Survey requirements

Survey Requirements

Professional Pool Company — What Your Survey Must Include for Pool Design & Permitting

A current, accurate property survey is one of the most important documents needed before designing or permitting a new pool. Your survey determines where the pool can legally be placed and helps prevent issues with setbacks, drainage, utilities, and access.

This guide covers everything homeowners need to know about survey requirements.

⭐ 1. Do You Need a Survey to Build a Pool?

Yes — a survey is required for all pool permits in Florida.

Your survey must be:

✔ Legible

✔ To scale

✔ Completed by a licensed surveyor

✔ Showing all existing structures and boundaries

✔ Recent enough to reflect your current property conditions

We cannot design or submit your permit without one.

⭐ 2. How Recent Does a Survey Need to Be?

Most counties accept surveys that are:

1–3 years old when clearly accurate
Older surveys may be accepted if the property has not changed
New surveys required if:

✔ A patio was added

✔ A fence was relocated

✔ A driveway was expanded

✔ A previous owner made modifications

✔ A screen enclosure was built

✔ Elevation data is missing

If the county flags the survey as outdated or incomplete, it must be updated.

⭐ 3. What MUST Be Shown on Your Survey

Your survey must clearly show:

✔ 1. Property Lines

All lot boundaries with measurements.

✔ 2. Setbacks

Distances from the house and structures to the property lines.

✔ 3. Easements

Including:

Utility easements
Drainage easements
Access easements
Conservation setbacks

Pools cannot be placed inside most easements.

✔ 4. House Footprint

Exterior walls, patio slabs, driveways, and existing decks.

✔ 5. Elevations / Grades (IMPORTANT)

Some counties require elevation points and drainage arrows.

These are especially important in:

Orange County
Seminole County
City of Orlando
Osceola County

If missing, corrections may be required.

✔ 6. Existing Features

Your survey must show:

Fences
Sheds
Trees (sometimes required)
Existing pool or spa (if replacing)
Wells / septic systems
Screen enclosures

✔ 7. Utilities

Your survey must identify:

Water meter
Power lines
Sewer/septic
Drainfield
Gas lines (if applicable)

These affect pool placement and safety.

⭐ 4. Items That Often Cause Survey Rejection

These issues trigger county corrections or permit delays:

❌ No elevation points

❌ Missing drainage arrows

❌ Septic system not shown

❌ Outdated survey (conditions changed)

❌ Illegible or low-quality scan

❌ Missing easements

❌ House footprint inaccurate

❌ Fence or enclosure added after the last survey

❌ No signature/seal from a licensed surveyor

We notify you immediately if your survey needs updating.

⭐ 5. Why Counties Require Surveys for Pools

Surveys ensure:

✔ The pool fits inside legal setbacks

✔ Drainage patterns are preserved

✔ Utilities are not damaged

✔ Easements are protected

✔ Neighboring properties are unaffected

✔ Equipment pad is correctly placed

✔ Decking does not exceed impervious limits (especially Orlando/Orange County)

Surveys protect both homeowners and the county from future issues.

⭐ 6. How the Survey Is Used in Your Project

We use your survey in several stages.

Design Stage

Determines pool size
Identifies best placement
Ensures access for excavation
Helps plan drainage solutions
Avoids conflicts with utilities

Engineering Stage

Engineers overlay:

Steel schedule
Setbacks
Deck layout
Equipment pad location
Drainage corrections

Permit Stage

Your survey becomes part of the official submission package and must meet all requirements from:

Zoning
Building
Stormwater
Environmental
HOA (if applicable)

Construction Stage

Your excavation and pool layout are built according to your survey, ensuring everything matches approved plans.

⭐ 7. Do We Order Surveys for You?

Yes — Professional Pool Company can order a new survey if yours is missing or outdated.

We coordinate:

✔ Surveyor scheduling

✔ Rush requests

✔ Elevation shots

✔ Tree or septic mapping (if required)

⭐ 8. Cost of a Survey (Typical Range)

Survey pricing varies based on lot size and complexity:

Standard lot: $325–$550
Large/irregular lots: $450–$800
Surveys requiring elevation shots: $500–$900
Septic mapping add-on: $75–$150

Rush fees may apply if permitting timelines are tight.

⭐ 9. Summary: Your Survey Is the Foundation of Your Pool Project

A complete, accurate survey ensures:

✔ Proper pool placement

✔ Faster permitting

✔ Fewer corrections

✔ Accurate engineering

✔ Smooth inspections

✔ Safe excavation

✔ Compliance with county rules

Professional Pool Company reviews your survey early in the process so your project stays on track.

⭐ Need a New Survey or Unsure If Yours Is Acceptable?

Send it to us—we’ll review it quickly and let you know if it meets county requirements.

👉 Contact us anytime to upload your survey.

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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