Swimming Pools & Spas in Lakewood, OH

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.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Lakewood Codified Ordinances 1722.08 requires every outdoor family swimming pool and permanent wading pool to be completely surrounded by a fence at least four feet high, with self-closing, self-latching gates that lock and are kept locked when the pool is unattended.

Key details: Code Section: LCO 1722.08(a)-(d). Minimum fence height: 4 feet (48 inches). Gate requirements: Self-closing, self-latching, lockable; kept locked when unattended. Applies to: New and existing outdoor family swimming pools and permanent wading pools. Compliance period (existing pools): Up to 90 days from effective date.

Under 1722.12 (Enforcement), no owner or person in charge may construct, use, or maintain a pool unless all chapter provisions are met; failure to provide and maintain the required fence is a code violation enforced by the Department of Housing and Building.

This is one of the stricter rules in Lakewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Pool Permits

Lakewood zoning sections (referenced by LCO 1722.01) prohibit family swimming pools in any front or side yard and set side/rear setbacks of 5 feet in the R2 district and 10 feet in R1 districts; portable above-ground pools may get a setback variance with written consent from each abutting owner.

Key details: Code Section: LCO 1722.01; Zoning 1123.10 (R2) and 1121.10 (R1). Prohibited location: No pool in any front yard or side yard. R2 setback: 5 feet from side/rear property line. R1 setback: 10 feet from side/rear property line. Above-ground variance: Allowed for portable pools with written consent of all abutting owners.

Placing a pool in a prohibited yard or within the required setback without an approved variance violates LCO 1722.01 and the cited zoning sections, and is enforceable under LCO 1722.12.

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.

All of the above reflects Lakewood'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.