To Pool or Not to Pool

Summers in Southern Arizona can be tough. The weather warms up significantly and while the long days of sunshine are great, the heat can be a lot. So what to do? One option is to put a pool in your yard! As a homeowner, whether to buy a home with a pool or install a pool in your backyard is a big decision!

It’s tempting to imagine the aesthetics of a beautiful blue pool in the yard. It’s perfect for summer parties but it’s important to do your due diligence as a homeowner.

Be sure to budget for monthly pool maintenance. It’s important to keep your pool clean and at the correct chemical levels so it’s safe to use. There are also weekly chores that need to be done, including checking the basket for debris, skimming the surface, and vacuuming. Also keep in mind that during the summer months, the heat causes more water evaporation so anticipate an increase in your water bill.

Make sure to talk to your insurance agent about how a pool is covered by your homeowner’s insurance. There are a few different options based on your insurance. This is also an important question if you’re thinking about adding a pool to your yard after you own your home. If you have detailed questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Fairfield Homes agent!

Another consideration is safety. With pets and young kids, it’s important to budget and understand Arizona laws regarding fences and gates around the pool to make sure that everyone stays safe. In Arizona, above and below-ground pools must be surrounded by a fence or gate at least five-feet high that doesn’t have any openings more than four inches in diameter. There are some great local Tucson companies that will install high-quality fences that will enhance your yard design.

There are many advantages to installing a swimming pool in the backyard! For one thing, it’s great for kids! During the summertime in Arizona, kids don’t want to be anywhere except the pool. Anyone with a pool immediately becomes the destination house in the neighborhood!

Swimming pools are a great way to keep people of all ages active and engaged. It’s great for socializing, leisure,  and has many health benefits like stretching, low-impact exercise, and is great for rehabilitation. Swimming is one of the most popular outdoor activities! Studies show that swimming burns more calories per hour than walking or biking. Pools are also calming and peaceful.

What a great excuse to have barbeques and bond with your neighbors! Plus, swimming pools in Arizona can be used almost year-round so the cost per use goes down quickly and significantly.

The bottom line is that a swimming pool in Southern Arizona makes a lot of sense. The weather is perfect for it, it’s the ideal playground for kids and family pets, and it’s a feature that increases the resale value of your home. Of course, think through the details and what makes the most sense for your home and your family when making a big decision like this.


It was February 14, 1912, when President William Howard Taft strode into the Oval Office and signed a bill that amended Arizona Territory into the State of Arizona. Though it took a simple signature to enact statehood, the actual efforts to get here were long and arduous.

While February 14th is nationally known as Valentine’s Day, Arizonans know that on this day in history Arizona completed the 48 conterminous United States in the union.

How did this union begin?

The entirety of present-day Arizona belonged to independent Mexico in 1821. When expansionists spread out West, conflicts over territory arose, leading to the Mexican-American war which spanned from 1846 until 1848.

When the dust settled, Mexico ceded 70% of northern Arizona to the U.S. The land was considered a territory of New Mexico, but later it became its own Arizona Territory under the Confederacy. A couple of decades after the Civil War, residents petitioned for Arizona’s statehood several times, but to no avail. A big reason was population. People were dubious about the viability of the desert land, but that all changed.

The population boomed

From a first look, the desert environment gave doubts to its productivity. Yet, copper mining was Arizona’s premier industry and satisfied a rapidly growing market. Cattle, cotton, citrus, and more agricultural interests brought in homesteaders to develop farming economies. Arizona held the powerful five C’s: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate.

Gradually, more people recognized the Arizona climate was not only worth developing, but its environment was cleaner than other states and a warm respite from the harsh winter conditions.

Once the widespread availability of refrigeration and air conditioning developed, more people called Arizona home. A far cry from its population of 217,000 people in 1912, Arizona is currently home to 7.2 million people today.

So, Why February 14th?

Bad luck and better timing: It took some time for Taft to feel secure in the constitution of the state. But, when he ultimately decided to sign the statehood papers, planners hoped he would ratify Arizona on Lincoln’s birthday, February 12th. Unfortunately, Taft was out of town and everyone considered the 13th to be bad luck, so the signing was pushed back to February 14th — the day to commemorate love and admiration.

We admire our great state, and all over Arizona, visitors and long-time residents alike can uncover new, exciting opportunities here — from historical landmarks to expansive hiking trails. There’s an adventure for anyone.

Ready to ring in the celebration of Arizona’s 110th anniversary by calling it home?

At Fairfield Homes, we create gorgeous semi-custom and custom homes blended with the natural landscape and optimized for grand views of the Tucson terrain in every direction. Speak with an industry expert today to discover your home options!

