Design
More than just a pretty, crystalline face, fiberglass pools have a smooth finish that makes them comfortable to wade in – and won’t snag your swimsuit.

Rules and Regulations
Rules & Regulations

With great pool power comes great responsibility. Virginia has several statewide laws and regulations around pool ownership designed with safety in mind. Before building your pool, be sure to do your homework to understand your responsibilities as a pool owner and be sure your pool complies with all state and local laws.

Some pool laws throughout Virginia vary from town to town. Your area may have even more restrictive laws than the minimums set forth by the state. 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 Virginia pool codes, as well as help you secure the proper permits to build your new pool.

Do you need a permit for a pool in Virginia?

Yes. Regardless of where you live in Virginia, you will need to have a permit to have a pool. According to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building code, a building permit is required for any pool that either has a surface area of 150 feet, can hold more than 5,000 gallons of water or is deeper than 24 inches (2 feet). This permit code applies to any in-ground, above-ground or inflatable pool, as well as hot tubs and spas.

If you need to excavate more than 2,500 square feet of land during the installation process, the state may also require you to obtain an Erosion & Sediment Control permit.

Be sure to check with your local building office to ensure that your municipality does not require additional permits (such as electrical, gas or barrier permits) to ensure your pool is up-to-code. In some areas, such as Fredericksburg, the city requires that permits must be obtained for any work on your pool, including any alterations or pool remodeling to ensure your pool meets citywide regulatory requirements.

Working with a licensed professional builder can help you better understand which permits you may need to be compliant.

Do you need to have a fence around your pool in Virginia?

The state of Virginia defines a pool as any man-made structure that can hold more than two feet of water. According to the Code of Virginia, Section 15.2-921 all pools in the state must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high, and constructed in a way to prevent small children from squeezing through. All fencing must be at least 5 feet from the edge of the pool at any point and have a bottom opening of less than two inches. All pool fence gates must have secure latches that are set at least 4 feet high and all gates should be securely latched when the pool is not in use.

In some instances, Virginia residents may be able to use an automatic pool safety cover in lieu of a fence. However, because laws change periodically and individual municipalities throughout the state may require more stringent standards than the minimum requirements set forth by Virginia, it’s important to consult your local building office to be sure your pool is compliant with all standards.

Do you need a cover for your pool in Virginia?

While an automatic pool safety cover is not specifically required by Virginia, in some instances it can be used in tandem with or in lieu of a barrier that meets state standards to prevent entry to a pool when not in use. Barriers include fencing (chain link, picket, wooden, etc.) that completely surrounds the pool and is at least 4 feet high with self-closing and self-latching gates.

Consult with your local building office to confirm your fencing meets all requirements and if it is permissible to use an autocover instead of fencing.

How far away does your pool have to be from your home in Virginia?

Virginia regulations concerning how far your pool must be placed from your home vary. For instance, York County – home to Yorktown, VA – requires that “a wall of a swimming pool shall not be located less than five (5) feet from any side or rear property line.”

As pool setback requirements can vary from municipality to municipality, check with your local building office to be sure that your pool is compliant.

Seasonality
Enjoying Your Virginia Pool Through the Seasons

Virginia experiences the beauty of four full seasons every year, with hot enjoyable summers, as well as mild spring and fall weather. Winters are cold with varying degrees of snowfall, depending on where you live in the state. The more mountainous regions of VA tend to experience greater annual snowfall than those in less hilly parts of the state.

Many Virginians typically open their pools beginning in April and close their pools in late September or early October. However, adding a heater or spillover spa to your pool can help you squeak out as much pool time as possible, even when nippy fall weather sets in.

On top of your regular pool maintenance schedule, here are a few more seasonal tips to keep in mind if you plan to own a pool in Virginia.

• Spring: Virginia is home to acres of beautiful trees, which can translate to pollen in your pool. Pollen grains can clog your pool filter or lead to the development of algae, which can wreak havoc on your water chemistry. Be sure to skim your pool regularly to remove any pollen grains. Not only will it keep your pool looking beautiful, but can go a long way towards helping you keep algae at bay.

• Fall: While Virginia’s rich forestry makes for beautiful autumn scenery, those glorious red and gold leaves are a lot less attractive when you have to skim them out of your pool. If you don’t have a protective autocover on your pool to prevent leaves from falling in, be sure to skim your pool regularly to fish out any fallen leaves.

• 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. Experienced pool owners may consider closing their pools themselves, but new pool owners may want to hire a professional service. As the final touch to closing your pool – especially if you live in one of the higher-altitude areas of Virginia that sees a lot of snow – a winter pool cover can protect your investment during snow storms. Winter covers are different from automatic pool covers and are equipped to support the weight of heavy snow that might otherwise compromise the delicate mechanics of an autocover.