General information, not legal, engineering or insurance advice.
In Arizona, contractors are licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Hiring an ROC-licensed contractor whose license class fits the job is the first step to a safe, permitted pool heater install or repair. This guide explains which ROC license classes cover swimming pool work, how to check a license yourself, and what to settle in writing before work starts.
ROC license classes for pool work
ROC issues licenses by class, and each class covers a particular type of work. Some classes are commercial, some residential, and dual classes cover both, so check that the class on the license record fits a home pool. The classes most relevant to pool heating are:
- Swimming pool construction: B-5 Swimming Pools, B-6 Swimming Pools Including Solar, the dual KA-5 Swimming Pools and KA-6 Swimming Pools Including Solar, and A-9 Swimming Pools and A-19 Swimming Pools Including Solar.
- Pool service and repair: C-6, CR-6 and R-6 Swimming Pool Service and Repair.
- Spas and hot tubs: B-10 Pre-Manufactured Spas and Hot Tubs.
- Solar: C-78 and CR-78 Solar Plumbing Liquid Systems Only, plus the "Including Solar" swimming pool classes above.
A license class tells you what the business is licensed to do, not which heaters it installs. Many pool builders and service companies install and repair heaters, heat pumps and solar systems, but not all of them do, and some work only on certain brands. Ask each contractor directly whether they install or service the heater type you want.
How to check a license on the ROC contractor search
- Ask the contractor for their ROC license number. Licensed contractors should give it to you readily.
- Open the ROC contractor search and search by license number or business name.
- Check that the license status is current and active, not suspended, revoked or expired.
- Check the license class, and make sure it fits your job: swimming pool work, pool service and repair, or solar.
- Make sure the business name on the license matches the name on your quote and contract.
- Look at the record for complaint or disciplinary information, and read anything that is posted.
Every listing on our site shows the license number and class we matched from the ROC posting list, but licenses change. Check the live record on the ROC contractor search before you sign.
Get it in writing
A clear written contract protects you and the contractor. Before work starts, make sure it covers:
- The contractor's business name, address and ROC license number.
- The exact heater make, model and output, and any pump, plumbing, electrical or gas work included.
- The total price, what it includes, and the payment schedule tied to completed work.
- Who applies for permits and arranges inspections, and whether permit fees are included.
- Start and completion dates, and how changes to the job will be priced and approved.
- The manufacturer's equipment warranty and the contractor's own warranty on labor.
Permits and inspections
Rules vary by city and county, so check with your local building department. Installing a new heater often involves building, electrical, plumbing or gas permits. Your licensed contractor normally applies for the permit; ask for the permit number and keep the final inspection record with your pool paperwork. If you live in a community with an HOA, check whether equipment changes need approval too.
Compare 2–3 written quotes
Getting quotes from two or three licensed contractors helps you compare not just price but heater type, sizing, warranty and timing. Ask each one how they sized the heater (see our sizing guide) and why they recommend a heat pump, gas heater or solar for your pool (see heat pump vs. gas).
If something goes wrong
Start by raising the problem with the contractor in writing. If it isn't resolved, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors accepts complaints against contractors and has information for homeowners on its website, including what options may be available for work done by a licensed contractor. That's one more reason to check the license before you hire.
Sources
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors, roc.az.gov.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors, contractor search.