How Cherry Hill Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
Cherry Hill maintains 93 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Cherry Hill falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Every swimming pool in Cherry Hill Township, existing or newly built, must be completely enclosed by a fence at least six feet high with no opening wider than two inches unless it has a locking device; small portable pools are exempt.
Key details: Minimum fence height: 6 feet. Max opening size: 2 inches unless locked. Applies to: All pools, old and new. Exempt: Portable pools under 6' diameter/6" deep. Tied to: Cert. of Use and Occupancy.
A pool owner who fails to install or maintain the required six-foot fence with two-inch maximum openings can have a swimming pool license denied or suspended by the Department of Health and Welfare under Section 23-2.4, and is subject to the general penalty in Section 1-5: up to a $2,000 fine, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or up to 90 days of community service, with the certificate of occupancy subject to rescission under Section 23-6.1.
Pool Permits
No one may locate, construct, alter or operate a swimming pool in Cherry Hill Township without a Township license: $100 to build, $10 to alter, and an annual operating license from $10 to $250 depending on pool type, expiring every April 30.
Key details: Construct license: $100. Alter license: $10. Commercial/hotel operate: $250/yr. Nonprofit swim club: $10/yr. License expires: Every April 30.
Operating, building or altering a pool without the required license, or failing to obtain the Certificate of Use and Occupancy, exposes the owner to license denial or suspension by the Department of Health and Welfare under Section 23-2.4, and to the citywide general penalty in Section 1-5: up to a $2,000 fine, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or up to 90 days of community service for each day of violation under Section 1-5.5.
The Bottom Line
Cherry Hill's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cherry Hill is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Cherry Hill's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.