Freedom Code Compliance
Single Family

Single Family Pool Construction

Last updated: Apr 20, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Construction Plans Sealed by a Florida Registered Design Professional
    Pool construction plans showing layout, dimensions, structural details, plumbing, and electrical
  • TDH Calculations
    Turnover, Design, and Hydraulic (TDH) calculations for the pool system
  • Equipment Specifications
    Manufacturer specifications for pump, filter, heater, and other pool equipment
  • Site Plan / Survey
    Site plan or survey showing pool location, setbacks, and safety barrier locations

Conditional

  • Safety Barrier Affidavit
    Signed affidavit confirming pool safety barrier and alarm compliance when those details are not shown in sealed construction plans.
    WhenRequired only if sealed construction plans do not clearly specify pool safety barrier and alarm details.

Courtesy screen

Courtesy screen on every plan review

Every plan FCC reviews receives a limited courtesy screen for the items below when they are reasonably visible in the submitted documents. If we see an apparent issue that could cause the plans to fail review by another agency, we will identify it as a Courtesy Comment. Courtesy Comments alone do not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope. The responsible agency makes the final determination—for example, Planning and Zoning for setbacks, lot coverage, use, and other lot-compliance matters. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  1. #01Plan and document coordination

    Obvious clerical, title-block, sheet-index, permit-description, or cross-sheet inconsistencies visible in the submitted documents. A Courtesy Comment on these items does not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope.

    FBC-B 107.2.1
  2. #02Zoning and site coordination

    Apparent setback, lot-coverage, use, or site-dimension conflicts visible in the submitted plans that could cause the plans to fail Planning and Zoning review. Planning and Zoning makes the zoning and lot-compliance determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  3. #03Floodplain coordination

    Apparent inconsistencies or missing coordination in flood-zone, design-flood-elevation, finished-floor, or flood-opening information shown on the plans that could cause the plans to fail floodplain review. The floodplain administrator makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  4. #04Fire-authority coordination

    Apparent separately reviewed fire alarm, sprinkler, hood-suppression, smoke-control, or similar coordination issues visible on the plans that could cause the plans to fail fire review. The fire marshal makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

Section 2

Approval criteria for this project type

These are the building-code criteria FCC uses to determine the plan-review result. An unresolved item may be issued as a Required Correction and cause the plan set to be returned for correction.

BuildingRequired

  1. #01Pool barrier complianceLife Safety

    Verify a code-compliant pool barrier is shown on plans - height, clearances, gate self-closing/self-latching hardware, and door alarms on dwelling openings facing pool.

    ISPSC 305FBC-R R4501.17Florida Statutes 515.27
  2. #02Pool shell structural designLife Safety

    Verify pool shell engineering is provided with soil bearing, reinforcement, and shell thickness.

    ISPSC 307FBC-R R403ACI 318
  3. #03Deck and coping designCode

    Verify pool deck slopes, slip resistance, and coping connection are noted.

    ISPSC 306FBC-R R326
  4. #04Setbacks from property lines and structuresCode

    Verify pool meets jurisdictional setback requirements from property lines, septic fields, and easements.

    ISPSC 305.3Local zoning ordinance
  5. #05Engineer seal on structuralDocumentation

    Confirm pool structural drawings bear a current Florida-licensed engineer seal.

    Florida Statutes Chapter 471

MechanicalConditional review scope

Conditional review scopePlan review is not required for this scope under FBC 107.3.5. FCC reviews these items only when the building department specifically requires it, or the client opts in.
  1. #01Pool heater clearances (if gas)Life Safety

    If a gas pool heater is specified, verify combustion air and venting clearances are shown.

    FBC-M 303FBC-FG 304

ElectricalRequired

  1. #01Equipotential bonding gridLife Safety

    Verify a complete equipotential bonding grid is shown - pool shell reinforcement, metallic components within 5 feet, pool equipment, and perimeter bonding around the pool.

