Your homeowners association (HOA) will have a lot to say when you decide to build a new pool. But it’s not just red tape and technical jargon; it has rules and requires paperwork for a reason, and it’s important to follow along if you want your pool building process to go smoothly. At the same time, though, if it’s your first time dealing with an HOA, you probably don’t know what to anticipate while you seek its approval.
The following guide will help you understand why HOAs care so much about residents building pools, as well as what the approval permit process looks like and some tips to get on your HOA’s good side to move your pool construction forward without delay.
The Reality of Pool Building With an HOA
HOAs are responsible for maintaining the integrity of their local community. They ensure everything looks nice and stays safe, and they aim to keep property values as high as possible. That comes with a trade-off, however, as almost everything you do to the exterior of your home will require your HOA’s signature.
These entities act independently of city and local government regulations and requirements, and depending on their approach, their rules can be super strict or surprisingly lax. It’s smart to thoroughly read your HOA management required rules before you even attempt to start planning or designing. Working within their confines from the very start will ensure you stay compliant and manage your expectations of what you’re allowed to do.
Common HOA Restrictions or Standards
Size and location are two major factors that will impact your pool’s final design. Some HOAs limit how large a resident’s pool can be or where it sits in their yard. Depending on the size of your yard and the vision for your new pool, that can either be a non-issue or something that restricts some of your design freedom. No matter what, though, you’ll have to comply, so it’s good to identify your limits before you make any decisions you can’t undo or get your money back for.
One of the most reasonable restrictions comes in the form of fencing and safety requirements. These often mimic local building code requirements, but they might have an even higher standard, requesting that you install fences of a certain height or even an alarm system. These are ultimately a good thing, though, considering safety is crucial when building a pool.
Most HOAs also have requirements about the pool’s aesthetics. Yours will want to make sure the pool looks like it belongs in the neighborhood and doesn’t disrupt the vibe. That can be a hard pill to swallow for anyone wanting to do something drastic, but once again, you won’t know what’s possible until you read the rules thoroughly. Some HOAs are more lenient than you think, but it’s still best to temper your expectations.
The HOA Approval Process
The first step is already clear: You need a good grasp of the HOA’s governing documents. These include its covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), bylaws, and architectural guidelines. If it’s hard to make sense of these documents, don’t hesitate to reach out to your HOA manager for clarification.
Design and Documentation
The next step implies that you’ve worked with your pool designer with the above information in mind. You should now have detailed pool plans, including a site map showing exactly where the pool will go, its size, shape, and depth specifications, and every safety feature you plan to install.
The design should meet not only the HOA’s expectations, but the city’s local building codes, too. Remember, your HOA is only one part of the approval process, and you need every aspect of the project to be compliant with both entities.
Submitting Your Application
Your HOA will likely have an application specific to pool building. Fill it out and attach all of the necessary documentation. Some HOAs might ask for more than others, but most will want detailed plans and permit copies as a bare minimum. As such, it’s good to get your permits squared away before submitting your HOA application.
Many applications come with fees. Some HOAs might ask for these upfront, while others will bill you later (typically after they’ve approved the project). It’s crucial to triple-check all of your paperwork before you submit; forgetting or missing something will likely cause delays and have your application sent back.
HOA Review
Once you submit your application, it’s time to wait. Reviewing your application could take as little as a few weeks, but some could take several months. Unfortunately, you’re generally at the mercy of your HOA’s efficiency, here.
However, you can move the process along a bit faster by responding quickly should they reach out. Whenever they ask for more information or request edits to the design, stay on top of communication, and you’ll keep things rolling. They also may require an inspection before the installation of your pool. They may want to check with the building department of your city to make sure everything is in check.
Approval or Denial
If you’re approved, then consider this step in your pool building process complete! Read your conditions carefully, ideally with your pool contractor, to see if there are any additional steps you need to take before construction.
If you’re denied, however, your HOA will usually spell out why. Additionally, most HOAs will let you appeal or resubmit with changes to your design, so a denial isn’t the end of the road for your dream pool. Just anticipate more paperwork and negotiation before you can move forward.
Tips for Success with the HOA Permit Process
The number one thing you can do for a fast HOA pool approval is connect with them early and often. Communication is key to any construction project, and it’s good for everyone if you ask questions or get feedback before you submit something official for your pool.
You should also be flexible with your design plan. There’s a good chance your HOA will ask for at least a few small changes. Don’t let these derail you; decide ahead of time what you’re willing to compromise on before you dig your heels into something you’ll eventually realize wasn’t worth fighting for.
Finally, you want to hire the right people. Hire pool builders who have experience working with HOAs. They’ll help you understand paperwork while helping you avoid mistakes that could hold up the process.
Pool Builders Who Care About Compliance with a Pool Permit
The team at Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf will work with you and your HOA to help get what you want without the unnecessary waiting around and frustration. Contact our team today to learn more and schedule an appointment with a design consultant!