POOLS & SPAS · WOODLAND HILLS, CA
Custom Pool Builder in Los Angeles
Pool and spa installation, pool plastering and backyard upgrades coordinated by Rafa Home Builders, with 3D design, permits and the pool deck, coping and landscape planned together.
- CSLB License #1150519Class B General Building
- Licensed, Bonded & InsuredLiability + workers’ comp
- Family-Owned & Owner-LedJustin & Elon on every job
- Written Workmanship WarrantyOn qualifying projects
- Financing AvailableThrough Enhancify
THE POOL AND THE YARD, PLANNED TOGETHER
Swimming Pool Contractor in Los Angeles, From Excavation to Coping
A new pool touches almost every part of your yard: soil and access for pool excavation, the structural shell, plumbing and equipment, electrical, the pool coping and deck, safety barriers and landscaping. Planning them together is what makes a pool feel like it belongs.
Rafa Home Builders designs your pool and spa in 3D with the rest of the backyard, coordinates engineering and permits, and manages construction through the final inspection. Pool construction is performed by appropriately licensed pool contractors where California law requires, under one plan and one point of contact, while our team handles the surrounding pool deck hardscaping and outdoor living spaces.
Already have a pool? We also handle pool plastering and resurfacing, new coping and deck upgrades. Pools and spas are one of the services we coordinate as a Los Angeles general contractor, so the pool, deck and yard are planned together.
- 3D design of the pool, spa and backyard together
- Gunite pools and custom spas shaped to your yard
- Pool plastering, resurfacing and new coping
- Permits and required safety barriers planned in
Quick Answers
Pools & Spas Quick Answers
Short answers to the questions homeowners ask us most. More detail follows below.
- Who builds my pool? Rafa Home Builders, a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1150519) in Woodland Hills, plans and manages the project. Pool construction is performed by licensed pool contractors where required.
- What kinds of pools do you offer? Inground pool construction, typically gunite pools shaped to your yard, plus custom spas, water features and infinity edge pools where the site allows.
- Do you remodel existing pools? Yes. Pool plastering and resurfacing, coping replacement, pool deck hardscaping and equipment upgrades.
- What is a saltwater system? A saltwater system uses a chlorine generator to make chlorine from dissolved salt. We explain the pros and cons along with your equipment options.
- What safety features are required? When a permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home, California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features.
- Can you build a pool on a hillside lot? Often, yes. Slopes and soil conditions affect excavation, engineering and cost, so we review the site and bring in engineering as required.
- Where do you build pools? LA County, including Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Toluca Lake and Agoura Hills.
- How do I get started? Request a free estimate online or call (714) 768-5719 to schedule a site visit.
WHAT WE BUILD
Pool and Spa Installation, Remodeling and Resurfacing
01
Inground Pool Construction
Gunite pools designed around your yard, views and how you swim.
02
Infinity Edge & Water Features
Vanishing edges, sheer descents and fountains where the site allows.
03
Custom Spa Builder
Attached spillover spas or stand-alone spas with heating and controls.
04
Pool Plastering & Resurfacing
Worn, rough or stained interiors renewed with a fresh finish.
05
Pool Coping & Deck Hardscaping
Coping and decks that tie the pool to the patio and landscape.
06
Saltwater Systems & Equipment
Pumps, filters, heaters and saltwater options planned with the design.
PROJECT GALLERY
Pool Resurfacing Projects and Backyard Designs
PLANNING GUIDE
Planning a Custom Pool: What to Decide First
The choices that shape your pool, from placement and shape to finishes and safety.
Placement, size and pool excavation
We look at sun exposure, views from the house, access for equipment, setbacks and easements, and soil conditions. These decide where the pool can go, how big it can be and how excavation will be handled.
Gunite pools and infinity edge pools
Gunite pools are formed on site, so they can take almost any shape and depth. Infinity edge pools need a site with grade change and a view, plus a catch basin and engineering to make the vanishing edge work.
Custom spa builder options
A spa can spill into the pool or stand on its own. We plan seating, jets, heating and controls so the spa is comfortable to use year-round.
Water features and saltwater systems
Sheer descents, bubblers and fountains add sound and movement. Saltwater systems generate chlorine from salt. We also plan where the equipment pad goes so noise and access are not an afterthought.
Pool plastering and pool coping
The interior finish affects look, feel and durability, and the pool coping ties the pool edge to the deck. When an existing finish turns rough, stained or starts to fail, pool plastering or resurfacing renews it.
