--- title: "California Pools — Swimming Pool Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/california-pools-pfvwus-pf~914487452 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~914487452.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "California Pools" category: ["Swimming Pool Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6c1302090ec375bd_2949-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Irvine, California 92618, United States" latitude: 33.7074 longitude: -117.7054 phone: "(800) 282-7665" website: http://www.californiapools.com rating: 4.1 review_count: 16 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 218 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # California Pools Original Houzz profile: [California Pools](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/california-pools-pfvwus-pf~914487452) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Swimming Pool Builders - **Location:** Irvine, CA - **Serves:** Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Corona, Orange, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Tustin, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Hills, North Tustin, Laguna Woods, Coto De Caza, Corona del Mar, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Villa Park, San Joaquin Hills, Trabuco Canyon, Silverado, Austin, Dallas, East Irvine, El Toro, Green Bay, Los Angeles County, Newport Coast, Orange County, San Antonio, Sararota, Tampa - **Houzz rating:** 4.1 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2012–2020), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Since 1952, California Pools has built more than 60,000 pools, making us one of the largest pool builders in the nation. As the clear industry leader, we’ve collected more design and construction awards than anyone else in the world. And after more than 55 years, we are still family owned and operated. We currently have locations in California, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Florida. By offering expert design solutions and innovative construction techniques, we are able to provide our customers with the highest quality custom built pool or spa available anywhere. We’re also well known within the industry for our superior customer service. By assigning a dedicated and reliable project manager who is responsive and easy to contact, we ensure that our customers’ pool building experience is worry-free. California Pools currently has offices in California, Nevada, Texas, Utah & Florida. Looking to become a California Pools business owner? Contact us today at opportunities@californiapools.com. ### Services Provided - Swimming Pool Construction - Swimming Pool Design - Pool Deck Design & Construction - Pool Lighting Installation - Sauna Installation - Custom Pools - Outdoor Living Spaces ### Areas Served - Anaheim - Santa Ana - Irvine - Corona - Orange - Mission Viejo - Newport Beach - Lake Forest - Tustin - Aliso Viejo - Rancho Santa Margarita - Laguna Hills - North Tustin - Laguna Woods - Coto De Caza - Corona del Mar - Foothill Ranch - Portola Hills - Villa Park - San Joaquin Hills - Trabuco Canyon - Silverado - Austin - Dallas - East Irvine - El Toro - Green Bay - Los Angeles County - Newport Coast - Orange County - San Antonio - Sararota - Tampa ### Typical Job Cost $75,000 - 500,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | California Pools | | Address | Irvine, California 92618, United States | | Phone | (800) 282-7665 | | Website | http://www.californiapools.com | | Followers on Houzz | 218 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaPools1 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/CaliforniaPools - Blog — http://www.californiapools.com/swimming-pool-blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [California Pools](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/california-pools-pfvwus-pf~914487452) - **Website:** http://www.californiapools.com - **Phone:** (800) 282-7665 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Named Among the Top-5 Pool Builders in the Nation by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals for our unmatched customer service. - BBB Accredited Professional - Best of Houzz Design and Service Awards - A+ Better Business Bureau Rating - Top 50 pool builder - Pool & Spa News - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2012–2020), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/better-business-bureau-pfvwus-pf~1830530549) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5 — 16 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 16.0 - Communication: 10.0 - Value: 16.0 ### Reviews **★★★ — Paul, Dec. 2023** > Don't make your last payment until they finish ALL the work. The finishing work for our pool was never completed and after months of going back and forth with California Pools, I just had to give up. Once I made that last payment, they never responded or came back to finish it. **★ — Brian N, Aug. 2022** > We had a terrible experience with the California Pools - Thousand Oaks office which was led by Mike Exstrom. They do not stand behind their work but rather point to limited 3yr warranties?!?!?!? Customer service is generally unresponsive regardless of the season, took four weeks to respond to a electrical safety issue (regarding multiple under water LED light failures) and only confirmed there was no safety issue after we posted a review. Still won't replace the lights though. Personal feelings aside relative to the horrible waste of time and energy it has been dealing with them, those are the facts. **★ — filterCountLimit, Nov. 2021** > I have paid $60k so far for my project and all I have to show for it is a 8x12 foot dirt hole and a now projected completion date of September. Far longer than the estimate for competition when we signed our contract. 