
Should I hire a general contractor or a pool contractor?
In most cases a general contractor will subcontract out the work for building a swimming pool to a professional pool builder. Hiring a Pool Contractor over a General Contractor is often advisable. Swimming pools have many different facets involved with construction that General Contractors simply aren’t aware or prepared to tackle on their own.
Do you need a license to build a swimming pool in Texas?
Swimming Pools, spas, and hot tubs can only be built and installed by licensed contractors with a C-53 Swimming Pool Contractors license. In Texas however, you only need a general contractors license in order to build a pool. The laws vary from state to state, it’s advised to search the local laws for your city/town/municipality.
Do general contractors need a license?
Most General Contractors will subcontract out the work to skilled tradesmen that specialize in Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, etc. In certain states like California, there is a specific license required by the State Contractors licensing board (CSLB) in the field of work that needs to be performed for any specialty contracting job of $500 or more.
What does a general contractor do?
A general contractor can provide project management and oversight of the entire project but will typically hire a skilled tradesman to perform specialty work on different phases of construction. Because most General Contractors have the resources to find subcontractors.
Why do you need a general contractor for a pool?
Why do general contractors not install pools?
What do general contractors subcontract?
What is a C-53 pool license?
Do you need a C 53 to build a pool in Texas?
Can a pool builder subcontract work?
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Can a Florida general contractor build pools?
Basically, a general contractor shall not be required to subcontract structural swimming pool work. This has been interpreted to mean that if the pool shell is part of the structure, then a general contractor may perform the work. If the pool shell is not part of the structure, then the work must be subcontracted.
Do you need a license to build pools in Texas?
In Texas, it's a legal requirement to have a permit for your pool, and this applies to both commercial and residential properties. Luckily for you, here at Claffey Pools, we're experts in all areas of swimming pool construction, installation and design.
What I Wish I Knew Before building a pool?
Here is our list of things to consider before building your swimming pool.There is a Reason Some Pool Materials Cost More. ... Pool Features are Important to the Overall Enjoyment. ... Not Every “Pool Company” Does a Turnkey Operation. ... Choosing the Wrong Pool Company Can Set You Up for Disappointment.
Is it cheaper to build your own pool?
After some discussion on pool size and shape, I can always say that, as a rule of thumb you will typically save half of what it would cost to have the pool installed by a local pool contractor.
What happens if you build a pool without a permit in Texas?
If your state authorities do not allow putting up a pool without a permit, the chances are that you can be slapped with hefty fines. In case you have constructed one without a permit, you may even have to demolish the pool.
Do you need permission to build a swimming pool?
Planning permission is not usually required to install an outdoor domestic swimming pool as a pool is often considered as a garden project.
Is it worth the money to put in a pool?
A pool can increase not only your social worth but also the value of your home. However, the increase is probably not as much as you think. According to HouseLogic, there's no real guarantee that you'll make your money back. In fact, adding a swimming pool may only increase your home's value by 7%.
How close to my house can I put a swimming pool?
National and Local Requirements There is a national standard that requires that all swimming pools must be at least 10 feet away from the house walls. As mentioned, this will protect electrical wiring from leaks, floods, and splashes.
What every pool owner should have?
Here are the top 10 essential products and/or accessories every pool owner should have.Goggles. There's more to your pool than just the top of the water. ... Water Toys. ... Floaties. ... Cleaning Net. ... Pool Cover. ... Grill. ... Towel Rack. ... Chairs.More items...•
What cost the most when building a pool?
Inground pools can range from $36,750 to $66,500, and above-ground pools can run from $700 to $3,600. If you're interested in a custom pool with luxury add-ons, the price can jump to $100,000 or more. Excavation and labor costs make up between 25 and 50 percent of the total cost to build a pool.
How much does a 12 x24 inground pool cost?
It makes sense that smaller pools cost less to install than larger ones. For example, a 12-foot by 24-foot pool is a standard, relatively small inground pool size that can cost you between $25,000 and $50,000 (CAD 33,000 and CAD 65,000), depending on the type of materials used.
How much value does a pool add to a house?
7 percentThe experts are a split on how much a pool can contribute to a home's value. One HouseLogic study suggests an increase of 7 percent, at most, under ideal conditions, while HGTV reports that the average in-ground pool can up your property's value by 5 to 8 percent.
Can you build a pool in Texas?
You're required to have a permit from the State of Texas in order to have a custom pool in your backyard. You can apply for one through E-permits online. You will need the site plan and pool plan detail before you can apply for a plan. If you're working with a custom pool company, they may apply for the permit for you.
Who regulates swimming pools in Texas?
The Department of State Health ServicesThe Department of State Health Services Environmental Health Program, Local Health Departments, Local Code Enforcement Offices and other governmental jurisdictions help to provide safety and sanitation of public swimming pools and spas in the state of Texas.
What is the cost to build a pool in Texas?
Depending on the size, you should expect the cost to build a pool to be anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000 in the state of Texas. These costs can also vary depending on the type of ground on your property.
What do you need to build a pool?
Start by choosing a suitable location for your new pool, then deciding on your preferred shape and depth. You'll then hire out a building crew, who will excavate the area, add the necessary plumbing and electrical wiring elements, and finally pour concrete or insert a water-retentive liner before filling the pool.
Can I Build My Own Inground Swimming Pool? - Pool Contractor
Pool Contractor Reviews. Our pool contractor directory was developed to help people find the best local pool contractors, pool builders, pool service companies, and pool equipment / supply stores.. Read Real Reviews From Homeowners Before Hiring a Pool Contractor Read actual reviews from real homeowners before you decide on which pool contractor to hire to build your swimming pool.
Advisory Legal Opinion - General contractors; authority to build pools
Florida Toll Free Numbers: - Fraud Hotline 1-866-966-7226 - Lemon Law 1-800-321-5366
The Contract Who Can Build Pools and Spas? - California
Before You Dive In A Consumer Guide to Swimming Pool Construction CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD. California Department of Consumer Affairs. 5 3 C L AS S I F I C AT I O N
Work a General Contractor can Self-Perform in Florida - Jimerson Birr
Media Contacts Charles B. Jimerson Managing Partner Nikos Westmoreland Director of Business Development Jimerson Birr welcomes inquiries from the media and do our best to respond to deadlines. If you are interested in speaking to a Jimerson Birr lawyer or want general information about the firm, our practice areas, lawyers, publications, or events, please contact us via email or telephone for ...
CILB - Construction Industry Licensing Board - IgniteTech
Electrical. CILB rule addressing pool and spa electrical work. Recovery Fund. Important changes to the recovery fund by the CILB effective July 1, 2016.
How much does a general contractor make on a pool?
Most general contractors only make anywhere from 10-20% on a standard pool installation project. EXAMPLE: On a $35,000 pool that’s a potential savings of s $3500-$7000. Yes, that is a substantial savings, but in the bigger picture you may end up spending more than that trying to be your own general contractor.
Do you have to take a building plan to the city?
Plans must be stamped and taken to the City for a building permit to be issued before any work begins.
Can a general contractor make a pool project cheaper?
By utilizing a general contractor who has on paper, quality verified experience, will make your pool project faster… and maybe even cheaper.
Who is required to be a licensed pool contractor?
A general building contractor may also contract for swimming pool work provided the general building contractor holds the swimming pool specialty classification, hires a licensed swimming pool specialty contractor to perform the work, or oversees the construction of the pool and its solar heating system or other feature of the project unrelated to the pool construction trade.
How much does it cost to repair a pool in California?
In California, any contracting job—including swimming pool construction or repair—that costs $500 or more must be performed by a contractor who holds a current, valid contractor license, in the classification for which they are contracting.
How to get referrals for a pool?
Get referrals from friends or family. You may also get referrals from trade associations, such as a local builders' exchange or a swimming pool and spa association.
Can a plumber work on a pool?
Other contractors, such as plumbers or landscapers, should work within their license classification, and cannot be responsible for the overall project. Landscape contractors may contract for a swimming pool, if it is part of a larger landscaping project.
Can a general contractor repair a swimming pool?
(2) Unless and until legislatively or judicially determined otherwise, swimming pool construction or repair and servicing does not fall within the statutory definitions and prescribed scope of work of building and residential contractors.
Does a contractor have to subcontract a swimming pool?
The foregoing statute requires all contractors to subcontract the work listed therein if the local government requires a certificate of competency or license for the respective trade category. However, swimming pool construction or repair and servicing is not one of the categories listed in s 489.113 (3). Under these circumstances, it seems clear that the principle of statutory construction stating that the Legislature's express mention of one thing implies the exclusion of another ( expressio unius est exclusio alterius) is applicable. See, e.g., Dobbs v. Sea Isle Hotel, 56 So.2d 341 (Fla. 1952); Ideal Farms Drainage Dist. v. Certain Lands, 19 So.2d 234 (Fla. 1944).
What to do if you run into problems during construction?
If you run into problems during or after construction, try talking with your contractor first. Document the issue and send the contractor a letter addressing your concerns. Contractors will usually work with homeowners to resolve the disagreements.
What is front loading in pool?
“Frontloading” is a source of many complaints against swimming pool contractors. Some contractors will try to take excessive down payments or money for work before it’s completed. A common example is taking the final payment before a pool has been plastered and all other work is completed.
Why do you need a general contractor for a pool?
Because most General Contractors have the resources to find sub contractors. If laws permit, a General Contractor can accept the project of building a swimming pool. Many will subcontract out the elements that require specialized skills or tools.
Why do general contractors not install pools?
General contractors normally avoid this type of specialty work because they aware of the number of different elements and specialties involved with installing a pool. There are many skilled trades needed for swimming pool installation. A general contractor can provide project management and oversight of the entire project but will typically hire a skilled tradesman to perform specialty work on different phases of construction.
What do general contractors subcontract?
Most General Contractors will subcontract out the work to skilled tradesmen that specialize in Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, etc.
What is a C-53 pool license?
In certain states like California, there is a specific license required by the State Contractors licensing board (CSLB) in the field of work that needs to be performed for any specialty contracting job of $500 or more . Swimming Pools, spas, and hot tubs can only be built and installed by licensed contractors with a C-53 Swimming Pool Contractors ...
Do you need a C 53 to build a pool in Texas?
In Texas however, you only need a general contractors license in order to build a pool.
Can a pool builder subcontract work?
In most cases a general contractor will subcontract out the work for building a swimming pool to a professional pool builder. Hiring a Pool Contractor over a General Contractor is often advisable.

The Perfect Scenario
Wrapping Your Head Around The Process
- There are many steps in building a pool. 1. Getting the pool design properly drawn out to scale and engineered. 2. Plans must be stamped and taken to the City for a building permit to be issued before any work begins. 3. Interviewing, hiring and managing sub-contractors. This requires someone who is prepared to invest many hours in scheduling, making phone calls to confirm, w…
So Here’s My Thoughts.
- Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to discourage anyone from trying to save some money, it’s just that I have seen many try and regret doing so. The time, patience and sometimes frustrating days involved simply become too much for many to endure. By having a professional from the Inland Empire area who is responsible for scheduling, hiring, payment processing, materials, coordinati…