Licensing Requirements

There are two swimming pool building contractor’s licenses:  CPC and RPC – Commercial and Residential Pool Contractors.  These are state licenses which require education and a state test to obtain and are permitted to perform work involving swimming pools and spas including new construction, renovations, equipment, etc.  This license is renewed every two years after completing 14 hours of continuing education.

When using the proper licensed contractor ensures they have insurance to protect you.  When draining and stabilizing a pool, if not done properly, the pool can pop out of the ground, which will result in your cage, deck, coping and entire pool popping up.  The insurance for this is pool pop insurance and must be added to pool contractor’s liability insurance separately.  Make sure it is available to you before proceeding with pool work.

All License numbers are required to be posted on any ads, bids, proposals, contracts and vehicles per State Regulations for consumer protection and accountability.

Specialty Licenses: These contractors are limited to perform only the work specified as their specialty: i.e., layout, excavation, pool finishes, excavation and deck work.  They are not permitted to do business directly with the public but must work as a subcontractor under a swimming pool contractor. 

Pool Service Contractors (CP or RP) – They can work on chemicals, cleaning, and replacements of equipment or repair work on work already completed on your pool.  No new construction.

Pool Deck/Paver Contractors: Their work includes driveways, walkways and deck work.  They can also seal decks and do drain work.  They cannot work on pool decks, tile, coping, or pool interiors without working as a subcontractor under a swimming pool contractor (CPC or RPC). 

The above is to protect the consumer and make sure you are dealing with the right contractor and that they are properly insured for the work they perform.  Oftentimes, homeowners will contract directly with a subcontractor they spot working under a pool contractor without having the knowledge that in case of an unforeseen incident, they will not have insurance to cover the work performed.