Pool Contractor License in Tennessee - Exam Required
Use Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors official lookup to confirm an active pool contractor license before signing a contract.
Requirements recorded for this license
Builds, repairs, and maintains swimming pools and spas
License Type
Pool Contractor License
State license + local permit required in most jurisdictions.
Requirements at a Glance
Exam Required
Yes, Exam Required
Experience Required
2 years minimum
Surety Bond
$10,000 required
Liability Insurance
Minimum $500K coverage
Continuing Education
No continuing education required
License Fee
$100-$400
The bond, insurance, and fee figures above reflect an industry-typical baseline for pool contractor licensing, per-state statutory research for this trade is still in progress, so this is not yet a confirmed dollar figure specific to Tennessee. Confirm the exact current requirement with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before relying on a specific number.
How to Apply
- 1 Document at least 2 years of relevant work experience
- 2 Pass the required licensing exam, contact the board for approved testing centers
- 3 Obtain a surety bond for $10,000 from a licensed bonding company
- 4 Purchase general liability insurance with at least $500K coverage
- ✓ Submit application and pay the license fee ($100-$400) to Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Compare Pool Contractor Requirements Across States
25 of 51 states require a pool contractor license. See how Tennessee compares.
View All States for Pool Contractor →What the Tennessee Pool Contractor Record Shows
Tennessee requires pool contractor contractors to hold a Pool Contractor License before performing licensed work. Of 25 US states that license pool contractor work, Tennessee's regime applies all three primary screens, exam, bond, and insurance, placing it among the more protective jurisdictions for this trade. Licensing is administered through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, which issues the credential, maintains the public license roster, and adjudicates consumer complaints.
The specific entry requirements for pool contractor contractors in Tennessee are: a qualifying exam, 2 years of documented work experience, a surety bond of $10,000, liability insurance with at least $500K in coverage, and no continuing-education mandate. License fees in this classification run $100-$400. Additional notes from the licensing board: State license + local permit required in most jurisdictions.
For homeowners in Tennessee, verification is straightforward: use Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors's official license lookup to confirm the license number is active, matches the contractor's legal business name, and has no disciplinary history attached. Ask for a copy of the license and the certificate of insurance before signing a contract, and request the surety bond provider if bonding is required. If defective work or non-performance occurs, the state complaint process is the formal path to recovery, file promptly, document everything, and retain copies of contracts, invoices, and correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of license do pool contractor contractors need in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires pool contractor contractors to hold a Pool Contractor License. A licensing exam is required. A surety bond of $10,000 is also required. Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors for the most current application process.
How much does a pool contractor license cost in Tennessee?
License fees for pool contractor contractors in Tennessee are typically around $100-$400 (an industry-typical baseline; per-state fee research for this trade is still in progress). Additional costs may include exam fees, bonding premiums, and insurance. Fees are subject to change, verify current amounts with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Is insurance required for pool contractor contractors in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires pool contractor contractors to carry liability insurance with a typical minimum coverage of $500K (an industry-typical baseline, not yet a confirmed state-specific figure). Even where not legally required, hiring an insured contractor protects homeowners from liability for on-site accidents.
How do I verify a pool contractor contractor's license in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers a free online license verification tool through its licensing board website. You can search by the contractor's name or license number to confirm active status and check for any disciplinary history.
What should I know before hiring a pool contractor?
Pool construction is expensive ($50K-$150K+). Verify the state pool contractor license, ensure permits are obtained, and never pay more than 25-30% upfront. Get multiple bids as pool prices can vary dramatically.
Verify This Contractor
Look up any contractor's license number on Tennessee's official verification tool.
Verify License Now →Other Trades in Tennessee
View all trades in Tennessee →Disclaimer: Requirements shown are from state licensing boards and NCSL. Always verify current requirements directly with Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
States With Similar Pool Contractor Licensing Strictness
Other states that license pool contractor contractors with a similar exam/bond/insurance/CE requirement profile to Tennessee's.
Every figure on PlainHireCheck is rendered directly from state licensing board source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on state licensing board source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
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| Sources | Public state contractor licensing board records |