California Contractor Insurance

C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor License: What It Covers and the Insurance It Needs

Asena Capital Insurance Services — California-licensed insurance brokerage serving contractors statewide. Phone: (858) 925-9555. Email: info@asenainsurance.com.

What a C-53 license allows

CSLB defines the C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor classification as follows: “A swimming pool contractor constructs swimming pools, spas or hot tubs, including installation of solar heating equipment using those trades or skills necessary for such construction.” Source: cslb.ca.gov licensing classifications.

C-53 licenses in California by the numbers

As of September 2026, CSLB lists 2,796 current licenses that include C-53. 54% have workers' comp on file, 42% are filed exempt, and 152 were issued in the last 12 months.

Ownership: 36% sole owners, 58% corporations, 4% LLCs. Suspensions today: 34 for workers' comp, 81 for bonds.

California cities with the most active C-53 licenses — CSLB public license file, September 2026.
LicensesWith WC policyExemptNew (12 mo)
Bakersfield5767%32%1
San Diego5143%53%6
Indio4856%40%4
Sylmar4255%45%3
San Jose4075%22%5
Simi Valley3951%46%1
Riverside3866%34%1
Los Angeles3459%35%3
Temecula3030%70%1
Corona3070%30%0

Insurance and bonds a C-53 contractor needs

  • $25,000 contractor license bond — required for every active license.
  • Workers' comp — A license with employees must carry workers' comp. With no employees you can currently file an exemption; from January 1, 2028 (SB 1455), CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses except joint ventures.
  • LLC licenses — liability insurance of at least $1 million (up to $5 million by member count) plus a $100,000 employee/worker bond.
  • General liability and commercial auto — not required by CSLB for most licenses, but required by nearly every GC, owner and public agency contract.

Many carriers limit pool construction, so the markets are narrower. Underwriters ask about new construction vs. remodel, excavation depth, and whether you self-perform the plumbing and electrical.

Get a quote

Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for swimming pool contractors and requests additional insured endorsements for you when a contract calls for them. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a quote — only your name, phone and email are required. CA License #6008596.

Frequently asked questions

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