How much does a pool cost in Southern California?
In our estimator, most full-size pools land around $53k–$91k for the pool itself. Plunge pools run about $31k–$39k. Here's where those numbers come from.
These are estimates, and we say so.
Everything on this page comes from the same price book our 3D designer uses. These are estimates for Southern California, and real prices vary by area: access, soil, labor rates and permit fees differ from the Inland Empire to the coast. It prices a pool from its shape and size, adds a safety margin, and shows a range rather than a single number. It is a planning tool, not a quote.
Your real price depends on your yard (access, slope, soil, how far the equipment pad is from the pool), your city and HOA, and what you add. A licensed partner builder confirms it in writing after a free site visit.
We publish it anyway because you should be able to see a realistic number before anyone asks for your phone number.
- Plunge pool$31k–$39k. Small yards, quick to heat, cheaper to run.
- Family pool$53k–$91k. Kidney, oval, rectangle, Roman, L-shape and freeform designs.
- Resort-style$95k+. Large lagoon shapes with rockwork and more deck.
Pick a range, then run the payment.
Compare options on our financing page. Region notes:
Interest: $57,723
Illustration only, not a loan offer. Real rates and terms come from a lender and depend on your credit.
Estimated price by design.
For the pool itself, at each design's default size. Resize it in the designer and the estimate follows.
| Design | Size | Estimate* |
|---|---|---|
| Resort Freeformwith raised spa | 32 × 16 ft | $62k – $79k |
| Modern Lapwith raised spa | 40 × 10 ft | $61k – $77k |
| Classic Kidneyconcrete deck | 30 × 15 ft | $53k – $67k |
| Romanwith sun shelf | 34 × 16 ft | $69k – $88k |
| Cocktail Plungebench seating | 14 × 8 ft | $31k – $39k |
| L-Shapelounge + lap legs | 36 × 20 ft | $69k – $88k |
| Greciancut-in corners | 34 × 16 ft | $72k – $91k |
| Lagoonrock waterfall | 40 × 22 ft | $95k – $121k |
| Infinity Edgevanishing edge | 36 × 14 ft | $69k – $88k |
| Classic Ovalfamily pool | 30 × 16 ft | $57k – $73k |
| Figure 8with spillover spa | 30 × 16 ft | $57k – $72k |
*Planning estimates from our 3D designer for the pool itself (design, permits, excavation, steel, plumbing, gunite, plaster, coping and a narrow deck), including a safety margin. Spas, water features and bigger decks are extra. Example monthly payment is an illustration only (8.99% APR, 15 years), not a loan offer. A licensed builder confirms your price in writing after a site visit.
What the estimate covers.
- Design and engineering
- City permit (plus HOA submittal help)
- Excavation and haul-off
- Steel and plumbing
- Gunite shell
- Waterline tile and coping
- Standard plaster interior
- A narrow deck around the pool
- Standard pump, filter and start-up
What moves the number up.
The designer marks every option with $ (small add), $$ (moderate) or $$$ (major). Exact prices come from your builder on the site visit.
- Water featuresRaised spa $$$ · Sheer descent $ · Rock waterfall $$$ · Bubblers in sun shelf $ · Deck jets $ · Grotto $$$
- Shape & entrySun shelf / tanning ledge $$ · Beach entry $$$ · Bench seating $ · Swim-out $ · Swim-up bar $$$
- FunWater slide $$ · Diving board $ · Volleyball sleeves $
- Fire & lightingFire bowls $$ · Fire pit $$ · Color LED lighting $ · Landscape lighting $
- Comfort & equipmentHeater $$ · Solar heating $$ · Salt system $ · Phone app automation $ · Automatic safety cover $$$ · Safety fence $
- Outdoor livingPergola / shade $$ · Outdoor kitchen $$$ · Outdoor fireplace $$ · Landscaping (plants, irrigation, lighting) $$ · Artificial turf $$
Costs that only show up in your yard.
A builder can't price these from a photo, which is why every estimate gets confirmed on a site visit.
- SlopeHillside lots may need a retaining wall or a raised spa wall.
- AccessNarrow side yards slow excavation and concrete delivery.
- Soil & rockRocky ground takes longer to dig.
- DistanceLong runs to the equipment pad or a new gas line add trenching.
- SepticPools must stay clear of the tank and leach field (common in parts of Wildomar).
Budget for the years after, too.
Electricity for the pump, chemicals, summer top-ups, and either your own time or a weekly service. Our weekly cleaning starts at $185/mo for Cleaning & Maintenance and $245/mo for Full Equipment & Care, all chemicals included.
- FinancingMany homeowners use a pool loan or home-improvement loan. The designer shows an example monthly payment; we don't lend.
- GuidesOnce you have quotes, compare them line by line with our guide to what's in a pool quote, and check the contractor's license.
Pool cost questions.
Didn't find yours? Send us a message or email [email protected]. A real person answers.
How much does a new pool cost in Southern California?
How accurate is the price in the 3D designer?
Why is your range different from other companies' prices?
Can I finance a pool?
How much does a plunge pool cost here?
Price a pool in your yard.
Type your address. We model your yard in 3D, you pick a design, and you see an estimate before you give us your number.