Greenville County, SC Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Greenville County, SC, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- Int'l Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 Ed.
- Permitting office
- Building Safety & Code Enforcement
- First violation fine
- up to $200
- Repeat violation fine
- up to $2,000 per day
- Citation hearing window
- 10 days to request Magistrate hearing
- Appeal deadline
- 20 days to Board of Appeals
Summary
Unincorporated Greenville County requires a permit under the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code before building, altering or repairing a residential pool or spa. The Building Safety & Code Enforcement Division charges fees by an adopted schedule, and a first violation draws up to $200, rising to $2,000 per day if it isn't corrected within seven calendar days.
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code - 2021 Edition ... 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Swimming Pool and Spa Code County of Greenville, SC, and hereinafter referred to as "this code". 105.6.2 Fee Schedule. The fees for all work shall be as in accordance with the schedule as established by the governing authority. ... 107.4.1 Violation Penalties. ... (1) Any person found to be in violation of the Swimming Pool and Spa Code or failing to comply with any of the requirements thereof may be cited and assessed, by civil penalty, an amount not more than two hundred dollars. Before being charged with a second violation, the person must be given seven calendar days to remedy the violation or submit an acceptable plan for correcting the violation. (2) A person who fails to correct a violation ... may be cited and assessed, by civil penalty, an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
1. 3 lets the Building Official establish a refund policy for canceled work. 1 penalty ladder: a first violation draws a civil penalty of up to $200, with seven calendar days to correct it or submit an acceptable repair plan before a second citation issues; a second, uncorrected violation can reach $2,000, with each day counted as a separate offense. A citation must list the violator's name and address, the nature, location and time of the violation, and the fine, and the recipient has 10 days to pay or request a Magistrate's hearing where the fine can be waived, reduced or upheld; an unpaid fine can be converted into a civil judgment with a lien attached.
Anyone who disputes the code official's reading of the pool code can appeal to the Board of Appeals under Section 108, filing on the county's form within 20 days of the notice being served; the building official sits on that board as a nonvoting ex officio member.
Violations & Fines
A first swimming pool code violation carries a civil penalty of up to $200, with seven calendar days to fix it or submit a correction plan. A second, uncorrected violation can reach $2,000, and each additional day counts as a separate offense under Section 107.4.1. Unpaid fines go before the Magistrate, who can convert a default into a civil judgment with a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a pool in unincorporated Greenville County?
What happens if I get a stop work order on my pool project?
How much can a pool code violation cost?
Can I appeal a pool permit denial?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greenville County
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