5 rules for unincorporated Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
For a backyard residential pool, get a construction permit from your municipality under the PA Uniform Construction Code, not the county. Delaware County's Health Department only permits public/community pools and spas, which need a state Public Bathing Place certificate.
28 Pa. Code § 18.11
A permit shall be obtained from the Department prior to construction or operation of a public bathing place.
Delaware County sets no residential pool-fence rule. Backyard pools follow the PA Uniform Construction Code, which adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code of 2021: a barrier generally at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates, enforced by your municipality.
34 Pa. Code § 403.26(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."
Residential pool safety follows the PA Uniform Construction Code's adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2021), enforced by your municipality. Public and community pools add Delaware County Health Department inspection under the state Public Bathing Law and 28 Pa. Code Chapter 18.
28 Pa. Code § 18.11
A permit shall be obtained from the Department prior to construction or operation of a public bathing place.
Above-ground residential pools are regulated by your municipality under the PA Uniform Construction Code, not by Delaware County. If the pool holds water more than 24 inches deep it is a pool under the ISPSC 2021 and needs a barrier and a municipal permit.
34 Pa. Code § 403.26(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."
A residential hot tub or spa is regulated like a pool under the PA Uniform Construction Code's ISPSC 2021, enforced by your municipality. Public or club spas are inspected by the Delaware County Health Department under the state Public Bathing Law.
34 Pa. Code § 403.26(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."
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