Erie's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Erie, Pennsylvania, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

A residential swimming pool, hot tub, or spa in the City of Erie must comply with the barrier provisions of the International Residential and International Building Codes, and any yard fence or pool enclosure in a residential district may not exceed six feet six inches in height under the Erie Zoning Ordinance.

Key details: Code Section: Erie Codified Ord. Art. 1503.2; IRC Appendix G (AG105); Erie Zoning Ord. Sec. 205.19. Barrier height: At least 48 inches above grade (IRC AG105.2). Ground clearance: Maximum 2 inches below the barrier. Opening limit: No passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere. Gate: Self-closing and self-latching, opening outward away from pool.

The City of Erie Code Enforcement office (City Hall Room 407) will not finalize a swimming pool permit until field inspection confirms the barrier, gate, and enclosure comply with the adopted International Residential and Building Codes. Non-compliant or unsafe barriers can be cited under the building code and the property maintenance code, and an Erie County Health Department pool inspection (fee $325) may also apply.

Compared to other cities, Erie takes a harder line on fencing & safety requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pool Permits

The City of Erie requires a building permit for any swimming pool deeper than 24 inches, and the pool, hot tub, or spa must comply with the International Residential and Building Codes; the pool must sit at least six feet from the dwelling and side and rear property lines and may not be installed in front of the house.

Key details: Code Section: Erie Codified Ord. Art. 1503; City Residential Building Permits policy. Permit trigger: All pools deeper than 24 inches. Exemption: Prefabricated pools shallower than 24 inches. Base fee: $29.50 for projects valued at $2,000 or less. Setbacks: Minimum 6 ft from dwelling and from side and rear property lines.

Installing a pool deeper than 24 inches without a permit violates the City of Erie building code as adopted in Codified Ordinance Article 1503. Work may be stopped and the project will not be finalized until plan review, fees, and the required inspections are completed; barrier and equipment compliance with the International Residential and Building Codes is verified at final inspection.

The Bottom Line

Erie'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 Erie is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Erie's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.