What to Expect During the Pool Permitting Process

Before a pool builder can break ground on a new project, one critical step must take place: permitting. While it isn’t the most glamorous part of building a pool, it’s one of the most important. Permits ensure the project meets local safety standards, complies with environmental regulations, and won’t negatively impact surrounding properties.

If you’re considering a new pool—or simply curious about how the process works—here’s a clear, easy-to-understand guide to what happens during permitting and why it can vary so much from one municipality to another.

Why Permitting Looks Different Everywhere

Every city, county, or municipality has its own set of rules when it comes to pool construction. Some areas make the process quick and straightforward. Others require multiple layers of approval, additional documents, or more extensive engineering.

Pool builders don’t choose how easy or difficult this step is. The timeline and requirements are entirely dependent on the local government agency issuing the permit.

To make things more complicated, permitting rules can change unexpectedly. Municipalities sometimes update their requirements without alerting builders in advance, which can affect both timelines and costs.

Understanding this variability is key to setting realistic expectations.

Stormwater Plans: What They Are and Why They Matter

Some properties must submit a stormwater plan before a pool permit can be approved.

A stormwater plan is an engineering document that explains:

• How rainwater will flow across the property

• Whether a pool will change natural drainage patterns

• How the design will prevent runoff or flooding on neighboring lots

The purpose is straightforward:

Your pool should not create drainage problems for surrounding properties.

Municipalities don’t want to approve a project that could unintentionally redirect stormwater, cause erosion, or create liability concerns. Stormwater plans ensure the design is safe, responsible, and compliant with environmental standards.

Special Engineering Requirements for Certain Properties

Some locations—particularly waterfront or high-risk areas—may require additional engineering steps to ensure long-term safety.

One example is pool pilings, which are deep structural supports driven into the ground beneath the pool. Certain municipalities require pilings to prevent extremely rare but possible scenarios, such as a storm surge lifting a pool upward like a boat.

Examples of situations that may require special engineering:

• Waterfront properties

• Areas with soft or unstable soil

• Regions prone to storm surges or high groundwater

• Lots with steep elevation changes

These requirements are not builder preferences—they are mandated by municipalities to meet safety standards.

Why Permitting Requirements Sometimes Change Overnight

Municipalities frequently update their processes for reasons such as:

• Staffing changes

• New regulations

• Revised environmental standards

• Updated zoning codes

• Increased enforcement

• Added review steps or documentation

These changes may not be announced publicly or communicated directly to builders, meaning even the most experienced companies can encounter new requirements without warning.

A builder’s job is to adapt quickly, stay organized, and communicate any changes that impact the project.

How Reputable Builders Navigate the Permitting Process

While builders can’t control municipal timelines, they can control how they prepare for them.

Strong builders typically:

• Stay familiar with regional permitting requirements

• Plan for potential delays or additional documents

• Work closely with engineers when needed

• Communicate changes clearly and promptly

• Maintain strong relationships with local permitting offices

• Track progress and follow up frequently to keep things moving

Good communication and organization are essential to minimizing delays.

Permitting: An Important Foundation for a Safe Build

Permitting may feel slow at times, but it ensures:

• Structural safety

• Environmental responsibility

• Compliance with local codes

• Protection of surrounding properties

• Long-term durability of the pool

It’s a vital step that lays the groundwork for the rest of the project.