What To Know About Getting Pool Building Permits For Homeowners
If you’re thinking about building a custom pool, the last thing you probably want to dive into is paperwork. But permitting is a necessary step for new builds, and one that directly affects your project timeline. Permitting and engineering can take anywhere from one week to several months, depending on the build and city/county requirements. If you have a more involved project that requires special engineering, this can prolong the process.
The good news?
A good builder handles it all for you. The key is knowing what to expect in your area so you’re not caught off guard when things take longer than you thought.
Here’s what you need to know about getting a pool permit in Southern California, Arizona, and Utah, and how it fits into the bigger picture of building a custom pool.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Swimming Pool?
Yes. Every in-ground pool project requires a building permit. That includes pools built from scratch, and in most cases, any pool that involves excavation, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Above-ground pool projects sometimes don’t require permits, but that’s not what most homeowners are looking for when building a custom, permanent pool.
The permit ensures your design meets local safety codes, zoning laws, and structural requirements. Without it, the project can be delayed, denied, or even removed.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Pool Permit?
That depends on where you live and how complex your design is. On average, homeowners can expect the permitting process to take anywhere from one week to several months, depending on the city/county and the season.
In some cities or counties, simple designs can clear review in under a month. But more customized builds or projects that include retaining walls, slope considerations, or other structural elements can take longer, especially if multiple departments need to sign off.
Swimming Pool Permitting in Southern California
Riverside County (Temecula and surrounding areas)
If you’re building a pool in Temecula, Murrieta, or nearby parts of Riverside County, the process usually goes through both the county and (if applicable) your HOA.
Here’s what usually needs to be submitted:
Engineered pool plans
Site plans showing setbacks and property lines
Structural calculations (if needed)
HOA approval documentation (if required)
Timing: Standard permits can take anywhere from a week to several months.
But why?
If your lot has a slope, requires grading, or includes retaining walls, that can extend the timeline considerably. The county also requires specific energy efficiency forms and equipment specs, which your builder will provide.
Riverside County Pool Permit Information
San Diego County
San Diego County has more layers to its building code, especially if your property is in a coastal or hillside zone.
Expect to submit:
Full engineering and drainage plans
Equipment location plans (with noise mitigation if near a property line)
Electrical and plumbing diagrams
Geotechnical reports, in some cases
Timing: one to several weeks, depending on zoning and how much review the site requires. Some jurisdictions, like Encinitas or Carlsbad, may add extra steps for environmental review.
Pool Permitting in Arizona
Phoenix Metro Area
In Arizona, permitting is handled at the city level. That means the process and timelines vary depending on your location—Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert each have different systems.
Most cities require:
Pool layout and equipment plans
Electrical and gas line diagrams
Barrier/fencing plans to meet safety code
Timing: 1 to 4 weeks is typical, but it can stretch longer during the spring and summer when demand spikes. For instance, it’s a quick and easy process to obtain a permit from the city of Phoenix, according to the city website.
HOAs are common in newer communities, and most require their own approval before construction begins, even if the city’s permit is already cleared. That adds time and needs to be planned for upfront.
Pool Permitting in Utah
Salt Lake County and Surrounding Areas
In Utah, counties and cities typically require:
Site plans with setbacks and elevation data
Structural calculations for the shell
Equipment location plans
Safety and barrier compliance documentation
Timing: 2 to 6 weeks, depending on where the project is and whether the site requires additional grading or slope review. In some mountain zones, winter slows things down even more due to limited inspection availability.
What Happens if You Skip the Permit?
Skipping the permit isn’t an option. Aside from the legal risk, it puts your investment at risk. Without proper approvals:
Your project could be stopped mid-construction
You could face fines or forced removal
Homeowners’ insurance may deny coverage
Future resale could be complicated or blocked
It’s not worth it, and a professional pool builder won’t even consider moving forward without one.
Do You Have to Handle Permits Yourself?
No. When you work with a full-service pool builder like Element Pools & Spas, you don’t have to manage any of this yourself. Our team:
Prepares and submits the application
Coordinates engineering, site plans, and documentation
Follows up with the city or county
Handles corrections or comments from reviewers
Keeps you updated throughout the process
You’ll know when the permit is in hand and when the work is ready to start, but you won’t be stuck chasing paperwork or trying to figure out building codes.
Plan for It Early
Permits aren’t an afterthought. They’re one of the first steps in a custom pool project, and they take time. If you’re trying to build for summer, planning in winter or early spring gives you the best shot at a smooth process. Waiting until May or June puts you at the back of the line, both for permits and for construction schedules.
Let the Pros Handle It
Permitting is part of the job. But it shouldn’t be yours.
At Element Pools & Spas, we handle everything from design through approval and construction. That includes permitting in Riverside County, North San Diego County, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. Our team knows the process inside and out, and we’ll walk you through the real timeline without guessing or glossing it over.
Reach out today to talk through your project and learn how long it’ll take to get started.