Lima's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Lima, Ohio, there are 5 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 Requirements
Lima requires a barrier at least 48 inches above grade around any pool over 24 inches deep, with a maximum 2-inch gap at the ground. The City adopts CABO Appendix F for barrier design: openings cannot pass a 4-inch sphere, chain-link mesh is limited to 1¼ inches, and access gates
Key details: Minimum barrier height: 48 inches above grade. Max ground gap: 2 inches. Max opening: No 4-inch sphere may pass. Chain-link mesh: 1¼-inch square max (unless slatted). Lattice/diagonal opening: 1¾ inches maximum.
A barrier that fails these height, gap, or opening standards will not pass Building Department inspection, and the pool may not be used. Maintaining a non-compliant pool barrier is a code violation.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lima actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.
Hot Tub Rules
Lima classifies hot tubs and spas as 'swimming pools' when they hold water over 24 inches deep, so they need a permit and a compliant barrier. Under the adopted CABO Appendix F, a portable spa with an ASTM ES 13 safety cover is exempt from the barrier requirements; non-portable spas
Key details: Classified as pool: If water over 24 inches deep. Portable spa exemption: ASTM ES 13 safety cover (§F-104). Non-portable spa: Not exempt even with a cover. Permit: Required unless exempt portable spa. Electrical: NEC compliance + electrical permit.
A non-exempt hot tub or spa installed without a permit or lacking a compliant barrier is a code violation and will fail Building Department inspection. Only a portable spa with a conforming ASTM ES 13 cover escapes the barrier rules.
Safety Rules
Lima's pool safety rules require access gates to open outward, be self-closing, and self-latching, with the latch on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top if under 54 inches high. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, the pool needs a powered ASTM safety
Key details: Gate: Opens outward, self-closing, self-latching. Low latch rule: Latch pool-side, 3 in. below top if under. Latch shielding: No opening over ½ in. within 18 in.. Dwelling-wall option A: Powered safety cover (ASTM ES 13-89). Dwelling-wall option B: Door alarm sounding 30+ seconds.
Non-compliant gates, latches, alarms, or dwelling-wall protection will fail the required Building Department inspection, blocking approval and lawful use of the pool.
This is one of the stricter rules in Lima's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Pool Permits
The City of Lima requires a permit from the Lima-Allen County Building Department to install any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub holding water over 24 inches deep. Applications need plans and plot plans showing minimum 5-foot rear and side yard setbacks. Above-ground pools cost $50.50; in-ground pools $50.00 plus
Key details: Permit required: Yes — pools/spas/hot tubs over 24 inches deep. Setbacks: Minimum 5 ft rear and side yards. Front yard: No pools over 24 inches allowed. Above-ground fee: $50.50 (includes 1% tax). In-ground fee: $50.00 + $0.05/sq. ft. + 1% tax.
Installing a regulated pool, spa, or hot tub without the required building and electrical permits is a code violation enforced by the Lima-Allen County Building Department. Work must pass inspection before use.
Above-Ground Pools
In Lima an above-ground pool wall may serve as the required barrier, but the wall must be at least 48 inches from grade and any ladder or steps must be secured, locked, or removed to prevent access. Above-ground pools still need a permit (cost $50.50) and count as pools if
Key details: Wall as barrier: Allowed if wall is 48+ inches from grade. Ladder/steps: Must be secured, locked, or removed. Fixed stairs: Must be protected by a barrier. Opening when secured: No 4-inch sphere may pass. Permit fee: $50.50 (includes 1% tax).
An above-ground pool whose ladder cannot be secured, locked, or removed and lacks a surrounding compliant barrier fails the barrier requirement and will not pass Building Department inspection.
The Bottom Line
Lima is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lima, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
This guide is based on Lima's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.