The Short Answer
A standard 15×30 gunite pool in Los Angeles costs $70,000–$110,000 in 2026. A premium build with a raised spa, tile, and water features runs $110,000–$180,000. Hillside, infinity-edge, or complex sites run $180,000–$400,000+. Everything below breaks down why.
New Pool Cost by Tier
- Standard 15×30 gunite, basic finish: $70,000–$110,000
- Premium build (raised spa, tile, LED, water features): $110,000–$180,000
- Hillside, infinity-edge, or complex site: $180,000–$400,000+
Interior Finish Cost per Linear Foot (Over Plaster)
- Plaster: included in base price
- Mini pebble: +$25 per linear foot
- Micro pebble: +$45 per linear foot
- Micro fusion: +$65 per linear foot
Pool perimeter drives the total: small pools run about 46 linear feet, medium 60 LF, large 74 LF, and extra-large 90 LF — add 30 LF if a spa is attached.
Waterline Tile Cost
- Standard waterline tile: $30 per linear foot
- Porcelain mitered edge tile: $45 per linear foot
Common Add-Ons
- Pool automation system: $4,500
- Salt chlorination system: $950
- Built-in cold plunge: $30,000
Worked Example: A Medium Pool With a Spa
Take a medium pool (60 LF perimeter) with an attached spa (+30 LF, for 90 LF total), upgraded to micro pebble finish and porcelain waterline tile: micro pebble adds 90 LF × $45 = $4,050, and porcelain tile adds 90 LF × $45 = $4,050, on top of the base build price for that tier. Add a salt system ($950) and automation ($4,500) and you're roughly $9,500–$13,500 above the base tier price.
What Moves a Bid From Low to High Within Each Tier
- Site access (crane needed vs. direct excavator access)
- Soil conditions and whether a geotech report is required
- Spa attachment and added linear footage of finish and tile
- Equipment brand and automation level
Why Homeowners Trust Moda's Numbers
Moda Outdoor Living is a direct design-build contractor serving Los Angeles, Ventura, and North Orange County — CSLB #1102152. Every project runs on transparent pricing, exact quantities, and sourced materials, backed by an extended warranty. You work directly with the team building your project, not a broker reselling your job to the lowest bidder.
💡 Pro Tip
Want numbers specific to your yard? Run our free /estimate tool or download the /backyard-blueprint guide before your first contractor meeting — both are free and take a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pool cost in Los Angeles in 2026?
A standard 15×30 gunite pool costs $70,000–$110,000, a premium build with a raised spa and tile costs $110,000–$180,000, and hillside or infinity-edge pools run $180,000–$400,000+.
How much does upgrading a pool finish cost?
Mini pebble adds $25 per linear foot, micro pebble adds $45 per linear foot, and micro fusion adds $65 per linear foot over standard plaster, based on the pool's total perimeter.
What does waterline tile cost per linear foot?
Standard waterline tile costs $30 per linear foot; a porcelain mitered edge upgrade costs $45 per linear foot.
How much do pool add-ons like automation and salt systems cost?
Pool automation runs $4,500, a salt chlorination system runs $950, and a built-in cold plunge runs $30,000.
Why do two Los Angeles pool bids for the 'same size pool' differ by tens of thousands?
Site access, soil conditions, spa attachment (which adds ~30 linear feet of finish and tile), and equipment brand all shift a bid within its tier — always compare itemized scope, not just headline price.
