Frequently asked questions

California Smartscape is a full-service outdoor living design and construction company specializing in custom swimming pools and spas, pool renovations, softscape, lighting, plants, hardscaping, outdoor kitchens, patio covers and shade structures, fire and water features, synthetic grass, fencing, ADU’s and complete backyard transformations. YOUR VISION. ONE TEAM. FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION.

California Smartscape’s Design Center is based in Poway, California, and serves homeowners throughout San Diego County and surrounding Southern California communities. Contact our team to confirm service availability for your specific location.

Yes. California Smartscape is a licensed contractor serving Southern California with the following licenses: B (General Contracting), C-27 (Landscape Construction), C-53 (Pool Construction), and C-8 (Concrete).

Our combination of custom design, comprehensive outdoor living services, detailed 3D visualization, quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and concierge-style customer service allows us to manage the entire outdoor transformation as one cohesive project. We have a tailored Design Center that assists our clients with the many key material decisions. Unlike other companies, we offer a comprehensive solution including softscape lighting and plants as well as ADU’s. Rather than simply building individual features, we focus on creating outdoor environments that are beautiful, functional, and designed around the way our clients want to live.

Yes. Our team can manage the entire process from initial concepts and 3D design through planning, material selections, construction-ready documents, permitting and HOA submissions when applicable, construction, and final completion. This integrated approach helps maintain consistency throughout the project.

Yes. Experience Your Backyard Before We Build It. Every California Smartscape client receives a personalized 3D design walkthrough of their project. Before construction begins, you'll have the opportunity to virtually experience your new outdoor space — seeing how the pool, landscape, hardscape and outdoor living areas come together around your home. It's more than a rendering. It's an opportunity to step into your vision before we build it, refine the details, and feel confident that the space we're creating truly reflects the way you want to live. See it. Experience it. Perfect it. Then we build it.

Yes. We design and build fully customized swimming pools based on your property, architecture, lifestyle, design preferences, and project goals. From contemporary pools to resort-inspired environments, each design is developed specifically for the homeowner and property. In addition, we also complete minor and major pool renovations and beautification projects for our clients.

Yes. Our design team works with properties of many different sizes, layouts, elevations, and configurations. Thoughtful planning and custom design can help maximize available space while maintaining functionality, circulation, and visual appeal.

Yes. Pools and spas can be designed together as a cohesive environment. Our team can incorporate integrated spas, raised spas, water features, lighting, fire features, seating areas, and other custom elements depending on your vision and property.

Depending on your property and design, options may include integrated spas, waterfalls, water features, rockwork, grottos, slides, swim-up bars, tanning ledges, fire features, lighting, automation, specialty finishes, and surrounding outdoor entertainment areas.

Yes. We can transform existing pools through renovations and upgrades that may include reshaping, new finishes, tile, coping, equipment, automation, lighting, water features, spa additions, decking, and surrounding landscape or hardscape improvements.

Yes. Not every project requires a complete rebuild. Our team can evaluate your existing pool, landscape, hardscape, and outdoor features and recommend improvements that preserve elements that still work while upgrading areas that need attention.

Yes. Every landscape project can be customized around your home's architecture, property layout, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. Landscaping can also be designed alongside pools, hardscaping, and outdoor living features to create a cohesive finished environment.

Our landscaping services may include custom landscape design and installation, planting, trees, irrigation, grading, decorative rock, mulch, synthetic grass, and integration with pools, hardscaping, and other outdoor living features.

We can incorporate patios, concrete, walkways, pool decking, pavers, retaining walls, planters, seating areas, steps, walls, and other hardscape features into the overall outdoor design.

Yes. Synthetic grass can be incorporated into an outdoor design to provide an attractive, low-maintenance surface that works well around pools, entertainment areas, play spaces, and other landscape features.

Yes. Complete outdoor transformations are one of our specialties. We can combine pools and spas, landscaping, hardscaping, outdoor kitchens, shade structures, fire and water features, fencing, softscape, synthetic grass, lighting, and entertainment areas into one coordinated design.

