Building a custom pool is an exciting step in transforming your home into a private oasis. But before you can dive into design and construction, there’s one crucial hurdle to clear—understanding the permit requirements for pool construction in St. Johns County. While the process may seem daunting, it’s an essential part of creating a safe, compliant, and long-lasting backyard investment.
At Breakwater Construction, we help homeowners across Northeast Florida bring their outdoor visions to life. With two decades of experience, we simplify every step of the journey—including permits, inspections, and municipal approvals. When you build with Breakwater, we handle the red tape, so you can focus on the fun parts: choosing finishes, designing features, and dreaming big.
Why Permits Are Essential
Permits are more than paperwork—they’re safeguards. They ensure your pool meets county building codes, safety regulations, and zoning laws. In St. Johns County, the permitting process ensures your build won’t interfere with utility lines, drainage paths, or protected land zones. It also verifies structural integrity, electrical safety, and health codes.
Ignoring or bypassing this step could result in fines, construction delays, or costly rework. That’s why Breakwater never breaks ground until every permit is in place. We manage the process from start to finish so you can build confidently.
What the Permit Process Involves
St. Johns County requires several detailed documents and approvals before construction begins. The process is multi-layered, involving zoning verification, structural planning, and multiple inspection checkpoints. While this might sound overwhelming, our in-house team handles everything for you. From engineered drawings to submitting applications and scheduling inspections, we keep your project moving smoothly.
The most common permits required include those for:
- Pool structure and excavation
- Electrical and lighting systems
- Plumbing and circulation equipment
- Screened enclosures or fences for safety
- Any additional structures such as spas or outdoor kitchens
Every project is unique, so we tailor our approach to meet your specific site conditions and design goals.
Step-by-Step: How Breakwater Navigates the Permit Process
When you work with Breakwater Construction, our process begins with a detailed property assessment. This allows us to evaluate setbacks, easements, and topography—critical factors for permit approval. From there, we use 3D modeling to design your dream pool while accounting for every regulatory requirement.
We then create a complete engineering packet, which includes:
- Site plans showing pool layout, equipment locations, and property boundaries
- Structural details for concrete, steel, or enclosure components
- Electrical schematics compliant with Florida building codes
- Safety barrier plans, including fences or screen enclosures
Once the application is submitted, the permitting office reviews everything for zoning and code compliance. This usually takes 2–4 weeks depending on the season and complexity of the project. We manage all communication with the county and keep you updated in real time using our BuilderTrend platform.
Key Inspections During Construction
Permits don’t stop at the approval stage. Several inspections are required throughout the construction process. These inspections are coordinated by Breakwater and scheduled to align with each construction milestone.
Here are the main inspection points:
- Form and steel: Ensures the pool’s shape and reinforcements are correct before concrete is poured
- Rough plumbing and electrical: Confirms safety and function of plumbing lines, wiring, and bonding
- Final inspection: Verifies the entire project complies with local codes, including fencing, lighting, and equipment
We manage each of these steps closely and provide photo updates and notes via BuilderTrend, giving you peace of mind without the hassle.
FAQs About Permit Requirements for Pool Construction
Can I build a pool without a permit if it’s on private property?
No. All in-ground pools in St. Johns County require permits regardless of property ownership. Permits are mandatory to ensure safety and compliance.
Does adding a spa or water feature require extra permits?
Our team will bundle all relevant features, including spas and waterfalls, into the initial permit application.
What if I want to add features later?
You may need a permit amendment. It’s best to discuss all desired features early in the design process. Our Resources Center offers great inspiration to help guide your choices.
How Breakwater Makes Permitting Easy
We understand that paperwork, site plans, and government processes aren’t exactly the glamorous side of pool ownership. That’s why Breakwater handles them for you. With over 20 years of experience, we know the ins and outs of local regulations. We anticipate potential challenges and resolve them before they delay your build.
We also know that you value transparency, so we give you full access to our process through videos, updates, and educational tools. Watch our permit walkthrough or step-by-step project video to see exactly how we work.
Beyond Permits: Planning for Financing and Features
Permits are just one piece of the puzzle. Most homeowners also consider financing and feature selection early in the process. At Breakwater, we help you approach this holistically—so nothing slows you down once you’re approved to build.
We offer financing options that align with your budget and project timeline. Whether you’re adding a spa, automation system, or custom pavers, we can include it all in a single, manageable plan.
Here’s what many of our clients bundle into their initial permit and project scope:
- Screened enclosures
- LED lighting
- Saltwater chlorination systems
- Sun shelves and tanning ledges
- Smart automation for temperature and cleaning
The more comprehensive your early planning, the more streamlined your build.
Trusted by Homeowners Across St. Johns County
We’re proud to be one of Northeast Florida’s most trusted pool builders. At Breakwater Construction, we offer:
- Personalized designs using advanced 3D visualization
- Transparent updates with BuilderTrend software
- Full-service project management from permits to final inspection
- Low entry point—just a $2,500 deposit to begin your journey
- A reputation built on craftsmanship, service, and results
If you’re ready to explore your options, our about page shares more about who we are and why homeowners trust us.
Your Next Steps Toward Pool Ownership
Building a pool isn’t just a construction project—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. With Breakwater, you don’t just get a pool. You get:
- A stress-free experience with permitting and planning handled for you
- A premium outdoor space that’s safe, compliant, and beautiful
- A dedicated team that listens to your goals and delivers on your vision
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit our website at mybreakwater.com to explore design ideas and service details
- Check out our videos to understand how the process works:
- Schedule your consultation through our contact form
- Discuss financing to make your dream backyard achievable with affordable options
- Relax while we take care of the rest—from permits to pool parties
Final Thoughts
Understanding the permit requirements for pool construction is essential, but you don’t need to tackle it alone. At Breakwater Construction, we handle every detail—from paperwork to inspections—so you can enjoy peace of mind and poolside comfort.
Let us bring your vision to life the right way: safe, permitted, and perfectly built. Connect with us today and take the first step toward a smarter, smoother path to pool ownership.
