Fiberglass Pool Guide for Pennsylvania
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Fiberglass Pool in Pennsylvania
Homeowners across Pennsylvania from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to Allentown, Harrisburg, and Erie are choosing San Juan fiberglass pools for fast installation, low maintenance, and long-lasting durability. Designed to withstand Pennsylvania’s hot, humid summers, freezing winters, and seasonal storms, our fiberglass pools feature a smooth, non-porous surface that resists algae, reduces chemical use, and holds up in any climate. We handle permits, HOA approvals, and backyard layouts while offering custom features like LED lighting, tanning ledges, automation, and safety covers, delivering a beautiful, energy-efficient fiberglass inground pool that adds property value and year-round enjoyment.
Why Pennsylvania Homeowners Trust San Juan Fiberglass Pools
Since 1958, San Juan Pools has been a trusted leader in fiberglass pool design and installation, delivering durable, low-maintenance pools across Pennsylvania. Homeowners in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Harrisburg, and Erie rely on our pools to withstand Pennsylvania’s hot, humid summers, freezing winters, and seasonal storms. With a statewide network of licensed contractors, we provide expert guidance, fast fiberglass pool installation, and fully customizable designs including tanning ledges, LED lighting, and automation helping homeowners create a backyard retreat that adds value and year-round enjoyment.
Things to Keep in Mind
Design
Fiberglass pools offer a gloriously smooth finish that makes them easy on the feet and won’t snag your swimsuit.
Rules and Regulations
While owning a pool can unlock entirely new worlds of fun for Pennsylvania residents, the state has several requirements and regulations that pool owners must adhere to in order to be compliant.
Here are some of the most common questions about pool regulations in Pennsylvania. However, it’s important to remember that state and local laws can change over time, and that your local municipality may have even more stringent laws than those of the state. Do your research beforehand to be sure your pool is up-to-code. Working with a professional builder can help you more easily navigate the most recent codes, as well as help you secure the proper permits to build your new pool.
• Do I have to have a fence around my pool in Pennsylvania?
According to the Residential Code, all private pools in Pennsylvania must have a fence or barrier that meets standards set forth in the document. For starters, any structure that can contain more than 24 inches of water is classified as an outdoor swimming pool. This includes any above-ground or in-ground pool, as well as hot tubs and spas.According to PA laws, any fencing or barrier around a pool must be at least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. Any openings in this fence or barrier “shall not allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.”
• Do you need a permit to build a pool in Pennsylvania?
A permit is required for all residential pools in Pennsylvania. That definition extends to any in-ground or above-ground structure that holds 24” or more of water, including hot tubs and spas.When applying for permits for your PA pool, be sure to check with your local building offices, as the types of permits you need may vary based on your municipality. For instance, Allentown, Pennsylvania requires a permit for all pools, as well as an electrical permit for “all pools equipped with motors, lights, filtering equipment, etc., regardless of dimension.”Similarly, Ferguson, PA requires a zoning permit for all swimming pools, however, “prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep are exempt from permitting.” (This could refer to small, portable “kiddie pools” for wading that can be stored away after use.) The township also notes that swimming pools “cannot be located in the front or side yard setback area but may be located in the rear yard setback, provided that no part of the pool, including paved areas and accessory structures excluding fencing, shall be located within 10 feet of the rear property line.”In addition to a swimming pool permit, Pennsylvania’s biggest metropolitan city, Philadelphia, also requires separate permits for any electrical and plumbing work associated with the pool. The city also requires that “work must be done by licensed professionals.”
• How deep can a pool be in Pennsylvania?
Although there are no laws limiting maximum depth for residential pools in Pennsylvania, the state’s Residential Code requires a permit for all structures that contain at least 24 inches of water, defining them as a “swimming pool.” This depth extends to such structures as spas and hot tubs. Check with your local building office to be sure your pool meets all requirements before breaking ground.
Seasonality
Pennsylvania experiences the beauty of four full seasons every year. The state has hot, humid summers and cold winters with heavy snow. Spring and fall months can be fairly warm, but also usher in brisk weather.
While late May through early September is prime time for pool season in PA, adding a heater to your pool or a spillover spa can extend time spent in your pool. Typically, PA pool owners close their pools in either late September or early October and re-open in May.
Summer: Pennsylvania's hot and humid summers can promote algae growth and mineral buildup. Regularly check and balance your pool's water chemistry to prevent these issues. While fiberglass pools are naturally resistant to algae, routine skimming and filtration are essential to keep your pool sparkling clean.
Spring: Spring in Pennsylvania brings an abundance of pollen, dust, and debris, especially in areas like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg. Regular skimming and cleaning of filters help prevent clogs and maintain clear water. Skimming your pool once or twice daily during peak leaf fall can prevent larger clogs and more extensive cleanups later.
Fall: With strong winds and falling leaves in suburban and wooded areas, keeping your pool covered when not in use helps reduce debris and lowers maintenance needs. An uncovered pool can quickly fill with dead leaves, sticks, and other debris blown in by the wind, making regular maintenance crucial.
Winter: While Pennsylvania winters can be harsh, proper preparation can protect your pool. Before freezing temperatures set in, ensure your pool is properly winterized. This includes balancing water chemistry, removing accessories, partially draining the pool, and covering it with a safety cover. Proper winterization helps prevent damage to equipment and surfaces.
Replacing an Existing Pool
Replacing an Aging Pool in Pennsylvania
Throughout Pennsylvania there are an estimated 1.2 million residential pools. However, many older pools were made from concrete or gunite. Coupled with Pennsylvania’s harsh winters, the state’s cold weather can play a role in gradually eroding the strength of concrete, causing it to age more rapidly – and become a financial drain to reinforce and repair every 10 years throughout the lifetime of your pool.
Concrete pools can become flaky and rough over time. Because concrete is porous, these pools can more easily develop pool algae. Not only can pool algae stain your pool, but it can make it more difficult to balance its water chemistry. That translates to more upkeep and less time enjoying your pool. Replacing an older concrete or gunite pool with a new fiberglass pool can be less costly to maintain over time. A well-maintained vinyl liner or fiberglass pool can last for decades and also be less of a time investment in terms of cleaning and maintenance.
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