Check a California pool builder before you sign
Every licensed pool contractor in California, from the state's own records, explained by a licensed pool contractor who testifies in pool construction defect cases. No ratings, no paid placement, no leads sold.
Every builder on this site holds a California C-53 Swimming Pool license, checked against the state's records. Directories built from map listings and reviews include businesses with no pool license at all.
Find builders by county
- Los Angeles County665 builders
- Riverside County427 builders
- Orange County315 builders
- San Diego County250 builders
- San Bernardino County175 builders
- Ventura County133 builders
- Sacramento County93 builders
- Santa Clara County80 builders
- Contra Costa County71 builders
- Kern County67 builders
- Placer County59 builders
- Stanislaus County58 builders
- All countiesevery county A to Z
Largest cities
- Bakersfield57 builders
- Indio50 builders
- San Diego50 builders
- Sylmar46 builders
- Simi Valley40 builders
- San Jose40 builders
- Riverside38 builders
- Los Angeles35 builders
- Temecula33 builders
- Corona30 builders
- Anaheim30 builders
- Sacramento29 builders
- Santa Ana28 builders
- Palm Desert27 builders
- El Cajon26 builders
- Cathedral City26 builders
What each listing shows
- License status, and the reason if it is suspended
- Which licenses the business holds (C-53 pool, B general, C-27 landscape and others)
- The contractor's bond and workers' compensation on file
- The people on the license
- Plain-language flags, drawn only from the record
Remodeling or replastering?
Licensed pool plastering and remodel contractors by county, and what to check on a pool remodel.
Homeowner guides
- Pool remodeling and replastering: what to check
- What's not in your pool contract
- Which pool equipment should I get? Pentair, Hayward or Jandy
- Before you sign: the California pool contract checklist
Watch: a pool expert explains
Six causes of a failed pool finish, in four minutes
Where the water disappears: how vanishing edge pools really work
The builder blamed your pool guy: how an expert proves why plaster failedVideos open on YouTube. Narration uses an AI voice modeled on Randy's, from his scripts.
Why this exists
Randy Beard has worked in the California pool trade since 1979, is a former CSLB investigator, and has given deposition testimony in more than 100 construction defect matters. Most of the pool disputes he sees started with a contract the owner signed without reading closely. A license check takes two minutes. A contract review before signing costs far less than a lawsuit after. More about Randy.
Frequently asked questions
What license does a California pool builder need?
The Contractors State License Board's C-53 Swimming Pool license covers building and remodeling pools, including plastering. A B General Building contractor may take on a pool as part of a larger project. Every business in this directory holds a C-53 license, checked against CSLB records.
Does a new or remodeled pool need a permit and safety features?
Yes, a building permit, and in California a permit to build or remodel a pool or spa at a single-family home requires at least two of the seven drowning-prevention safety features listed in Health and Safety Code section 115922. Ask the builder which two are in the price.
How much can a pool builder ask for as a down payment?
On a California home improvement contract, no more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less. Progress payments should not run ahead of the work actually done.
How are builders listed here?
Every contractor holding a C-53 license in the CSLB public files is listed, grouped by the city on its CSLB mailing address and sorted alphabetically. Nothing is rated or ranked, and every page shows the date of the data.
Do you charge builders to be listed?
No. No builder pays to appear, and the publisher receives nothing for any referral. The site is supported by Randy Beard's pre-contract review service for homeowners.
What does "suspended" mean on a listing?
CSLB has suspended the license, usually because a bond was cancelled, insurance lapsed or a judgment went unpaid. A suspended contractor may not contract for or perform work until CSLB reinstates the license. Check the license live on the day you sign.
About to sign a pool contract?
Have a licensed pool contractor read it first. Randy Beard (CSLB #871188, C-53 Swimming Pool and C-27 Landscaping) reviews pool contracts and plans before you sign: what the contract must contain under California law, what this one leaves out, and what the plans don't show. Flat price: $495 for one bid, with a written summary and a 30-minute call. How contract review worksFree: download the California Pool Bid Kit (PDF).
No bids yet? Have the pool specified first so every builder bids the same job ($1,495). · (949) 264-3466