Swimming Pools & Spas in Ridgewood, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Ridgewood 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. Ridgewood has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Hot Tub Rules

Ridgewood classifies hot tubs and spas with water over 24 inches deep as swimming pools, requiring zoning permits, rear-yard placement, and barrier compliance under Section 190-124T.

Key details: Spa Threshold: Over 24 inches deep. Yard: Rear yard only. Cover Standard: ASTM-rated locking cover. Electrical Permit: Required separately.

Installing a regulated hot tub without a permit, in a non-conforming yard, or without an approved cover or barrier results in zoning citations and required corrections.

Pool Permits

Ridgewood requires zoning approval for private swimming pools under Chapter 190-124T, including in-ground, above-ground, hot tubs, and spas with water over 24 inches deep.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 190-124T. Pool Threshold: Over 24 inches deep. Permit Required: Yes, before installation. Allowed Location: Rear yard only.

Installing a pool without a zoning permit, building outside permitted yard areas, or exceeding lot coverage limits subjects the owner to municipal court enforcement and stop-work orders.

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

Above-Ground Pools

Ridgewood treats above-ground pools as accessory structures requiring rear-yard placement, zoning permits, and compliance with setbacks under Section 190-124T of the Village Code.

Key details: Permitted Yard: Rear yard only. Permit Required: Zoning and electrical. Lot Coverage: Counts toward maximum. Definition Trigger: Over 24 inches deep.

Placing an above-ground pool in a side or front yard, or installing without a permit, is enforced through stop-work orders and fines under the zoning chapter.

Fencing Requirements

Ridgewood requires pool enclosures with non-climbable fencing and openings sized to prevent access by children, applying to in-ground, above-ground, and on-ground pools throughout the Village.

Key details: Barrier Required: Yes, before pool use. Climbing Prevention: Required by ordinance. Inspection: Part of pool permit. Floodway Pools: Extra Chapter 154 rules.

Operating a pool without a complying barrier or with damaged, climbable, or non-conforming fencing is a zoning violation that can result in fines and pool closure orders.

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

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.