Yes. Outdoor kitchens and entertainment spaces can be incorporated into the overall design and may include cooking areas, built-in grills, countertops, seating, shade structures, fireplaces, fire pits, and other features designed around how you plan to use your outdoor space.

Yes. Patio covers, pergolas, and other shade structures can be integrated into the overall outdoor environment to provide shade, architectural interest, and additional usable living space.

Yes. Depending on the design, we can incorporate fire pits, fireplaces, waterfalls, fountains, and other custom fire and water features to create visual interest, ambiance, and focal points throughout the property.

The first step is to schedule a consultation with our team. We will discuss your goals, property, preferred features, style, priorities, and budget considerations before determining the appropriate next steps for design and construction.

Our designers work with you to understand your vision and develop a coordinated plan for your outdoor space. Depending on the project, the process may include site evaluation, layout development, 3D visualization, material selections, feature planning, construction documentation, and revisions before construction begins.

Yes. California Smartscape has a dedicated Design Center where clients can explore materials, finishes, colors, and design options for their outdoor living projects. Our Design Center helps bring your vision to life by allowing you to see and compare selections while working with our experienced team to create a cohesive design tailored to your home, lifestyle, and preferences.

Yes. One of the primary benefits of the design process is the opportunity to review your proposed outdoor environment and refine important details before construction begins. Our team will explain how requested changes may affect the project's scope, schedule, and cost.

Yes. Our team guides clients through material and finish selections so the different elements of the project complement one another and support the overall design. Our design center helps facilitate each of the many important material decisions.

Yes, our team will evaluate any potential permits and approvals that are required. We assist with construction-ready documents and required city and HOA submissions. Requirements vary by property, jurisdiction, and project scope, and we will help explain the applicable process. Our job is to create as smooth a process as possible for each client.

Yes. Our team has experience working with local regulations, permitting processes, and building requirements throughout the communities we serve.

We schedule crews to begin your project once all materials are selected, scope of work is finalized, design is signed, and outside approvals including municipal and potentially HOA are received. Project timelines vary based on the size and complexity of the project, design requirements, permitting, material availability, weather, site conditions, and selected features. Smaller projects may require several weeks, while extensive backyard transformations can take several months. We provide project-specific expectations during the planning process.

Pool construction timelines vary depending on design complexity, permitting, engineering, site conditions, inspections, material selections, weather, and additional outdoor features. Our team will provide a more specific timeline once the scope and design have been established. Typically, a residential pool project can be completed in 4-5 months from signature of agreement to water in the pool, including permitting process and all construction.

Yes. Clear communication is an important part of our customer experience. Our team provides updates throughout the project so you understand the current stage, upcoming work, and important decisions or milestones. You will receive frequent in-person and phone updates from your Project Manager as well as weekly communication from our Office Team.

We hired highly experienced Project Managers who are trained to be excellent communicators. Your Project Manager is committed to maintaining quality, communication, consistency, and accountability throughout the design and construction process. Our goal is to create your vision, with lasting quality, as quickly as possible.

Construction can occasionally reveal unforeseen site conditions. If an unexpected issue arises, our team will evaluate the situation, communicate the findings, discuss available solutions, and explain any potential impact on the scope, schedule, or cost before proceeding as appropriate.

Every project is different. Pricing depends on factors such as property conditions, project size, design complexity, materials, pool dimensions, equipment, landscaping, hardscaping, structures, and specialty features. A consultation allows our team to better understand your goals and develop recommendations based on your specific project.

Yes. Sharing your desired investment range early in the process helps our designers prioritize features, materials, and design decisions. Our goal is to create a thoughtful plan that balances aesthetics, functionality, value, and your project priorities. We have many price discovery tools to help understand your potential scope of work decisions.

Major factors can include site conditions and topography, access, engineering requirements, pool size and configuration, materials, equipment, structural features, landscaping, hardscaping, outdoor structures, specialty features, and overall project complexity.

