Commercial | Builders and developers
The pool package, as one subcontract
For a general contractor, the pool is a specialty scope with its own engineer, its own health department path and its own inspections. A pool subcontractor should take that whole package and hand it back finished, with the scope split settled before the subcontract is signed.
Family-owned
40+ years
Building pools since 1985
Counties served
Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia
Central Florida, from Orlando
What matters to you
What general contractors need from a pool sub
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The whole pool package
Pool plans coordination, the health department application, construction, startup and the operating permit, carried by one sub.
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A scope split in writing
A matrix of what is in the pool subcontract and what stays with the GC, so nothing falls between trades.
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The right license for the pool
A commercial pool/spa contractor license for the pool scope. Playwell's licenses are CPC1457140, and CGC1511541 as a certified general contractor, issued to licensee Donald Robert Glenn.
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Bonding to match the job
Subcontract bonds when the prime contract or the owner requires them, backed by a surety letter.
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Fast prequalification
Licenses, insurance certificate, W-9, safety program and references available without a chain of emails.
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A sub who fits the schedule
Pool milestones and inspections tied into the master schedule alongside deck, electrical and fencing trades.
Scope
Scope split matrix
Settle each line before the subcontract is signed. Assignments vary by project; Playwell's standard inclusions are being added below.
| Pool engineering and plans | Who engages the engineer or design architect who stamps the pool plans |
|---|---|
| Health department application | Who files the DH4159 operating permit application, which comes before the building permit |
| Excavation and dewatering | Pool excavation, spoils, and dewatering where the water table requires it |
| Shell, steel and plumbing | Pool shell, reinforcing, suction and return piping, perimeter and filter piping |
| Equipment and equipment room | Pumps, filtration, heaters, chemical feeders, and the room or pad that houses them |
| Electrical | Equipment feeds, lighting circuits and equipotential bonding, inspected by the building department |
| Utility connections | Direct connections to sanitary sewer and potable water lines, which fall outside the pool contractor scope |
| Deck and wet deck | Wet deck, coping and the surrounding deck, and who owns the joint between them |
| Barrier and fencing | Pool enclosure, gates and signage |
| Drain safety | Compliant drain covers, secondary systems, and the DH 4157 form the health department asks for when covers are replaced |
| Accessible entry | Pool lift or sloped entry under the 2010 ADA Standards, where the facility is covered |
| Startup and handoff | Startup, the Department of Health opening inspection and the operating permit |
Rules, paperwork and next steps
- Prequalification Licenses, insurance, bonding and references in one place.
- Florida public pool permits DH4159 operating permit path and the resurfacing notice.
- VGB drain safety Federal drain-cover rules and Florida s. 514.0315.
- ADA pool access Accessible entries for public accommodations and government pools.
- Project record Playwell projects by sector, scope and year.
- Verify our licenses Each license, its class and a DBPR lookup.
Common questions
What license does a pool subcontractor need on a commercial project in Florida?
A commercial pool/spa contractor license covers any swimming pool, hot tub or spa, public or private (s. 489.105(3)(j), F.S.). Its scope includes construction, repair and servicing, equipment, interior finishes, perimeter and filter piping, and equipment rooms or housing. It excludes direct connections to sanitary sewer or potable water lines. A residential pool/spa contractor license is limited to residential pools. General information, not legal advice.
Who files with the Department of Health on a new public pool?
The operating permit application (DOH form DH4159) goes to the county health department with the plans and specifications before the building permit application (s. 514.03, F.S.). The form names the owner and the engineer or design architect who stamped the plans. Which party prepares and files it should be set in the subcontract.
Does Playwell also hold a general contractor license?
Yes. Playwell's licenses include Certified General Contractor license CGC1511541 (Current, Active, expires 08/31/2028) in addition to Certified Pool/Spa Contractor license CPC1457140, both issued to licensee Donald Robert Glenn. Both can be checked on the Florida DBPR license search.
How do we send plans for a bid?
Use the request-a-bid form with a link to the plans or bid package, the bid due date and whether a bond is required. Or call (407) 403-2794.
How do we prequalify Playwell?
The prequalification page lists each document and how to request it, including a certificate of insurance naming your company and the owner.
Send plans for a pool package bid
Include a link to the plans, the bid due date and the bond requirement. Playwell reviews the package and contacts your estimator.