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From backyards to high-rises: the pools of Los Angeles

The swimming pool at Barker Block, a downtown condominium complex, is located on the roof.

The swimming pool at Barker Block, a downtown condominium complex, is located on the roof.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

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Two academics wondered about the number of swimming pools in the L.A. Basin. Using computer mapping, they dived deep into data on the area’s blue backyard oases and came up with an answer: 43,123.

The pools of Los Angeles

Even a small Los Feliz yard has room for a pool.  (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

The pools of Los Angeles

Students sunbathe near the pool at the West 27th Place apartments near USC.   (Katie Falkenberg / For The Times)

The pools of Los Angeles

Swimmers float at a nighttime pool party at the Tropicana Bar in Hollywood.   (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

The pools of Los Angeles

A pool is tucked between buildings at a Brentwood home.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The pools of Los Angeles

Children keep cool by swimming in a pool at a Westchester recreation center.  (Patrick T. Fallon / Los Angeles Times)

The pools of Los Angeles

Joseph Lee, 23, a UCLA graduate from Vallejo, teamed up with research partner Benedikt Gross to produce “The Big Atlas of L.A. Pools.” Here he lounges in one of the blue oases.  (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)

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