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New pool builds, resurfacing, and renovations in the heart of the Tri-Valley, just minutes from our Pleasanton headquarters
CSLB #726779 • 73+ Years in Business • A+ BBB Rating • (925) 828-3100
Adams Pool Solutions is headquartered at 3675 Old Santa Rita Rd in Pleasanton, roughly six miles from downtown Livermore. We are not a company that sends crews from an hour away and hopes for the best. Our office is a ten-minute drive from most Livermore neighborhoods, and our team has been building and renovating pools in the Tri-Valley since 1953.
That proximity matters. When your project superintendent lives and works in the same valley as your jobsite, response times are faster, coordination with inspectors is smoother, and the crew shows up on time because they are not fighting Bay Area traffic from across the bridge.
Livermore is one of the best cities in the East Bay for pool ownership. Summer highs regularly push into the upper 80s and low 90s, and the season stretches comfortably from May through October. Many neighborhoods have generous lot sizes, and the housing stock ranges from 1950s ranch homes with aging pools ready for renovation to brand-new developments where homeowners are building their first backyard pool.
Whether you are planning a new pool build, a full resurfacing, or a complete backyard renovation, schedule a consultation or call (925) 828-3100.
Adams Pool Solutions handles every phase of a pool project, from initial design and engineering through city permitting, excavation, construction, and final inspection. Residential services include new pool construction, resurfacing and replastering, tile and coping replacement, equipment upgrades, spa additions, water feature installation, and complete backyard renovations.
We also serve commercial clients throughout the Tri-Valley, including community associations, fitness centers, and municipal facilities. Our project portfolio includes work ranging from residential backyards to large-scale commercial renovations.
Livermore projects benefit from our deep familiarity with local soil conditions, the City of Livermore permitting process, and the specific challenges that come with building in the Tri-Valley climate. If you are ready to talk about your project, request a consultation or call (925) 828-3100.
Thirty plus years as a swimming pool remodeling contractor has taught us a few things about pool construction. We’ve gone from simple replasters to complete pool replacement and everything in between.
In addition to our impressive body of remodel work, Adams Pool Solutions has been quietly constructing new pools for very discerning clients who want the customization and special touch to help make their vision of paradise come to life.
Commercial work doesn’t always elicit praise for its eye-popping appeal like a tropical backyard paradise but it is a good indicator of the resources a company can bring to a project.
Preparation of the interior pool surface is critical to the long term adhesion of the new interior surface. Over the years, we have determined that removal of the surface material is the most effective process.
Livermore offers something that many Bay Area cities cannot: space. With over 70% of the housing stock consisting of detached single-family homes and lot sizes regularly reaching 8,000 to 13,000 square feet in established neighborhoods, most Livermore properties have the room for a well-designed pool and surrounding hardscape.
Newer communities like Montrose, Serenity, and the Estate Collection in South Livermore offer even larger lots, many on a quarter acre or more. These properties are natural candidates for new pool construction, often with enough space for a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, and entertaining area.
The climate seals the deal. Livermore is one of the warmest cities in the East Bay, with average July highs in the mid-to-upper 80s and plenty of days pushing past 90. That heat, combined with the dry Mediterranean summers, means a pool is not a luxury here. It is the center of backyard life from late spring through early fall.
Every new pool project starts with a site evaluation. We assess lot dimensions, soil conditions, drainage patterns, setback requirements, and access for equipment. From there, we work with you on design, material selection, and engineering before submitting plans to the City of Livermore for permitting.
For details on the construction process, see our new pool construction page. To discuss your property specifically, contact us or call (925) 828-3100.
Livermore has a deep inventory of existing pools that are reaching the age where renovation makes sense. The city’s median home construction year is 1978, which means thousands of pools built in the 1960s through the 1990s are now 30 to 65 years old. Neighborhoods like Sunset West, Sunset East, Springtown, Rhonewood Park, and Three Fountains contain large concentrations of homes from this era, and many of those pools are showing their age.
Common signs that a pool needs renovation include rough or stained plaster, cracking tile, loose or crumbling coping, outdated single-speed pumps, failing heaters, and plumbing leaks underneath the deck. If you are seeing any of these, the pool is telling you something.
