Custom Pool Builder for Los Angeles and Southern California
Build a pool that fits your property, your view, and the way you want to live outside.
From our Sherman Oaks base, Hillside Pool Builder designs and builds custom pools across Los Angeles and selected Southern California communities. We specialize in hillside properties where slope, access, and views shape the project. Tell us where you want to build, what your yard is like, and the pool you have in mind. We can discuss the right next step.
Founded in 2025, Hillside Pool Builder brings 20 years of pool-building experience to its projects. We start by reviewing the property: space, slope, access, views, and the relationship between the home and yard.
A Pool Designed for Your Property
No two backyards are exactly the same.
One backyard may be broad and level while others may slope away from the house, may be higher than surrounding lots, or may have restricted access. Some owners may want a pool that is primarily for swimming and family use, while others may be more interested in using the pool to achieve a view of a hillside.
Differences of this nature should be considered in the design of a pool.
Design considerations should be made in the order of site use, flow, and construction considerations of the design before pool features and finishes are selected.
Our custom pool service walks homeowners through the process of taking an idea and turning it into a complete plan for their backyard.
Designing a custom pool is more about pool placement.
Designing a pool is about balance, placing the pool in a position that complements the landscaping and the house. The placement of the pool influences the location of walkways and other designs. The placement of the pool and the depth of the pool determine how the pool will be used. The design of the deck and the pool will also influence the design of the backyard.
The goal of a design is to simplify the various components of the pool and backyard.
If you are planning a complete new pool project, learn more about our custom pool construction service.
Slope construction presents unique challenges that flat site construction does not.
- How much excavation is needed?
- What is the slope of the site?
- How does the plan relate to the slope?
- How will construction equipment and site preparation be addressed?
- Will the pool design require retaining walls or other structural support?
These answers can’t come from a generic plan.
A hillside pool should be designed in the context of the site and how it connects to the house and other landscape designs.
If your property includes difficult access, major grade changes, or a slope, read more about building a hillside pool.
A clear design is the foundation of good construction.
The design and placement of a pool, as well as the layout and the surrounding area, need to complement each other. It is during the design phase that homeowners can consider and address many details like the placement of a pool spa, a raised spa, a tanning ledge, the amount of deck space required or the placement of the pool in the desired view area.
A strong design can address many construction challenge resolutions before they even occur.
If you are still defining the project boundaries, check out our custom pool design services.
An inground pool can be built for many uses from general swimming to relaxation to even entertainment.
A pool design should aim to be an efficient use of space while reserving more of the area for movement and seating, as well as the other outdoor features that will complement the pool.
Planning the pool, as well as the surrounding outdoor area, can enhance the layout of your backyard.
Find more information on how an inground pool construction project can be built efficiently and effectively around your space.
Depending on where you live, some elevations have incredible views, and some designs incorporate this naturally.
Infinity pools construction actually connect the water to the hillside, canyon or other distant terrain.
The effect is more than just the edge. This is why the placement of the pool is important, as well as the design of the deck, elevation and sightlines.
The relation of the pool to the house is also an important factor.
This is something to consider if you want the view of your property to be a bigger focal point.
Luxury pool construction doesn’t necessarily mean that it is jam packed with amenities.
What tends to bring a polished design is the interplay of the details.
Materials of the pool, placement of the spa, design of the deck, overall landscape design and area for social gathering should all relate to the architecture of the home.
For a more design focused project, find out more about luxury pool construction.
Structural Work Preceding The Pool Construction
Depending on the complexity of your build, a large portion of the work may be completed before the finished pool takes shape.
How much work pool excavation takes can vary. The slope of the land, access, and the amount of soil to move are all factors.
On really steep lots, planning for hillside excavation work is something to consider.
Get informed about how site access affects the pool excavation process.
Some hillside projects may require additional structural depth based on the site and the specific project parameters.
Caissons are one structural topic of many that come about in projects involving more difficult terrain.
To learn more about pool caissons and potential roles within a hillside project, click here.
There are instances in which changes in grade may necessitate the inclusion of retaining walls in a construction project.
Not every sloped property will need the same solution. The proposed design will usually determine if a retaining wall is required and will help dictate the construction of retaining walls.
Read more about creating and constructing retaining walls.
Pool Features That Have a Purpose
For pool features, what matters most is how the pool is used.
A tanning ledge or Baja shelf can be built to create a shallow seating area, while seating can be built into benches. A spa can be used for relaxation in the yard as well as swimming.
A spa, infinity edge, Baja shelf, or built-in seating can be considered when it suits the property and the way you will use the pool.
Take a look at our custom pool features to see how different options fit into an integrated design.
For a shallow ledge, take a look at pool tanning ledges and Baja shelves.
Considering a spa?
Check out our custom spa construction service.
What surrounds a pool adds to the experience.
The pool deck dictates the paths people take, the placement of furniture, and the pool’s integration with the house, and it also impacts the design with the materials used.
Many different options exist, depending on the situation and the design, such as concrete, pavers, travertine, and various kinds of stone.
Don’t forget to look at the options for pool deck construction.
Check out our hardscape landscaping service for the construction of more extensive areas in the yard.
For the construction of quiet seating areas, take a look at our patio construction services.
Proper landscaping can make a new pool feel like it was always a part of the property and not an afterthought.
Privacy, shade, and larger areas can be softened with planting and pathways to create a connection from the pool to the other outdoor areas on the property.
Our pool landscape design service brings the pool and project landscaping together to create a unified plan.
A pool may be the centerpiece, but there are other ways to maximize backyard utility.
With some amenities, such as a comfortable seating area with a patio, and a gathering area with a fire pit, you can create an area for cooking and dining outside with an outdoor kitchen.
