5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Philadelphia County requires L&I building permits for all in-ground pools and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep per Phila. Building Code (based on IRC). Permit includes electrical, plumbing, and barrier review.
Philadelphia pool barriers must be 48 inches minimum height per IRC Section R326 / Appendix G. Self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward required. Latches 54 inches above grade.
Philadelphia pools must have anti-entrapment drain covers (federal VGBA), GFCI-protected circuits, and NEC Article 680 equipotential bonding. Public/semi-public pools require lifeguards or posted no-lifeguard signage.
16 CFR § 1450.3
§ 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 Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, ap...
Philadelphia above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches require a building permit and must meet 48-inch barrier rule. Pool wall may serve as barrier if 48 inches high with removable/lockable ladder.
Philadelphia hot tubs and spas deeper than 24 inches require a permit and 48-inch barrier. Locking safety cover per ASTM F1346 may substitute for barrier fence on hot tubs.
1 cities in Philadelphia County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Philadelphia County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Philadelphia County Ordinance Hub →