How Much Does it Cost to Build a Swimming Pool in Southern California?

If you're looking to build a custom inground swimming pool in Southern California, on average homeowners should expect to spend around $85,000 to $150,000.

Unfortunately, most of the information you will find online is either outdated, inaccurate, or a marketing technique to get you in the door. And while we've covered the average cost a homeowner should expect to spend on a new swimming pool, it is also important to note that this is just an average and that a custom swimming pool and outdoor living space can pull in price tags of well over $400,000.

So to help provide clarity and education for prospective swimming pool buyers our team here at Westmod has put together a comprehensive guide to budgeting for your next swimming pool construction project.

Inground Swimming Pool Construction Costs.

When considering adding a swimming pool to your home's outdoor living space there are a few different options to consider; Inground Concrete Pools, Pre-Manufactured Fiberglass Pools, Vinyl Liner Pools, and Above Ground Pools. If you're looking for the least expensive options that aren't going to break the bank, we recommend looking into Vinyl Linder and Above Ground Pools as these are going to be your cheapest options. You can also consider another budget friendly option like a pre-manufactured fiberglass pool if your backyard renovation budget is limited.

While all of these are budget friendly options have their pros and cons, we personally believe the only type of swimming pool that is worth the investment is an inground concrete pool. Not only are these pools built to last a lifetime, they also give customers the opportunity to completely customize their pool into whatever shape, size, and style they want.

With more customization however comes more factors to consider when planning for projects costs. The most common factors affecting the prices of a custom inground swimming pool are;

1. Size and Depth
2. Location and Access
3. Materials
4. Features

1. Size and Depth

Pool size and depth are important factors that can significantly influence the overall price of inground swimming pool construction. Larger pools require more materials, such as concrete, steel, and plumbing, tile, coping, which inevitably lead to higher costs. Additionally, the labor required for excavation, installation, and finishing increases with the pool's size, resulting in a higher price for the entire project.

Deeper pools further add to the overall expense due to the increased complexity of excavation, the need for more steel reinforcement, and can also require additional engineering. A very common scenario encountered during excavation is hitting granite, boulders, and other hard stone. Typically this poses two options, stop digging and keep the depth at this level or opt for expensive rock removing solutions so that you can dig the pool to the desire depth. As a result, homeowners should carefully evaluate their needs, preferences, and budgets when determining the size and depth of their swimming pools, keeping in mind that creating the right balance between functionality, aesthetics, and cost-efficiency is essential for a successful and satisfying pool construction project.

2. Location and Access

The location and access of where you want to build and place your swimming pool can play a crucial role in determining the overall affordability and even the limitations of your swimming pool construction project.

Site conditions, such as slope, soil type, and the presence of rocks or groundwater can impact the complexity of the excavation process, require additional structural engineering, and labor time which all add significant costs to your overall project.

Areas that are difficult to access may require specialized equipment, and even manual labor to excavate the pool. Homes with limited access may need the use of smaller equipment and manual labor will result in longer construction times and additional costs for construction.

Additionally, the distance between the pool site itself and utility connections, such as water, electricity, and gas lines, can also impact the overall expense as longer distances require more materials and labor for installation. In some cases, specific zoning regulations and permits may apply depending on the area, adding to the cost and time required for construction.

As a result, homeowners should carefully consider the location and access of their swimming pools, taking into account factors such as site conditions, accessibility, and regulatory compliance to ensure a smooth and cost effective construction process.

3. Materials

Choosing the material finishes for your swimming pool is probably the most fun part of the experience and one that you as the homeowner are very much involved in, however researching and learning about all the different options will be crucial to make sure you stay within your budget.

There are 4 main materials finishes you will need to consider; The pools interior finish, the waterline tile, coping, and decking surrounding your pool. While there are some great budget friendly options, considering opening up your budget a bit more for higher end finishes will open a whole new world of styles and aesthetics you will be able to get from your new pool.

When putting together a budget for your project we highly recommend researching the pool materials you will want to use before getting estimates for your pool. This allows you to communicate the exact things you want so that your contractor can put together an accurate estimate that already includes room for materials that are more expensive than the standard finishes.

4. Features

Additional pool features and amenities can greatly impact the overall price of your swimming pool construction project and are things to consider early on in your budget planning. Such features include waterfalls, fountains, jets, underwater lighting, pool covers, heating systems, automation systems, and surrounding landscaping and hardscaping.

While these features can significantly elevate the pool and outdoor living experience, they also add to the construction costs due to the need for additional materials, specialized equipment, and skilled labor.

Homeowners should carefully evaluate their desired pool features in the context of their budget, prioritizing the amenities and features that offer the most value and align with their personal preferences and lifestyle.

Here's our list of our favorite pool and outdoor living features:

1. Fire and Water Bowl Features
2. Sunken Lounge & Fire Pit Area
3. Outdoor Kitchens and Bars
4. Custom Patio Covers

Do Swimming Pools Increase Property Values in Southern California?

Thanks to our amazing climate, swimming pools can definitely add to the property value of homes in Southern California. However, the extent to which a pool increases a property's value depends on several factors, such as the quality of the pool's construction, its aesthetic styling, and overall invest that was spent to install the pool.

In general, a well designed, expertly built, and well maintained swimming pool can enhance a property's appeal and desirability for those in the buyers market. According to data by Redfin, in Los Angeles, homes with pools sell for an estimated $95,393 more than comparable homes without them. This added value is due to the perception of luxury and the ability to enjoy outdoor living and entertainment spaces year-round, which are highly sought after by homebuyers in the area.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that not all potential buyers view swimming pools as an asset, with some being deterred by the increased maintenance costs and safety concerns associated with pool ownership.

While a swimming pool can contribute to a property's value in Southern California, homeowners should carefully consider the specific market conditions and potential buyers' preferences in their area before investing in pool construction to ensure a worthwhile return on investment.