Pools & Pool Fences
Swimming Pool Safety
As we get closer to summer, and winter quickly becomes a faded “bad” memory, we have visions of installing a swimming pool in our backyard and enjoying the summer months ahead.
Swimming pool safety doesn’t just happen; and adhering to regulations can prevent an accident. The S in Safety is more than just Supervision. Children must be watched closely. There is no substitute for an adult watching a child. Do not let anything distract you when a child is in or near a body of water – not even for a second! Keep your eyes on the pool at all times!
New Jersey has some of the most stringent swimming pool codes in the nation. We treat all pools in the same manner. We treat above-ground and in-ground pools the same with regard to personal and electrical safety, security. If you are considering the installation of a swimming pool, please do not hesitate to contact the Scotch Plains Department of Inspections. We have pool packages ready to assist you with your permit application in order to expedite the process so that you pool can be installed in a timely manner to allow you to enjoy your summer swimming.
The code requirements are the same for in-ground and above-ground pools. If you purchase a pool at a “big box” store, and it has the capability of holding twenty-four (24) inches of water it is subject to the same rules and regulations as the installation of an in-ground pool, or an above-ground pool with the capacity of holding forty-eight (48) inches of water. The size of the pool (square footage) does not matter.
Do not be caught short, or lulled into a false sense of security. When those hot July days are upon us and the kids are screaming that they are hot – and you went and purchased that pool to quiet the kids down and regain your sanity. Even the pools that, when get filled with water, the walls act as the barrier need permits. Remember: if the pool has the capability of holding twenty-four (24) inches of water or more, it requires a permit. It requires the security of a code compliant fence. You might possible have to install gates in that fence. Those gates must operate and open in a specific direction; and are required to be self-closing and self-latching. The hardware associated with those gates must be mounted at a specific height. There are specific requirements regarding the height, type, and style of fence you will generally need.
If you have a pool on your property – then you are required to secure that pool with your fence. You cannot rely on any fencing of a neighbor inasmuch as there is no obligation for that neighbor to retain that fence in order to secure your pool.
Remember….Swimming pool safety doesn’t just “happen”….Also remember, when you are finished enjoying your pool at the end of the day, be certain to remove all toys and flotation devices out of the pool so that curious children don’t try to reach for them. Take all necessary precautions…including possibly covering the pool; lock the fence and gate.
If you have an above-ground pool, remember the locking devices that are incorporated in the ladder prevent a small child from climbing on them and possibly falling into the pool.
According to the U S P S C in less time than it takes to answer a phone, the possibility exists that a child could drown. This is why it is critically important that you NEVER leave children unattended when swimming in your pool; and why any child under 5 years of age should always be in arm’s reach.
Remember we are here to answer your questions, and help navigate through the permitting process in order for you to enjoy the summer if it is your intention to install a pool. We are just the messengers. It is our job to enforce the code in order to ensure pool safety – not only to those on the pool property itself – but also to those on the outside looking in.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to me at my direct line: 908-939-8448.
Enjoy the summer safely! Make it a summer you can remember for all the good times, not a summer to look back on remembering a tragic event.
Bob LaCosta
Construction Official
Pools
Installing a swimming pool is a common addition to many homes. But always remember, SAFETY FIRST and follow all codes and guidelines outlined below.
Private and public pools apply to any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or wading that has the capability of holding water over 24 inches or more in depth. This includes in-ground, above –ground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed in-place wading pools. A full permit package with approved fencing, and if installing an above-ground pool a ladder enclosure, is required prior to installing a swimming pool. For in-ground pools three signed and sealed detailed plans are required. Signed and sealed diving board specifications are required if on your plan. For above-ground pool a copy of the pool specifications are also required. A copy of your property survey must be included and pool must meet side set backs.
Relevant subcodes for permit:
- UCC Building Subcode Technical Section (pdf 615k) Form U.C.C. F110 (rev. 07/03)
- UCC Electrical Subcode Technical Section (pdf 63kb) Form U.C.C. F120 (rev. 07/03)
- UCC Plumbing Subcode Technical Section (pdf 63kb) Form U.C.C. F130 (rev. 01/04)
Commercial pools requirements are the same as private pools insofar as they must also include a yearly health inspection by our Environmental Health Officer and an inspection by the Electrical Inspector for the pool’s yearly electrical bonding and grounding Certificate of Compliance. In addition, every five years an Electrical Bonding Certificate is required for commercial pools.
Above Ground Pool Requirements
Above Ground Pool Requirements
Microsoft Word Document 12.9 KB
Pool Fence Guidelines
Definition of a Barrier is: A fence, a wall, a building wall, the wall of an above ground swimming pool, or a combination thereof, which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.
The requirements for a public swimming pool enclosure are in 5:23 – 3.14 of the UCC and are as follows:
- Height of not less than 4 feet above the ground.
- Gates shall be not less than 4 feet above the ground and shall be self closing and self latching with the latch not less than 4 feet from the ground.
- Fences shall not allow the passage of a sphere larger than 4 inches.
- Fences shall be able to withstand a load of 200 pounds applied on a 1 square foot area at any point of the fence.
The requirements for a private swimming pool enclosures and gates are in Section 5:23 -3.14 of the UCC are as follows:
- Height shall not be less than 48 inches above the finished ground level which faces away from the swimming pool.
- The maximum vertical distance between the ground and the barrier shall be 1 ¾”
- The opening between the pool and the barrier and through the barrier shall not allow the passage of a 4 inch diameter sphere when the barrier is placed on top of the pool.
- The barrier shall not contain abnormal, decorative indentations or protrusions to allow for climbing.
A barrier constructed of horizontal and vertical members where: (Where the horizontal members are less than 45 inches apart)
- Horizontal members shall be located on the pool side of the barrier
- Spacing between vertical member shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches.
- Decorative cutouts shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches in width (Where the horizontal members are less than 45 inches or greater)
- Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches.
- Decorative cutouts shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches in width.
- Maximum mesh size is for chain link fences in 1 ¼ inch square.
- Maximum opening for a chain link fence provided with slats fastened at the top and bottom is not more than 1 ¾ inches.
- Maximum openings, within barriers, formed by diagonal members, such as lattice, shall not be more that 1 ¾ inches.
- Decorative cutouts shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches in width.
Gates are required to have the following:
- Locking device
- Pedestrian gates shall open outwards, away from the pool and shall be self-closing with a self latching mechanism; and
- Gates, other than pedestrian shall be equipped with a self latching mechanism
Release mechanisms less than 54 inches above the ground are required to be as follows:
- Located on the pool side of the gate not less than 3 inches below the top of the gate: and
- Shall not have an opening greater than ½ inch. Within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
When the above-ground pool used as the barrier, or when the barrier is mounted above the pool structure, the barrier is required to extend around the entire fixed or removable ladder, or steps. A removable ladder shall not constitute an acceptable alternative to enclosure requirements.
The formal interpretations on swimming pools are as follows:
- A continuous barrier is required around a swimming pool. Therefore, a retractable ladder cannot be used.