So, you’ve saved up enough money and are ready to invest in a pool for your Los Angeles home. While you’re likely excited to start construction, there are some swimming pool permit FAQs you’ll likely need to consider. What is the purpose of a pool permit? How long do you have to wait on one? Can you use your pool right after receiving your permit?
There are several requirements for obtaining this permit, including filling out a form with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Read on to learn more about the pool permit process and the requirements for obtaining one.
Los Angeles swimming pool permit requirements
The first thing you’ll want to do is contact your local homeowners association and make sure it’s okay to build a pool on your property. After that, you can fill out your swimming pool permit application with the LADBS as mentioned above.
There are several pieces of information you should include in this application, like your name, address, the address where the pool will be built, the desired dimensions of the pool and more. It’s also important to include information on how far from your home the pool will be located. Basically, the point of this application, and the permit itself for that matter, is to ensure that your pool won’t mess with nearby utilities.
After submitting your application to the LADBS, it’s best to pay any fees associated with receiving a swimming pool permit. It usually takes anywhere between three and six days to receive approval. After receiving approval, you can start construction on your brand-new pool!
Getting your pool installed
When deciding to build a pool, it’s important to work with a good pool contractor. They will help you decide on the right dimensions for your future pool, as well as the best materials to use. It’s important to consider what type of pool you’d like before submitting a swimming pool permit application. While many people prefer in-ground pools, these can cost around $10,000 on average in Los Angeles. If you’d prefer something cheaper, consider an above-ground pool instead.
Receive an inspection
Before everything is said and done, it’s important to schedule a pool inspection with the LADBS. This inspection should take place after construction is complete, as it will ensure your pool was constructed in accordance with the information provided on your application. The process itself involves an initial inspection of the outside of your pool. They will also check all safety features and electrical installations.
The inspector will look at the inside of your pool, checking the liner for cracks, tears, etc. Lastly, they will check all the features of your pool, including handrails, lights, heaters, ladders, timers and electrical equipment. Your pool’s plumbing and filters will be checked as well.
If you don’t pass this inspection, you won’t be able to use your pool. That’s why it’s important to provide exact information on your application.
If you’re ready to invest in a beautiful new pool, or if you have more swimming pool permit FAQs, contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today.
When you’re having a pool installed, there’s more than just the deep end to consider. In addition to thinking about what goes into the hole you’ll be excavating for the pool—not to mention dreaming of all those summer days you’re about to spend poolside—you need to consider what goes around the pool. There are many pool decking options in Los Angeles, CA that may fit your design, but what about functionality?
From concrete to natural stone to hand-painted tile, there are many different materials to consider for pool decking options in Los Angeles, CA. Here are some of the things to consider when deciding on your pool decking—and which materials may be the best option for a given concern.
Cost
One of the first considerations for many pool installation jobs is cost. Concrete is often the best choice for this concern, as it is an economical and effective pool decking option in Los Angeles, CA. It can be less expensive to pour concrete than to haul in paving units and place them individually by hand. Concrete doesn’t have to be plain looking, either. A pool contractor can apply a design or pattern in the concrete to give a pop of personality and still keep your project on budget.
Safety
Another important thing to consider for your pool decking is safety. Slip resistance is a big factor, especially if there will be kids around the pool. Tile is the least effective material at providing slip resistance, while concrete is the best option here.
There are options available with concrete to improve surface traction as well. Broomed or exposed aggregate finishes can be a safe and attractive option to enhance traction, as can a textured overlay. You can also have a clear, plastic grit mixed into the sealer before it is applied for extra protection against slips and falls.
Design
A pool will naturally look inviting on a hot day, but it should also be aesthetically pleasing when you’re not swimming. As mentioned, there are many design options available with concrete that may fit your budget. It may also be possible to combine materials to take advantage of the aesthetic qualities of another material while still maintaining the safety and cost effectiveness of concrete.
Even a small area with a tile mosaic or natural stone pavers can make a big impact on the look of your pool area. If you have a spa area in your pool design, this might be a good area to splurge on the design budget.
With so many pool decking options out there in Los Angeles, CA, it pays to have an experienced pool contractor who’s available to answer your questions and offer helpful suggestions. With more than 20 years of experience designing and installing pools—including over 60 years of combined experience on staff—Avanti Pools, Inc. is your best bet to get a pool installed as efficiently and professionally as possible. Contact us to get started on building the pool of your dreams today. We look forward to working with you!
Getting a pool installed is a great way to turn your home into a fun place to take a “staycation.” But you should be aware that it will not be an overnight process. It may take weeks or even months before you’re able to take a dip in your new pool. But don’t blame the swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA—there are many reasons why it may take longer than you think to get a pool installed.
The reasons for the delays in getting a pool installed vary greatly. Installing a pool is a major construction project to begin with, and it takes a good amount of time even under the best circumstances. From the permit process to safety regulations to equipment issues, here are some reasons why it may take longer than you think.
Permit process
Getting a permit for any kind of construction in a big city can take a long time, and there is no magic wand a swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA can wave to make things go any faster. Add to this the stresses and delays caused by the pandemic, and it may take longer than normal to even begin construction of any kind. Currently, depending on the city you live in, the permitting process can take two to four months to wade through, thanks to COVID-19.
Planning and design
The planning and design phase of the pool installation process can be exciting for a homeowner, but it also takes time. There are many things to consider in this step of the process, including budget, size, features and custom details. While much of this may be discussed while you wait for permit approval, there may be some aspects that need to be finalized with approval from the city before moving forward with further planning.
