Pool Builders in Los Angeles
New Pools and Spas in Los Angeles
LADBS issued 2,184 permits for new pools and spas in the City of Los Angeles over the last 12 months; the median declared valuation on single-family and two-family homes was $25,000.
Los Angeles at a glance
- New pool and spa permits issued, all property types, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- 2,184 permits
- Share of new pool and spa permits on single-family and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- 98.1%
- Median declared permit valuation, single-family and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- $25,000
LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org) · data as of
- Numbers from LADBS public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
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.
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.
City of Los Angeles pool and spa permits, last 12 months
City of Los Angeles pool and spa permits, last 12 months
Local numbers for Los Angeles, each with its source and date.
- Median days from submission to permit issue, single-family and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months1
- 28 days
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,821 |
| 2021 | 2,857 |
| 2022 | 3,041 |
| 2023 | 2,555 |
| 2024 | 2,403 |
| 2025 | 2,203 |
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 .
Declared permit valuation, City of Los Angeles
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median declared permit valuation, new pool or spa permits on single-family and two-family homesA declared value on the building permit that the applicant gave the city. It is not a contract price or a quote. | $25,000 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $25,000.
The row is the median declared value on City of Los Angeles permits for single-family and two-family homes over the last 12 months. It is usually below the real project cost, because design, materials, finishes and work not on the permit add to it. Get an estimate for your home to know your cost.
The typical path for a new pool or spa
The typical path for a new pool or spa
Check your yard
Walk your yard and note the space, access, setback limits, and where the utilities run. This shapes what is possible before any design work begins.
Design the pool or spa
Settle the pool or spa shape, depth, equipment and finishes with your builder. Ask for a plan that matches your yard and budget.
Plan check and permit
The plans go to the city for review. Ask the builder to confirm what the city needs for your project and how the permit will be handled.
Excavation and steel with inspections
Excavation and steel are usually inspected before concrete goes in. Inspections keep the structure on track with the approved plans.
Plumbing and electrical
Plumbing and electrical work for pumps, lights and heaters are installed and checked. Ask which inspections apply to your project.
Shell and finishes
The shell is built, then finishes such as tile, coping and decking are added. Your builder can explain the choices and timing for each.
Safety barrier and final inspection
Barriers and gates are set according to the rules that apply to your yard. A final inspection closes out the permit once the work matches the plans.
Pool and spa questions
Do I need a permit for a pool in Los Angeles?
In the City of Los Angeles, a new pool or spa usually needs a permit from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Whether your project needs one depends on the design and the site, so confirm the requirements with the builder or the city before you start.
How long do pool permits take in Los Angeles?
For single-family and two-family homes in the City of Los Angeles over the last 12 months, the median time from submission to permit issue was 28 days. That is a median from city records, not a promise for your project. Timing depends on your plans and the city's review.
What does the permit valuation tell me about cost?
The declared valuation is the amount the applicant wrote on the permit. The median for single-family and two-family homes was $25,000 over the last 12 months. Your real project cost is usually higher, so ask for an estimate for your home.
Can I add a spa to a new pool?
A spa is often planned with a pool, but it can also be a separate build. Ask the builder whether a spa changes the plans, the permit or the equipment for your yard.
What should I know about pool safety barriers?
Pool barriers and fences are set by city and state rules that depend on your lot and design. Ask the builder and the city what applies to your yard before the design is final.
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Pool and spa · new home 
Backyard pool · new home 
Outdoor kitchen and patio 
Pool and pergola 
Backyard pool 
Pool and patio
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Works in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles
- Bel Air
- Brentwood
- Hollywood
- +36 more
Service areas as listed by the contractor ()