09 Pool & Spa Contractor License

The Pool & Spa Contractor License authorizes qualified professionals to engage in the construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, and related water features. This specialized contractor classification recognizes the technical expertise required to properly install and maintain these complex residential and commercial amenities that combine structural, plumbing, electrical, and aesthetic elements.

As regulated structures that impact both safety and property value, swimming pools and spas require properly licensed contractors who understand local building codes, safety requirements, and specialized construction techniques. The Alliance for Contractors maintains the highest standards for our pool and spa contractor members, ensuring they represent excellence in the industry.

To obtain and maintain a Pool & Spa Contractor License, applicants must satisfy several critical requirements that demonstrate their competence and commitment to professional standards:

• Experience Verification: Minimum of 4 years of documented journey-level experience in swimming pool and spa construction under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
• Education Credentials: Completion of approved coursework in pool construction technology, hydraulics, water chemistry, and applicable building codes.
• Business Registration: Proper business entity registration with state authorities (LLC, Corporation, etc.).
• Financial Stability: Demonstration of adequate financial capacity through bond requirements, typically ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on jurisdiction.
• Criminal Background Check: Clean record free of fraud or construction-related violations.
• Tax Compliance: Good standing with state and federal tax authorities.

The licensing examination is comprehensive and tests a candidate's knowledge of critical pool and spa construction principles:

Examination Components

• Technical Knowledge: Pool shell construction, plumbing systems, filtration, circulation principles, electrical requirements, and hydraulic calculations.
• Code Compliance: Understanding of International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and local amendments.
• Safety Standards: Knowledge of barrier requirements, entrapment prevention, diving envelope parameters, and chemical handling protocols.
• Business Law: Contract requirements, lien procedures, warranty obligations, and consumer protection regulations.

The examination typically consists of 80-120 multiple-choice questions administered over a 3-4 hour period. Most jurisdictions require a minimum passing score of 70-75%. The Alliance provides comprehensive exam preparation resources for all members pursuing licensure.

Pool and spa contractors must maintain substantial insurance coverage to protect themselves, their clients, and their employees:

• General Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
• Workers' Compensation: Full coverage for all employees as required by state law.
• Completed Operations Coverage: Specialized coverage for claims arising after project completion.
• Property Damage Coverage: Protection against damage to adjacent structures during excavation.
• Vehicle Insurance: Commercial auto coverage for company vehicles used in operations.

Alliance members receive preferred rates through our partnership with industry-specialized insurance providers who understand the unique risk profile of pool construction.

The Pool & Spa Contractor License typically authorizes the following scope of work:

• Excavation and grading specifically for pool and spa construction
• Installation of pool and spa shells (gunite, shotcrete, fiberglass, vinyl)
• Plumbing systems specific to pools and spas
• Filtration and circulation equipment installation
• Electrical work related to pool equipment (often in partnership with licensed electricians)
• Deck construction immediately surrounding pools and spas
• Installation of safety features (covers, barriers, alarms)
• Water features and associated landscaping elements
• Chemical treatment systems and automation controls
• Repair and renovation of existing pool and spa structures

Note: In many jurisdictions, certain electrical and gas line connections must be performed by appropriately licensed specialists, even when working under a pool contractor's supervision.