Custom Pool Construction for Your Los Angeles Property
Swimming pools should be constructed with the property in mind as opposed to fitting the property around the pool.
Hillside Pool Builder offers design services catered toward the needs of Southern California homeowners who want a swimming pool that is more than your traditional design. The design is based on the property layout, outdoor gathering areas, the view, and how the pool will serve the owner once it is constructed.
Simple designs are complemented by intricate designs such as hillside, infinity edge, integrated spa, or large, complex designs that incorporate the outdoor space. The proper design of a pool is achieved by understanding the needs of the owner, construction site, and the challenges of the job.
Life needs to come before design.
The right pool layout depends on how the household will use it. Discuss swimming, lounging, children, and supervision needs during design; specific safety measures should be addressed for the property and applicable requirements.
Some clarifying questions help arrange the answers in a sequential order.
- Who will use the pool the most?
- Swimming, relaxing or entertaining, which is your focus?
- Will there be a spa or a shallow lounging area?
- How many seats do you want and how much space do you want dedicated to circulation?
- Will there be a view to maintain?
- Will the pool connect to a patio or outdoor living space?
These help establish a general direction and focus for the overall scope of the project and its finishes before we dive into defining the level of detail.
What Differentiates Custom Pools from Traditional Pools?
Custom pools are built around the homeowner. This influences the size, the depth, orientation, and how each pool entry point relates to other outdoor spaces.
A custom pool can be simple and small or large and detailed. It can be anything as long as the design considers the options available instead of being restricted to rigid designs.
This is critical in Southern California where lots and the surrounding designs/landscapes vary greatly.
For homeowners planning a more design-focused pool and backyard space, please see luxury pool construction.
New Pool Construction Is Best done With the Entire Backyard in Mind
A new pool changes the way people move through the yard.
This means the early stage plan should consider elements beyond the water itself. A large pool could give you very little space for seating. A badly positioned spa can interrupt circulation. A deck that is too narrow can make an otherwise attractive pool uncomfortable to use.
Prior to finalizing the positioning of the pool, it is worthwhile to consider the following:
- How much usable outdoor space you wish to retain
- Access points for entry and exit of the pool
- The configuration of the back of the house
- Plans for outdoor dining and seating facilities
- The view of the pool from within the house
- Whether landscaping is required to provide seclusion or to interlace and frame elements of the view
When considering the best new pool construction plan, the amount of water should not be the primary factor. The ideal plan is the one that gives the best overall purpose to the backyard.
Custom Pool Construction for Southern California Properties
Southern California pool construction patterns can differ greatly from one location to another.
A Sherman Oaks property may possess a standard backyard or substantial changes in elevation. The level and access considerations are more pronounced for the homes located in the Bel Air, Hollywood Hills, or some parts of Calabasas. Other properties may be more concerned with preserving their patio space and landscaping or a particular view.
The design should address the actual constraints on each Southern California property without creating every “hillside pool.”
Hillside Pool Builder is located in Sherman Oaks and offers service throughout Los Angeles and some neighboring cities, with additional coverage in Orange County and San Diego.
See all pool construction service areas.
Understanding Pool Size
It’s not hard to imagine the size of a pool in a rendering, however, understanding how big that pool will feel when the landscaping and yard amenity areas are built is what’s difficult.
An ideal layout builds the pool as a feature, but also keeps the yard functional by creating enough space around the pool.
This may mean sacrificing a little pool space for a larger functional yard space. In other yards, the pool may need to take the dominant yard space.
It’s about balance, not just about size.
Pool Shape and Yard
There’s no pool shape that’s better than the rest.
Straight lines may suit a modern home, while a curved pool may work better with the shape of the yard. In a yard with the limitations of a narrow lot, the shape of the pool may have to be designed around the boundary of the lot before considerations of pool style come into play.
Designing a Pool that Works Best
A pool shape that works best fits the needs of:
- the spacing of the deck and yard
- comfortable swimming
- placement of spa and seating
- desired circulation
- good overall design
- the overall yard
A pool should be designed from multiple viewpoints, not just one to capture the best overall design.
Design Flexibility of Concrete Pools
Due to the flexibility of construction, the design of a concrete pool can work great in conjunction with the planned shape of the pool to fit the needs of the yard and other site features.