Adams uses HydroBlast technology for surface preparation, stripping old plaster down to clean substrate before applying new finishes. This produces a stronger bond and a longer-lasting result than chipping alone. Pool interior finishes range from traditional white plaster to colored plaster, exposed aggregate, pebble finishes, and glass bead surfaces. Tile and coping updates give the waterline and pool edge a completely fresh look.
Equipment upgrades often make sense during a renovation. Variable-speed pumps cut energy costs dramatically. LED lighting replaces dim, power-hungry incandescent fixtures. Automated chemical management keeps the water balanced with less hands-on work. And with California’s Title 24 energy standards now requiring renewable primary heating for new installations, a renovation is the right time to evaluate your heating system.
Every city has its own set of factors that affect how pools are designed, built, and maintained. In Livermore, several stand out.
Climate. Livermore sits in an inland valley, shielded from the coastal fog that keeps cities like San Francisco and Oakland cool in summer. Average July highs reach the mid-to-upper 80s, and triple-digit days are not unusual during heat waves. KQED has reported that Livermore was among Bay Area cities experiencing their hottest summers on record as climate patterns shift. That heat drives demand for pools and extends the swimming season well beyond what coastal residents enjoy.
Wine country character. Livermore Valley is a federally recognized American Viticultural Area with over 50 wineries. The southern part of the city falls under the South Livermore Valley Specific Plan (SLVSP), which enforces development standards designed to preserve the agricultural and viticultural character of the area. Properties in the SLVSP zone may face additional requirements for landscaping, fencing, screening, and site plan approval. If your property is in this area, we factor those requirements into the design from the start.
Soil variability. The Livermore Valley floor contains four distinct USDA soil series, each with different implications for excavation and pool shell engineering. We cover these in detail in the soil section below, but the short version is that some parts of Livermore have expansive clay that requires careful engineering, while other areas have gravelly, well-drained soils that are straightforward to work with. A geotechnical report before construction tells us exactly what we are working with on your specific lot.
Groundwater. The Mocho Subbasin runs beneath the Livermore Valley with shallow unconfined groundwater within 25 feet of the surface in some areas. High groundwater can affect excavation (requiring dewatering) and pool design (requiring hydrostatic relief valves to prevent the shell from floating when emptied). This is manageable with proper planning, and it is something we evaluate during the site assessment.
Generous lot sizes. Unlike many Bay Area cities where lots are 4,000 to 5,000 square feet, Livermore neighborhoods commonly offer 7,000 to 13,000 square feet, with some South Livermore properties sitting on a quarter acre or more. That extra space gives homeowners real design flexibility for pool shape, depth, surrounding hardscape, and outdoor living features.
All swimming pool construction in Livermore requires a building permit from the City of Livermore Community Development Department. Here is the contact information and what the process looks like.
The process: submit your permit application with a complete plan set, supplemental materials, and fees. Applications can be submitted in person at the counter or by emailing [email protected]. Plan review typically takes 15 to 25 business days depending on project complexity and current workload.
Your contractor must hold an active C-53 Swimming Pool license from the California Contractors State License Board. Adams holds CSLB License #726779, active through August 31, 2026.
Key zoning requirements (LPZC 3-50-100):
Inspections: Schedule by calling (925) 960-4430 before 6:00 AM on the day of inspection, or through the Accela online portal. The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department (LPFD) may coordinate pool barrier and safety inspections. LPFD inspection line: (925) 454-2307 (call before 9:00 AM, at least 2 days prior).
Adams coordinates all permitting and inspections on your behalf. If you have questions about what your specific project requires, reach out to schedule a consultation.
Whether you are planning new construction on a generous Livermore lot, resurfacing a pool from the Sunset era, or upgrading equipment to meet Title 24 standards, Adams Pool Solutions is ten minutes away and ready to help. Contact the team or call (925) 828-3100 to start the conversation.
California’s Title 24 energy standards updated on January 1, 2026. If your Livermore project involves building a new pool, adding a spa, or changing the primary heating system, Title 24 applies.
The key changes: gas heaters can no longer serve as the primary heating source for new pools. The primary source must be a heat pump, solar thermal system, or other renewable option. Solar thermal collectors must cover at least 60% of the pool’s surface area for residential installations. Pools with any type of heater must use a pool cover. New pool controls must be demand-response capable. Existing pools and heater replacements are exempt.
