This section provides details on how to submit an application for Approval to Construct and an Approval of Construction for Public and Semi-Public Swimming Pools and Spas. An Approval to Construct is a certificate that allows an applicant to construct a public or semi-public swimming pool or spa, and an Approval of Construction is a certificate that allows an applicant to operate a public or semi-public swimming pool or spa after construction and final testing have been completed

Public swimming pools and spas, are pools and spas that are open to the public with or without a fee, including swimming pools and spas that are operated by a county, municipality, political subdivision, school district, university, college, or a commercial establishment whose primary business is the operation of a swimming pool or spa. Semi-Public swimming pools and spas, are swimming pools and spas operated for the residents of lodgings such as hotels, motels, resorts, apartments, condominiums, townhouse complexes, trailer courts, mobile home parks, or similar establishments. Semi-public swimming pools and spas include those operated by a neighborhood or community association for the residents of the community and their guests and swimming pools and spas at a country club, health club, camp, or similar establishment where the primary business of the establishment is not the operation of the facility and where the use of the facility is included in the fee for the primary use of the establishment. The approval of the installation of these facilities is conducted by the Engineering Review Section (ERS) of the Water Quality Division.

ADEQ Form 222 is the Completeness Review Guide for Engineering Review that provides a quick overview of the requirements for application submittals for Subdivisions, Sewage Collection Systems, Water Distribution Systems, Public and Semi-Public Swimming Pools and Spas, and On-site Wastewater (Septic) Treatment Systems. In addition, applicant must consult the Delegation Agreement Matrix to determine where the application must be submitted. The Application Fees section of this web site can be used to determine the applicable fees for this type of application. Information on the maximum length of time that ADEQ is allowed in order to process this type of review can be found under Application Processing Times.

As detailed in ADEQ Form 222, the primary components necessary to obtain an Approval to Construct Permit are:

• Public and Semi-Public Pools and Spas Construction Plans
• Application form
• Design Report
• Backwash Disposal Agreement

The primary components necessary to obtain an Approval of Construction Permit are:

• As-built Plans
• Engineer's Certificate of Completion (ECC)

Brochures

• Form 222 - Submittal Checklist
• List of Delegated Agencies
• Virginia Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act

Design Standards

Several material, construction, and testing standards are referenced by rule and bulletins for pools. Listed below are some of the commonly utilized standards but is not exhaustive of all the standards referenced by rule.

• Maricopa Association of Governments Standards and Standard Details
• Pima County/City of Tucson Standard Details

Fees

There are currently no fees associated with issuance of Approvals to Construct, or Approvals of Construction for public and semi-public swimming pools and spas.

Forms

• Approval to Construct Phase
  1. Application for Approval to Construct
  2. Backwash Disposal Agreement - via letter from wastewater treatment plant
• Approval of Construction Phase
  1. Engineers Certificate of Completion
  2. Data Required with ECC

Rules and Statutes

The Arizona Secretary of State maintains the current rules that are used by the Engineering Review Section.

Where to File Your Application

• List of Delegated Agencies