Designing Custom in-Ground Pools for Southern California Yards
Your backyard should feel more complete next to your pool, instead of forced together.
Hillside Pool Builder constructs in-ground pools around the lot, home, and way you plan to use the yard. Tell us your ZIP code, available space, and preferred features so we can discuss a new pool project.
Homeowners imagine many things that can occupy a finished yard. They may want an open pool for swimming, an area for relaxing next to the pool, an entertainment area, spa, a shallow area to sit in the pool, etc.
If you imagine your finished yard must have a pool constructed to fit within your vision, check out the option to build your dream pool.
Start With What You Want the Pool to Do
One family may want an open pool for swimming and play. Another may spend more time sitting around the pool than swimming. Some families want the pool to be the main backyard focal point, while others want the pool to share equal space with a patio, a lawn, or landscaping.
It’s useful to consider the following when deciding on a layout:
- How much you plan to use the pool for swimming
- If children or regular guests will swim
- Desired seating and deck area
- Whether or not you want a spa, tanning ledge, etc.
- How much you would like to keep of the existing backyard landscape
- If landscaping and/or another outdoor area will be part of the project
These questions help create a usable design. Answering the questions above with dimensions alone does not constructively help design a pool.
What Is In-Ground Pool Construction?
An in-ground pool is built into the ground compared to a pool that sits on top of the yard.
While that sounds simple, there are many design considerations based on the property that impact the end result.
An inground pool construction project is about more than deciding where to dig. The pool has to relate to the house, available outdoor space, walking space, planned use, and any other outdoor features.
The goal is to design a pool that becomes a permanent part of the overall property, instead of a separate feature that is placed in the back of the property.
In-Ground Pool Design Starts With the Available Space
A common mistake is to choose to build the largest available pool.
This may be easy to do, but doesn’t create a good design for your backyard.
People need space to walk around the pool, place chairs, reach the house, etc. A pool that fills the majority of your backyard can make an even large backyard feel cramped.
This effective ground pool design works with the water to strike a balance with the surrounding outdoor space. A well designed pool should account for the surrounding outdoor space. Here, comfortable poolside circulation space, seating, lounging or dining area, spa or pool, landscaping, and shallow ledges for tanning are all considerations.
For designing your pool, we have a custom pool design for preliminary planning that may help.
Deciding Pool Shapes
There is no universal best shape to design a pool. Different elements, like home architecture, backyard size, and proposed use, make a difference.
A straight, simple shape can facilitate the greatest swimming length. Other shapes may allow for increased shallow swim space or may preserve backyard space.
Instead of choosing a photo pretty shape, consider the effect on:
- Swim space
- Swim entry
- Deck circulation
- Spa placement
- Poolside furniture layout
- House accessibility view
Shape should address problems people have with designing their yard space.
Think About Pool Depth
Depth should be decided by the end goal of the pool and not by some default logic or precedence.
An active swimming pool might require different depths than a pool designed for relaxation and social use.
Depth changes impact the sense of each pool space and how much space each area offers.
When dealing with depth, consider it in tandem with the other dimensions, instead of thinking of it as an option that you’ll need to address later.
Add a Tanning Ledge When It Works With Your Pool Design
A ledge creates a shallow seat that you can use to relax or to be close to the water, without using the deep end of the pool.
While a ledge can be a nice addition, it’s important to note that they do take up space within the pool. That’s why considering pool dimensions is important, along with the depth and breadth of the swimming area.
For more information on shallow-water features, check out tanning ledges and Baja shelves.
Adding a Spa to an In-Ground Pool
Planning a spa along with your pool can provide for a more integrated system.
An attached spa can help maintain a focused system and composition. An elevated spa can be an additional level and more of an architectural feature of the backyard.
The most appropriate layout will depend on the use and trade-off of available deck space with the other design elements.
Choose Confirmed Features That Fit the Pool
A water feature has the ability to provide motion, sound and/or even more aesthetic appeal to a pool. It also must complement the rest of the design.
The main question is not whether a feature can be added, but whether it completes the pool area and complements the overall project.
For more water feature ideas, check out our pool feature services.
What can I expect during in-ground pool construction?
Although each property has its own unique circumstances, homeowners can become familiar with the main elements to expect from the initial planning phase through to the actual construction phase.
- Take note of your backyard
The first of several steps is becoming familiar with the backyard and how the pool will relate to the house as well as how you imagine the project will be completed. - Create a schematic of the planned pool
The intended use of the pool starts to take shape through determining size, shape, depth and other factors. - Assess property limitations
Restrictive site conditions and construction access as well as other factors affecting the project will be analyzed and considered prior to advancing the project to the construction phase. - Consider adjacent with other amenities
Pool amenities as well as other outdoor living amenities can be designed and placed in coordination with the pool area. - Analyze the intended project
After design and site conditions are determined, the intended project is finalized. - Move into construction
Based on plans and applicable requirements, construction is able to advance through the new project.
Project completion times will vary, but a realistic time frame will be discussed as property conditions and intended project scope are determined.
Pool Excavation and Backyard Access
Although every site requires some level of preparation, not every site is created equal.
Access affects how project equipment gets to the backyard and how excavated materials are removed. Side yards with limited access, existing walls, or site conditions that change significantly may impact the overall scope of the project.
It is important to identify these conditions prior to initiating the design of the pool.
For projects where excavation or access are more challenging,
See pool excavation.
What If the Backyard Is Sloped?
