Swimming Pools & Spas in Reading, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Reading 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. Reading has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Pool Permits

Any swimming pool in Reading - in-ground or aboveground - capable of holding water more than 24 inches deep requires both a zoning permit under Chapter 600 (location, setback, barrier) and a UCC building permit under 34 Pa. Code Ch. 403 (structural, electrical, ISPSC 2018 compliance). Hot tubs and spas with secure locking covers are exempt from the zoning fence permit but still need a UCC electrical/equipment permit.

Key details: Zoning Permit: Required for all pools under § 600-1013. UCC Building Permit: Required for pools > 24 in deep (34 Pa. Code Ch. 403). Governing Code: ISPSC 2018 (statewide adoption). Electrical: NEC Article 680 (GFCI, bonding, conductor clearance). Anti-Entrapment: VGB Act, 15 U.S.C. § 8003 (drain covers).

Operating or installing a pool without the required permits is enforceable as both a zoning and UCC violation. Stop-work orders, fines up to $1,000 per day under 53 P.S. § 37403, mandatory drain-down until compliance is achieved, and double permit fees for retroactive permits are typical remedies.

Fencing Requirements

Pool fencing in Reading is the strictest of (a) local Code § 600-1013 - four-foot barrier, four-inch opening max, locking gate - and (b) Pennsylvania ISPSC 2018 § 305 adopted under the UCC - 48-inch barrier, 4-inch sphere test, 2-3/8-inch maximum bottom gap, self-closing/self-latching outward-opening gate with latch hardware at 54 inches. Both apply concurrently and the stricter rule governs each element.

Key details: Local Minimum Height: 4 ft (§ 600-1013). Statewide Minimum Height: 48 in (ISPSC § 305). Max Opening: 4-inch sphere test. Bottom Gap: 2-4 in depending on ground conditions (ISPSC). Gate: Self-closing, self-latching, outward-opening, latch at 54 in.

Non-compliant fencing is enforced both by the Zoning Officer (§ 600-1013) and the Building Code Official (UCC / ISPSC). Fines up to $1,000 per day under 53 P.S. § 37403, mandatory drain-down, and potential civil liability under the attractive-nuisance doctrine if a child is injured.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reading actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.

Safety Rules

Reading pool owners must comply with: (1) Code § 600-1013 prohibiting discharge of pool water onto other properties without owner consent; (2) the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (15 U.S.C. § 8003) anti-entrapment drain-cover requirements; (3) the ISPSC 2018 alarm, suction, and circulation safety provisions adopted statewide under the PA UCC; and (4) NEC Article 680 electrical bonding and GFCI rules. Public pools are additionally licensed and inspected under 28 Pa. Code Ch. 18.

Key details: Pool Water Discharge: Prohibited onto adjacent property (§ 600-1013). Drain Covers (VGB Act): ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 - federal requirement. Single Main Drains: Need secondary anti-entrapment system. Electrical: NEC Art. 680 - GFCI, bonding, 22.5 ft conductor clearance. Public Pools: 28 Pa. Code Ch. 18 - annual PA DOH license.

VGB Act drain-cover violations are federal CPSC enforcement, with civil penalties under 15 U.S.C. § 2069 (up to $100,000 per violation, $15 million max for related series). UCC / ISPSC violations are enforced by the Reading Building Code Official with up to $1,000-per-day fines. Local § 600-1013 violations same. Civil liability for child drownings and entrapment incidents is independent and frequently in seven figures.

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

The Bottom Line

Reading is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Reading, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Reading'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.