Question 1

Do I need a permit for a small pool in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Not for ours. Florida code classifies any pool with a wall height of 24 inches or less as an above-ground recreational vessel, which is exempt from the permitting and inspection process that traditional in-ground pools require. Every Cocktail Pool is built to exactly 24 inches and ships with a stamped permit-exemption letter you can hand to your county.

Question 2

What if my HOA still wants approval?

Accepted Answer

Most do, and we make it painless. Every order includes a pre-filled HOA / ARC submission packet with the site plan, materials list, equipment specs, and a cover letter explaining the 24-inch exemption. Boards typically approve in one cycle.

Question 3

Does the 24-inch rule apply outside Florida?

Accepted Answer

Permit-exemption rules vary state-by-state. For DIY-kit orders shipped nationwide, we provide the same documentation pack so you (or your local installer) can confirm compliance with your jurisdiction. We don't make guarantees outside Florida.

Question 4

Will I need a fence around the pool?

Accepted Answer

Florida's residential pool barrier requirements (FBC R4501.17) apply to pools deeper than 24 inches. Because ours stop at the line, the state fence mandate doesn't trigger. Local ordinances and HOAs can still impose their own rules — we'll flag any we know about for your address.

Question 5

How long does the build actually take?

Accepted Answer

48 hours of on-site work for a turnkey install inside Florida. Day one: site prep, block walls, core fill, equipment trench. Day two: liner, coping, fill, equipment commissioning. Lead time from order to crew arrival is typically 2–4 weeks depending on metro.

Question 6

What does the site need to look like beforehand?

Accepted Answer

A roughly level patch of ground with vehicle access for a small skid-steer and pallet delivery. We confirm the exact pad spec after you upload a parcel survey at checkout — and we'll send a punch list of anything that needs to happen before our crew arrives.

Question 7

Can I install the DIY kit myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the DIY kit is engineered for a handy homeowner with a helper, or any general contractor. It ships palletized with cut-to-length rebar, the precision core box, liner, coping, equipment, and a step-by-step build manual. Average DIY build time is one long weekend.

Question 8

What's included with the architect-reviewed tiers?

Accepted Answer

A licensed Florida architect reviews your specific site plan and configuration, then issues a sealed PDF with their stamp. Required by some HOAs and recommended for waterfront, sloped, or unusually visible lots. SLA is 24–72 hours depending on tier.

Question 9

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

A typical 8×12 turnkey build in Florida lands between $14k and $19k all-in. The DIY kit for the same shape ships nationwide for roughly half that. Use the configurator for a real-time, itemized number based on your exact shape, equipment tier, and add-ons.

Question 10

How much maintenance does it take?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes a week — skim, check the cartridge filter, dose chlorine. The variable-speed pump runs a few hours a day on a timer. The 60-mil industrial liner is rated for 15+ years; coping pavers are essentially permanent.

Question 11

What's the warranty?

Accepted Answer

Two years on workmanship (turnkey installs), one year on equipment, lifetime structural on the block-and-fill assembly. Liner carries the manufacturer's 15-year prorated warranty. Full terms ship with every order.

Question 12

Can I move it later?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's a feature of the above-ground classification. The block walls are not poured-in-place, so the pool can be drained, disassembled, and rebuilt at a new site. Most owners don't bother, but it's possible.

The questions we get every week.

Permits & HOA

Install & timeline

Cost, maintenance, warranty