Swimming Pools & Spas in Lima, OH (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Lima, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
The City of Lima requires a permit from the Lima-Allen County Building Department to install any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub holding water over 24 inches deep. Applications need plans and plot plans showing minimum 5-foot rear and side yard setbacks. Above-ground pools cost $50.50; in-ground pools $50.00 plus
Lima Swimming Pool Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsCity of Lima Residential Swimming Pool Permit Policy (Rev. 7/10/19)
Owner/s or authorized agent/s shall sign the permit application or provide a sworn affidavit giving permission for installation of swimming pool. No swimming pools exceeding 24 inches are permitted in a front yard.
Fencing Requirements
Lima requires a barrier at least 48 inches above grade around any pool over 24 inches deep, with a maximum 2-inch gap at the ground. The City adopts CABO Appendix F for barrier design: openings cannot pass a 4-inch sphere, chain-link mesh is limited to 1¼ inches, and access gates
Lima Pool Barrier & Fence Standards
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Lima Residential Pool Policy; CABO 1992 Appendix F, §F-103.1
Swimming Pools over 24" inches deep must have a barrier at least 48 inches above grade; a permanent wall or fence is considered a barrier. The maximum gap permitted between the grade (ground) and the barrier is 2" inches.
Safety Rules
Lima's pool safety rules require access gates to open outward, be self-closing, and self-latching, with the latch on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top if under 54 inches high. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, the pool needs a powered ASTM safety
Lima Pool Gate, Alarm & Dwelling-Wall Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Lima Residential Pool Policy; CABO 1992 Appendix F, §F-103.1(8)-(9)
Access Gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a latching device. If the release mechanism is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, it shall be located on the pool side 3 inches below the top of the gate.
Above-Ground Pools
In Lima an above-ground pool wall may serve as the required barrier, but the wall must be at least 48 inches from grade and any ladder or steps must be secured, locked, or removed to prevent access. Above-ground pools still need a permit (cost $50.50) and count as pools if
Lima Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsCity of Lima Residential Pool Policy; CABO 1992 Appendix F, §F-103.1(10)
For Above-Ground Swimming Pools, the pool wall may serve as the required barrier, but the pool wall must be a minimum of 48 inches from grade, and the ladder or steps must be secured, locked or removed to prevent access.
Hot Tub Rules
Lima classifies hot tubs and spas as 'swimming pools' when they hold water over 24 inches deep, so they need a permit and a compliant barrier. Under the adopted CABO Appendix F, a portable spa with an ASTM ES 13 safety cover is exempt from the barrier requirements; non-portable spas
Lima Hot Tub & Spa Rules
Some RestrictionsCABO 1992 One & Two Family Dwelling Code, Appendix F §F-104 (adopted by City of Lima)
A portable spa with a safety cover which complies with ASTM ES 13... shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. Swimming pools, hot tubs and non-portable spas with safety covers shall not be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Looking for Allen County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lima city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Allen County →