C
ustom homebuilders in Las Vegas are adapting to new regulations that limit the size of swimming pools in single-family homes. The Southern Nevada Water Authority and Las Vegas Valley Water District have implemented rules to reduce water consumption, including a 600-square-foot surface area cap for new pools.
Builders like Blue Heron's Tyler Jones are finding creative solutions within these constraints. "We just had to get creative," he said. "It is more about working within the constraint to still create a functional, beautiful pool." Smaller, bubbling water features and integrated spa experiences are becoming popular alternatives to large outdoor pools.
Blue Heron has designed luxury homes in Henderson's Ascaya community with smaller swimming pools that integrate into outdoor living spaces. The company's Arise and Egress homes feature floor-to-ceiling glass pocket doors, innovative architecture, and stunning views of the Las Vegas Valley.
Ozzie Kraft Enterprises, a pool builder since 1942, is also adjusting to the new regulations. Watershape designer Terence Thornton notes that controlled water features and automation can help mitigate evaporation losses. The company is incorporating outdoor living features like kitchens, fire pits, and play spaces into projects to create functional spaces for families.
A recent study commissioned by Ozzie Kraft and other industry members proposed flexible solutions to the pool size restrictions, including a proportional swimming pool size limit based on land lot size. However, the Las Vegas Valley Water District has not accepted these proposals, and the 600-square-foot regulation remains in place.
Industry professionals argue that a "one-size-fits-all" regulation is too restrictive and may not achieve the intended water-saving goals. Dan Coletti of Sun West Custom Homes suggests adaptive regulations based on property size and type. His company recently built The New American Home of 2025, which featured a smaller pool and outdoor patio area blended with indoor living space.
As drought conditions persist in the valley, custom homebuilders and pool industry professionals are exploring new design ideas to meet the challenges of water conservation.