An in-ground pool can still be constructed on a sloped site, but a large grade changes the nature of the project.
Grade changes impact the location of the pool, the excavation required, available deck space, and the relationship of the pool to the home.
For sites that are predominantly characterized by slope more than a small site feature, the dedicated hillside service is more appropriate.
In-Ground Pool Decking
Decking and site work extend the function of a pool.
A deck should allow comfortable movement around the pool and provide space for furniture and seating.
Pool deck construction is a separate part of the project and should be planned around circulation, seating and the pool edge.
Depending on the project, decking materials may be concrete, pavers, travertine or other stone.
Examine pool deck construction for more details in the decking discussion.
Landscaping Around an In Ground Pool
The surrounding area of a pool should not be an afterthought as it can leave the pool feeling incomplete.
Planting can help soften pool surroundings, create privacy, and help the pool integration within the space.
It’s important that landscaping supports the functional aspects of the pool, including need for view clearances and access areas.
See pool landscape design for assistance aligning planting and landscape planning.
Plan Beyond the Pool When the Backyard Needs More
While not every in-ground pool project requires full scale backyard renovations, if you are already planning for an outdoor cooking, gathering, or entertainment area, it is beneficial to consider the integrated design before the final layout.
The pool should not leave the available space for the patio.
See outdoor living if the project will extend to a backyard design of significant size.
In Ground Pool Construction vs Custom Pool Construction
Though related, they refer to distinctly different aspects to the project.
In-ground pool construction refers to the process of constructing a pool that is set into the ground.
Custom pool construction refers to the approach of designing a pool that is specific to a property, a client, and a design objective.
Therefore, a pool may be constructed entirely in-ground.
Custom pool construction
Infinity Pool vs. In-Ground Pool
An infinity pool is constructed like an in-ground pool for many of our projects, but has a different design intent with its edge.
An in-ground pool will contain water within the boundaries of the pool structure. An infinity pool has an edge design that breaks the pool boundaries and connects the pool to a view in the distance.
If the design of your project contains elevation and takes advantage of a long distance view, consider constructing an infinity pool.
Infinity Pool Construction
Cost Considerations for In-Ground Pool Construction
The cost of an in-ground pool depends on the property, design, access and construction scope. Share your plans so we can discuss your project.
No cost estimate will reflect all in-ground pools, and there are a host of cost variables.
Important considerations include:
- Pool Size and Depth
- Pool Design
- Excavation and Site Work
- Site Conditions
- Surface Finishes
- Spa and Pool Features
- Pool Deck
- Adjacent Landscaping
For an easy access backyard, the construction may be straightforward. The scope may increase for pool construction that is more complex or if access is poor.
Exact site conditions dictate cost. Your quote will be much more helpful than a generic price.
To learn more about the process and how we can help create your backyard paradise, give us a call.
Planning the entire large area in advance helps:
- Leave space for seating
- Create easier routes between the house and pool
- Reclaim space for a spa or tanning ledge
- Balanced decking and landscaping
- Create a functional backyard outside the pool area
No one wants more work added to their projects. The goal is to have the pool avoid causing unnecessary issues for everything else.
In-Ground Pool Construction in Los Angeles and Southern California
Centrally located in Southern California, Hillside Pool Builder offers in-ground pool construction to homeowners in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Our service and coverage area extend to Orange County and San Diego.
We work with homeowners in Los Angeles and the service areas listed on our website.
Explore our service areas to see where we work.
How Projects Evolve
See Client Reviews and Project Photos
What Helps Us Understand Your Pool Project?
You do not need a completed pool plan to request a quote.
You can begin to discuss your project with the following information:
- Location or ZIP code of your property
- Approximate size of your backyard
- If your backyard is mostly level or sloped
- The general type of pool that you are interested in
- If you are considering a spa or a tanning ledge
- Any other backyard access restrictions
- Any other project related decking or landscaping
- Any photos that you have of your backyard
Frequently Asked Questions About In-Ground Pool Construction
An in-ground swimming pool is when a pool is constructed within the ground to avoid the top of the swimming pool being level with the rest of the yard. An in-ground swimming pool allows the design and construction of a swimming pool that meets the needs and desired features based on the available space within a backyard.
The cost will depend on various factors such as the size and design of the swimming pool, the accessibility of the site, the finishing materials, the features of the pool, the type of decking, and outdoor work that may be associated with the construction. For a better estimate, a quote can be provided after consideration of the actual site.
Size is determined based on how you plan to use the pool and how much usable yard space you wish to preserve. You will want to plan seating, landscaping, features, swimming area, and deck space simultaneously.
Yes. Pool dimensions, as well as the intended use of the pool, must be taken into consideration when deciding on tanning ledges, spas, Baja shelves, and any built in seating.
Yes, many in-ground pools can be built on lots with graded areas. If the graded area is not a major concern, construction can continue as usual.
The construction length depends on how many extras you choose to put in the pool, the complexity of your design, approval length for the pool, and the condition of your property. We will be able to provide you with an estimate once we have the design and project details
We are located in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles and are able to service surrounding Southern California Los Angeles communities, San Diego, Orange County, and beyond.
Feel free to call us and provide information regarding your approximate yard space, how you plan to use it, and what you intend to use it for surrounding the pool
After settling on a location, it will be important to have a pool that fits the home rather than a generic pool placement. A pool of this nature means there is a plan for the placement of the pool rather than a pool drop being implemented by an available space.
Contact Hillside Pool Builder to discuss your project.