Livermore is one of the best locations in the Bay Area for solar thermal pool heating. The city receives significantly more sunshine than coastal communities, with hot, clear summers that maximize solar collector performance. Unlike the fog-shrouded coast, Livermore’s inland position means solar thermal panels work at high efficiency throughout the prime swimming season.
Heat pumps are the other strong option, and they pair well with Livermore’s warm climate. They operate efficiently in the temperature ranges that Livermore experiences and can extend your swim season into the cooler shoulder months of April and November.
For a detailed breakdown, see the guide to California Title 24 pool construction requirements. If you are considering equipment upgrades as part of your renovation, we can advise on what meets current code and what makes the most sense for your property.
From the vineyard estates of South Livermore to the established ranch homes of Sunset West and the brand-new developments on the city’s edges, Adams Pool Solutions has built and renovated pools across Livermore. Here are some of the neighborhoods where we work most often.
The jewel of Livermore’s residential landscape. Communities like Kristopher Ranch, Vintners Green, Alden Lane, and the Montrose and Estate Collection sit among vineyards on lots ranging from 8,000 square feet to over a third of an acre. Homes built from the early 2000s through the present, priced well above the city median. Many properties have the space and setting for resort-style pool and outdoor living designs. Properties in the SLVSP zone must comply with additional site plan and landscaping standards that preserve the wine country character.
Together, these two neighborhoods contain nearly 2,800 homes built between 1958 and 1973 by Sunset Development. Sunset West (about 1,711 homes) features lots in the 6,000 to 8,000 square foot range and is ranked wealthier than 98% of U.S. neighborhoods. Sunset East (about 1,108 homes) offers slightly larger lots at 7,000 to 10,000 square feet, mostly single-story ranch layouts. Pools in these neighborhoods are 50 to 65 years old and represent the single largest concentration of renovation-ready pools in the city.
Livermore’s largest neighborhood by home count, with approximately 1,710 homes across three phases spanning the 1960s through the 1990s. Phase 1 (1960s) was originally planned as a retirement community. Phase 2, known as Spring Valley (1980s), consists of duplex-style homes. Phase 3 (1990s, KB Homes) brought 1,500 to 2,000 square foot homes on 4,500 to 5,500 square foot lots. The older phases offer strong renovation opportunities, while Phase 3 homes may be approaching their first resurfacing cycle.
Built in the early 1990s by Warmington Homes and Pulte Homes respectively, these neighborhoods feature 2,500 to 3,500 square foot homes on generous 8,000 to 13,000 square foot lots. Portola Glen has about 267 homes with an active HOA (established 1988) that requires architectural review for exterior modifications including pool construction. Pools built in the early 1990s are now reaching the 30-year mark, which is typically when the first resurfacing becomes necessary.
Livermore’s newest communities, built from the mid-2010s through today. Vineyard Crossing and Cottages (2015-2017, KB Homes) sit near the ACE Train station. Serenity (Shea Homes) is currently under construction. These homes may not have pools yet, making them prime candidates for new construction. Lot sizes and HOA restrictions vary, so check your specific community’s CC&Rs before beginning the design process.
A late-1960s community of about 339 homes built by K&B Homes with an active homeowners association. The Rhonewood Park HOA maintains a cabana club with a community pool, swim team (Rhonewood Sharks), and swim lessons. Individual pool construction requires architectural review per the CC&Rs. Pools in this neighborhood are 55 to 60 years old, placing them firmly in renovation territory. HOA dues run $335 to $450 per year.
Livermore sits in a valley with highly variable soils, and what is under your backyard directly affects how your pool needs to be engineered. The USDA Soil Survey identifies four main soil series in the Livermore area, each with different characteristics for excavation and pool construction.
Positas Series (most challenging). Found primarily in southern portions of the valley. Gravelly loam on the surface with heavy clay underneath, containing 20 to 35% more clay in the B horizons than at the surface. This clay is smectitic, meaning it expands significantly when wet and shrinks when dry. The shrink-swell potential is rated high. Pools built in Positas soils need engineered backfill, potentially deep foundations using drilled piers, and careful drainage design to prevent the expanding clay from cracking the pool shell.
