Rules and Regulations
Before you can soak in the glory of becoming the proud owner of a beautiful new inground swimming pool, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the state and local requirements for owning a pool in Georgia.
Because state and local laws periodically change, it’s important to do your research and consult with local building offices and state regulations before the construction process begins. While some Georgia pool laws apply throughout the entire state, your city, county or municipality may have additional, potentially more rigid laws than those that blanket the state.
To ensure your pool is compliant with all state and local codes, be sure to investigate your responsibilities with your local building office. Working with a licensed professional builder can also help you better understand your responsibilities and that your pool is up-to-code.
With that in mind, here are some of the most common questions we get from prospective pool owners in Georgia.
How far does a pool need to be from the house in Georgia?
In Georgia, the distance between your swimming pool and home varies depending on where you live. Different cities and counties have their own requirements. In some instances, the distance between your home and pool may depend upon the size of your property. Typically, your pool itself and any pool equipment (including pumps, heaters, and filtration systems) must be at least 10 feet from your property line.
Because Georgia laws around pool ownership can change periodically and requirements can vary depending on your town or county, be sure to check with your local building office to confirm how far your pool needs to be from your home and any neighboring property lines. Working with a knowledgeable professional pool builder can help you better understand state and local pool regulations and ensure your pool is compliant.
Do I have to have a fence around my pool in Georgia?
Georgia law requires all residential pool owners to have a fence or barrier at least 4 feet high on all sides, surrounding their pool. This applies to any water-containing structure that can hold more than 24 inches (2 feet) of water, including swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and jacuzzis.
How tall does a fence around a pool have to be in Georgia?
Georgia requires fencing around all private residential swimming pools. To meet state guidelines, any fencing or barrier must be at least 4 feet high, and no higher than 4 inches from the ground, and with slats no further than 4 inches apart to prevent small children from slipping through. These gates must also be self-closing and self-latching with any latches placed no lower than 6 inches from the top of a 4 foot fence.
Although this law applies throughout Georgia, your town or county may have more stringent requirements around pool fencing. For instance, in Fayette County (which includes Fayetteville and Peachtree City) pool owners whose home forms part of the barrier surrounding a pool must also have either an alarm system that emits an audible warning when any doors, windows, or screens leading to the pool area are opened; an approved safety cover, or other approved means of protection including self-closing and self-latching doors. In Cherokee County (home to Canton and Woodstock, GA), pool fencing must meet the minimum height requirement of 5 feet tall, and it’s “recommended that fences be placed a minimum of 6 inches off the property line onto your property. Must be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet high).
Before breaking ground on your new pool, be sure to check with your local building office, as your city, town or county may have additional requirements around pool fencing.
Do you have to have a permit for a pool in Georgia?
Although the types of permits required can vary across cities, towns and counties throughout Georgia, you will likely need to apply for a permit in order to construct a pool on your residential property.
For instance, Snellville, GA requires that any homeowner interested in building a residential pool will need to obtain a building permit application, erosion control and solid waste management affidavit, as well as subcontractor and homeowner affidavits, if applicable. In addition, residents will also need approval from the Gwinnett County Environmental Health Department if their property has a private septic system before breaking ground on a new swimming pool.
Similarly, Cobb County, GA requires residents to secure a list of permits, including a pool and barrier application, pool and spa code contractor affidavit (which must be notarized), signed and sealed proposed pool design from a registered land surveyor, architect or professional engineer, customer contract and/or estimate, and other permits and documentation to ensure your pool meets all established codes and is built by a licensed professional.
Because rules and regulations for permitting can vary throughout the state, be sure to investigate beforehand. Working with a licensed professional builder can help you more easily navigate these laws and obtain the correct permits to construct your new pool.
Seasonality
Georgia’s intensely hot, humid summers give residents all the more incentive to dive into pool ownership.
And although Georgia receives less than 2 feet of snow each year, winters in The Peach State aren’t quite warm enough to keep your pool open past October. However, Georgia’s mild temperatures year round can extend pool season into early fall – especially for those who have a spillover spa or heated pool.
In addition to equipping your pool with add-on features to help you maximize your enjoyment, here are a few more tips for Georgia pool owners to make the most of your pool through all seasons:
• Spring: More than 60% of Georgia is covered in trees and forests. While breathtaking to look at, blooming peach trees and other foliage can translate to heavy pollen in the spring. Make sure to skim your pool regularly to get rid of any tiny yellow or green pollen grains that may land on your water’s surface, as pollen can clog your pool’s filtration system, potentially leading to algae growth.
• Fall: If you live in a heavily wooded part of Georgia, keep up with your weekly maintenance and be sure to skim any fallen leaves. Much like springtime pollen, autumn leaves can contribute to algae growth and throw off the balance of your water chemistry. An autocover can also help prevent leaves from accumulating on the surface of your pool.
• Winter: Although many Georgia residents opt to close their pool for winter themselves, don’t be shy about enlisting a professional to help you tackle the task if you’re not sure how to go about it. This can also be a helpful option if you have a summer home in Georgia and aren’t there to close your pool yourself, too! While Georgia rarely sees snow and winter temperatures are relatively mild, you’ll still want to properly winterize your pool, taking care to remove all air from water lines and pool equipment, preventing damage in the event of a cold snap.
Quick Fun Facts About Georgia
Planning a backyard pool in Georgia? Here's some helpful information to guide your decision:
• Average number of sunny days annually: Approximately 218, providing ample opportunities for poolside enjoyment year-round.
• Average summer temperature (June–August): Ranges from 88°F to 90°F, with high humidity levels, making pools a refreshing retreat during the hot months.
• Average winter temperature (December–February): Typically between 53°F and 61°F, allowing for extended use of your pool with proper heating.
• Average pool temperature: Maintains around 78°F–85°F in summer, and 70°F–75°F during spring and fall with heating, ensuring comfortable swimming conditions.
• Average annual precipitation: Approximately 50 inches, supporting lush landscaping but requiring regular pool maintenance during the growing season.
