Swimming Pools & Spas in Lakewood, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Lakewood or are thinking about moving there, swimming pools & spas are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lakewood has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.
Pool Permits
Lakewood Township requires a construction permit for a residential swimming pool under Chapter 12, the building code chapter administering the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, with a flat fee set by ordinance. As amended 2-20-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-003, Code Section 12-2.16 charges $60 for an above-ground pool and $75 for an in-ground pool.
Key details: Above-ground pool fee: $60 flat permit fee. In-ground pool fee: $75 flat permit fee. Governing section: Code Section 12-2.16. Administered by: Construction Official, Div. of Construction Code Enforcement. Last amended: 2-20-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-003.
Constructing or altering a residential pool without first obtaining the required construction permit and paying the fee set in Section 12-2.16 is enforceable through the Uniform Construction Code enforcement process administered by the Construction Official, and can result in a stop-work order and Municipal Court penalties for building without a permit under the general construction permit provisions of Chapter 12.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
A pool fence in Lakewood Township follows the same 8-foot general cap as any other residential fence, but UDO § 18-803F21 lets the Zoning Officer approve a taller privacy fence, up to 14 feet, around a pool if every contiguous neighbor signs off in writing and a licensed engineer certifies the design is safe.
Key details: Default pool fence cap: 8 ft, same as general fence limit. Taller privacy fence allowed: Up to 14 ft with approval. Approval requires: Neighbor consent plus engineer certification. Notification: Certified mail to contiguous owners, 10-day comment period. Floodway pools: Enclosure openings must pass floodwater, § 29-105.3a.
A pool fence built above 8 feet without the § 18-803F21 approval, or built without the required neighbor notification and engineer certification, is a UDO violation subject to a fine of up to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both under § 18-1109A, with the Township able to sue to force it down under § 18-1109B.
Compared to other cities, Lakewood takes a harder line on fencing & safety requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Lakewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.