Rincon Series (high clay). Heavy clay loam to clay with 35 to 45% clay content in the B horizons. Similar challenges to Positas with high shrink-swell potential. Engineering solutions are the same: careful foundation design and moisture management.
Livermore Series (moderate, generally favorable). Very gravelly coarse sandy loam throughout, with somewhat excessive drainage and moderately rapid permeability. Very deep profiles extending beyond 60 inches. Found on low terraces and alluvial fans across the valley floor. The high gravel content makes excavation relatively straightforward, and the excellent drainage is actually a benefit for pool construction. Extra care may be needed for plumbing penetrations in the gravelly material.
Pleasanton Series (moderate). Gravelly fine sandy loam surface over gravelly sandy clay loam subsurface. Less expansive than Positas but more clay than the Livermore series. A moderate challenge that most experienced pool builders can handle without specialized foundation work.
The general pattern: north Livermore tends toward more challenging clay loams and clays, while south Livermore has sandier, better-drained soils. The valley floor and alluvial fans typically feature the gravelly Livermore series soils.
A geotechnical soil report before construction tells us exactly what conditions exist on your property. Adams has been building pools in the Tri-Valley for over seven decades, and our engineering team is intimately familiar with these soil types and the solutions they require.
Water is a real consideration for pool owners in Livermore, and understanding the local water situation helps you plan wisely.
Two providers serve the city: Livermore Municipal Water (serving most of the city) and California Water Service (Cal Water) Livermore District. Both draw from the Livermore Valley Groundwater Basin, which is managed by Zone 7 Water Agency.
Current status (as of 2026): Cal Water customers are in Stage 1 conservation. There is no explicit ban on filling residential pools under Stage 1. Pools must not leak, must not be overfilled, and should be covered when not in use. Even during the Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency declared in September 2021, pool filling was not explicitly banned, though conservation was expected.
Pool cover rebate: Zone 7 Water Agency offers a pool cover rebate covering 50% of the cost, up to $100. Pool covers reduce evaporation by up to 95% and are one of the simplest ways to conserve water. They also retain heat, which reduces heating costs and pairs well with the Title 24 requirements for covered pools.
Groundwater context: The Livermore Valley Groundwater Basin (DWR Basin 2-10) currently holds approximately 231,000 acre-feet of groundwater storage, up from 216,800 in 2022. Zone 7’s Alternative Groundwater Sustainability Plan received state approval in June 2024. The basin was historically overdrafted before the 1960s but has recovered since State Water Project imports began recharging the aquifer.
The California Pool and Spa Association has noted that pools do not require more water than equivalent landscaping. A well-maintained, covered pool is a responsible use of water in the Livermore climate.
For more information, visit Zone 7 Water Agency or contact Cal Water’s Livermore District.
Livermore’s housing boom from the 1950s through the 1980s left the city with thousands of pools that are now 35 to 65 years old. If your home is in Sunset West, Sunset East, Springtown, Rhonewood Park, Carlton Square, Wagner Farms, or Three Fountains, your pool may be approaching or past the point where renovation is the smart move.
Surface deterioration. Plaster finishes typically last 10 to 15 years, and aggregate or pebble surfaces last 15 to 25 years. A pool built in the 1970s has likely been resurfaced at least once already. If the current surface is rough, stained, cracking, or delaminating, it is time again. Adams uses HydroBlast technology for surface preparation, which strips old material cleanly and creates a better bond for the new finish.
Plumbing and structural concerns. Pools from the 1960s and 1970s often have galvanized steel or early PVC plumbing that has become brittle. Underground leaks waste water, undermine deck structures, and can cause soil erosion around the pool shell. Replumbing with modern materials during a renovation prevents these issues from appearing after you have already paid for a new surface.
Electrical upgrades. Pre-1980 pools rarely meet current electrical code for grounding, bonding, GFCI protection, and conductor sizing. A renovation is the right time to bring the electrical up to standard.
Equipment modernization. Older pools often run on single-speed pumps, which are energy hogs compared to modern variable-speed units. A single-speed pump running 8 hours a day costs roughly three times what a variable-speed pump costs to operate. Add LED lighting, automated controls, and an efficient heater, and the operating cost difference between a 1970s pool and a renovated pool can be significant.
