FILE · POOL SERVICE x DAVIS x CALIFORNIAPermit StackSpecs LedgerCostTimelineChecklistViolationsFAQ
POOL SERVICE x DAVIS x CALIFORNIA

Pool Service contractors in Davis, California.

Pool service contractors operating in Davis, California, must navigate both state-level licensing and local municipal requirements. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) governs the professional licensing of pool contractors, requiring either a C-53 or C-61/D-35 classification for projects exceeding $500. Compliance with state law is mandatory to protect both the contractor and the consumer.

At the local level, the City of Davis enforces building codes that may necessitate permits for equipment upgrades, such as heaters or pumps. Contractors must also secure a local business license and ensure that all work complies with California's strict energy efficiency standards for pool equipment. Maintaining proper insurance, including bonding and workers' compensation, is essential for legal operation within Yolo County.

State License
STATE CSLB C-53/D-35Required >$500
Permit Issuer
City of DavisBuilding Division
Avg. Plan Review
1-3 DaysMinor permits
Typical Start-Up
RANGE $500-$1,500Fees/Bonding
FILE · POOL SERVICE x DAVIS x CALIFORNIA
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
05 / 2026
State AuthorityContractors State License Board
CountyYolo County
City AuthorityCity of Davis Building Division
Statute / CodeCA Business & Professions Code
Federal Cert.N/A
ReciprocityNone
FILE POOL SERVICELOCATION DAVIS, CALIFORNIATYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED 05 / 2026STATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to DavisWhat this leaf carries beyond the California state file.
Davis Energy Standards
Strict adherence to Title 20 efficiency regulations for all pool pump and motor replacements.
Yolo County Water Quality
Compliance with local water discharge ordinances regarding pool draining and chemical disposal.
City of Davis Business Tax
Annual business license renewal and tax filing requirements specific to the City of Davis.
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern Pool Service work in Davis.

State licensing is the baseline; local permits are triggered by the scope of physical equipment installation.

State — Floor
CSLB
C-53/D-35 LicenseContractor Bond
County — Overlay
Yolo County Environmental Health
Discharge permitsPublic pool safety
City — Where you file
City of Davis
Business LicenseBuilding Permits

Read it bottom-up.

State licensing is the baseline; local permits are triggered by the scope of physical equipment installation.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is Pool Service and the jurisdiction is Davis, California.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · 05 / 2026
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
C-53 or D-35 LicenseRequired for work >$500
CSLB
Verify with CSLB
3-6 months
B&P 7048
REQUIRED
Contractor BondMinimum $25,000
Surety Provider
Verify with provider
1 week
B&P 7071.6
REQUIRED
Building PermitFor equipment install
City of Davis
Verify with City
1-5 days
Davis Municipal Code
REQUIRED
Workers' CompIf employees present
State Fund/Private
Verify with provider
1 week
Labor Code 3700
REQUIRED
Business LicenseAnnual renewal
City of Davis
Verify with City
1 week
Davis Municipal Code
REQUIRED
EPA/CEC CompliancePump efficiency
CEC
N/A
N/A
Title 20
REQUIRED
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start Pool Service in Davis.

A practical floor for Davis, California. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Davis, California · Pool Service
CSLB Application FeeInitial licenseVerify with CSLB
Contractor BondAnnual premiumVerify with provider
City Business LicenseAnnual feeVerify with City
Building Permit FeePer projectVerify with City
Workers' CompAnnual premiumVerify with provider
Continuing EducationOptional/TradeVerify with provider
Year-one floorVariable based on business size
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Note
Bonding Costs

Bond premiums vary based on credit history and years in business.

Note
Permit Fees

Fees are calculated based on the valuation of the work performed.

Note
License Fees

CSLB fees are subject to change; check the official website for current schedules.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for Pool Service contractors in Davis.

1
Day 0
Register Business
City of Davis
2
Day 15
Apply for CSLB License
CSLB
3
Day 60
Pass Trade Exam
CSLB
4
Day 90
Submit Bond/Insurance
CSLB
5
Day 120
Receive License
CSLB
6
Day 130
Begin Operations
N/A
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
Verify License
Confirm CSLB status is active
CSLBSafetyB&P 7000
ContractorIssuing authority
02
Pull Permits
Submit plans for equipment install
CitySafetyDavis Code
ContractorIssuing authority
03
Check Energy Specs
Verify pump efficiency
CECEnergyTitle 20
ContractorIssuing authority
04
Update Insurance
Ensure bond is current
BondLegalB&P 7071
ContractorIssuing authority
05
Renew Business License
Annual City filing
CityTaxDavis Code
ContractorIssuing authority
06
Safety Training
Chemical handling protocols
OSHASafetyCal/OSHA
ContractorIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Davis.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Unlicensed Contracting

Performing work over $500 without a valid CSLB license.

PenaltyFines and potential
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Work Without Permit

Installing equipment without city building permits.

PenaltyStop-work orders
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Lapsed Insurance

Failure to maintain required contractor bond.

PenaltyLicense suspension
§ 07 · Davis-specific FAQ

Questions Pool Service contractors ask about Davis.

Q01Do I need a license for simple pool cleaning?+
If the total cost of labor and materials is under $500, a license is not required, but any work exceeding this threshold requires a CSLB license.
LicensingCSLBSource · California Business and Professions Code Section 7048
Q02Does Davis require a permit for pump replacement?+
Yes, replacing a pool pump generally requires an electrical permit from the City of Davis Building Division to ensure safety and code compliance.
PermitsDavisSource · City of Davis Municipal Code Title 11
Q03What insurance is mandatory for pool contractors?+
You must maintain a $25,000 contractor bond on file with the CSLB, and workers' compensation if you employ staff.
InsuranceBondingSource · CSLB Licensing Requirements
Q04Are there specific energy standards for pool pumps in California?+
Yes, all replacement pool pumps must meet the California Energy Commission's efficiency standards.
EnergyCECSource · California Code of Regulations Title 20
Q05Where do I apply for a business license in Davis?+
Business licenses are processed through the City of Davis Finance Department.
Business LicenseDavisSource · City of Davis Finance Department
Q06How do I verify a contractor's license?+
You can verify any contractor's license status online through the CSLB website using their license number or business name.
VerificationCSLBSource · CSLB.ca.gov
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

These are the documents Iris tracks for you.

Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.