5 min read
Epoxy Grout vs. Cement Grout: Which Is Best For Your Pool?
If you clicked on this article, you want to know more about grout. Yes, grout. However, there is a specific question...
Explore expert pool construction strategies and technical guidance in our curated blog library.
3 min read
Pool Size and Depth Guide: Best Options for Every Backyard
JC Escudero: Jun 10, 2025
You’re ready to build a pool in your backyard, but you’re not sure what size or type is right for your family. That’s a...
2 min read
Expansion Joints & Pool Cracks – What Every Homeowner Should Know
JC Escudero: Mar 29, 2025
At J Designs Pool & Spa, we often get calls from homeowners worried about cracks in the tile around their pool’s...
7 min read
Pool Permit in Los Angeles? Here is Everything you need to Know
JC Escudero: Jun 13, 2025
You’re excited to start building your pool — but now you're hearing about permits, paperwork, and inspections, and...
4 min read
Pool Plaster Stain colors: Types, Causes, and How to Remove Them
JC Escudero: Jul 17, 2025
Are unsightly stains ruining the clean look of your pool? Pool plaster stains aren’t just cosmetic. They can signal...
4 min read
The Cost of Building a Pool in Los Angeles 2025
Daniela Escudero: May 24, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Los Angeles? (2025 Update) How much does it cost to build a swimming pool in...
3 min read
Understanding Calcium And Efflorescence Deposits In Swimming Pools
JC Escudero: May 13, 2025
Dive into the differences between calcium and efflorescence deposits in swimming pools and learn how to tackle these...
4 min read
From Old to Bold: Transforming Your Los Angeles Pool’s Shape
JC Escudero: Apr 14, 2025
Remodeling Your Los Angeles Pool: The Perfect Time to Change Its Shape Swimming pools have come a long way from the...
2 min read
The Pool Ledge
Daniela Escudero: May 7, 2025
A therapeutic thermal ledge has many popular names- sun shelf, tanning ledge, Baja shelf, shallow water platform,...
5 min read
LA Inground Pool Construction Journey: Your 13-Step Timeline
Daniela Escudero: Jul 3, 2023
There’s no place like home… especially when you have an ethereal pool on your property. Imagine stepping onto a path,...
3 min read
Preventing Weepers in Concrete Pools: Causes, Solutions, and Tips
JC Escudero: Jan 28, 2025
Noticing Damp Spots or White Stains on Your Pool Walls? Are you worried that your pool might have hidden leaks? These...
3 min read
Los Angeles Pool Plumbing 101: Your Handbook to Design and Safety
JC Escudero: Jun 22, 2025
Unlock the secrets to designing an efficient and safe swimming pool plumbing system with this comprehensive guide....
3 min read
Homeowner’s Guide to Shotcrete in Pool Construction
JC Escudero: May 24, 2025
What Is Shotcrete? Shotcrete is pneumatically applied concrete (sprayed at high velocity) to form strong, watertight,...
3 min read
Hillside Pools LA's Setback & Grading Rules
JC Escudero: Aug 1, 2025
Understanding Hillside Pool Setbacks in Los Angeles Constructing a swimming pool in Los Angeles's hillside areas...
4 min read
Shotcrete vs. Gunite: A Comparison of Concrete Pool Construction
Daniela Escudero: Oct 7, 2022
You will hear about shotcrete and gunite as you learn about concrete pools. What is shotcrete? What is gunite? Are they...
3 min read
Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tiles Which Is Best?
JC Escudero: Mar 27, 2025
"Ceramic vs. Porcelain Pool Tiles: What’s the Difference?" “Planning to tile your swimming pool? Choosing the right...
4 min read
What is a Movable or disappearing pool Floor?
JC Escudero: Jul 12, 2025
The Luxury Feature Redefining Backyard Design Have you ever dreamed of a pool that disappears into your patio at the...
5 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Pool in Los Angeles in 2026?
JC Escudero: Jun 4, 2025
Thinking about remodeling your pool in Los Angeles, but unsure what it will cost? Understanding the real cost, and what...
4 min read
“In‑Floor Pool Cleaning System: How It Works & Benefits”
JC Escudero: Jun 25, 2025
A Cleaner Pool, More Time With Your Family Have you ever looked at your pool after just a few days of wind and pollen,...
5 min read
Perimeter Overflow Pool: How It Works, Materials & Mistakes to Avoid
JC Escudero: Dec 3, 2025
Have you ever seen a pool that looks like a mirror? Water blends seamlessly into the edge, perfectly level with the...
2 min read
Glass Tile Vs. Ceramic Tile: Which Is Best For Your Pool?
Daniela Escudero: Sep 2, 2022
Choosing the right tile for your pool can transform your backyard into a stunning oasis. Many homeowners desire a pool...
4 min read
Low Pool Bids: Hidden Costs and Risks for Homeowners
JC Escudero: Aug 14, 2025
If you’ve received multiple estimates for a new pool and one is drastically lower, it can feel like you’ve found a...
4 min read
Why Electrical Safety Matters in Pool Construction and Renovation
JC Escudero: Oct 15, 2025
Electrical safety is paramount when building or renovating a pool. Proper wiring, bonding, grounding, and adherence to...
5 min read
Caissons: The Key to Stable and Secure Hillside Pool Construction
JC Escudero: Aug 21, 2024
Building a swimming pool on a hillside property in Los Angeles is a dream with its challenges. The steep slopes and...
3 min read
The Importance of Timing: Why You Should Wait to Plaster Your Pool
JC Escudero: Jul 17, 2024
Timing is everything when creating your dream pool, especially during the crucial plastering and filling stages. To...
