Swimming Pool Permits You Need to Start Construction

Building a pool is a complicated process with a lot of moving pieces. The first step is finding a trustworthy pool builder to bring your dream backyard to life. Acquiring swimming pool permits is not something that you can just blow off as a homeowner. Sure, it may be an extra hassle, and some additional fees are required for different permits, but those fees are much less than those you would receive for not notifying your local government. The first step is determining if you will need them. If you do not pay city taxes, you can skip this step (and the cost) altogether. If you live within the city limits, we move on to our first step…

The first step to begin our process is sending in your construction plan. This detailed plan shows your pool’s exact measurements and location. If an inspector determines that your property is big enough for the size and style of your pool and there are no concerns about utilities or easements getting in the way, you will receive your construction permit. After your construction permit is received, we can start your building process, but there are other permits that we will obtain along the way. Often, these permits require inspections and checkoffs for us to proceed to the next step.

 

Plumbing

A plumbing permit should go without saying, being that it is a pool of water. This is one of the first steps in building a pool. The local government requires that all plumbing work be done by a registered/licensed plumber with the county and follows the International Plumbing Code. 

 

Electrical

All pool equipment will need some form of electricity to function. For example, your filtration system is responsible for keeping your pool clean and that runs on electricity. Electrical permits are very similar to plumbing. Most counties require an electrician to be licensed within the county and per the National Electrical Code. A licensed electrician and good pool builder also knows the importance of bonding and grounding. This is life and death stuff!

 

Gas

When gas lines are installed for a swimming pool, you need a separate air pressure gauge to verify the pressure. Most gas tests utilize a diaphragm gauge that an inspector will test and verify. After all, the filtration system must run to keep the pool safe and clean. 

 

Steel

Steel is another process that must be inspected during this build. If not done correctly, the steelwork could destroy the rest of the pool’s stability. Before proceeding with the gunite, the foundation for your entire pool must be inspected. Once your steelwork has been inspected and approved, the rest of your process can proceed. 

 

Drainage 

There should be two drainage inspections during your process, one before construction begins and one near the end of your project. All drain lines and dirt work must be completed during the inspection. You must also complete any permanent vegetation installation before final drainage approval. This drainage is necessary to show how you plan to drain wastewater from your pool into a waste pipe safely.

 

HOA

Each HOA is different, so contact yours and see what they require and how you can get approved. 

 

Even if you do not have to pull permits because you are in the county, ask your pool builder about their specific inspections. Even with our county pools we require inspection at all of the same phases of the build process. The inspections go through several areas of the company for inspection and approval and hold similar to government standards. Pool construction requires much hard work and sometimes involves many different teams. While these inspections might seem like a hassle, they exist to ensure that your swimming pool is expertly constructed and safe to use. If you are looking to start your backyard oasis or want to learn more about the required permits, click here!