    NEC 680.26
  2. #02GFCI protection for pool circuitsLife Safety

    Verify GFCI protection is shown for pool equipment circuits, receptacles, and underwater luminaires.

    NEC 680.5NEC 680.22NEC 680.23
  3. #03Underwater luminairesLife Safety

    If underwater pool lights are included, verify they comply with NEC 680.23 (low-voltage preferred; line voltage requires specific installation).

    NEC 680.23
  4. #04Equipment disconnect locationCode

    Verify a disconnecting means is shown within sight of pool equipment, at least 5 feet horizontally from the inside wall of the pool.

    NEC 680.12
  5. #05Underground wiring methodsCode

    Verify burial depth and wiring method for underground pool circuits.

    NEC 300.5NEC 680.10

PlumbingRequired

  1. #01Suction entrapment prevention (VGBA)Life Safety

    Verify suction outlets comply with Virginia Graeme Baker Act requirements - dual main drains or unblockable single drain, ANSI/APSP-16 compliant covers.

    ISPSC 31015 USC 8003 (VGBA)
  2. #02Filtration and circulationCode

    Verify filtration equipment is sized for pool volume and turnover rate is specified.

    ISPSC 309
  3. #03Backflow prevention on auto-fillCode

    If an auto-fill or auto-leveler is included, verify a backflow prevention device is specified on the water supply.

    FBC-P 608ISPSC 312

Items marked Conditional review scope are non-blocking. Per FBC 107.3.5, plan review isn't required for these scopes — FCC reviews them when the building department requests it or the client wants the extra set of eyes.

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your FCC inspector will confirm which apply to your project. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Building