Pool deck hardscaping and safety barriers
Decks should be slip-resistant and drain away from the pool. California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act requires at least two drowning-prevention features, such as an enclosure, safety cover or alarms, when a pool or spa permit is issued, and we design those in from the start.
See Your Pool in 3D With the Whole Backyard
Book a free site visit. We will look at your yard, talk through your ideas and start your 3D pool design.
How It Works
Our Pool and Spa Process, Step by Step
From the first site visit to your first swim.
- 01
Site Visit
We review the yard, access, soil, slopes and utilities and talk about how you will use the pool.
- 02
3D Design & Selections
We design the pool, spa and deck in 3D and help you choose finishes, coping and equipment.
- 03
Engineering & Permits
We coordinate engineering and submit plans, including required safety features.
- 04
Construction
Excavation, steel and plumbing, the shell, tile and coping, plaster, equipment and deck, with regular updates.
- 05
Final Inspection & Walkthrough
Final inspections are completed and we walk you through the pool, equipment and warranty terms.
BEFORE YOU BUILD
Pool Permits, Safety Requirements, Costs and Timelines
What to expect before construction starts.
Permits and safety
- New pools and spas, and most remodels, require permits.
- City of Los Angeles addresses go through LADBS. Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills and Bell Canyon (Ventura County) have their own review.
- California requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention features when a pool or spa permit is issued for a single-family home.
- Gated communities may also require HOA approval.
What drives cost
- Pool size, shape and depth
- Site access, soil and slope
- Spa, water features or an infinity edge
- Interior finish and coping
- Deck, fencing and equipment
Your free estimate itemizes these choices. Financing is available.
What affects timeline
- Design and engineering
- Permit and HOA review
- Inspections at each construction stage
- Weather
You receive a written schedule before construction begins.
Service Areas
Pool Builder for Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Bell Canyon and Toluca Lake
As a custom pool builder in Woodland Hills and a swimming pool contractor in the San Fernando Valley, we plan pool and spa projects across LA County and Orange County, from large lots in Hidden Hills, Calabasas and Bell Canyon to homes in Toluca Lake and Agoura Hills.
Pool and spa service areas include:
- Calabasas
- Hidden Hills
- Tarzana
- Encino
- West Hills
- Canoga Park
- Winnetka
- Reseda
- Chatsworth
- Northridge
- Woodland Hills
- Sherman Oaks
- Studio City
- Porter Ranch
- Granada Hills
- Agoura Hills
- Valley Village
- Bell Canyon
- Toluca Lake
- Burbank
Planning the rest of the yard too? See backyard remodeling and hardscape, or call (714) 768-5719.
FAQ
Pools & Spas FAQs
How much does a custom pool cost in Los Angeles?
Cost depends on size, shape and depth, site access and soil, a spa or water features, finishes, decking, fencing and equipment. Rafa Home Builders provides a free, itemized estimate after a site visit, and financing is available through Enhancify, subject to credit approval.
How long does it take to build a gunite pool?
It depends on design and engineering, permit review, inspections at each stage and weather. Your written schedule covers each phase before construction begins.
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Los Angeles?
Yes. New pools and spas require permits, and most remodels do too. City of Los Angeles addresses go through LADBS, and separate cities have their own review. We handle the submittal and inspections.
What safety features does a new pool need?
California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention features, such as an isolation enclosure, a safety cover, exit alarms or self-closing, self-latching doors, when a permit is issued for a pool or spa at a single-family home.
Is a saltwater pool better than chlorine?
A saltwater pool still uses chlorine, generated from salt by the system. Many owners like how the water feels, while the equipment has its own maintenance needs. We go over the trade-offs with you.
Can you resurface my existing pool?
Yes. Pool plastering and resurfacing renew rough, stained or worn interiors, and we can update the coping and deck at the same time.
Who performs the pool construction?
Rafa Home Builders manages your project as a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1150519). Pool construction is performed by appropriately licensed pool contractors where California law requires. Qualifying projects come with a written workmanship warranty, with the terms spelled out in your project agreement. Products and equipment may also carry their own manufacturer warranties.
START YOUR POOL PROJECT
Ready to Talk With a Custom Pool Builder in Los Angeles?
Tell us about the pool or spa you have in mind. We will schedule a free site visit and walk you through design, permits and pricing.