San Diego Custom Pool Building Company

Our No-Surprises Pool Design & Build Approach

Frequently Asked Questions About Building A Pool In San Diego

• What is the difference between a pool builder and a Design and Build General Contractor?

  A typical pool builder holds a C-53 Swimming Pool specialty license limited to the pool itself. Decks, patios, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, retaining walls, and fire features require separate contractors under that license. New Age Design and Build holds a Class B General Building Contractor license, which allows us to manage the pool plus every surrounding structure under a single contract, resulting in one design, one permit package, and one accountable team.

• Do you build new pools or just remodel existing ones?

  Both, as part of backyard projects. We design and build new custom gunite pools during full backyard remodels and remodel existing pools including resurfacing, tile, coping, decking, and equipment upgrades. We don’t focus on standalone pool repairs or crack fixes without a broader project scope.

• What kind of pools do you build?

  We build gunite (shotcrete) pools, which are the standard for custom pools in San Diego. Gunite allows any shape, size, depth, and integrated feature. We do not build fiberglass or vinyl liner pools.

• Do I need a permit to build a pool in San Diego?

  Yes. The City of San Diego Development Services Department requires a building permit for all in-ground residential pools. The permit package includes site plan, structural details, equipment layout, safety barrier plan, electrical, gas, and plumbing details. We manage the full permit package in-house.

• Do I need a permit for a pool remodel or resurfacing?

  Often yes. A resurfacing-only project with no new gas or electrical work may be exempt, but any remodel that involves new equipment, gas line work, or electrical changes requires a permit. Anti-entrapment drain cover upgrades are required when remodel permits are issued.

• What does the California Pool Safety Act require?

  Any new pool or permitted pool remodel must include at least two approved drowning prevention features under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Seven approved features exist, including pool enclosures, mesh fencing, safety covers, exit alarms, self-closing doors, pool alarms, and separate enclosures. We ensure every project meets current requirements.

• Are there new California rules for pool heating in 2026?

  Yes. Under the 2025 California Title 24 Energy Code, effective January 1, 2026, gas heaters are no longer permitted as the primary heat source for new residential pools. Primary heating must come from heat pumps, solar thermal, or renewable systems. Gas may still be used supplementally.

• What are the setback requirements for a pool in San Diego?

  Per San Diego Municipal Code Section 145.3110, pools less than three feet above grade require a minimum three-foot setback from front, side, and rear property lines. Pools exceeding three feet require four-foot minimum rear yard setbacks. Pool equipment above grade requires four feet from side and rear property lines.

• Will I need a soils report for my pool?

  Possibly. The City requires a geotechnical report when pool wall retained height exceeds six feet, when expansive soils exist, when slope instability or groundwater concerns are present, or when the project doesn’t qualify under standard plan conditions. We coordinate geotechnical requirements during permit preparation.

• Do I need HOA approval for a pool project?

  Most San Diego HOA communities require architectural approval before construction begins. Approval typically requires a full site plan, elevation drawings, material samples, fence specifications, and drainage plan. We prepare and submit one integrated application.

• How long does it take to build a new pool in San Diego?

  Construction itself typically runs three to four months once excavation begins. Permit review and HOA approval add four to five months of pre-construction time in HOA communities. Plan for six to twelve months from signed contract to swimming.

• How long does a pool remodel take?

  A resurface-only project typically runs two to four weeks once we start. A full remodel including resurface, tile, coping, and deck work runs four to eight weeks. Permit and HOA review add additional time when applicable.

• What surfacing material is best for San Diego pools?

  Standard white plaster lasts five to ten years in San Diego’s hard water. Quartz aggregate finishes last ten to fifteen years. Pebble aggregate finishes last fifteen to twenty years. Glass tile and glass bead finishes are premium options for luxury applications and can last over twenty years.

• Do you replace pool equipment as part of a remodel?

  Yes. Pumps, filters, heaters, and lighting are commonly upgraded during a remodel. Note: any replacement pump motor over 1.15 total horsepower must be variable speed under federal Department of Energy rules effective September 29, 2025.

• Can you build a pool house as part of the project?

  Yes. A detached pool house over 120 square feet requires a building permit and structural plans in San Diego. Pool houses with lighting, outlets, refrigeration, plumbing, or HVAC require electrical sub-panels and additional permits. We handle the full scope.

• Do you build pools on hillside or sloped properties?

  Yes. Hillside pool projects require additional geotechnical investigation, structural engineering, and sometimes deep foundations or caissons to resist slope movement. We have extensive experience with canyon-adjacent and hillside lots across San Diego County.

• Do you handle drainage and grading around the pool?

  Yes. Pool drainage and deck drainage have to be engineered together. We build one integrated drainage plan that prevents water from flowing toward your home, pooling behind coping, or draining onto adjacent properties.

• What is your warranty?

  We provide a workmanship warranty on all labor, and many material manufacturers offer their own product warranties. Warranty terms are covered during your consultation. We stand behind our work and address any post-installation concerns directly.

• What does your pool design process look like?

  We start with an on-site consultation to walk the property, review conditions, take measurements, and understand your goals. Detailed 3D renderings of the pool and surrounding yard follow, so you see exactly what we are building before construction begins.

• Will a pool increase my home value in San Diego?

  Generally yes, particularly in San Diego markets where buyers expect outdoor living space. A pool combined with quality decking, shade, and integrated outdoor entertaining areas adds market appeal. Actual returns vary by neighborhood, project scope, and finish quality.

• Do you offer financing for pool projects?

  Yes. We partner with top lenders to offer flexible financing options including $0 down plans. You can build or remodel without depleting savings.

• What areas of San Diego do you serve?

  We serve all of San Diego County, including North County, coastal areas, central San Diego, East County, and South County.

• Are you licensed and insured?

  Yes. New Age Design and Build is fully licensed (License #1117768) by the California Contractors State License Board as a Class B General Building Contractor and carries general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.

• How do I get started?

  Contact us to schedule your free consultation. We assess your property, listen to your goals, and provide a clear, honest estimate.

Which Permits Are Needed For Pools in San Diego?