Yes. We stand behind our workmanship and the products and materials used in our projects. Warranty coverage can vary depending on the component, manufacturer, and scope of work, and our team can explain the applicable warranty information for your project. At the end of the project, each client is given all warranties in writing.

Our relationship does not end when construction is complete. Our team will help address applicable final project details, explain relevant features or equipment, provide orientations, and provide information regarding warranty coverage and future support. We also love seeing videos and photos of our clients enjoying their beautiful backyards :)

Yes. This is a common request and we discuss materials, plant selections, synthetic grass, irrigation, pool equipment, automation, and other design choices that may help reduce routine maintenance while maintaining an attractive outdoor environment.

Yes. We evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability with each of our projects. Depending on the project, modern pool equipment, automation, pumps, lighting, and other technologies can be considered to improve convenience and operating efficiency.

Yes. One of the key advantages of working with a full-service Outdoor Living company, such as California Smartscape, is the ability to coordinate multiple elements of the project through one team. Pools, landscaping, hardscaping, outdoor structures, kitchens, and other features can be planned together for a more cohesive, cost-efficient, and more streamlined result.

A local contractor brings familiarity with regional architecture, climate, landscaping considerations, site conditions, permitting requirements, and outdoor living trends. Local experience can also help create a smoother design and construction process.

Consider how you want to use the space, which features are most important, your preferred design style, your desired investment range, maintenance preferences, entertaining needs, and any future plans for the property. Sharing these priorities with our designers helps us develop a more personalized solution.

Contact California Smartscape to schedule a consultation with our team. Our design professionals will discuss your vision, evaluate your needs, and help you determine the next steps toward creating your new outdoor environment. Our contact info is (619) 330-3886 and info@calsmartscape.com.

Yes. In addition to designing, building, and renovating pools and outdoor living spaces, we can also provide ongoing professional pool cleaning and maintenance. Our goal is to make pool ownership as simple and worry-free as possible by helping keep your water clean, balanced, safe, and ready to enjoy year-round. Our sister company is Best Pool Service, one of the largest and most reputable pool service providers in Southern California.

Pool service can include routine cleaning, water testing and chemical balancing, equipment checks, and general monitoring of your pool's condition. Service needs can vary depending on the pool, property, equipment, and frequency of use, so we can help determine the appropriate maintenance program for your pool.

Yes. We maintain, diagnose, and repair pool equipment, including pumps, filters, heaters, automation systems, and other essential pool components. If an equipment issue is identified, we can evaluate the problem and recommend the appropriate repair or replacement to help keep your pool operating properly.

Absolutely. Our services don't have to end when construction is complete. After your new pool or renovation is finished, we can continue helping you care for it with ongoing cleaning, maintenance, equipment support, and repairs. This gives you a convenient option for continued pool care after your project is completed.

Yes. You don't need to have had your pool built or renovated by us to receive pool service. We can provide professional cleaning, maintenance, and equipment support for existing pools and help keep them clean, properly maintained, and ready to enjoy.

Yes. Pool service is available for both residential and commercial properties. We can provide ongoing maintenance and support for homeowners as well as HOAs, apartment communities, hotels, and other commercial properties.

A typical residential pool is serviced weekly. The ideal service schedule depends on factors such as pool size, usage, surrounding landscaping, weather, equipment, and property type. Regular professional service helps maintain proper water chemistry, cleanliness, equipment performance, and overall pool condition. Our team can recommend a service schedule based on the specific needs of your pool.

Yes. In addition to routine pool cleaning and maintenance, we can assist with pool equipment repairs and other service needs. Having access to both regular maintenance and repair support makes it easier to identify issues early and keep your pool operating reliably.

Yes. One of the greatest advantages of working with us is the ability to receive comprehensive outdoor living and pool support—from initial design and construction to renovations, landscaping, hardscaping, and ongoing pool maintenance. Once your outdoor space is complete, we can continue helping you protect and enjoy your investment with professional pool service and support.