Installing a Swimming Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub
Your swimming pool, hot tub, or spa requires permits and inspections in order to ensure that it is safe for your enjoyment. Installation of swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs are required to comply with the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and Carroll County amendments. We encourage you to review our Pool Barrier Guidelines before applying for a permit.
Note: The site of the pool will need to be approved by the Carroll County Zoning Administration and the Carroll County Health Department to ensure that the proposed structure is a sufficient distance away from septic systems, water infrastructure, etc. For help with site selection, please contact:
| Carroll County Zoning Administration | 410-386-2980 |
| Carroll County Health Department | 410-876-1884 |
Permits Required
Your swimming pool will require a building permit and an electrical permit. Please see the list below for the documents required for your permits. The pool contractor is required to fill out and sign the Pool Enclosure Affidavit requiring a pool barrier be erected before water can be added to the pool. After the building permit is filed, your licensed electrician will need to submit an electrical permit application.
Your hot tub or spa only requires an electrical permit. If installed on an existing deck, structural details of the deck shall be submitted and will be evaluated. A building permit will be required if additional support is needed.
Permit Process
Many factors affect the speed with which your application(s) are approved. For best results, it is critical that you carefully review your application and design documents prior to submission to ensure that all necessary documents are included and that the design is compliant with the county code. Normally, permits can be issued within 10-15 business days if the application is complete, accurate, and code-compliant.
Note: Electrical permits for spas and hot tubs can be applied for, processed, and issued on the same day.
Construction Document Requirements
Submitted documents must contain sufficient information for the plan reviewer to be able to review the proposed construction.
- ___ Three (2) plot plans of the entire parcel – drawn to scale – to include:
- ___ Location of the proposed structure
- ___ Measurements from the proposed structure to each property line
- ___ Location of and distance from the existing/proposed well and/or septic area
- ___ Dimensions/diameter of pool
- ___ Deck (if provided as part of the above ground pool – manufacturer’s details)
- ___ Deck (if framed separately, see deck compliance guidelines)
- ___ Road name
- ___ Drywell location
- ___ All Easements (Floodplain, Forest Conservation, and Utilities)
- ___ Area of disturbance
Inspections
Your swimming pool, spa, or hot tub will require a series of inspections throughout the building process. At a minimum, your swimming pool, spa, or hot tub will require the following:
Building Inspections
- Final
Electrical Inspections
- Rough-in
- Trench
- Final
Fees
Please see Row D of the Building Permit Fee Schedule and Row E of the Electrical Permit Fee Schedule.