area cities we serve
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Get My Free QuotesSources
- City of Tempe: Pool and Spa Draining Guidelines (PDF)
- Shasta Pools: Cost to Replace Pool Tile, Deck or Interior Finish (Jan 2026)
- Shasta Pools: Which Pool Finishes Hold Up Best in Arizona's Sun and Heat
- Shasta Pools: The Best Time of Year to Remodel Your Pool in Arizona
- KTAR / Rosie on the House: How to Resurface Your Swimming Pool
- Ariz. Admin. Code R4-9-103, Residential Contractor License Classifications
- ABC15: What Is the Arizona Monsoon?
Last updated October 2026.