Pool construction
Once the permit process and design phase of your dream pool are complete, the actual construction can begin. This also takes a fair amount of time because of the many steps involved.
First, the swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA must dig the hole for your pool; then it must be filled either with cement or a fiberglass shell. All of this also requires heavy machinery, as well as access to the construction area, which requires a lot of prep work. The good news is, once it begins, the actual construction process will seem like it takes no time at all compared to the wait of the permit process.
If you’re looking to get a pool installed in your home, an experienced swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA will know how to avoid some common delays to get the job done as fast as possible. With more than 20 years of experience designing and installing pools—including over 60 years of combined experience on staff—Avanti Pools, Inc. is your best bet to get a pool installed as quickly as possible. Contact us to get started on building the staycation pool lounge of your dreams today.
When many people think of an in-ground pool, a large pool with a big concrete pool deck comes to mind. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Cocktail pools—also known as compact pools—are typically less than 400 square feet and are very trendy right now in the pool community. Continue reading to learn a little bit more about unique cocktail pools in Los Angeles, CA.
Who can benefit from a cocktail pool?
Technically, any customer could benefit from installing a cocktail pool in their yard, but cocktail pools are more suited for some of our clients than others.
Homeowners with limited backyard space are ideal candidates for a new cocktail pool. Because they’re so small, the pool can fit perfectly in the yard while still allowing room for a patio or other entertainment space.
Cocktail pools are also ideal for folks who just want to take a dip to cool off once in a while. These clients are typically older homeowners who don’t have kids that want to spend hours swimming and playing in the water.
How much does a cocktail pool cost?
Because they’re a fraction of the size of a regular pool, it stands to reason that cocktail pools can be installed at a fraction of the price. In fact, you can install a cocktail pool for as little as $5,000 if you perform some of the labor yourself and use cheaper materials. But on average, a cocktail pool costs about $25,000 all in.
That price tag may seem high for some folks, but it’s worth noting that a full-size in-ground pool starts at about $50,000, so a cocktail pool is also an excellent investment for anyone looking to go for a swim on a budget.
How can I elevate a cocktail pool?
Nobody said cocktail pools in Los Angeles, CA have to be boring, little dipping pools. Here are a few ways you can upgrade your pool without breaking the bank:
Jet and heaters: You can easily turn your cocktail pool into a spa by installing jets and/or heaters. In addition to relieving those sore muscles, this option allows you to utilize your cocktail pool on chilly evenings.
Water features: Waterfalls, fountains or bubblers are common water features found in upscale pools—there’s nothing stopping you from installing those same features in a cocktail pool! They’ll elevate the pool’s appearance while providing a soothing atmosphere.
Swimming machines: A swimming machine creates a current in the water, much like swimming upstream in a river. This machine essentially allows swimmers to swim for miles, so your cocktail pool can be transformed into an Olympic-sized pool with the flip of a switch!
Start designing your cocktail pool today
Beat the heat this summer by putting in a cocktail pool. At Avanti Pools, Inc., we specialize in installing all sorts of pools, from Olympic-sized pools to cocktail pools in Los Angeles, CA. Give us a call today to start planning your new pool—we look forward to working with you!
Pools are a huge investment, so it’s natural for homeowners in Los Angeles, CA to search for the lowest price possible. However, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. For those wondering if they can bury their above-ground pools, the answer is no—and here’s why.
Why it doesn’t work
Above-ground and in-ground pools aren’t interchangeable. Not all pools fulfill the same purpose, which is why they’re given different names. One key difference is the materials used to construct the outer shells. In-ground pools are made with tough, load-bearing steel that stands unmoving against the sheer weight of the surrounding backfill. Thus, only certain materials—and types of pools—are suitable for in-ground use.
On the other hand, the walls of an above-ground pool are constructed with a much thinner, flimsier sheet of metal. They’re not designed to bear the weight of anything other than pool water. Above-ground pools submerged into the soil might look structurally sound at first. That’s because the weight of the pool water and backfill are pushing against each other. But if you have to drain the pool for routine maintenance or replacing the liner, the walls will collapse.
Cutting corners
Homeowners ask pool contractors in Los Angeles, CA to bury above-ground pools because they think it will save them money. Above-ground pools are less expensive than their in-ground counterparts, and shady contractors will go along with the plan just so they can make a quick buck. However, cutting corners in construction never ends well. The pool will inevitably collapse, and when you give that contractor a call to fix it, you’ll never hear from them again.
You need a pool contractor who’s not afraid to tell you the truth, even if it’s not what you want to hear. When you pose the question, “Can I bury my above-ground pool?” a trustworthy contractor will say no. They have your best interest at heart and want the pool installation done right the first time. Rest assured your contractor will do everything within their power to build that in-ground pool, even if it means paying a little extra for quality.
You pay the price
A single pool installation costs tens of thousands of dollars. It’s no wonder homeowners in Los Angeles, CA may want to cut corners any way they can. What they often don’t realize at first is going the cheap route costs them more money in the long run. Imagine having to pay the pool installation fee twice! That’s what will happen if you bury your above-ground pool.
What’s more, the entire replacement cost will fall on you. If the contractor was negligent enough to bury an above-ground pool, chances are they don’t have insurance to cover the damage. Always make sure you’re hiring a licensed, bonded and insured professional to install your in-ground pool. At the end of the day, the contractor is at fault for a poor installation, not you.
Homeowners aren’t expected to know everything about pool installations. That’s why the trusted contractors at Avanti Pools, Inc. are here to answer your most pressing questions. We’ll build the in-ground pool of your dreams at the best price without cutting corners. Reach out today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
(818) 501-3759