Fiberglass Pool Guide for Kentucky
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Fiberglass Pool in Kentucky
Kentucky homeowners know that hot, humid summers and cold winters demand a pool that’s both durable and low-maintenance—making fiberglass pools an ideal choice. From Louisville and Lexington to Bowling Green, Covington, and Owensboro, San Juan Pools provides expert guidance to ensure your installation meets local permits, HOA requirements, utility easements, and backyard layouts. By understanding zoning regulations, frost-line depths, installation timelines, and optional upgrades like heaters, safety covers, and automation, you can create a customized pool that perfectly fits your lifestyle, space, and budget while maximizing year-round enjoyment.
Why Kentucky Homeowners Choose San Juan Fiberglass Pools
Since 1958, San Juan Pools has been a trusted name in fiberglass pools, delivering durable, low-maintenance designs built to withstand Kentucky’s hot, humid summers, heavy spring and summer storms, and cold winters. From Louisville and Lexington to Bowling Green, Covington, and Owensboro, our fiberglass pools resist fading, surface wear, and shifting making them the ideal choice for pool installation in Kentucky. With a statewide network of licensed contractors, we provide expert guidance, fast installation, and a wide variety of customizable styles to help you create the perfect backyard retreat.
Things to Keep in Mind
Rules and Regulations
Do you need a permit to build a pool in Kentucky?
There is no statewide law in Kentucky that requires a permit to build a residential pool in Kentucky. However, many cities and counties spanning the state require a permit for constructing a residential pool.
For instance, Louisville, KY requires a building permit for an in-ground swimming pool, issued by the Division of Building Inspection, along with approval from the Fayette County Health Department. The permitting process ensures the pool is properly zoned and does not encroach on any setbacks and conforms with Kentucky Building Codes, including utility easements and requirements for flood plain, sewer connections, and storm drains.
In Lexington, KY, residents must have a Swimming Pool Permit issued by the Division of Building Inspection, as well as approval from the Fayette County Health Department. Permit applications must be submitted along with a site plan, copy of your subdivision plat, acknowledgement that any electrical work must be done by a licenced contractor, and that your pool must be surrounded by fencing at least 4 feet high.
Georgetown, KY also requires a permit to install an inground pool. The permit must include the cost of construction, contractor information (including insurance certification), as well as acknowledgement of fencing requirements and that any electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor. This permit must also be accompanied by a site plan with the pool’s dimensions and location with regard to surrounding property lines, as well as a Certificate of Occupancy.
Because laws can change over time and differ across cities and counties, it’s important to check with your local building office to confirm what permits you are responsible for obtaining before breaking ground on a new pool in Kentucky. Teaming up with a licensed pool builder can help you more easily navigate the process and secure the proper permits.
Do you have to have a fence around a pool in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Building Code requires that all residential swimming pools with a depth of 24” or more must be surrounded by a fence at least 4 feet high, with self-closing and self-latching gates. wall or barrier that is at least 5 feet (60 inches) high, placed no further than 20 inches from the edge of the pool.
Although this requirement applies throughout the state, different cities and counties in Kentucky may have even more stringent requirements. For instance, Ashland, KY requires fencing around any pool with a depth of 18” or more to be surrounded by a fence that meets regulations.
In Florence, KY, although the city requires pool fencing comply with the state-required 4-foot minimum height, pool fencing cannot be higher than 6 feet high on any side.
Because laws can vary, depending on where you live in Kentucky, consult with your local building office to confirm that your pool’s fencing complies with state and local building codes.
Seasonality
Seasonal Tips for Fiberglass Pool Owners in Kentucky
When is the best time to start breaking ground on a new pool in Kentucky? If you want your pool to be ready for summer, you may want to consider starting your project in fall or winter. Kentucky experiences its peak tornado season between April and May, although twisters can rip through The Bluegrass State in late fall or early winter. Areas such as Louisville, Bowling Green, Paducah, Lexington and Frankfort are among those that are most affected by tornadoes. Pay attention to seasonal weather patterns to find the best time to start your project.
Working with an experienced professional pool builder can also help you get more insight into when to start your project, as well as what permits you may need to get started.
Apart from unexpected storms, Kentucky has hot summers and relatively mild winters with little snowfall. Most of the state sees less than 2 feet of snow annually, with some areas barely even getting a foot of snow! Consult with your builder to help plan the best time to begin your pool project, taking into account the potential for unexpected hiccups. Your brand new pool will be fully operational and summer-ready before you know it!
Replacing an Existing Pool
Across Kentucky, many homeowners with older concrete or gunite pools are discovering the benefits of upgrading to fiberglass. With hot, humid summers, occasional heavy storms, and cold winters, traditional concrete pools can deteriorate over time, leading to costly repairs and increased maintenance. Common issues include rough, flaky surfaces, algae growth due to porosity, and challenges in maintaining balanced water chemistry. Upgrading to a fiberglass pool offers a low-maintenance, durable alternative that holds up to Kentucky’s seasonal extremes.
Fiberglass pools are known for their smooth, non-porous surfaces that resist staining and algae growth, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and chemical adjustments. Additionally, the installation process is typically quicker and less disruptive compared to concrete pools. For homeowners in areas like Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, transitioning to a fiberglass pool can enhance backyard aesthetics and provide long-term enjoyment with less upkeep.
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