Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

June 24, 2003

RE: Building permit for self-set swimming pool

This is in response to your question regarding the need for a building permit for the installation of a easy-set swimming pool which is d by the building codes. The term SWIMMING POOL is defined as "any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep. This includes in-ground, aboveground and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas." Swimming pools are regulated because of the incidence of drowning of children under age 5 especially when the pool in unattended. The regulations for swimming pools also require a "barrier"(a fence) that is 48 inches in height with certain rail and slat spacing or chain link of a certain size so that children cannot climb over the fence.

Sincerely,
Cheryl A. Fischer, P.E.
Assistant Director for Code Interpretation
Codes Division
Al03-153

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526