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Pricing reviewed by Shiran Levy, Licensed General Contractor (CA #1131088)
Last updated: April 2026
Custom Pools for California Living
New swimming pool construction in LA ranges from $75,000-$120,000 for standard gunite pools with basic features, $130,000-$220,000 for premium pools with spa, lighting, and decking, and $250,000-$450,000 for large custom pools with vanishing edges, complex geometry, or extensive surrounding hardscape.
Pool construction runs $75,000-$450,000 depending on design complexity. Permit approval alone typically takes 6-12 weeks before excavation starts. Total construction timeline is usually 3-6 months for standard pools, 6-9 months for premium custom builds. Pool work in California requires a separate specialty license; Buildda coordinates the licensed pool contractor and handles the surrounding decking, planting, drainage, and lighting as the general contractor under license #1131088. Cost variance comes from pool size and shape (rectangular 12x24 is cheapest per square foot; freeform with curves and varied depth costs more; vanishing-edge pools can double the price), construction method (gunite/shotcrete is the standard for custom pools; vinyl-liner and fiberglass are pre-fab and cheaper but less customizable), surrounding hardscape (decking, coping, planting, drainage, lighting can run 30-60% of the pool budget), equipment grade (variable-speed pumps + LED lighting + automation pay back in 3-5 years vs. older single-speed gear), spa add-on ($8,000-$25,000 attached spa with shared equipment), and permit + barrier compliance (California pool code requires fence, self-latching gate, alarm before final). 2-year workmanship warranty on the surrounding trades; pool-shell warranty per the specialty sub's terms.
$75,000 - $120,000
Quality gunite pool with essential features.
$130,000 - $220,000
Enhanced pool with spa and premium finishes.
$250,000 - $450,000
Complete backyard resort with premium amenities.
Pricing reflects typical pool projects in the Los Angeles area as of 2026. Actual quotes vary by lot conditions (slope, soil, access for excavation equipment), pool size and shape, finish material, hardscape scope, and permit timing. We coordinate the licensed pool contractor and handle surrounding decking, planting, drainage, and lighting under license #1131088. We provide a written, itemized estimate only after an on-site walkthrough. 2-year workmanship warranty on the trades we self-perform; pool-shell warranty per the specialty sub's terms.
All prices are estimates. Actual costs vary based on project scope, site conditions, material selections, and permit requirements. Contact us for a personalized quote.
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