For homes in the 1990s and 2000s neighborhoods like Portola Glen, Amber Ridge, Kristopher Ranch, Alden Lane, and Dunsmuir, the pools are 20 to 30 years old. These are typically approaching their first resurfacing cycle and may benefit from tile, coping, and equipment updates as well.
See our pool resurfacing and pool surface options pages for more on what is available for your project.
Adams Pool Solutions is a licensed California contractor with appropriate insurance coverage, including general liability, workers’ compensation, and bonding. The company manages projects from design through completion and warranty service.
Construction methods, surface prep techniques, and equipment installations follow proven practices developed over seven decades. With our headquarters just six miles from downtown Livermore, we are your neighbors as well as your contractors. If you want to confirm details or discuss your project, see the company background or call (925) 828-3100.
Whether you are building a new pool on a generous Livermore lot, resurfacing a 1960s classic in Sunset West, or upgrading equipment for energy efficiency, Adams Pool Solutions is right here in the Tri-Valley and ready to help. We will evaluate your property, walk you through your options, and handle everything from permitting to final inspection. Contact the team or call (925) 828-3100.
Pool barriers must be at least 5 feet (60 inches) high, made of permanent materials (wood, wire, or masonry), with self-closing, self-latching gates. California law (since 2007) requires two drowning prevention features for new pools, such as a pool alarm plus door alarms, or a mesh fence plus a safety cover.
Pool decking can extend to within 5 feet of the rear or side property line. Pool equipment structures under 6 feet tall require a minimum 3-foot setback from the property line, increasing by 1 foot for every foot above 6 feet. Exact setbacks depend on your zoning district. Check with the City’s Planning Division at (925) 960-4410.
Livermore’s soils vary significantly across the valley. North Livermore tends toward clay loams and clays (including expansive Positas and Rincon series with high shrink-swell potential), while South Livermore has sandier soils with better drainage. A geotechnical soil report before construction determines if engineered backfill, deep foundations, or special drainage is needed. Adams has been building in the Tri-Valley since 1953 and is intimately familiar with these soil conditions.
As of 2026, there is no explicit ban on filling residential pools in Livermore under current Stage 1 conservation rules. Pools must not leak, must not be overfilled, and should be covered when not in use. Zone 7 Water Agency offers a pool cover rebate (50% of cost, up to $100). Even during the Stage 2 emergency declared in 2021, pool filling was not banned outright. The California Pool and Spa Association has noted that pools do not require more water than equivalent landscaping.
If your home is in an HOA community such as Rhonewood Park, Portola Glen, Portola Meadows, Dunsmuir Association, or Silver Oaks, you will need architectural review approval before construction begins. Submit your pool plans to the HOA’s architectural committee before applying for a city permit. Processing times vary by HOA.
In some areas, yes. The Mocho Subbasin has shallow unconfined groundwater within 25 feet of the surface. Deeper confined aquifer levels range from 75 to 150 feet. If your property has a high water table, dewatering may be needed during excavation, and the pool shell may require hydrostatic relief valves to prevent floating when empty. A soil and groundwater report during the site evaluation will identify whether this applies to your property.
Plan review at the City of Livermore typically takes 15 to 25 business days. After permit approval, construction involves multiple inspection phases: pre-gunite steel and plumbing, electrical, barrier and fence, and final inspection. Total timeline from permit approval to a completed, filled pool is typically 8 to 16 weeks depending on pool complexity, weather, and any site-specific challenges like soil conditions or HOA reviews. Adams coordinates all permitting and inspections on your behalf.
Destination: Adams Pool Solutions, 3675 Old Santa Rita Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588
From Livermore, take I-580 West toward Pleasanton and Dublin. Exit at Santa Rita Road. Turn left (south) onto Santa Rita Road. Continue past Stoneridge Mall to Old Santa Rita Road. Turn right onto Old Santa Rita Road. Adams Pool Solutions is on the right. The drive takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes from most Livermore neighborhoods.
Phone: (925) 828-3100
Route may vary with traffic. For live directions, search the destination address in your preferred map app.
Whether you’re building new or bringing an older pool back to life, we’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and give you an honest estimate. No pressure, no surprises.