12 months to complete instead of 6 months is ridiculous. In the interim while we wait for a sub contractor that may be weeks before they show up they are sitting on our money. Biggest $140k mistake we have ever made. Don't make the same mistake we did. **★★★★★ — HU-901310194, Nov. 2019** > Living in a homeowners association presents its own unique issues when installing a swimming pool. Not only are design issues a factor, but also are HOA space ratios and setback requirements. California Pools was able to address all these issues working with the HOA’s while delivering to us a swimming pool that was perfect, on time and on budget. But perhaps the best part of the experience with California Pools was the communication. There was never a time when our site supervisor wasn’t available to us to answer our questions and make sure work was progressing. > I can highly recommend CalPools and especially our pool designer Danny. **★★★★★ — Mark Rangell, Nov. 2019** > Marv Howell, Kevin Gray and the team at California Pools are top notch. They also served as general contractor for our entire backyard and courtyard project, which included an outdoor kitchen, 2 patio covers, landscaping and tile. Always on time and a pleasure to deal with, and they stood behind their work when the bar stools in our swim up bar needed to be replaced, and a couple of the pool lights needed replacement under warranty as well. This is a highly reputable organization that I have recommended to several people since the time of our project nearly 3 years ago. **★★★★★ — Greg Katz, Nov. 2019** > There is no better pool company in Las Vegas then California Pools. Before starting my project I interviewed 8 companies. California is definitely not the cheapest but they are certainly worth the extra cost. Marv starts off with a tremendous walk thru and visualization of the project. He provides many great ideas within the budget but never comes off as pushy to anything. He is on the ball with every interaction. Kevin the head day to day foreman is exceptional. He explained every single step and all the timelines were met exactly how he laid out the project. The few times we got snags he provided incredible options and detailed them very specifically. He was available at all times with questions or concerns. If i ever built another pool, I would have one single phone call to make ----to Marv Howell. **★★★★★ — HU-269482043, Nov. 2019** > Phenomenal company! Andru designed us our perfect pool and Mario made sure every subcontractor delivered the best possible product, on time and on budget. No surprises! > Mario treated us like family and is always available to answer questions even after the pool is up and running! Great leadership from the top too! > We love our pool and backyard and love California Pools!! **★★★★★ — HU-344138607, Nov. 2019** > This is my 3rd pool with this company and they always deliver what is promised, on time, quality work, and the one that always put them on top is SERVICE AFTER SALES, highly recommended **★ — HU-617965304, July 2019** > This is the worst pool company you could hire! They are truly a nightmare to deal with. They would rather lie then to tell the truth. The only reason there is a star, is for the tile guy, who was awesome. The rest of it, complete mess and nightmare. I can not stress enough to stay away from these CON MEN! If you hire them, welcome to misery and an expensive misery at that! Horrible deal. **★★★★★ — hopeaugust, Dec. 2016** > The service we received at California Pools was beyond superior. From the moment my husband and I decided to build a pool, they included us every step of the way! We were able to be instrumental in every step from start to finish. They were in constant communication and got back to us usually the same day. We had many questions and all our questions were answered. Our backyard is more than we could ever dream. It is our paradise and a place my family and I can enjoy for years to come. They are truly the Cadillac of pool building. If you are looking for attention to details, concepts you have never even envisioned or dreamed that can come true, and people who are warm, friendly, and knowledgeable, then California Pools Irivine store is the company for you. This is a definitely an example of you get what you pay for. You won't be disappointed in fact you will be blown away. Thank you Mike, it is more then we could ever dream. Sincerely, very happy customers!!! **★★★★★ — yulie9128, Jan. 2015** > I'm completely happy with the work. Not only was the project finished on time (actually slightly ahead of estimation) and on budget, Mike, the guy overseeing every single detail, was always courteous and > meticulous. I highly recommend this company for pool construction. **★★★★★ — jmpennisi, Jan. 2015** > CAL POOLS PROVIDED ALL THE ASPECTS OF CONSTRUCTING A POOL...EXCAVATION, REBAR, PLUMBING, GUNNITE, TILE, EQUIPMENT AND START-UP. THE COMPANY ALSO RECOMMENDED A