Who can legally build a swimming pool or spa in California?
In-ground pools and spas: excavation, steel, plumbing, shell, equipment, decking.
Check a specific contractor for this job
Their license page will open with this job selected and the verdict shown.
Licensed for this work
C-53 Swimming Pool is the license for this work.
Licensed, with a condition
A B General Building contractor may contract for a pool only if they hold the C-53 or subcontract the pool work to a licensed C-53. CSLB treats a pool built by a B without either as unlicensed work — and unlicensed work lets the homeowner recover everything paid. Ask who is actually building it.
Looks like it should cover this — but doesn’t
Not an improvement to an existing residential structure, and not a B-2 trade. (§7057.5)
Licensed for part of it — not the whole job
Specialty contractors may perform their own trade on this job as subcontractors. Any specialty not listed is in the same position.
Excavation and site work, not the pool. (§7056)
Basis: B&P Code §7057; B&P Code §7058; CSLB: Before You Dive In — A Consumer Guide to Swimming Pool Construction. A California contractor may only contract for work within their classification (B&P Code §7059), with an exception for work incidental and supplemental to their own trade (16 CCR §831). This page reads the classification rules; it is not legal advice and says nothing about quality of work. Confirm with CSLB before signing.