When to use this process

A swimming pool process is required for all pools, including storable or inflatable pools unless the pool is less than 24 inches deep, does not exceed 5,000 gallons, and is installed entirely above ground. 

Apartments and residential subdivisions should use the commercial swimming pool permit process instead. 

Get ready

Required documents

1. Site plan showing:
   • Dimensions of property lines, location and dimensions of pool with setbacks to all property lines. Show distance between the pool and the house, and between the pool and other structures.
   • Location of fence, deck or any other accessory structures.
   • Show any easements or overhead/underground power lines.
2. Pool plan showing:
   • Pool dimensions (length, width, depth).
   • Cross section of pool showing material (fiberglass, concrete, vinyl) and reinforcement material with thickness and depth shown.
   • Sewer cleanout location. 
   • Show how suction inlet system will be protected by approved antivortex covers and with a back-up system of vacuum relief.
   • Plumbing riser detail.
   • Cross connection protection details (pits, valves, etc.).
   • If indoor pool, floor plan showing location of pool.
3. Electric plans showing:
   • Location of electric service.
   • Location of pump and filtration service. Pump must be at least 10 feet from the pool.
   • Electric bonding and grounding information showing wire sizes. All metal parts must be grounded.
   • Electric riser diagram.
4. Electric load data form (PDF)
5. Stormwater erosion control addendum (PDF) if grading will take place
6. Homeowners Association approval letter (example PDF) if located in a neighborhood with an HOA that enforces restrictive covenants.

Required licenses

1. Business licenses are required for all design professionals, contractors and subcontractors before a building permit can be issued. 
   •  Business license webpage
2. The contractor must hold the appropriate State of South Carolina license for the specified scope of work.
   • Contractor licenses webpage

Have utility lines marked

Request that all utility providers come mark the location of utilities at least 3 full business days before you dig. This is required by state law and is a free service.

•  SC811 website

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above.
   •  Click on “New Applications"
   • Click on “Permit Applications”
   • Click on “Residential”
   • Click on “Swimming Pools" and follow the prompts from there
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 10 business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
3. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.
4. At this time, we will email you an invoice for the development fees, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms.

Separate submittals

If any of these pertain to your project, submit these applications separately through the "Apply Online" button above. We will review and permit each of them on its own.

1. Fence application or retaining wall application for any fences or retaining walls that will be installed, along with gate or door detail. If a fence exists already, this application is not required, but the details of the existing fence and gate must be provided.
   • Fences around pools, hot tubs, and spas have special safety requirements (PDF).
2. If an accessory building is proposed, apply for one of the following:
   • Accessory Building Permit if 200 square feet or less 
   • Residential Building Permit (PDF) if larger
3. Certificate of Appropriateness if located within one of the City's Historic Overlay Districts

After you have a permit

1. Mark all property lines in the area near the swimming pool. 
   • Webpage with guidance about how to locate property lines 
2. Install the swimming pool.
3. Request a final inspection through the "Apply Online" button.

For residential swimming pool customers

1. Note that residential customers can apply for an adjustment to the sewer charge on their utility bill for the initial filling of their pool by completing a Pool Adjustment Request Form within 30 days of filling the pool. 
2. Guidelines for proper pool drainage (PDF)