Swimming Pools & Spas in Bethlehem, PA (2026)
3 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Any swimming pool in Bethlehem - in-ground or aboveground - capable of holding water more than 24 inches deep requires both a City zoning permit under Zoning Code § 1322(yy) and § 1306.03 (location, setback) and a UCC building permit under 34 Pa. Code Ch. 403 (structural, electrical, ISPSC 2018 barrier compliance). The City's separate stand-alone pool ordinance (former Article 1711) was repealed in 2004, leaving the zoning code plus the statewide PA UCC as the controlling rules. Hot tubs and spas with secure locking covers may be exempt from the fence rule under ISPSC § 305.5 but still need a UCC electrical permit.
Bethlehem Swimming Pool Permits
Some RestrictionsFencing Requirements
Pool fencing in Bethlehem is governed by Pennsylvania's adoption of the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code under the PA Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code Ch. 401-405), as cross-referenced by Bethlehem Zoning § 1322(yy)(4). ISPSC § 305 sets a 48-inch barrier, 4-inch sphere test on openings, 2-3/8-inch maximum bottom gap, self-closing / self-latching outward-opening gate, and latch hardware at 54 inches. The water surface must be at least 6 feet from any side or rear lot line under Bethlehem Zoning § 1306.03(b)(4).
Bethlehem Pool Fencing - ISPSC 2018 Statewide via PA UCC
Heavy RestrictionsSafety Rules
Bethlehem pool owners must comply with: (1) the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (15 U.S.C. § 8003) anti-entrapment drain-cover requirements; (2) the ISPSC 2018 alarm, suction, and circulation safety provisions adopted statewide under the PA UCC; (3) NEC Article 680 electrical bonding and GFCI rules; and (4) Bethlehem stormwater Article 925 plus the City's NPDES MS4 permit, which prohibit chlorinated pool-water discharge to the storm sewer system. Public pools are additionally licensed and inspected under 28 Pa. Code Ch. 18.
Bethlehem Pool Safety - Drains, Discharge, Electrical
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Lehigh County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bethlehem city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Lehigh County →