How Much Does a New Pool or Spa Cost in Los Angeles?

New Pool or Spa Cost in Los Angeles

In the City of Los Angeles, the median declared permit valuation for new pool or spa permits on one- and two-family homes was $25,000 over the last 12 months.

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Los Angeles at a glance

Median declared permit valuation, new pool/spa permits on one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
$25,000
New pool/spa permits issued, all property types, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
2,184 permits
Share of issued new pool/spa permits on one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
98.1%

LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org) · data as of

  • Numbers from LADBS public records
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A useful first step

Before you start in Los Angeles

Confirm whether your scope needs plan check or an express permit.

What to prepare

LADBS offers express permits for some simpler work. Larger or more complex changes can require plan review. Describe the actual work, including structural, electrical and plumbing changes, when asking the department which route applies.

LADBS contractor guide · Checked

What do permits say a new pool or spa costs?

From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this

Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.

$25,000median declared value

Middle half of 2,051 permits Median

Every lot is different. A local contractor can price your project.

Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.

Key City of Los Angeles pool and spa permit figures

Key City of Los Angeles pool and spa permit figures

Local numbers for Los Angeles, each with its source and date.

Median days from submission to permit, one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months1
28 days
  1. 1 LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org) · data as of
Swimming pool permits issued in the City of Los Angeles, by yearEach bar is one calendar year of issued permits, all property types.
Swimming pool permits issued in the City of Los Angeles, by year
YearCount
20201,821
20212,857
20223,041
20232,555
20242,403
20252,203

Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), full calendar years, fire rebuilds excluded, data as of .

What the permit data shows for a new pool or spa

ProjectFigureRange on a shared scale
Median declared permit valuation, new pool/spa permits on one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 monthsA declared value on the building permit, not a contract price or quote. The real project cost is usually higher because design, materials, finishes and work not on the permit add to it.$25,000

Bars share one scale, from $0 to $25,000.

This is the declared value on City of Los Angeles building permits for one- and two-family homes over the last 12 months. It is usually below the real project cost. Request an estimate for your home to learn your number.

Planning your project

In the City of Los Angeles, the median declared permit valuation for new pool or spa permits on one- and two-family homes was $25,000 over the last 12 months. That number is what the applicant declared on the permit, not a price for your project.

What a declared permit valuation is

The declared valuation is the value the applicant reported to the city when the permit was filed. It is not a contract price, and it is not a quote from a builder. It is usually below the real project cost.

What adds to the real cost

The final cost of a new pool or spa depends on the design, the materials, the finishes, the equipment, and the work that is not on the permit. The condition of your yard and the access to the site also matter. Each home is different.

How to know your number

The most reliable way to know what a pool or spa will cost for your home is an estimate based on your plans and your site. Request one from a local builder and describe what you want.

Pool and spa cost questions

Is the permit valuation the real cost of a pool?

No. The median declared permit valuation in the City of Los Angeles was $25,000 over the last 12 months for new pool or spa permits on one- and two-family homes. The declared value is what the applicant reported to the city on the permit. It is usually below the real project cost, which includes design, materials, finishes and work not on the permit.

What drives the price of a new pool or spa?

The main drivers are the size and shape of the pool or spa, the materials, the finishes, equipment, site access, grading, and the condition of your yard. Work that is not on the building permit also adds to the total. Pool remodels and repairs are not counted in the permit figures.

Why do estimates for the same pool differ?

Estimates differ because each home and yard is different. Two builders can price the same idea in different ways depending on design, materials and how much site work is needed. An estimate based on your home and your plans is the most reliable way to know your number.

How do I get a reliable number for my project?

Describe your yard, your goals, the size and type you want, and any site concerns, then request an estimate. The request goes to one local builder. You can also check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) before you agree to work.

Does a new pool or spa need a permit in the City of Los Angeles?

New pools and spas in the City of Los Angeles are handled through the Department of Building and Safety. In the last 12 months, 2,184 new pool or spa permits were issued across all property types, and 98.1% of those were on one- and two-family homes. The median time from submission to issue was 28 days for those homes. Ask your builder how permits are handled for your project.

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