Phase #1

Footing, Slab, UFER

Required
  1. Rebar grid spacing and sizeCritical

    Verify rebar size and spacing match approved plans

    ISPSC 307.2FBC-R R506.2.4
  2. Pool excavation and formworkCritical

    Verify pool shape, dimensions, and formwork match approved plans

    ISPSC 307.2.1
  3. Pool depth verificationCritical

    Confirm pool depth matches approved plans at shallow and deep ends

    ISPSC 307.2
  4. Bonding grid perimeter wireCritical

    Verify copper bonding wire is installed around pool perimeter per NEC

    NEC 680.26
  5. Bonding grid to pool steel connectionsCritical

    Verify bonding wire is connected to pool steel reinforcement

    NEC 680.26(B)
  6. Bonding of metallic components within 5 feetCritical

    Verify all metallic components within 5 feet of pool edge are bonded

    NEC 680.26(B)
  7. Deck reinforcement layoutCritical

    Verify deck rebar spacing, overlap, and placement per plans

    ISPSC 306.1FBC-R R506.2.4
  8. Deck bonding wireCritical

    Verify bonding wire is attached to reinforcement steel in deck area

    NEC 680.26(B)
  9. Plumbing and electrical conduit in place

    Verify plumbing lines and electrical conduit are installed prior to pour

    FBC-B 110.3

Plumbing

Phase #2

Underground Plumbing

Required
  1. Pipe installation and supportCritical

    Verify plumbing lines are properly installed and supported per plans

    FBC-P 305.1
  2. Burial depthCritical

    Verify underground pipe burial depth meets code minimum

    FBC-P 305.5
  3. Pressure testCritical

    Verify plumbing system holds required pressure test

    FBC-P 312.2
  4. Distance from pool edgeCritical

    Verify plumbing lines maintain required distance from pool edge per code

    ISPSC 307.2
  5. Pipe sizing per plans

    Verify pipe sizes match approved plans

    FBC-P 604.1

Electrical

Phase #3

Underground Electrical

Required
  1. Conduit and wiring installationCritical

    Verify electrical conduit and wiring are properly installed per plans

    NEC 680.11
  2. Burial depth verificationCritical

    Verify conduit burial depth meets minimum code requirements

    NEC 680.11(A)
  3. Distance from pool edgeCritical

    Verify electrical lines maintain required distance from pool edge

    NEC 680.11
  4. Bonding connections at undergroundCritical

    Verify bonding continuity at all underground electrical connections

    NEC 680.26

Plumbing

Phase #4

Rough Plumbing

Required
  1. Deck drain installationCritical

    Verify deck drains are installed with proper slope away from pool

    ISPSC 306.5.1
  2. Equipment pad plumbing connectionsCritical

    Verify plumbing connections at pump, filter, and heater locations

    ISPSC 308
  3. Suction outlet complianceCritical

    Verify suction outlets meet entrapment avoidance requirements

    ISPSC 307.1
  4. Deck slope and drainage direction

    Verify deck slopes drain away from pool or toward deck drains

    ISPSC 306.5

Electrical

Phase #5

Rough Electrical

Required
  1. Equipment wiringCritical

    Verify electrical wiring to pump, filter, heater per plans

    NEC 680.21
  2. GFCI protectionCritical

    Verify GFCI-protected outlets and circuits in pool area

    NEC 680.22
  3. Receptacle locations and distancesCritical

    Verify receptacle placement meets minimum distance requirements from pool

    NEC 680.22(A)
  4. Equipment bondingCritical

    Verify bonding wire connections at all pool equipment

    NEC 680.26(B)

Building

Phase #6

Final Building

RequiredTypical Final
  1. Overall pool constructionCritical

    Verify completed pool including decking matches approved plans

    ISPSC 307.2
  2. Barrier heightCritical

    Verify barrier is minimum 48 inches above grade on outside face

    ISPSC 305.2.1
  3. Gate latch heightCritical

    Verify gate latch release mechanism is at 54 inches from grade on pool side

    ISPSC 305.3.3
  4. Gate self-closing and self-latchingCritical

    Verify gates are self-closing and self-latching

    ISPSC 305.3
  5. Barrier openingsCritical

    Verify no opening in barrier allows passage of 4-inch sphere

    ISPSC 305.2.2
  6. Deck condition and edges

    Verify deck surface is slip-resistant with radiused edges

    ISPSC 306.2ISPSC 306.8
  7. Equipment labels visible

    Verify visible equipment labels on pumps, filters, heaters

    FBC-B 110.3
  8. Emergency shut-off switch

    Verify emergency shut-off switch is installed where required

    NEC 680.12
  9. Pool alarm / dwelling-wall protection (R4501.17.1.9)Critical

    Where any wall of the dwelling forms part of the pool barrier, verify ONE of three compliance methods is installed: exit alarms on all direct-access doors/windows, self-closing self-latching devices on all direct-access doors, or a certified in-pool alarm. Confirm method matches what was specified on approved plans. Skip if entire barrier is freestanding fence/screen with no dwelling wall participation.

    FBC-R R4501.17.1.9

Electrical

Phase #7

Final Electrical

RequiredTypical Final
  1. Pool light installationCritical

    Verify pool lights are properly installed per plans and NEC

    NEC 680.23
  2. Equipotential bonding completeCritical

    Verify bonding of all required metallic components within 5 feet of pool

    NEC 680.26(B)
  3. GFCI protection operationalCritical

    Verify all required circuits in pool area have GFCI protection and test

    NEC 680.22
  4. Grounding connectionsCritical

    Verify grounding connections at all pool equipment

    NEC 680.25
  5. Disconnect switchCritical

    Verify equipment disconnect switch is accessible and properly rated

    NEC 680.12

Plumbing

Phase #8

Final Plumbing

RequiredTypical Final
  1. Pump and filter operationCritical

    Verify pump and filter are operational and properly installed

    ISPSC 308
  2. Drain covers and suction safetyCritical

    Verify main drain covers are compliant and properly secured

    ISPSC 307.1
  3. Skimmer installation

    Verify skimmers are properly installed and functional

    ISPSC 307.2
  4. Heater installation

    If heater present, verify installation per manufacturer specs

    ISPSC 303.1.1
  5. Backflow preventionCritical

    Verify backflow prevention device is installed on water supply

    FBC-P 608.1