California Pools

What California Pools does

California Pools is a privately held custom swimming pool design and construction company founded in 1952 by Wayne Steimle, operating through a franchise model under California Pools Franchise Inc. The company designs and builds residential swimming pools, spas, and integrated outdoor living environments for individual homeowners, with a smaller commercial segment serving hotels, resorts, and fitness facilities. Its core technology stack centers on a 3D design visualization platform used during the complimentary consultation phase, paired with traditional gunite construction methods. The franchise network spans 24+ independently owned and operated locations across six U.S. states (California, Texas, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Pennsylvania), with 80,000+ pools built cumulatively and 600+ industry design awards.

Name

California Pools

Legal name

California Pools Franchise Inc

Website

https://californiapools.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

California Pools is a franchise-based custom swimming pool and outdoor living design-and-build company, founded in 1952, serving residential and commercial clients across six U.S. states through 24+ independently owned franchise locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Swimming Pool Construction Services

NAICS

Residential Building Construction (23611)

akta.pro primary industry

Pool Decking & Surrounds (HSAPALAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Outdoor Kitchens & Built-In BBQ Islands (HSAIACAF), Water Features (Ponds, Fountains & Waterfalls) (HSAPALAJ)

Keywords

• Custom pool construction
• Swimming pool design
• Pool renovation services
• Outdoor living spaces
• Pool remodeling

Headquarters

HQ city

Scottsdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices24 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom Pool Construction: One-time project-based revenue from designing and building custom residential swimming pools and spas. Projects include new construction and comprehensive backyard transformations.
2. Pool Renovation and Remodeling: Revenue from renovating and remodeling existing pools, including resurfacing, feature upgrades, and safety compliance updates.
3. Associated Outdoor Living Services: Revenue from complementary services including outdoor kitchens, landscaping, custom decking, pool lighting, and water/fire features.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

California Pools designs and builds custom residential swimming pools and spas through a franchise network of independently owned locations. Its offerings extend beyond pool construction to include pool and spa remodels, outdoor kitchens and living areas, water and fire features, pool landscaping, custom decking, pool heating and cooling, pool lighting, pool accessories, and commercial swimming pool construction. Each project is supported by complimentary consultations, 3D design visualization, permitting, and ongoing post-installation service.

Product overview

California Pools is a custom swimming pool design and construction company offering a portfolio of integrated outdoor living services. The core offering is New Residential Swimming Pools & Spas (custom design, excavation, and construction) supplemented by Swimming Pool & Spa Remodels for renovation projects. A suite of add-on services — Outdoor Kitchens & Living Areas, Water & Fire Features, Pool Landscaping, Custom Decking, Pool Heating & Cooling, Pool Lighting, and Pool Accessories — extends each pool project into a complete backyard retreat. The company also serves commercial clients through its Commercial Swimming Pools & Spas offering. All residential projects are supported by 3D design technology, permitting services, and ongoing post-installation support. The company operates through independently owned franchise locations across California, Idaho, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• New Residential Swimming Pools & Spas Custom design, excavation, and construction of residential swimming pools and spas tailored to the homeowner's space, lifestyle, and preferences, incorporating features such as waterfalls, tanning ledges, and integrated spas. Supported by 3D design visualization and full permitting.
• Swimming Pool & Spa Remodels Renovation of existing pools and spas, including resurfacing, tile and coping updates, energy-efficient equipment upgrades, and the addition of features such as waterfalls, LED lighting, and outdoor living enhancements.
• Outdoor Kitchens & Living Areas Design and construction of outdoor kitchen and living space integrations that complement pool installations, creating complete backyard entertainment environments.
• Water & Fire Features Custom water features such as waterfalls, fountains, and infinity edges, plus fire features including fire pits, fire bowls, and outdoor fireplaces, designed to enhance pool aesthetics and ambiance.
• Pool Landscaping Landscaping services for pool areas, including drought-tolerant and heat-resistant plant selection, tree placement for shade and privacy, and lighting design to enhance the poolside environment.
• Custom Decking Custom pool deck design and installation using stamped concrete, natural stone, composite decking, and wood, featuring multi-level designs, built-in seating, and integrated outdoor living elements.
• Pool Heating & Cooling Installation of pool heating and cooling systems including gas, electric, and solar heater options, as well as chillers, designed to extend the usability of pools across all seasons.
• Pool Lighting Pool lighting installation including LED lighting, overhead patio lights, in-pool accent lighting, and automated controls designed to enhance safety and ambiance for evening pool use.
• Pool Accessories Installation and supply of pool accessories including automatic pool covers, automation systems, and equipment from partnered vendors, supplied as part of pool construction and remodeling projects.
• Commercial Swimming Pools & Spas Design and construction of commercial-grade swimming pools and spas for hotels, resorts, fitness facilities, and other commercial properties, compliant with commercial safety standards.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of projects completed on time and within budget
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• St. Jude Children's Research HospitalcoreOthers · 31 December 2025Through the 'Pools for a Purpose' initiative, participating California Pools locations donate $50 to St. Jude for every pool sold until December 31, 2025. This partnership aligns with California Pools' mission of bringing families together, supporting St. Jude's mission of ensuring no child dies from cancer.
• HFS FinancialsupportingOthersFinancing partner providing flexible loan options for customers seeking to finance their pool projects. HFS Financial offers specialized pool financing through the California Pools network.
• California Equity & LoansupportingOthersFinancing partner offering equity and loan products for customers financing swimming pool construction and renovation projects.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Premier Pools & Spas: One of the largest residential pool builders in the U.S. with a multi-location franchise-style operating model. Directly comparable to California Pools on custom residential pool construction, design-led sales motion, and geographic spread across Sun Belt markets.
• Blue Haven Pools & Spas: Long-established residential pool builder with a franchised/dealer network across multiple U.S. states. Competes head-to-head with California Pools on custom gunite pool construction, design consultations, and outdoor living add-ons.
• Anthony & Sylvan Pools: One of the oldest and largest U.S. residential pool builders, founded in 1946. Highly comparable to California Pools on brand heritage, custom in-ground pool construction, and remodel services in core Eastern and Southwestern markets.
• River Pools & Spas: Regional residential pool builder specializing in fiberglass pool design and installation across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Comparable to California Pools on the design-led consultative sales motion and custom backyard transformations.
• Presidential Pools, Spas & Patio: Award-winning residential pool builder with locations across Arizona and the Southwest. Direct competitor to California Pools on custom pool construction, outdoor living integration, and design awards.
• Narellan Pools: International franchised pool builder with a strong presence in Australia and a growing U.S. footprint. Comparable to California Pools on franchise model economics, branded pool construction, and dealer-network go-to-market.

Regional players

• Compass Pools: Global manufacturer and installer of one-piece composite swimming pools with distributor networks across Europe, Australia, and select U.S. markets. Relevant peer for pool construction technology and franchised distribution, though primarily international.

Broad incumbents

• Pentair: Large publicly-traded manufacturer of pool equipment, automation, and water treatment systems. Not a direct builder, but a major incumbent in the broader pool value chain that supplies parts and accessories to California Pools and its franchisees.
• Hayward Holdings: Leading manufacturer of residential and commercial pool equipment, including pumps, filters, heaters, and automation. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the pool industry ecosystem that California Pools franchisees purchase from.
• Latham Group: Manufacturer of vinyl-liner pools, pool covers, and related products serving builders and retailers across North America. Relevant incumbent in the residential pool supply chain that interfaces with builders like California Pools.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/californiapools

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about California Pools