Do I Need A Permit for Shipping Container Pool? A State-By-State Guide

Picture this: It's a blazing summer day and the sun is high, radiating heat that makes you long for a cool refuge. You find your thoughts drifting to the serene image of a backyard pool. But not just any pool - a sleek, modern oasis crafted from a shipping container. Unconventional? Certainly. But that's part of its charm. This cool refuge isn't just for homeowners seeking a unique twist to their yard. It's a trump card for short-term rental property owners, a one-way ticket to making their property stand out in a sea of listings, while also boosting their nightly rates and occupancy levels.

It's crucial to note that permit requirements can vary significantly not only between states but also between different counties, cities, and municipalities within the same state. In all cases, you should check with your local planning or building department to determine the exact requirements in your area.

Here are some general rules of thumb that likely apply:

1. Building Permits: If you plan on installing a pool, even one constructed from a shipping container, you will most likely need a building permit. This typically involves providing plans for the project, which will be reviewed for compliance with local codes.

2. Zoning Regulations: You need to ensure your project complies with local zoning regulations. These rules could govern the placement of your pool (for example, how close it can be to your property line) and may also require you to install a safety fence.

3. Plumbing and Electrical Permits: If your pool will include any plumbing (for filling and draining) or electrical (for lighting or pump equipment), these aspects may require separate permits.

4. Health Department Regulations: Some areas have regulations about water sanitation for pools that you might need to follow.

What are the general requirements for a container pool in my state? 

1. Alabama: Requires a building permit for all in-ground and above-ground pools, including shipping container pools.

2. Alaska: Typically requires a building permit for permanent pools. As local regulations vary, check with your local building department for more information.

3. Arizona: Requires a permit for pools, with additional requirements for fencing around the pool.

4. Arkansas: Most cities require permits for pools, and there are specific regulations for pool safety barriers.

5. California: In general, you'll need a permit for all in-ground and above-ground pools, including those made from shipping containers. California has strict regulations regarding pool safety, and you'll likely need to install a safety fence around the pool.

6. Colorado: In general, Colorado requires a permit for in-ground and above-ground pools, including shipping container pools. Additional regulations about pool fencing may apply.

7. Connecticut: A building permit is typically required for all pools, along with adherence to local zoning rules.

8. Delaware: In general, permits are needed for all pools, including shipping container pools. Additional fencing regulations may apply.

9. Florida: Known for its strict pool regulations due to its warm climate, Florida typically requires a permit for pools. Fencing and alarms on doors leading to the pool are also generally mandated.

10. Georgia: A permit is usually required, along with adherence to local zoning and fencing rules.

11. Hawaii: Due to its tropical climate, Hawaii has strict regulations about pool safety. Permits are generally needed, along with adherence to fencing regulations.

12. Idaho: Building permits are typically required for all pools, including shipping container pools. Local fencing rules may apply.

13. Illinois: Most municipalities require a permit for the installation of a pool, including a shipping container pool.

14. Indiana: You'll likely need a building permit, along with adherence to local zoning and fencing rules.

15. Iowa: Most municipalities require a building permit and compliance with local zoning laws for pool installation.

16. Kansas: Most municipalities require a permit for pools. Compliance with local zoning laws is typically necessary.

17. Kentucky: A building permit is usually required, along with adherence to local zoning rules.

18. Louisiana: Given the state's warm climate, Louisiana has strict regulations. Building permits and compliance with local zoning laws are typically necessary for pools.

19. Maine: Permits are usually required for all pools. Additional fencing regulations may apply.

20. Maryland: In Maryland, permits are generally necessary for all pools, including shipping container pools.

21. Massachusetts: A building permit is typically required, along with adherence to local zoning and fencing rules.

22. Michigan: Permits are usually required for all pools, along with compliance with local zoning laws.

23. Minnesota: Minnesota generally requires a permit for in-ground and above-ground pools, including shipping container pools.

24. Mississippi: Most municipalities require a permit for pools, along with adherence to local zoning and fencing rules.

25. Missouri: Permits and compliance with local zoning laws are generally necessary for pool installation.

26. Montana: Most municipalities require a permit for the installation of a pool.

27. Nebraska: Building permits and compliance with local zoning laws are typically necessary.

28. Nevada: Given Nevada's warm climate, it has strict regulations for pools. Permits are typically needed, along with adherence to fencing regulations.

29. New Hampshire: Permits are usually required for all pools. Additional fencing regulations may apply.

30. New Jersey: In New Jersey, permits are generally necessary for all pools, including shipping container pools.

31. New Mexico: Given the state's warm climate, pool regulations can be strict. Permits are typically required, and there may be additional fencing regulations.

32. New York: Permits are generally required for all pools, including shipping container pools. Additional regulations concerning pool barriers are likely.

33. North Carolina: A building permit is usually required, along with compliance to local zoning laws.

34. North Dakota: Most municipalities require a permit for pools, and adherence to local zoning and fencing rules may be necessary.

35. Ohio: Ohio generally requires permits for in-ground and above-ground pools, including shipping container pools.

36. Oklahoma: Most municipalities require a permit for pools, along with adherence to local zoning and fencing rules.

37. Oregon: Permits and compliance with local zoning laws are typically necessary for pool installation.

38. Pennsylvania: Most municipalities require a permit for the installation of a pool.

39. Rhode Island: Building permits and compliance with local zoning laws are typically necessary.

40. South Carolina: Given the state's warm climate, South Carolina has strict regulations for pools. Permits are typically required, along with adherence to fencing regulations.

41. South Dakota: Permits are usually required for all pools. Additional fencing regulations may apply.

42. Tennessee: In Tennessee, permits are generally necessary for all pools, including shipping container pools.

43. Texas: Given the state's warm climate, pool regulations can be strict. Permits are generally required, and there may be additional fencing regulations.

44. Utah: Permits are typically required for all pools, including shipping container pools. Additional regulations concerning pool barriers may apply.

45. Vermont: A building permit is usually required, along with adherence to local zoning laws.

46. Virginia: Most municipalities in Virginia require a permit for pools, and adherence to local zoning and fencing rules may be necessary.

47. Washington: Washington generally requires permits for in-ground and above-ground pools, including shipping container pools.

48. West Virginia: Most municipalities require a permit for pools, along with adherence to local zoning and fencing rules.

49. Wisconsin: Permits and compliance with local zoning laws are typically necessary for pool installation.

50. Wyoming: Most municipalities in Wyoming require a permit for the installation of a pool