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

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

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

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

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

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

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)