Creative planning of these amenities, and others, can lead to easier access and use of the backyard throughout the day.
See our outdoor living amenities.
Individual amenities can be added with an outdoor fire pit or outdoor kitchen.
Our Process of Building Custom Pools
Although every property is unique and may require a personalized approach, many homeowners make similar decisions before the construction of a pool begins.
1. Site Discussion
The discussion should highlight your property, your ideas for your pool, and your yard.
Slope of a property and area constraints may impact accessibility.
2. Deciding on Function
The use of the pool and surrounding area may alter the design of the pool.
Is the pool predominantly for swimming or for relaxing?
3. Developing the Concept
The shape and placement of the pool may be determined at this stage.
Thinking about your pool as a part of your outdoor living space helps in the development of a plan. If a custom design is needed to help develop your concept into a workable plan, please contact us.
4. Site Analysis
Flat, level sites respond differently to site constraints than do sloped sites.
Changes in grade may impact access and grading. Construction may have to be coordinated with necessary excavation.
5. Integrated Pool and Outdoor Areas
Decking, landscaping, and other outdoor amenities should be planned in tandem with the pool and not as afterthoughts.
6. Construction
Once the design is complete and the site requirements and project scope is established, the construction process can begin.
Benefits of a Thoroughly Developed Design
A comprehensive design offers homeowners a greater opportunity to address concerns specific to their property.
Design That Responds to the Site
The layout and design of the sloping site can be addressed and accommodated when placing a pool, rather than imposing a standard pool construction layout.
Better Use of the Backyard
Integrated design of the pool, deck and landscaping will maintain positive space around the water and other gathering areas.
Features Chosen for a Reason
Design features can include spas, tanning ledges, fire pits and outdoor kitchens. These facilities should be integrated to enhance the intended use of the backyard.
Options for Simple and Challenging Properties
The level of complexity can range from a relatively simple construction of an in-ground pool to a more advanced design that may include a hillside construction or an infinity pool.
A Clearer Path From Design to Construction
Clarify early in the process how the different elements of the design will be constructed. This will make subsequent decisions more clear.
Explore all of our pool construction services to see how the different elements of a project integrate.
Hillside Pool Builder is a Sherman Oaks, CA-based pool construction company serving Los Angeles and Southern California communities with additional service coverage extending to Orange County and San Diego.
Our specialty is pool construction combined with the integration of surrounding areas and outdoor living, including decks, landscapes, hardscapes, outdoor kitchens, patios, and fire features.
We begin the design process by understanding the site and focusing on the specific project. This may be a more customized design and construction process compared typical to pool construction.
Find out more about how we think differently about pools and pool projects at Hillside Pool Builder.
Hillside Pool Builder provides pool construction services to homeowners primarily from its Sherman Oaks location through the broader Los Angeles region and a few neighboring communities.
We extend our service throughout Orange County and San Diego.
If you are considering pool construction in Southern California, check the specific regions we currently cover and the types of projects that are available in your area.
See all pool builder service areas.
Check out the Sherman Oaks pool builder.
See the Los Angeles pool builder.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Pools
All custom pool projects have different considerations.
Pool size and shape are important pieces of the overall cost, but there are other factors. These can include access, site preparation, slope work, additional pool and project structural work, finishes, pool decking, attached or raised spas, landscaping, and general site work.
A simple, flat access, level site pool is a different project than a hillside infinity edge pool with many site preparation, pool structural, and additional outdoor work.
Therefore, a quote based on your property is more accurate than a general quote.
We build custom swimming pools, infinity pools, hillside pools, and do pool excavation, design, and construction. We build pools and provide the related services like retaining walls, landscaping, decking, and hardscaping as well as outdoor living areas.
Just because you have a slope, doesn't mean a pool is not an option. The design and construction will depend on the slope of the hill, access to the site and if there are changes in the grade.
A custom pool can mean designing the pool to a custom layout to fit a specific property and design goal rather than being built to a pre-designed layout.
Learn more about custom pool construction.
To learn more about the differences between a custom pool and an in-ground pool, follow this link /services/custom-pool-construction/
Custom' describes design, whereas 'in-ground' describes construction. An in-ground pool can be a custom pool.
A strong case can be made for the infinity edge pool on a hillside or elevated site as the combination of the site and elevation can be incorporated into the design. The decision will ultimately depend on the property in question.
No. There are many other factors to consider when designing a pool and the need for caissons is one of the last issues to be determined.
No. The slope does not dictate requiring a retaining wall. Site and project requirements will determine the need.
Absolutely. It can be incorporated into the design.
A tanning ledge or a Baja shelf is a shallow area constructed into a pool to provide a resting or seated area located in or near the shallow water of the swimming pool.
Types of decking for a pool can be concrete, travertine, stone, brick or paver. Which is used is typically the result of design and usage coupled with site and project constraints.
Yes. For new pool and outdoor living projects, we can incorporate a patio, landscaping, hardscaping, a fire pit, or an outdoor kitchen.
The cost is subject to a variety of factors, including pool size, shape, layout, access, slope, surroundings, proposed site work, and installation of external features. A quote for work specific to your site will be more appropriate and useful than a quoted price for a general area.
Construction time is a function of many interrelated factors, including design, approval, site condition, the scope and extent of required structural work, and the balance of site work and features.
Our services are primarily in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles, but we extend south to San Diego, and east to Orange County in Southern California.
Tell Us About Your Pool Project
You do not need to have every detail figured out to contact us.
Send your project ZIP code, a few yard photos if available, and the pool or outdoor features you want. Mention any slope, view, or access concern.
Are you thinking of creating a custom in-ground swimming pool via construction? How about a complete outdoor living space? Begin with your vision, not the projects.