Pool Requirements

Pools are permitted in the rear and side yard of a lot. Pools are not permitted in the front yard. The setback for pools and all associated equipment (i.e., filters and decking) is ten feet. If a lot is less than eighty in width, the pool can be setback five feet from the property lines.

Above-ground pools that are four feet or more in height do not require a fence if access to the pool can be secured when the pool is not in use. In-ground pools require a fence at least four feet in height, with chain link fences to have not more than a 1 1/4-inch opening. The permit for an in-ground pool requires submittal of a grading plan prepared by a licensed engineer in addition to the usual permit forms.

General pool requirements

  • No pool shall be constructed or installed with ten feet of any property line
  • If a lot is less than eighty in width, the pool can be setback five feet from the side property lines. After a permit is obtained, it is the homeowner's responsibility to call for inspections after construction
  • No pool shall be installed within thirty feet of any street line or closer to the street than the existing building setback line, whichever is greater
  • All pools less than four feet in height require a fence
  • All gates shall be self-closing and self-latching with latches placed 4 feet (1219 mm) above the underlying ground and otherwise made inaccessible from the outside to small children. Fences shall be 4 feet in height
  • Owner shall indicate the location of the pool on a plot plan
  • Pool cannot be located on an easement without written permission of the easement holder
  • Pool cannot be located in a swale
  • Location of pool cannot restrict the natural flow of existing drainage
  • Pools four feet above the ground do not require a fence provided that all steps, ladders or other means of access to the pool are removed from the pool when not in use
  • All pools are required to have an electrical permit
  • Pool accessory structures shall be located 10 to 20 foot from property line

Filter Locations

  • Cannot be located in a swale or any drainage area
  • Filters shall be located to the rear of the property or 10' to 20' from the side property lines
  • Survey grading plan for township Engineering Department approval
  • Drawing to be signed and sealed by a New Jersey engineer
  • Provide grading one foot contour lines
  • Provide location of pool, filter, concrete walks, fence and existing house
  • Survey grading plan for township Zoning Officer approval for location of pool, filter, concrete walks, fence and existing house

Provided by Division of Construction Inspection

  • Construction application
  • Building Subcode application
  • Electric Subcode application
  • Plumbing Subcode application, if applicable
  • Swimming Pool application
  • Township code on zoning requirements
  • Summary of PURD, if applicable
  • List of general pool requirements
  • International Residential Code 2000 New Jersey Edition
  • National Electric Code 2002 requirements
  • Gas piping requirements
  • Door alarm safety requested

Homeowner/Contractor to Provide

  • Completed Construction and Subcode applications
  • Two copies of a survey drawing with:
    • Provide signed and sealed engineer drawing
    • Provide grading one foot contour lines
    • Provide location of pool, filter, concrete walks, fence and existing house
    • Pool and filter specifications
    • A sign off by the Township engineer
    • A sign off by the Zoning Department
    • PURD letter from Association, if applicable
  • Two sets of pool drawings:
    • Provide New Jersey signed and sealed Architect or Engineer drawing
    • Provide specification on filter, pump, and enclosure
    • Boiler and gas piping specifications, if applicable
    • Copy of a contract, or written statement to verify the cost

View a more detailed information on the East Brunswick Pool Code here.