Swimming Pools & Spas in Erie, PA (2026)
4 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Erie, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
The City of Erie requires a building permit for any swimming pool deeper than 24 inches, and the pool, hot tub, or spa must comply with the International Residential and Building Codes; the pool must sit at least six feet from the dwelling and side and rear property lines and may not be installed in front of the house.
City building permit for pools over 24 inches
Some RestrictionsCity of Erie, Residential Building Permits - Swimming Pool requirements (current as of 2026)
A permit is required for all pools deeper than 24". Minimum of 6' from dwelling (measured from the furthest rear addition or deck). Minimum of 6' from the side and rear property lines. May not be installed in front of the house. A swimming pool, hot tub or spa which is accessory to a one or two family dwelling must also be in compliance with International Residential and Building Codes.
Fencing Requirements
A residential swimming pool, hot tub, or spa in the City of Erie must comply with the barrier provisions of the International Residential and International Building Codes, and any yard fence or pool enclosure in a residential district may not exceed six feet six inches in height under the Erie Zoning Ordinance.
Pool barrier and yard-fence requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Erie Zoning Ordinance (Ord. No. 80-2005, as amended), Section 205.19
205.19 In a Residential District any fence, hedge or enclosure within the required yard space shall not exceed a height of six (6) feet six (6) inches. In a non-Residential District any fence, hedge or enclosure within the required yard space shall not exceed a height of eight (8) feet six (6) inches. Where there is a boundary line between the two districts, the less restrictive 8'6" height ...
Safety Rules
Pools in Erie must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (15 USC 8003) requiring anti-entrapment drain covers, plus the PA UCC adoption of the 2018 ISPSC for circulation, electrical bonding, alarms, and barriers. Public pools also need a PADEP Bathing Place permit.
Erie, PA Pool Safety Rules — VGB Drain Covers & Equipment
Heavy Restrictions16 C.F.R. Part 1450 - Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Regulations
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 Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, approved on August 18, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by r...
Hot Tub Rules
In Erie, a hot tub or spa accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling is regulated as a swimming pool: it must comply with the International Residential and Building Codes the city adopts, and statewide it must meet the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code under 34 Pa. Code Section 403.26.
Hot tubs and spas regulated as pools
Some Restrictions34 Pa. Code Section 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. Sections 672-680d) and the 'International Swimming Pool and Spa Code of 2018.'