The main part is that the structural approach must follow the actual design and property requirements. Site preparation, excavation, structural specifications and the pool shell should all agree with the project plans.
When considering a concrete pool build, homeowners should account for factors such as:
- Pool size and geometry
- Depth variations
- Site preparation
- Existing grades
- Structural design requirements
- Penetrations and equipment connections
- Finish selection
Prior to Construction
Design helps resolve competing priorities before they become expensive construction changes.
Increasing the tanning ledge size takes up space someplace else. Moving the pool to enhance a view will likely decrease the available patio area. Raising or repositioning a spa will affect circulation and the relationship to the house.
Those concepts are easier to incorporate when a project is still in the design phase.
Our custom pool design service balances pool placement, use, and pool features, in conjunction with the overall design of the outdoor living space.
Add Desirable Pool Features
Noteworthy Pool Features
Features should be added that make using the pool more enjoyable or enhance the overall pool design.
Features should not be added for the sake of filling a space, or because there is space available, to use.
Depending on the project, homeowners have many options, including:
- Tanning ledges
- Baja shelves
- Built-in seating
- Attached or raised spas
- Confirmed Pool Features
- Infinity edges where the site supports them
A shallow ledging area may have more value to a family that prefers to relax in shallow water than to a family with a swimming focused design.
For shallow lounging areas, check out our tanning ledges and Baja shelves.
Planning A Spa With The Pool
A spa feels more integrated to the design as a part of the original pool construction.
An attached spa creates a closed visual relationship with the water, while a raised spa creates more separation and has more visual interest.
When thinking about the day to day use and the circulation, consider the accessibility around the spa and the potential for seating and deck circulation.
For more information on a custom spa, visit this page.
Infinity Edge: An Appropriate Feature On Your Property?
The infinity edge is only as good as the purpose the edge serves.
An infinity edge may blend well on a pool site that slopes and has a distant, clear view.
To see if this feature is right for you, consider the potential pool position and the sight lines as they relate to your property slope.
If an infinity edge is an important aspect of the design rather than an optional feature, then compare infinity pool construction.
Personalized Pool Construction on a Slope
Designing a pool on a slope is unlike a pool design on level ground.
The slope may affect the placement of the pool, the approach for the construction equipment and the method used for excavation.
If the site is especially complex, there may be questions about the construction methodology, but these should be case specific rather than site specific.
If the slope is a major part of your design look at hillside pool construction.
Excavation and Construction Access
Paper design is a great starting point, but pool plans have to work once they get to the real backyard.
There are constraints due to the size of the property, the placement of the equipment, the available work space, and the flow of materials. This is more important to consider when working within the Los Angeles area due to the size of the lots and terrain.
Implementing access into the design early on will help ensure it is built, not just designed, correctly.
What does custom pool construction look like?
Homeowners need only know some of the important construction terminology, but they should get a general idea of the process.
Keeping it simple:
- Understand the Site
It helps to understand the backyard and the house and understand what you want the completed pool to be. - Develop the Pool Plan
The placement and dimensions of the pool are determined with the intended purposes and major features in mind. - Review Property Conditions
The access, grade, and other site issues are determined based on the scope of the project. - Establish the Scope
The project will account for the construction of the pool and any related work. - Prepare for Construction
Construction will proceed based on the applicable property approvals and the construction requirements. - Build the Pool and Other Related Areas
Construction proceeds as planned based on the project.
Do You Need a Pool Deck, Patio or Landscaping Too?
A custom pool does not need to be a whole-property project, but the areas that will surround the pool should be considered.
Pool Deck Construction
The deck influences the way people move about the property and the placement of furnishings.
Construction options might include concrete, pavers, travertine or stone.
Explore pool deck construction.
Patio and Hardscape
A hardscape can connect the pool with constructed areas through pathways and seating. A patio can be a constructed area for dining and gathering.
Pool Landscaping
Plantings can create privacy along the water’s edge and soften the transition to the rest of the yard. They can also help to control views.
Explore pool landscape design.
Why a Property-First Approach Matters
A custom pool is a permanent part of the backyard. Small decisions during the planning phase can have a large impact after the construction is complete.