Sources:
https://legallegacy.wordpress.com/2019/02/14/february-14-1912-arizona-joins-the-union-as-the-48th-state/
https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/arizona
https://kjzz.org/content/19682/did-you-know-it-took-arizona-49-years-become-state

Welcome to Tucson and its six unique districts: Main Gate, Fourth Avenue, Congress Street, Presidio, Convention, and Sentinel. Connected by the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar, the six downtown districts are easy to explore and offer plenty of  unique vibes, history, and entertainment opportunities.

Whether you live near Tucson or are planning a day trip, Tucson promises to be a space to enjoy a wonderful culture and cuisine.

Main Gate District: Relive Your College Years

Located next to the University of Arizona, the Main Gate District boasts loads of UA gear, name-brand stores, and so much more. Main Gate is close to the center of town and only moments away from the northern foothills. This district also unrolls a warm welcome with its many options for delicious food from burritos to sushi to fro-yo. Quench your thirst on craft beers, fancy cocktails, or freshly brewed coffee.

The Main Gate is as proud as ever of the hometown Wildcats. Area businesses offer specials to keep school spirit up and Bear Down Fridays, the day before UA games, are an event that you don’t want to miss.

Fourth Avenue District: Hipster Before It Was Cool

Locals consider the Fourth Avenue District to be one of the places that defined the term “hipster” before it entered the mainstream. This area of District flaunts a collection of local artisans, boutiques, and thrift stores. Discover curated vintage wear, jewelry, artwork, hand-crafted items, old books, antiques, and so much more. Meanwhile, since 1971, the Food Conspiracy Co-Op has anchored the district with its organic, bulk, and locally produced food.

For the past fifty years, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair happens bi-annually in the spring and winter, providing a family-friendly option featuring artists from all around the country, carnival food, and plenty of shopping.

Congress Street District: Where History Meets Present Day

Stroll through Tucson’s cultural center, taking in the skyscrapers side by side with the preserved historic sites. New sidewalk cafes and acclaimed restaurants sit next to the Tucson Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art, vintage shops, theaters, startup businesses, and music venues. You’ll want to see the Historic Depot, the Hotel Congress, and so much more.

Once you’ve had your fill of history and modern entertainment options, the Congress Street District has so many mouth-watering bites to choose from, no matter your food desires. Enjoy Mexican award-winning cuisine, delicious craft breweries, and so many other flavors.

Presidio District: It All Started with a Spanish Military Fort

Set on an expanse of land where the Spanish military fort was located in 1775, this district boasts a 2,000-year-old prehistoric pit house and an original 150-year-old Sonoran row house at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum. Visitors and locals can take a tour that reveals what life was like for the first occupants of Tucson. The area offers art galleries, bars, restaurants, cafes, and breweries. Don’t miss out on exploring Tucson’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation with the Presidio District Experience: A Progressive Food Heritage and History Tour.

No matter where you start in the Presidio District, you’re sure to find some amazing options for food, entertainment, and history. Also consider taking the Turquoise Trail, a 2.5-loop that highlights the historic sites through downtown Tucson.

Convention Center District

New commerce, creative development, and expanded public transportation make the Convention Center District an epicenter for entertainment. The newly upgraded arena along with plenty of parking and landscaped grounds sits in the midst of 27 acres of nationally significant Eckbo-designed Modernist landscape with a fountain, public art, seating areas, and cultural venues such as the Tucson Music Hall, Leo Rich Theater, Rialto Theatre, Temple of Music and Art, El Presidio Park, and Jacome Plaza.

From the Convention Center District, it’s easy for visitors and locals alike to quickly access shops, museums, eateries, and so much more. Public transportation makes the rest of Tucson easily accessible from the convention center.

Sentinel District

Denoted by the natural landmark of Sentinel Peak, lovingly termed “A” Mountain by UA students, Sentinel District is just west of downtown. The area flaunts Mission Garden, which highlights Tucson’s 4,000-year agricultural history as well as its award of the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States in 2015. The area often has something going on from weekly farmers markets to regular outdoor movies to live concerts, including fun festivals and the All Souls Procession with a parade grand finale and other performances.

Whether you want to hike or visit one of the locally-owned businesses, Sentinel District is near Tumamoc Hill, a living research laboratory with a car-free paved trail, and not far from delicious eateries such as La Estrella, Seis Kitchen, Stella Java, and so much more.

At Fairfield Homes, we love Tucson with all of its cultural flavor and inventiveness. Build your own custom home that fits your life and sets you near your favorite parts of Tucson. Talk to an industry expert today.