Permits and Regulations: What You Need to Know Before Building a Pool in Florida

Designing and building a custom pool is an exciting yet complex process.

In addition to creating an attractive place to swim, you might need to address safety, energy efficiency, and/or privacy with your design. It’s also important to comply with Florida building codes. This will require you to hire an experienced builder with knowledge of the legal requirements that will affect your construction.

Research Local Zoning Laws When Planning Your Custom Pool Build

Before you begin your custom pool build, brush up on your local zoning laws. While most Tampa neighborhoods have zoning permission for pool installations, it’s always a good idea to learn about relevant laws in advance. By doing so, you can avoid violating local ordinances, which might come with fees and penalties.

In addition, talk to your homeowners association. Some HOA guidelines might prohibit swimming pools or place restrictions on their design. For example, an HOA might mandate that pools be built at a specific distance from property lines. You can spare yourself much frustration and potential cost by inquiring with your HOA.

Comply With Florida Building Code Laws

As with any construction project, you must apply for a building permit through the Florida Product Approval System. Don’t forget to add the permit fee to the cost of building a pool on your property. In Florida, the fee rate is 2.5% of the total construction value up to $100,000, with a minimum fee of $75.

In addition to paying the fee, you must submit the plans for your custom pool build. These plans should detail your intended placement of the pool, the structural design, the electrical and plumbing layout, and the design of the water circulation system.

Keep in mind that Florida building codes address the stability and safety of pool construction. Your pool’s walls must be able to resist a specific degree of pressure, and its drains must have anti-entrapment features. Your builder will walk you through all of the key regulations as you design your swimming pool.

Await Your Plan Review

After submitting the permit application for your custom pool build, you’ll need to wait for your permit to be approved. On average, this process takes one to two weeks, though it could take more time, depending on where you live and the number of other pending permits your local authorities have to process.

During this time, state officials will verify the following aspects of your project:

• Setback limit compliance
• Barrier dimension requirements
• Entrapment protection
• Compliance with miscellaneous building codes

Once your permit is approved, your pool builder can begin the project. If you receive a denial notice, you and your builder will have to amend the plans and start the application process again.

Undergo Inspections Throughout Construction

The state will inspect the construction to ensure that the project follows the plans you submitted for approval.

Along with ensuring legal compliance, these inspections serve to protect your financial investment in the project. Since they guarantee compliance with state building codes, there’s less chance of a mistake going unnoticed until the completion of the project.

Under the guidance of state inspectors, your builder can correct errors early in the construction process. This will spare you the cost associated with fixing the mistake. In some cases, a compliance issue might require demolishing the entire construction and starting the project over, which can significantly raise the project’s cost.

What to Expect During an Inspection

State inspectors follow a rigid checklist that’s specific to custom pool build projects. Here’s an overview of the items they’ll look at during each inspection:

Site Inspection

Inspectors will check the overall site to verify that the layout matches the plans. More specifically, they’ll look closely at the dimensions and positioning included in the design plans.

Steel/Rebar Inspection

Your pool builder will use steel framing and rebar when constructing the pool’s shell. Inspectors will want to make sure these features are properly placed for a sturdy and durable structure.

Plumbing Inspection

Eventually, concrete will conceal the pool’s plumbing equipment. Before reaching that phase in the construction, the state inspectors will examine the pipes, supply lines, suction fittings, and other components.

Electrical Inspection

The inspection will also include an examination of the outdoor lighting, outlets, switches, pool pump, and other electrical features. The purpose of this is to confirm that the connections are secure and that the system can handle the anticipated energy usage.

Deck Inspection

The integrity of the concrete deck must undergo an inspection as well. The inspectors will test the expansion joints and overall strength of the deck.

Barrier Inspection

Florida building codes require security fencing around every swimming pool. A fence with a locking gate will help prevent accidental drownings and related incidents by keeping unaccompanied children and pets out of the pool area.

Final Inspection

Once your builder finishes the project, they’ll request a final state inspection. At this phase, inspectors will look at the water circulation system. If everything seems to be in order, the pool will pass the inspection. If there’s a problem, your builder will have a chance to correct the issue and request a second inspection.

What Happens if Your Pool Violates Building Codes?

Hiring an experienced and licensed pool builder will help you avoid pool design mistakes. Working with a fly-by-night contractor who cuts corners can result in a pool that doesn’t comply with building codes. While a legitimate pool builder will correct their mistakes, a less reliable builder might leave you in a bad spot.

What happens if your pool doesn’t meet state building code requirements? You could face stiff fines, at the very least. The state could even take legal action against you if you don’t correct the violations within a specified time frame.

Assuming the state doesn’t take action against you, there’s still the issue of liability. If someone injures themselves as the result of a pool design that doesn’t meet building code standards, they can sue you for damages. It, therefore, makes financial sense to verify the credentials of your pool builder and be assured that they won’t cut corners.

Work With Qualified Pool Builders on Your Upcoming Project

Tampa Bay Pools can build your custom swimming pool while ensuring that it meets all local and state building regulations. Rely on our knowledge to design the perfect outdoor entertaining area for the swimmers in your family. Contact us today to start planning your pool or spa construction.