Swimming Pool Contractors are specialty tradesman who engage in pool, spa and hot tub:

• Design and Fabrication
• Installation
• Repair and Maintenance 
• Demolition
• Environmental Testing

This article will provide you with every single detail you need to know about C-53 license requirements, the contractor exam, study guides, as well as information on the D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance license.

What is a Swimming Pool Contractor?

"A swimming pool contractor constructs swimming pools, spas or hot tubs, including the installation of solar heating equipment using those trades or skills necessary for such construction" - CSLB.GOV

The C-53 license is the classification required in the state of California for all persons looking to bid on pool and spa projects where the cost of labor and materials exceeds $500.

Duties of a Swimming Pool Contractor

Swimming pool contractors engage in a wide variety of duties associated with swimming pools but typically their responsibilities include:

If you specialize only in pool and spa maintenance, there is a sub-classification known as the D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance license. 

Swimming Pool Subcontractors

Swimming Pool Contractors that hold the C-53 license work in a variety of settings. Typically they are hired by homeowners to erect swimming pools or spas. 

They may take on larger contracts with local governments or large companies.

A swimming pool contractor may also be subcontracted by a general Contractor who has accepted a bid that includes swimming pool construction.

Check out this article for an in-depth look at the General Contractor License!

The CSLB

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is the governing body for all contractors in the state of California.

Their sole responsibility is to protect the consumer public and ensure that anyone charging over $500 for construction services is qualified and registered with the state of California. 

The C-53 License is issued to swimming contractors by the CSLB.

In addition to licensing, the CSLB also:

• Processes Applications
• Administers Exams
• Maintains databases of active contractors
• Conducts sting operations targeting un-licensed construction activity

Blue Print Reading Course

How to get the C-53 License

To get a C-53 license in California, you must meet the following requirements:

You must also have:

Online Practice Exams and Study Guides

What is a Journey level experience?

Journeyman level experience means that you have worked unsupervised full time for a swimming pool company, or for a contractor that holds the C-53 License.

• A journeyman can perform all of the duties associated with his or her trade.

The CSLB will want to see four full-time years over the last ten years. The years do not need to be consecutive, but they do need to be four years in total. 

Signature of a Qualifying Individual

The following people may be used as Qualifying Individuals to sign off on your experience when applying for the C-53 license:

Filling out the C-53 License Application

Your Qualifying Individual will also need to provide a brief but detailed description of your knowledge and skillset.

The way this description is written will be critical to whether or not your application is accepted. For example: 

“Ted built our swimming pool” will not be descriptive enough for the CSLB

 The CSLB will want to see:

"Ted has installed pools, spas, hot tubs, he has done plumbing, tile work, electrical wiring and also poured concrete, done excavation, and steel placement"

Work experience for the Contractor License

You must be prepared to submit documentation supporting the experience you claim to have. The Contractors State License Board gives you a few ways that you can prove your experience.

• Tax Returns
• Check Stubs
• Contracts
• Material Order Invoices or Receipts

The CSLB  receives thousands of applications per month so there is a good chance they won’t document your experience but if you are one of the applicants that get reviewed you will need to be ready to submit something. 

The CSLB does not accept pictures of projects.

Application Processing, Fees and Criminal History

The time it takes to get your application processed and assigned a test date fluctuates throughout the year.

Typically you can expect:

• 6-8 Week Application Processing Time
• 3-4 Week wait for an Exam date

I have seen some situations where applicants got their test date sooner and some where they got their test date much later.

The most common reasons your application would get held up are:

1. Time of year (processing time slows down during the holidays) 
2. Criminal History 
3. Proving Experience
4. Mistakes on your application 

Application Costs for the C-53 License

The Current CSLB fees are: 

• State Application Fee - $330 
• License Activation Fee - $200 (after you pass the exam)
• Fingerprinting
• Bond Fee (What is a Construction Bond?)

Can you get a Contractors License with a Felony in California?

Having a criminal record in no way stops you from getting a C-53 License. I have personally helped guys with all types of criminal records obtain multiple licenses.

The key is to be honest on the application, even if the felony or misdemeanor happened years ago and even if it was expunged.

BE 100% HONEST ON THE APPLICATION, because they will see everything anyway when you do fingerprinting. The CSLB handles criminal records on a case by case basis.

Remember, their responsibility is to protect the public. In my experience, they primarily concerned with criminal charges associated with: Fraud, Embezzlement and Forgery.

The C-53 License Exam

The exam will be:

The Swimming Pool (C-53 license) Examination is divided into eight major sections:

1.    Planning and Estimation (28%)

• Planning
• Estimating

2.    Swimming Pool/Spa Shell Construction (31%)

• Permitting
• Rough plumbing and electrical
• Site preparation and excavation
• Steel placement and bonding
• Gunite/shotcrete placement and curing

3.    Pool/Spa Systems Installation (10%)

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Equipment installation
• Solar thermal/photovoltaic

4.    Non-Concrete Pools/Spas and Extra Pool/Spa Features (3%)

• Fiberglass, vinyl, metal
• Pool covers
• Water features
• Pool/spa accessories

5.    Pool/Spa Shell Finishing (8%)

• Interior finish and startup
• Tile and coping
• Decking

6.    Commercial Swimming Pools/Spas (3%)

• Title 22 and other code requirements
• Disabled access features

7. Pool/Spa Repair, Renovation, Removal, and Maintenance (7%)

•  Water loss and discoloration
•  Structural modifications
•  Equipment and systems

8. Safety (10%)

        •  Swimming pool/spa safety

        •  Job site safety

Recommended Resources

CSLB Test Locations

Currently there are CSLB test locations in the following cities:

You will be assigned a testing location based on the city you live in. Learn more about Contractor License LAW.

The CSLB will grant you 18 months after your application is accepted to pass both examinations.

You must wait three weeks before retaking the state exam ($60 per retake) A 70% score will be required to pass.

C-53 License Study Guides and practice tests

Some things to remember:

Getting your swimming pool contractor license can be a smooth process if you have the right information. 

Be as prepared as you possibly can. Studying just 10 mintues a day consistently can dramatically increase your chances of passing the test on your first try.

Focus on and study ONLY the information that you need to pass the C-53 License exam. 

Construction Apprenticeship

Swimming pool construction is a multi-million dollar industry and highly skilled contractors are always in demand. Whether you are completely new or have some experience already, there are resources available to you.  

Generally someone looking to become a plastering contractor would want to look into an apprenticeship  or find a skilled tradesman to learn under. 

For a detailed explanation on this process, check out my article: Apprentice vs Journeyman

EPA Certification

Understanding how to safely contain lead-based paint when altering structures built before 1978 is required by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The most profitable swimming pool contractors are ones that position themselves as the experts and are the most knowledgable and helpful to their clients. 

Becoming EPA Certified can help you expand your business and can be completed in a one day 8 hour course.

Staying EPA compliant is not only important to the survival of your business but also the safety of your customers.  

Learn how to get an EPA Certification, in 8 hours!

Conclusion

Getting the C-53 License can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own company, advertise your services, or become an RMO! 

The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end. 

If you have found this article helpful feel free to drop a comment below and be sure to check back for updates!