Building a pool in Orange County

Building a Pool in Orange County

Professional Pool Company — What Homeowners Should Know Before Building a Pool in Orange County, FL

Building a pool in Orange County (unincorporated) follows a different process from the City of Orlando. Orange County focuses heavily on drainage, setbacks, and correct documentation. Understanding the county’s requirements helps your project move smoothly from design to permitting.

⭐ 1. Orange County vs. City of Orlando — They Are NOT the Same

Orange County has its own:

✔ Zoning department

✔ Stormwater/Drainage review

✔ Building review

✔ Separate inspection team

If your address says Orlando, you may still live in unincorporated Orange County, not the city.

We determine this during your consultation.

⭐ 2. What Orange County Requires Before a Pool Permit Can Be Submitted

We cannot submit a pool permit until the following items are complete:

✔ 1. Engineered Pool Plans

Signed and sealed plans including:

Shell design
Steel schedule
Beam heights
Steps/benches
Spa plans (if applicable)

✔ 2. Current Property Survey

Survey must show:

Setbacks
Easements
Drainage arrows
Home footprint
Utility lines
Elevations

Surveys missing elevation data commonly trigger corrections.

✔ 3. Site Plan (Plot Plan)

Orange County requires:

Exact pool location
Deck footprint
Equipment pad location
Setback measurements
Access path
Drainage flow direction

✔ 4. Drainage / Stormwater Notes

Orange County almost always requires:

Runoff direction arrows
Impervious area calculations
Confirmation that deck/pool won’t block drainage
Potential French drain placement (if needed)

✔ 5. HOA Approval (if applicable)

Required in many communities, including:

Horizon West
Waterford Trails
Avalon Park
Dr. Phillips
Hunters Creek
Lake Nona-area developments

Permitting cannot proceed without HOA approval where required.

⭐ 3. Orange County Permitting Timeline

Typical Review Time:

3–6 weeks

County Review Departments:

Zoning
Stormwater / Engineering
Building / Structural
Environmental review (if applicable)
Corrections & resubmittals

Orange County is busier than Lake or Brevard, but faster than Seminole and Osceola in most cases.

⭐ 4. Property Considerations Unique to Orange County

✔ 1. Drainage Enforcement

Orange County has strict stormwater requirements.

You may need:

Grading notes
Drainage corrections
Impervious area confirmation
Swale preservation

Drainage is the most common reason for permit delays.

✔ 2. Narrow Side Yard Access

Many homes in Orange County suburbs have:

AC units blocking access
Fence lines close to homes
Shared drainage easements

We inspect access before excavation.

✔ 3. High Water Table Pockets

Certain Orlando-area neighborhoods have shallow water tables, requiring:

Dewatering
Overflow drains
Special engineering notes

✔ 4. Septic System Setbacks

If your home uses septic (many older Orange County homes do):

We must document:

Tank location
Drainfield
Reserve area
Required setbacks

Septic conflicts may affect pool location.

✔ 5. Trees & Protected Shade Trees

Not as strict as the City of Orlando, but:

Some neighborhoods require tree replacement
Large oaks may restrict placement
Root zones must be avoided

⭐ 5. Required Orange County Inspections

Orange County requires several inspections during construction:

1. Steel Inspection

Before gunite.

2. Electrical Bonding Inspection

Ensures pump, rebar, heater, and salt system are bonded correctly.

3. Plumbing Pressure Test

Verifies all lines hold pressure.

4. Deck/Footer Inspection

Needed for:

Pavers
Concrete deck
Screen enclosure footers

5. Final Inspection

Inspector checks:

Safety barrier compliance
Setbacks
Equipment operation
Drainage compliance
Interior finish
Gate/alarm systems

Final approval is required before completion.

⭐ 6. Orange County Safety Requirements

Orange County follows Florida Building Code:

✔ 4’ barrier minimum

✔ Baby barrier

✔ Self-closing gates

✔ Door/window alarms

✔ Screen enclosure with latching doors

Barrier must be installed before the final inspection.

⭐ 7. Construction Timeline After Permit Approval

After your permit is approved:

Excavation – 1–2 days
Plumbing & Steel – 2–4 days
Inspections – 1–3 days
Gunite – 1 day + curing
Tile & Coping – 2–4 days
Deck installation – 3–7 days
Interior finish & startup – 2–3 days

Typical total timeline:

12–18 weeks, depending on weather, access, and material choices.

⭐ 8. Tips for a Smooth Orange County Project

✔ HOA approval early

HOAs often meet monthly.

✔ Provide current survey

Old or incomplete surveys cause major delays.

✔ Expect drainage questions

Stormwater review is detailed.

✔ Clear equipment access

Tight side yards are common; access must be evaluated.

✔ Understand realistic timelines

Orange County is consistent but thorough.

⭐ 9. Summary: Building a Pool in Orange County

Homeowners can expect:

✔ 3–6 week permitting timeline

✔ Detailed stormwater review

✔ HOA approvals when required

✔ Multiple county inspections

✔ 12–18 week construction duration

✔ Smooth build when documents are complete

Orange County is one of the most straightforward—but busiest—permitting offices in Central Florida.

⭐ Ready to Build Your Orange County Pool?

Professional Pool Company handles:

✔ 3D design

✔ Engineering

✔ HOA coordination

✔ All Orange County permitting

✔ Full construction

✔ Final inspection and startup

👉 Contact us anytime to begin your Orange County pool project.

Need help right now?

Call us at 321-252-7371 or schedule a design consultation at this link.

Updated on: 29/11/2025

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