In Los Angeles, luxury is more than a lifestyle—it’s an expectation. And nowhere is that more apparent than in the outdoor living spaces of the city’s most coveted properties. At the center of it all? The luxury pool. From sleek infinity-edge designs in the Hollywood Hills to Mediterranean-style oases in Beverly Park, the modern LA pool is as much a statement piece as it is a place to unwind.
If you’re a homeowner, investor, or developer in the luxury space, understanding the landscape of high-end pool design—and what it actually costs—is essential. Here's a deep dive into the features today’s buyers want, the trends dominating the market, and who’s building the best pools in the city.
Infinity Pools: The Ultimate Showstopper
Infinity-edge pools, also known as zero-edge or vanishing-edge pools, are one of the most in-demand features in Los Angeles luxury real estate. Especially popular in hillside neighborhoods like Bel-Air, Trousdale Estates, and Mulholland Drive, these pools create the illusion that the water spills seamlessly into the horizon.
The visual drama is unmatched, particularly when paired with panoramic views of the city, the ocean, or canyon landscapes. But beyond aesthetics, an infinity pool also signals architectural sophistication—it’s a feature that feels exclusive, custom, and expertly engineered.
Design Tip: Many architects are now incorporating glass walls into pool edges or using dark bottom finishes to amplify reflections and views.
Modern Trends in Luxury Pool Design
Beyond infinity edges, here are a few features dominating the luxury pool scene in LA right now:
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Swim-up Bars: Perfect for entertainers, these add a touch of resort-style living at home.
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Baja Shelves: Also known as tanning ledges, they allow for in-water lounging with sunbeds or umbrellas.
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Fire & Water Features: Fire bowls, fountains, and cascading waterfalls bring movement and drama.
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Smart Pools: Integrated lighting, heating, and cleaning systems controllable via smartphone apps.
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Glass Tile Finishes: Shimmering, iridescent mosaics that change color in sunlight and water.
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Zero Entry Pools: Also known as beach entry pools, they offer a gradual slope rather than steps for a more organic look.
These aren’t just amenities—they’re lifestyle enhancers. For buyers in the $5M+ bracket, a luxury pool isn't an option, it's expected. In fact, luxury buyers in LA consistently cite outdoor amenities as a deciding factor in high-end property purchases.
How Much Does a Luxury Pool Cost in Los Angeles?
Let’s talk numbers. The cost of a luxury pool in Los Angeles varies widely based on design complexity, site conditions, materials, and features. Here's a general breakdown:
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Entry-Level Luxury Pools: $150,000–$250,000
Basic geometric design, high-end plaster finish, simple lighting and heating. -
Custom High-End Pools: $250,000–$500,000
Includes custom shapes, glass tile, waterfalls, automation, and higher-end materials. -
Infinity Pools on Hillsides: $400,000–$1 million+
Requires advanced engineering, structural reinforcements, and drainage systems due to sloped lots. -
Fully Integrated Outdoor Environments: $750,000–$2 million
Pools with spas, cabanas, kitchens, fire features, sound systems, and full landscaping.
Remember, these are base estimates. Hillside excavation, city permitting (especially in neighborhoods with geological review), and architectural oversight can significantly impact cost.
For homeowners in areas like Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, or Beverly Hills, the pool is often designed in tandem with the home’s architecture, meaning the budget should reflect both structural and aesthetic harmony.
Top Luxury Pool Contractor in Los Angeles: California Pools & Landscape
When it comes to high-end pool construction in LA, California Pools has earned a reputation for innovation, reliability, and delivering true luxury. Their portfolio includes custom infinity-edge designs, integrated spas, and entire resort-style outdoor environments.
What sets them apart? Beyond craftsmanship, they offer full design-build services—meaning they work directly with architects, engineers, and city officials to execute complex hillside builds or ground-up backyard transformations.
They’re particularly known for:
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Seamless modern design
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High-touch client service
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Engineering expertise on challenging lots
For homeowners, builders, or developers looking for a partner that understands the luxury market, they’re among the top names to know in Southern California.
Where Pools Make the Biggest Impact
Some of the most pool-centric neighborhoods in Los Angeles include:
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Hollywood Hills: Elevated views make infinity edges here especially dramatic.
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Malibu: Oceanfront pools that blur the line between sea and sky.
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Beverly Hills Flats: Larger lots allow for expansive pool decks and outdoor entertainment zones.
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Encino & Sherman Oaks: Gated estates with resort-style backyards are on the rise in these increasingly popular Valley neighborhoods.
For more insights into specific areas, check out our neighborhood guides or deep-dive features like Why the Hollywood Hills Remains LA’s Ultimate Power Address.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Pool—It’s a Lifestyle Investment
In Los Angeles, a luxury pool isn't just a backyard feature—it's a reflection of the lifestyle, identity, and expectations of the homeowner. Whether you’re preparing to sell a high-end estate or planning your dream home, a thoughtfully designed pool can significantly elevate both market value and everyday enjoyment.
It’s not just about water—it’s about wellness, design, and legacy. And in a city where outdoor living defines the culture, investing in a pool done right is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