Considering the big picture of the entire property has its advantages. For instance:
- Preserving patio and deck space that would otherwise be restricted by awkward circulation
- Placing features where they will actually be used
- Using viewing opportunities to their maximum effect
- Coordinating landscape design with the placement of the pool
- Avoiding a construction project that results in an overly crowded backyard
Hillside Pool Builder’s placement offers more than just installing pools in the available area of the yard; it means planning the pool with the yard in synergy with the home and the surrounding area.
For projects where the yard extends beyond the area of the swimming pool, consider the outdoor living area.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Custom Pool?
Custom pools cannot be priced with a single figure in mind.
Several factors can affect the overall scope of the project. These include:
- Dimensions of the pool, depth, and shape
- Complexity of design
- Accessibility of the backyard
- Existing slope and grade
- Site work
- Structural work
- Finishes
- Choosing spa and other features
- The design of the pool deck
- Landscaping and outdoor construction
This explains why two swimming pools the same size can still be very different projects.
An answer based on your actual property will give you a far more useful result than an advertised starting price.
Custom Pool Construction or Inground Pool Construction?
Though related, the terms describe very different concepts.
The type of installation determines whether a pool is classified as an in-ground pool. The design of a pool relative to the home and backyard determines whether it should be classified as a custom pool.
A custom pool can also be an in-ground pool.
If your primary interest is a conventional in-ground pool project, check out inground pool construction.
Custom Pool Construction Near Sherman Oaks and Los Angeles
Hillside Pool Builder serves homeowners in Los Angeles and many surrounding areas in Southern California, including Studio City, Van Nuys, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, Brentwood, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades.
Differing properties lead to different plans. Hillside and view-oriented areas may require greater emphasis on elevation and access, whereas other lots may be more concerned with usable space, privacy and the pool and home’s connection.
For other locations see the pool builder service areas.
Hillside Pool Builder serves Sherman Oaks
To see the primary market, Los Angeles pool builder
What Helps Us Understand Your Project?
You can contact us before you have completed plans. Share your property details so we can discuss the project scope and next step.
We just need a few preliminary details:
- Zone
- Approximate size and configuration of backyard
- Slope of backyard (level or sloped)
- Restrictions (if any) to the backyard
- Type of pool you are thinking about
- Desired features
- If deck, landscaping, or other areas will be included in the project
Photos of the backyard will also help create context.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Pool Construction
Custom pool construction is building a swimming pool that is designed and built to your specifications for your yard, your home, and the way you plan to use the pool rather than a standardized pool design. Consideration for the size, shape, depth, and placement of the pool, as well as the features, is included.
The total cost varies by design, the property, excavation and the site conditions, structural requirements, and possible scope creep due to exterior design, deck surfaces, finish treatments, spa incorporation, and landscape work. Property-specific quoting on an individual basis is a more precise approach than broad estimates.
Many sloped properties can have a custom pool. The design and construction methods will vary based on the access and grade of the property along with many other factors.
Concrete pool construction can be an option, if it is needed, based on the design and construction methods of a given project. The exact design and methods are to be determined on a case by case basis and should not be assumed based on what is written on a general website.
Yes, you can design your pool with images of your inspiration. Pool placement, size, layout, and the relation of your pool to your backyard is all a large part of the design process.
A custom pool can have just about anything you want, as long as it fits the layout and the purpose of the pool.
The amount of time a construction project takes depends on many factors including, the design, the conditions of your property, the complexity of the project, and the approvals that have to take place.
Hillside Pool Builder serve the Los Angeles area, and selected San Diego County communities, with selected areas in Orange County.
Now Offering Custom Pool Designs
Having a vision of your dream backyard is the first step to creating your ideal swimming space. Because of this, we allow clients to customize their pools based on their specific property and vision. Once you reach out to us, outline your property and backyard and give us suggestions on what you think the finished pool should contribute to your house. Feel free to include any slopes, views, restricted access, larger outdoor areas, or limitations to your backyard in your message as well.
The goal is to understand your vision and requirements of your custom pool and design.
Call (877) 918-0860 to begin organizing the details of your custom pool.
Tell us which features interest you, such as an attached spa, infinity edge, Baja shelf, or pool deck.
A design consultation will help you bring your dream pool to your backyard.
Ready to begin? Contact Hillside Pool Builder.