Pool permits

There is no national pool code. CPSC says outright that its barrier booklet is not a standard and not a mandatory requirement, and that some states and localities have written those guidelines into their building codes — so you should check with your local authorities for what is required in your area.

Many jurisdictions work from the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), published by the International Code Council. Adoption is by state or local jurisdiction and often comes with amendments, so "the ISPSC says X" does not mean X applies to you. UpCodes maintains a public list of which jurisdictions have adopted it, which is a reasonable starting point before you call.

Practically: your builder should pull the permit, but the permit and any violation attach to your property. Ask which permits are included in the contract price, who schedules inspections, and what happens to the schedule if an inspection fails. Building without a permit tends to surface at resale, when a buyer's agent or appraiser asks for the records.

How to choose

Call the building department before you sign

Ask three questions: what permits are needed, what the barrier requirement is, and what inspections are scheduled. Ten minutes here prevents a rebuild.

Check whether your jurisdiction adopted the ISPSC

UpCodes publishes adoption by jurisdiction. Then ask your building department about local amendments, which frequently make rules stricter.

Put permits in the contract, in writing

Thursday Pools puts permit costs at $100-$1,000 or more. Make clear whether that is in your quoted price or billed on top.

Keep every inspection record

Signed-off inspections are what you hand a buyer years later. Scan them the day you get them.

Never let a builder skip the barrier inspection

The fence is a safety requirement, not a finishing touch. A pool that fills before a compliant barrier exists is a hazard and often a code violation.