Rules and Regulations
Rules & Regulations
The fun of owning a pool also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. If you own a pool in Ohio, the state has several requirements and regulations that pool owners must follow in order to be compliant.
We’ve compiled information on some of the most common questions about regulations in Ohio. Please keep in mind that state and local laws can change, and that your city or county may have more prohibitive laws in place. Do your research beforehand to be sure your pool is up-to-code. Working with a professional builder can help you better understand the most recent codes, as well as help you secure the proper permits to build your new pool.
Do you legally have to have a fence around your pool in Ohio?
Ohio mandates that all residential pools must be fenced in. This law extends to any water-containing vessel (such as an inground or above-ground pool, spa or jacuzzi) with a depth of 24” or more.
The specific requirements around fence height differs from city to town to county throughout Ohio. For instance, Cincinnati requires that private pools must be surrounded by an enclosure of at least 4 feet above ground, equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates with latches placed at a height of at least 4 feet above ground.
In Columbus, OH, private pool owners must enclose their pool with a fence or barrier “not less than forty-eight (48) inches in height, measured from the ground. Fences 6 feet or less in height are not regulated as a structure and can be placed in the rear yard with no setback from the property lines.” In those instances, Columbus requires that gate latches and releases must be installed at least 54 inches from the bottom of the gate.
By contrast, Fairfield, OH requires that in-ground pool fencing has “a minimum height of 4 feet and a maximum of 6 feet.” The caveat to this is that above-ground pools higher than 4 feet above ground level do not have to have a fence, so long as the pool’s ladder can be locked in an upright position that denies unsupervised access. Warren County in Ohio has a similar law, but has an additional requirement that all residential swimming pools have a retractable rigid cover that meets specific standards.
Because fencing laws vary across the state, be sure to carefully review local laws to be sure your pool and fencing is compliant. Working with a local builder can help you more easily navigate these laws and ensure your pool is up-to-code.
Do you need a permit to build a pool in Ohio?
Most cities, townships, and municipalities across Ohio require a permit before building a residential pool. When applying for pool permits in Ohio, be sure to check with your local building offices, as the types of permits you need may vary based on your municipality.
For instance, Columbus, OH requires a permit to install or repair any private pool or water-holding structure “that is capable of a water depth of more than 24 inches.” In order to obtain a permit, residents must complete a Building Permit Application form themselves, or their licensed contractor of choice must complete it on their behalf. Additionally, Columbus requires electrical permits, two copies of a site plan with a series of minimum requirements to be met, including that structural drawings are sealed by an architect or engineer. Any decking must also meet requirements, as well.
Similarly, Euclid, OH requires pool plans to be submitted to the Commissioner of Buildings and that work on a residential pool cannot begin until plans have been approved and a permit has been issued.
Cincinnati, OH also requires a building permit to construct any pool (defined as any water-containing structure with a depth equal to or greater than 24 inches). The permit process involves submitting a plot plan, construction details, and more specifications. Once the permit is issued, all work has to meet Cincinnati Zoning Codes, building codes, the Ohio Basic Building Code, National Electrical Code, and may also require a plumbing permit.
Fairfield, OH requires a permit for all residential swimming pools, as well as a building permit and electrical permit. The city also requires a series of electrical and building inspections at various stages of the pool construction process.
As laws can vary by township, it’s important to do your homework and investigate any requirements to build a residential pool in Ohio to be sure your pool is compliant with all state and local codes. Working with a licensed professional builder can also help you more easily grasp these intricacies and ensure you have the proper permits.
How deep can a pool be in Ohio?
Although there are no laws limiting maximum depth for residential pools in Ohio, the state defines any water-containing structure capable of holding at least 24 inches of water as a residential pool. This definition extends to such structures as spas, hot tubs and jacuzzis. Check with your local building office to be sure your pool meets all requirements before breaking ground.
How tall does a pool fence have to be in Ohio?
At minimum, Ohio requires that all residential pools (defined as an water-containing structure with a depth of at least 24”) must be surrounded by a fence at least four feet high. However, some cities and municipalities throughout the state have even more stringent requirements residents must follow, requiring pool fencing at least 6 feet high. As local laws may vary and change over time, be sure to check with your local building office. Additionally, working with a licensed professional builder can help you be sure your pool fencing is up-to-code.
Seasonality
Seasonal Tips for Nevada Homeowners:
In Ohio, May through October is prime pool season. However, many Ohio pool owners begin reopening their pools in mid-April to squeeze in a good cleaning and to balance water chemistry before temperatures are ideal for taking a dip.
Regardless of whether you choose a vinyl liner or fiberglass pool, in addition to regular upkeep, here are a few other seasonal tips to keep in mind if you own a pool in Ohio.
• Fall: Ohio ranks #1 as a Tree City in the US with a whopping 248 tree cities throughout the state. More trees means more fall foliage that can make its way into your pool. If you keep your pool open well into September and October, plan to skim your pool more frequently to fish out any autumnal offerings.
• Spring: Ohio’s natural beauty – all rolling plains and tree cities – is accompanied by one drawback: an abundance of pollen in spring. While pollen can aggravate allergies, it’s also problematic for pools and can clog your pool filter. If not skimmed off or left to linger in your filter, pollen can also lead to algae and wreak havoc on your water chemistry. Pollen looks like little yellow or green grains of rice floating on top of your pool’s water. Be sure to regularly skim your pool during spring months to keep pollen at-bay and your pool looking and operating its best.
• Winter: Close your pool down before winter, taking care to make sure all air is removed from water lines and pool equipment, and that your skimmers are protected from cracking. You can either consider closing your pool yourself or enlist the aid of a professional service.
On average, Ohio receives 28” of snow each winter, with January and February as its coldest months. Cities like Port Clinton and Norwalk in the northeastern part of Ohio border Lake Erie, translating to even colder temperatures and heavier lake-effect snows. Investing in a winter pool cover can help to protect your pool during inclement weather. Winter covers are different from automatic pool covers and won’t buckle beneath the weight of heavy snow.
