Code Corner: Swimming Pools

Cannonball!

Be cool when you put in a pool

By John Kanaskie

Pools are a source of relaxation, an avenue for exercise and a fun social gathering spot.

Because of these benefits, many homeowners have the goal of installing a swimming pool in their backyard.

But before you get to yell “cannonball!” there are a few things you need to know.

Pools are not appropriate for every property, and they can be a dangerous addition to a home.

Children ages 1 to 3 are especially vulnerable to residential pool injuries and drownings, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To help ensure the safety of residents, South Fayette Township has adopted comprehensive rules for the installation of in-ground pools, above-ground pools, hot tubs and saunas.

Before you get started, check your property survey to see if there is an easement on your lot; there is a good chance there is one.

Pools—or any structure, for that matter—cannot be built in an easement.

An easement is a right to use someone else’s property. For example, utility companies often are granted easements on strips of land so they can access underground pipes or wires.

Second, check with your homeowner association, which might have its own restrictions about swimming pools in your development.

If these two items check out, it’s time to obtain a building permit from South Fayette Township.

When you apply, you must include a copy of your property survey along with an illustration of the proposed pool and barrier. (A barrier typically is a fence or a cover, or in the case of an above-ground pool, the pool sides if they are at least 48 inches tall.) This information will be used to determine zoning compliance.

The permit process ensures you adhere to the requirements of the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, a set of laws adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and South Fayette Township.

Examples of regulations include:

• Swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas must be located at least 10 feet from any property line.

• Swimming pools are not allowed in the front yard.

• The entire perimeter of an in-ground pool must be fenced or secured with an appropriate barrier.

• All hot tubs must be covered, and the cover must be locked when the hot tub is not in use.

• All saunas must be locked when not in use.

• Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and they must swing outward, away from the pool.

Township inspections and an electrical inspection by an independent, certified electrical inspector are required during pool installation.

For above-ground pools, the township may require a topographic plan to determine if the property is appropriate for construction of a pool, or to determine compliance with barrier requirements if there are differences in ground elevation around the pool. This step helps prevents people from jumping into the water from higher ground outside the fence.

Upon issuance of your building permit, you will receive a paper copy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s “Swimming Pool Safety Barrier Guidelines.” Also available online, the document offers guidelines for pool barriers that can help prevent drowning incidents involving young children.

All private swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas that are built as an accessory to a home may be subject to annual inspection to determine ongoing compliance with township zoning regulations.

Please note that some land grading requirements also might apply to your pool project.

If any excavation of soil is required, you must comply with the township grading ordinance. The excavated soil placement cannot affect stormwater flow or change the slope of any hillside. Excavated soil cannot be placed in easements, either. Discuss this issue with the zoning officer when obtaining your pool permit.

Lastly—although the township doesn’t require it—we highly recommend that you enjoy your swimming pool!

John Kanaskie is the code enforcement officer for South Fayette Township.

Swimming Pools

Code:

2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

Purpose:

Regulates the minimum requirements for the design, construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and aquatic facilities

Benefits:

Prevents child drownings; safeguards public health and safety

Applies to:

All zoning districts

In-Ground Pool Permit Fee:

$105

Above-Ground Pool, Hot Tub or Sauna Permit Fee:

$55

Pool Safety Barrier Guidelines:

southfayette.com/pools

Get Started:

southfayettepa.com/building