Learn How to Build, Remodel, or Upgrade a Public Pool or Spa

Get an overview of the process for permit applications, inspections, and construction for public pools, spas, and spray grounds.

This page applies to:

• Public pools, spas, and spray grounds
• Projects that include building, remodeling, or upgrading equipment

This process does not apply to private pools or spas at a single-family residence.

Before you start

Building or remodeling a public pool, spa, or spray ground can take time. The County and State have rules and regulations that you need to follow. Remember that all these rules are in place to keep children and families safe.

We call the process of developing plans, submitting your application, getting approval, and getting required inspections the pool plan review. During this process, you’ll work closely with the Environmental Health Services team.

We want to help make your project a success. If you have any questions during the process, call, email, or visit our office. We’re happy to help.

Get started

1. Contact Environmental Health Services

The first thing to do is talk to us. We need to approve your project if it involves:

• Construction (like building a new pool)
• Remodeling (like replastering)
• Changing equipment (like changing a pump, chemical controller, or filters)
• Replacing or changing pool enclosures
• Replacing or changing VGB covers, including replacing expired covers

We can tell you if your project requires a fee or a construction permit.

We can also let you know about any additional documents or samples you need to submit with your application packet.

Environmental Health Services
3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 236
San Rafael, CA 94903

Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Phone: 415-473-6907

Email: marinehs@marincounty.org

2. Create plans and submit your construction permit application

In most cases, you’ll need to apply for a construction permit. This means you need to submit an application packet that includes:

• Application form
• Fee (which varies depending on the type of work)
• Plans
• Data sheets
• Equipment specifications, cut sheets, and samples of material (if needed)

Learn the steps for creating plans and applying to build or remodel a public pool or spa on our website under Apply to Build, Remodel, or Upgrade a Public Pool or Spa.

3. Wait for plan review and approval

Timing: We will do our best to respond within 20 business days of when you submit the application packet

If your plans are approved:

• We will send you an email telling you the plans are approved and that you can move on to the next step

If your plans need changes:

• We will send you an email telling you why your plans weren’t accepted and what you need to do
• You can then revise your plans and resubmit them
• We will review your revised plans within 20 days of when you submit them
• If your revised plans are accepted, you can move on to the next step
• If your revised plans need more changes, you repeat these steps

4. Hire a licensed contractor to do the work

You need to hire a licensed contractor to remodel or replaster the pool and to install new equipment.

Look up licensed contractors at the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractor State License Board.

5. Start construction and schedule inspections

In the next phase, you start building or remodeling the pool, spa, or spray ground or installing equipment. During this time, Environmental Health Services will need to conduct inspections (usually 4) of the work.

It’s your responsibility to request these inspections. You also need to time inspections at the right points in the process. Check your approval email to see the list of inspections you need.

Learn more about inspections on our website under Get Inspections for Building or Upgrading a Public Pool or Spa.

6. Submit a permit application for public pools & spas and pay the operating fee (for new construction)

If you built a new pool, spa, or spray ground, you need to submit a Permit Application and pay for an operating permit before you can open. This is separate from the pool plan review fee you paid earlier in the process.

• Operating permit for 1 public pool, spa, or spray ground: $647 per year
• Operating permit for additional public pools, spas, or spray grounds: $198 per year

7. Get final approval

For existing pools:

Once we do a final inspection on your pool, spa, or spray ground and approve it — and all other agencies approve — then you can use the pool/equipment

For new pools:

Once we do a final inspection on your pool, spa, or spray grounds and approve it — and all other agencies approve — then you can use the pool.

We will send you a permit by email.