3 min read
Do You Need Caissons for Your Hillside Pool? Here’s What You Must Know First
JC Escudero: May 10, 2025
Are you considering building a pool on a hillside property in Los Angeles? Are you worried about whether the ground...
4 min read
What is MicroGlass? How It Protects Your Pool Finish
JC Escudero: Sep 10, 2025
Why Your Pool Finish Matters Have you noticed that your pool water looks cloudy, or the plaster is starting to feel...
5 min read
Thermal Shock: Why Temperature Swings Damage Tile & Stone
JC Escudero: Apr 6, 2025
All swimming pools are alike, but the materials you install make them different and unique. These materials allow you...
5 min read
History of Swimming Pools in America: Shapes & Design Ideas
JC Escudero: Sep 26, 2025
Have you ever wondered how swimming pools went from ancient public baths to the dazzling backyard retreats we enjoy...
3 min read
Who Are The 5 Best Pool Builders in Los Angeles, California?
Vanessa Petros: Jul 20, 2023
Every year, homeowners in Los Angeles County build their dream concrete swimming pool. With so many choices, finding a...
4 min read
Lightweight Pool Building: How EPS Foam Balances Strength & Safety
JC Escudero: Sep 6, 2025
Have you ever considered just how heavy a swimming pool really is? A standard residential pool, measuring 34’ x 16’ and...
3 min read
Palos Verdes Landslide 2025 Pool & Construction Restrictions Explained
Daniela Escudero: Sep 17, 2025
What would you do if the ground beneath your home started shifting inches every week? That’s the reality many Rancho...
5 min read
5 Essential Pool Builder Credentials Every LA Homeowner Needs to Know
Daniela Escudero: Sep 30, 2024
In the competitive pool-building world, especially in Los Angeles, homeowners often fall for flashy ads and low prices...
5 min read
Best Decking Materials for Hot Climates and Pool Areas: Wood vs. Composite
JC Escudero: Nov 1, 2025
Trying to choose the right decking material for your pool area and feeling stuck between natural wood and composite?...
13 min read
Pool Deck Pavers: Pros, Cons, Cost & What to Know Before You Commit
Daniela Escudero: Jan 10, 2026
Imagine walking barefoot around your pool on a hot day. Is the surface cool, smooth, and safe? Or is it rough, slick,...
4 min read
What’s Covered in a Pool Warranty? California Homeowner Guide
JC Escudero: Jul 29, 2025
If you’re shopping for a new swimming pool or replacing equipment like pumps or heaters, you’re probably wondering...
3 min read
Restoring Your Pool and Backyard After the Los Angeles Wildfires
JC Escudero: Mar 9, 2025
The recent Los Angeles wildfires have left many homeowners struggling to restore their homes, swimming pools, and...
3 min read
Increase Your Home’s value: Best Backyard Upgrades
Daniela Escudero: Apr 17, 2025
Investing in a Pool: A Smart Financial and Lifestyle Choice For many homeowners, adding a swimming pool is more than an...
4 min read
Decoding Rock Encounters during LA Pool Excavation: Explained
Vanessa Petros: Jul 17, 2023
When you unexpectedly come across rock during the excavation of your inground pool, it perfectly embodies the essence...
6 min read
Best and Worst Trees to Plant Near Your Pool
JC Escudero: Mar 2, 2026
In Los Angeles, designing a true luxury pool environment is about far more than water and stone, it’s about creating a...
6 min read
Pool Coping, Best Materials, Installation Standards, Costs & What to Avoid
JC Escudero: Dec 17, 2025
Why Pool Coping Fails - How to Avoid Expensive Repairs If you’re planning a new pool or renovating an older one, it’s...
3 min read
Gas Pool Heaters: Avoid Hazards with Expert Installation
Daniela Escudero: Aug 23, 2025
Have you ever wondered if your gas pool heater could be putting your family at risk? While these heaters are fantastic...
3 min read
The Evolution of Pool Design: From Ancient Baths to Modern Marvels
Daniela Escudero: Jun 28, 2025
Swimming pools aren’t just for splashing around—they’ve been shaping architecture for thousands of years! From ancient...
4 min read
How to Design the Best Indoor Pool for Your Home, or your Client’s Vision
JC Escudero: Oct 30, 2025
Thinking About an Indoor Pool? Here's What You Need to Know First Are you a homeowner envisioning a private, year-round...
4 min read
5 Common Mistakes First-Time Pool Buyers Make (And How To Avoid Them)
Leviticus Jelks: Sep 5, 2022
There is nothing worse for a pool owner than starting on your project and having to immediately stop because something...
3 min read
Your Strategic Guide for Comparing Pool Quotes
JC Escudero: Sep 18, 2024
If you’ve reached the stage where you’re comparing pool quotes, you’re probably overwhelmed by the varying prices and...
2 min read
Does Your Pool Plaster Look Tired?
Daniela Escudero: Apr 21, 2025
Follow this simple 5 step guide: A Facelift Can Make All the Difference: If your pool has seen better days, but the...
4 min read
6 Best Practices for Your Inground Pool Construction Journey
Vanessa Petros: Jul 10, 2014
You’ve heard the saying that once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget. Until you learn, however, it takes a...
3 min read
Are Pools a Waste of Water? The Truth About Lawn vs. Pool Usage in LA
Daniela Escudero: Aug 9, 2025
If you live in a drought-prone state like California, chances are you’ve heard this before: “Don’t build a pool—it’s a...
2 min read
9 Tips to Choose the Right Builder
Liliana Escudero: Oct 7, 2021
When it comes to constructing a swimming pool, selecting the appropriate builder is a crucial decision. It can...