Apply for a Pool or Spa Permit

Pool and Spa Safety information

• Pool and Spa barrier Informational guide(PDF, 51KB)
• The Town's amendments to the  International Swimming Pool and Spa Code can be found here.

Provide the following information for a new pool installation:

Site Plan

• Include the entire lot
• Show all property lines and the location of the street
• The property line will need to be marked on the property.

• Please note that once the pool/spa forms are established, which is prior to gunite application, the nearest property line(s) must be located and clearly marked on the site, typically with staking and string line

  It is strictly the responsibility of the property owner and/or the person doing the work to ensure that structures are accurately located according to the approved plans. 

  Please be aware that Town of Oro Valley inspectors do not verify location of property lines when inspecting construction. Exact property line locations cannot be determined without a land survey conducted by a registered Land Surveyor. If an owner/contractor has any doubt as to the exact location of a property line and associated setbacks, it is their responsibility to obtain a survey prior to construction. Failure to adhere to approved setbacks may require structures to be moved at the owner’s expense.

• Location of existing structures i.e: House, walls, accessory buildings, etc.
• Easements
• Location of proposed pool and spa with dimensions
• Show the overhead utilities near the spa/pool area or over the property
• Include irregular grades, and other relevant characteristics adjacent to spa/pool area
• Show setbacks from property lines, side yards, and clearances from existing structures adjacent to spa/pool area
  • Zoning code requires a minimum of 5 feet from rear property line
  • Side setback is per the Zoning district of the property
• The proposed deck work configuration showing its anticipated drainage
• The anticipated overall drainage of the spa/pool site
• Show the access route into the property for pool construction
• Include any diving and deck equipment items
• List the surface Area of Pool and/or Spa

Barrier Details

• Include heights of the walls/fencing, type of fencing, grades adjacent to each side of wall/fence
• Gate swing direction, latch heights for gates
• House door hardware and windows along with any other proposed barrier or enclosures
• Operable windows shall have latches located not less than 54" above the walking surface.  Handles for doors that provide access to  pools and spas shall be not less than 54" above the walking surface and equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices
• Pool/Spa Barrier Acknowledgement form needs to be reviewed and signed by the property owner, pool contractor and responsible barrier installer 

  Pool/Spa Barrier Acknowledgement(PDF, 131KB)

• Applications will not be accepted if the Pool/Spa Barrier form is not included with the permit submittal.

Equipment 

• The proposed mechanical equipment pad location including setbacks from the property lines, structures, and side yards
• Show how the equipment is screened from view

Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Plan(s)

• The volume, system flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm), and turnover in hours
• The type and size of filtration system and means of waste disposal. Provide manufacturer information (spec sheet) for filters
• The type and size of spa/pool heater, including the method of venting and proximity of openings into building, if applicable. Provide manufacturer information (spec sheet) for heaters
• The spa/pool piping layout with all sizes shown and types of material to be used (i.e. 2” PVC Schedule 40), showing the connection location from the house, the location of the main outlet, surface skimmers and inlets
• The rated capacity of the spa/pool pump in gpm at the design head with the size and type of motor indicated and identified as to type of pump. Provide manufacturer information (spec sheet) for pump
• The means of adding makeup water, including location and type of backflow device
• The size, meter location, developed length from the gas meter to the heater and routing of the gas line, if applicable
• Size and location of existing electrical service
• Circuit and conductor size needed to power the pool/spa, new circuit, if applicable, and panel schedule

Structural Plan (or approved model reference)

• Type of construction
• The spa/pool dimensions, including the depth, surface area, and adequate cross-sections drawn to scale
• Computation, stress diagrams, and other data sufficient to show the correctness of the plans; including reinforcing steel schedule and detail, if applicable, prepared by a registered structural engineer in the state of Arizona
• Details for the interior finish and spa/pool edge
• All documents must be in PDF format
• The security level in the PDF must allow the Town to apply stamps, markups and ultimately approvals on the document
• Do not mix portrait and landscape pages in the same document. Rotate all pages the same direction

Provide the following information for demolition of an inground spa or pool:

Site plan

• Include entire lot
• Show all property lines and the street location
• Include a North arrow
• Location of existing structures
• For a demolition permit, an aerial photo (PimaMaps, Google, etc.) may be acceptable
• Identify the pool or spa to be removed

What are your plans for the area where the pool is located? 

• If the area of pool removal is intended to become open space, landscape or garden areas and is NOT INTENDED TO SUPPORT ANY STRUCTURE, or other similar element, the pool shell may remain below grade subject to the requirements noted below*. This is also known as partial removal or filling in the pool.

• If the pool area, after demolition, IS INTENDED TO SUPPORT ANY STRUCTURE, such as a new building or addition, outbuilding, driveway, patio, deck, ramada or other similar element, then the pool shell is required to be removed in its entirety, disposed offsite at an approved location, and backfilled with approved engineered and compacted fill. A Geotechnical report prepared by a licensed engineer shall be required for this option. This is known as full removal and the hole is filled with gravel and topsoil**.

Removal detail to be included in the permit submittal:

• Indicate how much of the pool will be demolished
  • In some instances, the demolition may be a full removal of the pool.
  • *In some instances, the demolition may be a partial removal, e.g., pool deck and top two feet of the pool wall.
  • For partial removals, openings through the pool bottom will be required to allow drainage to percolate through.
    
    
  • Specify the proposed fill material 

  **A Geotechnical report stamped and signed by a licensed engineer clearly outlining recommendations for removal, backfilling, compaction, and final grading of site for sites proposing a complete removal for future new construction.

• Information indicating how any pool related electrical and plumbing connections will be safely removed.

Inspections

1. Required to verify the drainage holes at the bottom of the pool or spa and/or removal of concrete pool shell, open excavation and placement of erosion control devices.
2. Required to verify excavation is completely backfilled and if compaction testing is required, where all approved and signed compaction test reports are available on site for the inspector.  Also verification of all related plumbing, electrical and gas lines serving the pool or spa have been removed, capped and made safe at the source.

Other resources:

 Pool draining guidelines

Pool or Spa Heater addition or replacement

Include the following information in the documents submitted for a permit to add or replace a heater to an existing pool or spa:

Provide a site plan showing the location of the new and/or replaced heater.

New heater:

• The type and size of spa/pool heater (BTU demand or Circuit Size), including the method of venting and proximity of openings into building, if applicable.
• Provide manufacturer information (spec sheet) for heaters
• The size, type and developed length of the gas pipe "meter to meter" and installation location above or below ground
• Size and location of existing electrical service
• Circuit and conductor size needed to power the pool/spa, new circuit, if applicable, and panel schedule

Replacement heaters:

• BTU demand for old heater or circuit size
• BTU demand and circuit size for new heater and manufactures installation instructions