Swimming Pools & Spas in Allentown, PA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Allentown, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
A City of Allentown building permit is required before installing any indoor or outdoor hot tub, spa, above-ground or in-ground swimming pool, and any pool (including inflatables) 24 inches or more in depth; plans must be approved by the city Bureaus before construction begins.
Building permit for swimming pools
Some RestrictionsCity of Allentown, 'When Residential Permits ARE Required' (Bureau of Building Standards and Safety)
By State Law, you will need a permit(s), inspection(s) and certification of occupancy for: ... Installing any indoor or outdoor hot tub, spa, above-ground or in-ground swimming pool. Installing any swimming pool (including inflatables) with a depth of 24 inches or more. ... A fine of $100.00 may be imposed for each type of work being done without a permit.
Fencing Requirements
Allentown's Chapter 556 is silent on fencing, so pool barriers are set by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, which adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (34 Pa. Code Sec. 403.26(a)): the barrier must be at least 48 inches high, leave no more than 2 inches of ground clearance, block a 4-inch sphere, and pedestrian gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
Residential pool barrier and gate rules
Heavy Restrictions34 Pa. Code Sec. 403.26(a) (Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, Swimming pools; barrier rules at ISPSC Sec. 305)
Sec. 403.26. Swimming pools. (a) A swimming pool, hot tub and spa, which is an accessory to a one-family or two-family dwelling, must comply with the 'International Swimming Pool and Spa Code of 2021.' (b) A swimming pool, hot tub or spa that is not an accessory to a one-family or two-family dwelling must comply with the Public Bathing Law (35 P.S. Sec. 672-680d) and the 'International Swimming...
Safety Rules
PA enforces pool safety through the UCC and federal VGB Act. Anti-entrapment drain covers and pool barriers required. Building code inspections mandatory.
Allentown Pool Safety Rules
Heavy Restrictions16 C.F.R. Part 1450
§§ 1450.1-1450.2 [Reserved] § 1450.3 Incorporation by reference. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each swimming pool or spa drain cover manufactured, distributed, or entered into commerce in the United States shall conform to the entrapment protection standards of ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017, American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Po...
Above-Ground Pools
Allentown regulates above-ground pools including permit requirements, setbacks, and barrier standards. Pools over a certain depth or capacity typically require permits.
Allentown Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsHot Tub Rules
Allentown regulates hot tub and spa installation including electrical permits, barrier requirements, and placement rules.
Allentown Hot Tub & Spa Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Lehigh County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Allentown city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Lehigh County →