The Pool Building Process in Manhattan Beach: What to Expect
Thinking about adding a pool to your Manhattan Beach home? Whether you’re perched on a hill with an ocean view or tucked into a cozy neighborhood lot, a custom pool can elevate your lifestyle and property value. But before the cannonballs and pool parties begin, it’s important to understand the process that goes into building a pool in this iconic beach city.
Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored to Manhattan Beach homeowners.
1. Custom Design with Coastal Flair
The pool design process in Manhattan Beach often begins with a focus on maximizing outdoor living. Many homeowners opt for sleek, modern pools that blend seamlessly with the architecture—think clean lines, Baja shelves, built-in spas, and LED lighting.
Because space is often limited in this coastal city, especially on walk-street lots or hillside properties, design efficiency is key. Your pool contractor will help you visualize how a pool can integrate with decks, outdoor kitchens, or even rooftop terraces.
2. Property Assessment & Coastal Factors
Your contractor will assess access, soil, and drainage conditions. In Manhattan Beach, seawater intrusion, sandy soil, and sloped lots are common challenges. These can affect excavation, structural design, and even permit requirements.
If your home is in the Coastal Zone, you may also need to go through the California Coastal Commission for certain approvals, adding time to the permitting phase.
3. Permits and City Regulations
Permitting in Manhattan Beach involves:
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Planning Department review
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Building permits from the Community Development Department
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Coastal Commission review (if applicable)
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HOA approval (for gated communities)
Depending on scope, this process can take 4–10 weeks. A good contractor will handle submissions, revisions, and inspections on your behalf.
4. Excavation, Framing, and Plumbing
Once permits are in place, the heavy lifting begins—literally. Excavation kicks off the build, followed by rebar framing, plumbing, and electrical setup. For hillside properties, this phase might involve extra grading or retaining walls to stabilize the build.
Manhattan Beach homes often favor saltwater pools or energy-efficient pump systems to match the eco-conscious lifestyle many residents value.
5. Luxury Finishes and Decking
Next comes the aesthetic part—tile, coping, and decking. Manhattan Beach pools often use:
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Glass tile or natural stone
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Limestone or ipe wood decking
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Infinity edges or perimeter overflows for a resort-like finish
Outdoor entertainment areas, fire pits, and smart-home pool automation are often included at this stage.
6. Interior Surface, Fill-Up, and Final Inspection
The interior finish—plaster, pebble, or quartz—is applied last. After curing, the pool is filled, and the city will conduct a final inspection. Once approved, you’re ready for pool school: your contractor will show you how to maintain your system and water chemistry.
How Long Does It Take?
In Manhattan Beach, a pool build usually takes 10 to 14 weeks, plus permitting time. Tight lots and coastal approvals can stretch the timeline, but the result is always worth the wait.
Final Word
A custom pool in Manhattan Beach isn’t just a backyard upgrade—it’s an investment in comfort, style, and quality of life. From sunrise swims to sunset soaks, your pool can become the centerpiece of your home.
If you’re ready to start the process, reach out for a complimentary design consultation. We’ll walk you through every step—from permits to pool parties.
