How We Vet Pool Contractors

Why We Check Pool Companies

Anyone can buy a truck, a pump and a website. A license, insurance and a record of finished pools are harder to fake, so those are what we look at. The rules also differ by state. Our research on pool contractor license requirements by state found that 14 of 51 US jurisdictions (the 50 states plus DC) issue a dedicated pool contractor license or license class, while 16 states, including Texas and New York, leave contractor licensing to cities and counties (rules in force October 5, 2026).

That is why our checks are a process, not a badge. This page describes what we do. It does not claim results we cannot show.

How We Vet Pool Contractors: The Five Checks

• 1. State license, where the state licenses pool work We search the company on the state licensing board’s public lookup. We confirm the license is active, that its class covers pool construction or pool service (for example the C-53 Swimming Pool class in California or a Pool/Spa Contractor license in Florida), that the name on the license matches the company you will sign with, and whether the board lists any public disciplinary action. Where no state license covers pool building, we ask which local licenses or registrations the company holds and who performs the electrical and plumbing work.
• 2. Certificate of insurance We ask for a current certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage, and workers’ compensation for companies with employees. We check that the insured name matches the company and that the policy dates are current.
• 3. Permits pulled in the company's name We ask how the company handles permits and inspections. A pool builder should pull the permits in its own name rather than ask the homeowner to file as an owner-builder. Where a city publishes permit records online, we look for recent pool permits under the company’s name.
• 4. References and comparable finished pools We ask for photos and locations of finished pools of the same type and a similar size as the work the company wants to be introduced for, and for past customers who agree to be contacted.
• 5. Written warranty terms We ask for the company’s standard warranty in writing: what it covers on the structure or shell, the interior surface, the equipment and the workmanship, for how long, and who handles a claim. Equipment is usually covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, not the builder’s.

When We Run the Checks

• Before a pool company receives its first introduction.
• Again before each introduction for license status and insurance dates, because both can lapse.
• Whenever someone reports a concern about the company.

A company that fails a check does not receive introductions until the problem is fixed. When a concern is reported, we pause introductions to that company while we look into it. Payment does not change this: see the purpose of this website.

State Licensing Boards That License Pool Contractors

These are the 14 jurisdictions with a dedicated pool contractor license or class in our October 2026 review. Each link goes to the official board or its license search.

• Arizona: Registrar of Contractors (B-5 General Swimming Pool Contractor)
• Arkansas: Contractors Licensing Board (Residential Specialty Contractor, swimming pools and spas)
• California: Contractors State License Board (CSLB) (C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor)
• Connecticut: Department of Consumer Protection (Swimming Pool Builder (SPB))
• Florida: Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) license search (Residential or Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor)
• Hawaii: Contractors License Board (C-49 Swimming pool contractor)
• Louisiana: State Licensing Board for Contractors (Residential Swimming Pools)
• Michigan: LARA Bureau of Construction Codes (Swimming Pools trade (Residential Maintenance and Alteration))
• Nevada: State Contractors Board (A-10 Commercial and Residential Pools)
• New Mexico: Construction Industries Division (GS-25 Swimming pools)
• North Carolina: Licensing Board for General Contractors (Swimming Pools specialty)
• South Carolina: Contractor’s Licensing Board (LLR) (Swimming Pools subclassification)
• Tennessee: Board for Licensing Contractors (BC-26 Swimming Pools)
• Virginia: Board for Contractors (DPOR) (Swimming Pool Construction Contracting (POL))

For the other 37 jurisdictions, including states that license pool work under a general contractor license, a registration or only at city level, see the full state table in our licensing research.

What Our Checks Cannot Tell You

Run the Same Checks Yourself

1. Look up the licenseUse the board link above for your state and search by company name or license number.
2. Get the insurance certificate from the insurerAsk the company’s insurance agent to send the certificate to you directly.
3. Read the permit planThe contract should say who pulls permits and books inspections. Our pool permit guide explains the steps.
4. Call two referencesAsk about schedule, change orders and how problems were handled after the pool was finished.

For a longer checklist, read how to choose a pool builder. If something goes wrong, report a pool contractor concern.

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