Swimming Pool Requirements
Building Permit Requirements for Swimming Pools
All pools, spas and hot tubs capable of holding twenty-four (24) inches of water shall require a building permit with the Village of Newark Code Enforcement Office. Each building permit application shall be accompanied by the following:
1. A completed building permit application.
2. A survey indicating proposed location of the proposed pool along with the associated setbacks to
all property lines. From the rear and side property lines the setback must be four (4) feet or
greater. Also, all buildings, easements, power lines and other utilities shall be indicated on the
map along with their respective distances to the proposed pool.
3. Insurance certificate from the installer.
4. Payment of $35.00 to the Village of Newark.
5. Estimated cost of the pool.
6. Manufacturer's information relating to size and design of pool, as well the number of gallons of
water needed to fill the pool.
Electrical
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) shall protect all pools requiring electrical connections.
The electrical portion of an installation of a pool, spa or hot tub shall be inspected by a Village approved third party electrical inspection agency prior to the final inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Barrier Requirements
The provisions of this section shall control the design of barriers for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. These design controls are intended to provide protection against potential drowning and near-drowning by restricting access to swimming pools, spas and hot tubs.
Barriers, such as fences, are required around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. This includes both fixed and portable units, including pre-formed or inflatable pools. The only exception is when a swimming pool is not able to contain more than twenty-four (24) inches of water.
The Residential Code of New York State and the Building Code of New York State regulate the construction parameters of barriers. Several options are available.
1. A 48 inch barrier shall surround the pool area. This barrier can be made using various methods
including masonry, wood, or metal. Whatever method is used, it must not allow passage of
children through the barrier, and should also be constructed to prevent climbing. All barriers shall
meet the requirements of Section AG105 of the Residential Code of New York State.
2. For above-ground pools, the side wall can be used as part of the barrier as long as the walls are 48
inches above the ground and the access ladder is secured. A barrier can be placed on top of the
pool if it does not quite meet the 48 inch requirement by itself.
3. When the wall of a building serves as the barrier, or a portion thereof, a power operated top can be
used or alarms can be placed on the doors leading to the pool area.
Hot tubs and spas are exempt from the barrier if equipped with a safety cover complying with the ASTM F1346 safety standard.
Pool gates and folding ladders do need to be locked when unsupervised. This needs to be achieved by a key, combination, or child-proof lock.
NOTE: Although the self-set or quick-set swimming pool (not rigid metal walls) has a 48 inch wall or greater, it does not obstruct access because it is not rigid and therefore does not meet the requirements of section AG105.2 of Appendix G of the Residential Code of New York State (RCNYS) as a barrier. The wall can easily be deflected by a child who grabs the top inflated ring.
Pool Alarms
Each residential swimming pool installed, constructed or substantially modified after December 14, 2006 and each commercial swimming pool installed, constructed or substantially modified after December 14, 2006, shall be equipped with an approved pool alarm which:
- is capable of detecting a child entering the water and giving an audible alarm when it detects a
child entering the water;
- is audible poolside and at another location on the premises where the swimming pool is located;
- is installed, used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;
- is classified by Underwriter's Laboratory, Inc. (or other approved independent testing laboratory)
to reference standard ASTM F2208, entitled "Standard Specification for Pool Alarms," as adopted
in 2002 and editorially corrected in June 2005, published by ASTM International, 100
Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428; and
- is not an alarm device which is located on persons(s) or which is dependent on device(s) located
on person(s) for its proper operation.
Multiple Pool Alarms
A pool alarm installed pursuant to subdivision (Pool Alarms) of this section must be capable of detecting entry into the water at any point on the surface of the swimming pool. If necessary to provide detection capability at every point on the surface of the swimming pool, more than one pool alarm shall be installed.
Filling a Swimming Pool
A pool can be filled by using water:
1. From your own garden hose:
a. If you have a building permit on file for your pool and are filling your pool for the first time,
you may apply for a sewer exemption on your water bill through the Code Enforcement Officer
upon his final inspection. This sewer exemption is valid one time only.
b. If you need to replace your liner but have used a swimming pool sewer exemption in the past,
or if you are refilling/topping off your pool in the spring, you may be eligible for relief from the
sewer portion if your utility bill IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED APPROVAL PRIOR TO FILLING
OR REFILLING YOUR POOL. You may print out the Sewer Credit for Pool Filling form to
start the approval process.
2. From a water hauler:
You may purchase a truckload of water from a water hauler to fill your pool.