Phoenix, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Pool construction in Phoenix is governed by the Phoenix Building Construction Code (PBCC) and the 2024 ISPSC as amended by Ordinance G-7397. Per the PBCC Administrative Provisions Section 105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit), the only pool exempt from a structure permit is a prefabricated above-grade pool accessory to a Group R-3 (residential) occupancy that holds no more than 5,000 gallons — and the City's published commentary confirms that even for that exempt prefab pool, a permit is still required for the pool barrier. For all other in-ground and on-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs, a building permit is required, and the pool is checked at two inspections: a pre-gunite inspection of the structural shell and a pre-plaster inspection that verifies the life-safety barrier provisions before the pool may be plastered or filled. A new permit is also required to enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace an existing approved pool barrier. Permit applications are handled by the Planning & Development Department (Development Services), reachable at (602) 262-7811. This local permitting layers on top of Arizona's statewide pool-safety baseline in A.R.S. Section 36-1681, which sets the minimum enclosure standards a permitted pool must satisfy.