CONTRACTOR FOR COPING AND DECKING. THE DECK WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT AS A "SUN ROOM LIKE" ENCLOSURE WAS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AFTER COMPLETION OF THE POOL. > > I (THE POOL CLIENT) ESSENTIALLY SERVED AS THE DESIGNER AND MANAGER FOR THE > OVERALL PROJECT. MY JOB WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT IF THE POOL COMPANY WAS NOT HELPFUL IN SEQUENCING, SCHEDULING AND EXECUTING THE VARIOUS TRADES. CAL POOLS COOPERATED IN EVERY WAY. THEIR SUBS DID HIGH QUALITY WORK AND RESPECTED THE NEED FOR CARE AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL. ## Selected projects - [LA Pools](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-pools-pj-vj~2495664) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 13 - [Award Winning Pools](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-pools-pj-vj~189621) - Location: Los Angeles Are, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: Since 1952, California Pools has built more than 60,000 pools, making us one of the largest pool builders in the nation. As the clear industry leader, we'­ve collected more design and construction awards than anyone else in the world. And after more than 60 years, we are still family-owned and operated. - [Geometric](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/geometric-pj-vj~1289) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Freeform](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/freeform-pj-vj~1290) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Small Yards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-yards-pj-vj~1291) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Spas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spas-pj-vj~1292) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [California Pools](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-pools-pj-vj~245464) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 176 - [New Photos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-photos-pj-vj~2495654) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Pool Kings on DIY Network](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-kings-on-diy-network-pj-vj~1813667) - Location: Las Vegas, NV - Photos: 50 [See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/swimming-pool-builders/california-pools-pfvwus-pf~914487452) ## Ideabooks - [Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56627676/list/ideas) — 10 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/californiapools) ## Community Q&A **Q: Need help with my backyard.** *(in Design Dilemma)* I have a large backyard with a swimming pool in the end. It looks bad. I mean really bad. I want to landscape and put lights. What is the lowest budget that u can have and yet to make it beautiful. I live in Los Anagekes County? How can I get HGTV to develop my backyard so that maybe they would finance it. I'm not sure if that is how it's fine. Bottom line I need help. A: If you need a FREE estimate please feel free to contact us at info@californiapools.com. http://www.californiapools.com/ **Q: How design my backyard? Any idea?** *(in Polls)* Dear friends, I need to get your help in order to design / transform my backyard. I really appreciate your suggestions. Regards! A: We have great backyard ideas on our site. We would love to come and give you a free estimate on your dream backyard. info@californiapools.com http://www.californiapools.com/landscaping/ **Q: What are the BEST Stain Resistant Swimming Pool Finishes?** *(in Design Dilemma)* My pool contractor recommended using KrystalKrete to re-surface my freshwater pool. We need to resurface because the 7 year-old Colorquartz finish is popping off. Because we live so far North, our pool is only used for three month of the year. The other nine months is it abandoned to the wildlife (otters, raccoons, birds). Consequently in the spring we have to do quite a clean-up. The Colorquartz would have dark staining and also white lime leaching from the Portland cement. We'd have to use a lot Muriatic acid to clean it up. This is probably why the Colorquartz finish didn't last very long. The KrystalKrete is also a Portland cement based quartz product. I’m afraid of having the same issues. I’d like a finish that I can power wash clean in the spring. I need to know which products would be best suited to this environment. A: Proper maintenance will hep you prevent staining. A white plaster will show the most stains. Gray plaster on the other hand will help hide stains. A tile pool will probably be your best bet in the long run. Contact us for a free quote at info@californiapools.com. http://www.californiapools.com/ **Q: dark pool color** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the surface of the pool A: Yes, the owners wanted a dark blue finish. Feel free to contact us at info@californiapools.com for any further questions. **Q: The decking is gorgeous! What are the stones?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Concrete pavers. Feel free to contact us at info@californiapools.com for any further questions. **Q: What is the diamond Brite color or whatever finished used called? thx** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The color is blue. Feel free to contact us at info@californiapools.com for any further questions. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*