Poolside Dreams: Exploring La County's Pool Houses

Los Angeles County is known for its sunny summers and mild winters, so it's no surprise that swimming pools are a sought-after amenity for homeowners in the area. In fact, having a pool in L.A. is considered a symbol of luxury and affluence. While the number of houses with pools varies across the county, with neighbourhoods like Bel Air and Hidden Hills boasting a high concentration of pools, others like South L.A. have far fewer. According to various sources and studies, there are approximately 250,000 pools in L.A. County, with about 6,000 of the 26,000 homes studied in the L.A. area having pools, or roughly 23%.

The number of pools in L.A. County

Los Angeles County is known for its swimming pools, and the number of pools in the area is a clear indicator of the county's inequality. While neighbourhoods like Bel Air and Hidden Hills are dotted with sprawling pools, poorer neighbourhoods in the centre of the city have far fewer, and smaller, pools.

According to a 2024 report, there are roughly 250,000 pools in L.A. County, with the number varying depending on the source. This is a significant increase from earlier estimates, which placed the number of pools in the L.A. Basin at over 43,000. The discrepancy is likely due to the fact that the earlier study did not include all areas of the county.

The number of pools in a neighbourhood is often an indicator of wealth, as pools can be expensive to install and maintain. In Beverly Hills, 60% of homes have a pool, while in Hidden Hills, that number rises to 87%. In contrast, some south L.A. neighbourhoods, such as Florence, Rancho Dominguez, and Watts, have no pools at all.

The presence of pools in L.A. County is also influenced by the climate, as the mild winters and sunny summers make swimming pools a desirable amenity. Additionally, the high property values in the county mean that homeowners are more likely to be able to afford the cost of installing and maintaining a pool.

The demand for pools in L.A. County is strong, and the pool industry in the area is growing. Pools can add significant value to a home, with a 2019 Redfin report finding that homes with pools in the L.A. metro area sold for an average of $95,392 more than similar homes without pools. This effect varies by location, with pools adding the most value in L.A. and the least in Boston, where homes with pools sold for less than homes without them.

The impact of pools on property values

Los Angeles County is famous for its swimming pools, and its residents' love affair with them. But what impact do pools have on property values?

The Positives

The presence of a pool can have a positive impact on property values, and in some markets, it is considered a deficit if your home is the only one without one. Pools are generally considered a luxury, and in certain climates and neighbourhoods, they can be a significant boost. In L.A., the average bump in value is $95,000, according to a Redfin report. In high-end neighbourhoods, such as Bel Air and Hidden Hills, pools are standard, and their presence is expected. In warm climates, such as California, Florida, Arizona, and Hawaii, a pool can be a valuable feature for potential buyers. Pools also offer private outdoor entertainment and low-impact exercise opportunities, without the need to rely on community amenities.

The Negatives

However, pools also present several challenges when it comes to property values. The maintenance and upkeep costs of a pool can be a significant expense, and not every buyer is willing to take on that responsibility. Pools can also be seen as a liability, especially for families with children, due to safety concerns. They can limit the use of backyard space and require additional insurance coverage. The type of pool also matters; above-ground pools, for example, are generally not included in appraisals unless they are physically attached to the property.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the impact of a pool on property values depends on a variety of factors, including location, climate, neighbourhood, and the type and condition of the pool itself. While a pool can be a valuable feature in certain markets, it may not provide a full return on investment, and it may even deter some buyers.

The cost of building a pool

The biggest factors influencing the cost are materials, size, design, and administrative considerations like local laws. It's important to include maintenance costs in your budget, as pools require regular upkeep and can result in hundreds of dollars in monthly bills.

Additional features such as filtration systems, LED lighting, heating, diving boards, and slides will increase the final price. Other factors like unstable soil or the desire for an outdoor living space can also add significant costs.

When deciding to build a pool, it's essential to research reputable contractors, consider the type of pool (in-ground or above-ground), and explore different designs to suit your needs and budget. Building a pool is a significant investment, and proper planning is crucial to ensure a successful project.

The cost of maintaining a pool

Initial Considerations

Before installing a pool, it is essential to consider the aesthetic you want to achieve, the value it will add to your home, the cost of installation, safety features, and choosing a reputable pool builder.

Maintenance Costs

Pool maintenance includes cleaning, handling, and ensuring the pool functions effectively. This involves using chemicals to keep the water clean, as well as equipment to vacuum and clean the pool. The type of pool and materials used will impact the maintenance costs. For example, in-ground pools are typically more expensive to maintain than above-ground pools due to their larger size and permanent installation.

Winterization and pool opening procedures are necessary for outdoor pools, with winterization costing between $150 and $300. Opening a pool involves removing the cover, turning on the filter, filling the pool, and testing the water's pH and chlorine levels, which may require professional services if the pool was not properly winterized.

Drain cleaning and filter cleaning costs depend on the number of drains and the amount of water and debris being filtered, respectively. Vacuuming can be done manually or with an automatic vacuum cleaner, ranging in cost from as little as $20 to several hundred dollars.

Reducing Maintenance Costs

Using a pool cover helps maintain cleanliness and safety, and can reduce heating costs by up to 70%, evaporation by 30-50%, and chemical consumption by 35-60%. Using energy-efficient equipment, such as larger pool filters and more efficient pool pumps, can also lower maintenance expenses. Additionally, simple DIY maintenance tasks like pH balancing and cleaning the pool filter yourself can help identify issues early on and save money.

Additional Costs

Pool repairs can range from as little as $10 for a simple leak repair kit to as much as $20,000 for major issues, with an average repair cost of $900. Common repairs include fixing leaks, replacing pool filters, repairing or replacing pump motors, and repairing pool drains and cracked pool beams.

Maintaining a pool is an ongoing investment, and understanding the associated costs can help pool owners budget and plan accordingly. While there are ways to reduce maintenance costs, neglecting pool maintenance will ultimately lead to higher expenses over time.

The safety risks of owning a pool

Los Angeles County is home to around 250,000 swimming pools, with the number varying depending on the source. The county's swimming pools are a symbol of the area's inequality, with ultra-rich suburbs like Hidden Hills and Bel Air boasting sprawling pools, while poorer neighbourhoods in the centre of the city have far fewer.

Pools can present several safety risks, particularly for young children. Here are some essential safety guidelines to follow:

• Install pool barriers: Construct and maintain physical barriers such as fences, gates, covers, and alarms to prevent children from accessing the pool unsupervised. Fences should be at least four feet high, with five feet being ideal. Ensure the fence doesn't have handholds or footholds that could help children scale it.
• Install anti-entrapment drain covers: Powerful suction from drains can trap children or adults. Keep children away from drains and ensure compliant and safe drain covers are installed.
• Supervise children closely: Never leave a child unattended near a pool. Stay within arm's reach of young children and non-swimmers. Designate a water watcher—an adult tasked solely with supervising children in the water.
• Prepare for emergencies: Ensure everyone in the household knows basic swimming pool safety, including how to swim and perform CPR. Keep rescue equipment easily accessible near the pool.
• Institute and enforce pool rules: Establish rules such as no running or diving, and no going in or near the pool without an adult.
• Know the legal risks: Understand that, as a pool owner, you are subject to legal risks and could be sued if someone drowns or is injured in your pool. Ensure your homeowner's policy includes coverage for liability lawsuits resulting from swimming pool injuries or deaths.

Frequently asked questions