Swimming Pool Requirements


Your Guide to Above Ground and In-Ground Pools!

 

STEP 1: PRIOR APPROVAL

Step one is to apply to the Zoning Department for approval. Zoning will check your current impervious coverage calculation and let you know if your property qualifies. Please provide a survey when you submit your application. Applications without surveys will automatically be denied.

In-Ground pools will also require Engineering approval. Above Ground pools do not.

If your property has a well or septic system, you will also have to get approval from the Somerset County Board of Health.

 

STEP 2: CONSTRUCTION PERMITS

Above Ground Pool UCC Requirements/Forms

  • Manila jacket, Construction Permit, Building & Electrical Tech cards.
  • Manufacturer’s Booklet on the pool, filter and (if used) ladder enclosure.

In-Ground Pool UCC Requirements/Forms

  • Manila jacket, Construction Permit, Building, Electrical & Plumbing Tech cards.
  • Mechanical Tech card if installing a gas pool heater
  • Two sets of signed & sealed plans prepared by a New Jersey licensed architect or engineer.

 

STEP 3: FENCING 

A barrier, such as a fence, must surround the pool and be a minimum of four feet high above grade. For above ground pools, and only if recognized as an approved “code compliant” barrier per the manufacturer, the sides of the pool or a barrier attached to the top of the pool can act as the barrier if the walls are at least 4 feet high. The space between the bottom of the barrier and the ground must not be more than two inches. Barriers must not be climbable meaning that there should be no foot or handholds on the outside face of the barrier. If there is a gate, it must open outward and be self-closing and latching. If the latch is positioned lower than 4.5ft, it must be on the inside of the gate. The gate must also be lockable.


STEP 4: REQUIRED INSPECTIONS

It's important to make sure you call the Building Department as you construct your pool and obtain all the required inspections. The following inspections are required:

Above Ground Pool 

Building - Final Only

Electric - Final Only

In-Ground Pool  

Depending on your project specifics, you may not require all of the inspections listed below. You can confirm when you pick up your permit, what inspections are needed for an In-Ground Pool.

Building - Collar, Final 

Electric - Trench, Bonding, Final

Plumbing - Main Drain, Final

Gas Pool Heater

Mechanical - Pressure Test, Final

ATTN: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE WILL RESULT IN MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS.