Trusted Swimming Pool Builder since 1978

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Use the county site for debris removal permits and status: Los Angeles County Recovery and Resilience Program provides help with removal permits

https://recovery.lacounty.gov

One-Stop Permit Centers: For homeowners looking to rebuild, these centers help navigate permits, building codes, and local planning. 

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CALACOUNTY/bulletins/3d4ba7a?

Track rebuilding progress and understand requirements via the state’s “Rebuilding LA” dashboard. 

https://www.ca.gov/lafires/track-progress/

1. Structural inspection & damage assessment
   
   • Fires can damage the pool shell, decking, equipment systems, pool barrier/fencing, and surrounding soil (e.g., shifting ground, ash infiltration). 
   • Before doing any cosmetic fixes, have a qualified engineer or pool-structure specialist inspect for cracks, ground movement, equipment damage, erosion, or fire-exposure consequences.
   • If the pool sits in a hillside or slope zone (common in Palisades), pay extra attention to soil stability, retaining walls, and erosion control.
   • Don’t assume “like-for-like” rebuild is simple — if you change size, depth or equipment you may trigger full plan review even if you stayed in the jar of “replace what was there”.

1. Permits & regulatory compliance
   
   • According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidance, if you repair or rebuild a pool/spa you must treat it like any other major reconstruction: submit plans, obtain building & safety approval. 
   • If your property is in a high fire hazard severity zone (which much of the Palisades is), additional fire-safety regulations can apply. For example, in the pool code for Los Angeles County: “New swimming pools or spas 5,000 gallon or greater in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall have a drain/ discharge line connected to a draft hydrant …Fencing and enclosure are mandatory: e.g., a protective barrier at least 60″ (5 ft) above grade must surround the pool/spa or the property. 
   • If you’re rebuilding the house and pool at the same time, note that “like-for-like” rebuild rules apply—if you exceed previous footprint/size you may lose expedited path. 
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1. Debris, contamination, and water quality
   
   • After a fire, ash, soot, heavy metals, melted materials and residue can enter pool systems. The health department guidance warns about using the pool too early and recommends professional cleaning/testing. 
   • Draining the pool may not always be recommended: if the ground is unstable or high groundwater exists, draining can cause the shell to crack or shift. 
   • If you do have to drain, the proper method must be followed: in unincorporated LA County you can only discharge through a legally installed 3-inch P-trap with permit; cannot open a manhole to drain directly; and cannot drain during/after rainfall. 
   • Mosquito breeding is a concern if pools are left unused with stagnant water. Ensure your water remains circulating or is properly covered/treated during the rebuild process. 
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1. Fire-resilient construction & future-proofing the pool area
   
   • Since this is a wildfire‐impacted zone, consider building fire-resilient features around the pool: non-combustible decking or patio materials, fire‐resistive pool equipment enclosures, and defensible space landscaping around the pool area.
   • Materials: avoid or minimize wood/combustible pool enclosures or decorative features; use Class “A” roofs (if there is a pool house/structure nearby), ember-resistant vents, and fire‐safe fencing and gates.
   • Access & servicing: ensure pool equipment (pumps, filters, skimmers, heaters) remain accessible for fire/flood-mitigation equipment, and ensure slopes and drainage around pool deck direct water away properly.
   • Consider any additional fire code requirements that may affect the pool mechanical room or equipment if part of the rebuild occurs with the main house (e.g., revisions to electrical service, backup power, etc.).

1. Coordination with full property rebuild
   
   • If your house is being rebuilt, the pool rebuild/repair should be integrated into the overall site plan. Don’t treat the pool as a standalone “fix later” project without thinking about grading, utility service, fire-flow/hydrant requirements, soil reports, and permit timelines.
   • The permit centers set up for the Palisades fire area allow homeowners to submit rebuild plans earlier (even while debris removal continues) — so you may want to apply for the pool concurrently rather than waiting until the house is done. 
   • Budget for upgrades: since you’re rebuilding in a fire‐affected zone, expect that “like-for-like” may still require compliance with newer codes or fire safety upgrades (which could affect pool structures too).

• Engage a qualified pool structural engineer and/or pool builder experienced in fire‐zone rebuilds.
• Have the site and pool shell inspected (soil test if necessary) to determine whether the shell and deck are safe to reuse.
• Check local zoning/building department (City of Los Angeles or LA County depending on your lot) for permit requirements – ask specifically: “pool/spa after wildfire rebuild” guidelines.
• Plan for the pool enclosure/fence: ensure new fence complies with height (60”), gap spacing, gate self-closing/latching per code.
• If you must drain your pool, apply for the required sewer permit and ensure you comply with the P-trap and discharge rules. If on septic or private haul, plan accordingly.
• Document all damage, debris, pool equipment records, photographs, communication with insurers – because your insurance claim + rebuild budget will depend on clear records.
• Consider fire‐resilient upgrades around the pool (e.g., fire‐resistant deck, safe storage of pool chemicals, protective screens for equipment).
• Include the pool in your overall rebuild timeline: align with debris removal finish, grading/soil work completion, house rebuild permits and utility reconnection.
• Keep open communication with your permitting/inspector staff: note that fire-zone rebuilds may get expedited review but only if your plans are complete and properly flagged.
• Ensure your contractor and designer know the wildfire related stressors (ash cleanup, slope instability, escape of combustibles, pool chemistry contamination) and design accordingly.
• Set aside contingency funds: fire-zone rebuilds often face unexpected costs (soil remediation, slope stabilization, stricter code compliance) which can impact pool rebuild cost/time.
• Stay updated via official channels (e.g., LA County “Rebuilding – Fire Debris Removal Permit” page) so you know if new fire‐hazard or water‐quality regulations affect pools.