Dade City, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Above-Ground Pools (2026)

Dade City sits inside Pasco County but has its own Building Department, which issues residential swimming-pool permits independent of Pasco County. Under the Dade City Building Permit Requirements page, swimming pools (both in-ground and above-ground constructions) are listed among the projects that require a permit before installation begins. The Florida Building Code Residential Chapter 45 (Private Swimming Pools) — adopted by Dade City — applies to any pool with a water depth of more than 24 inches. That captures most above-ground vinyl-walled pools and all inflatable pools above the 24-inch threshold. Required pool barriers come from Florida Statutes §515.27 and FBC R4501.17: a fence at least 48 inches high with self-closing/self-latching gates, AND either approved door alarms on house doors that open onto the pool area or a pool safety cover. Above-ground pools may use the pool wall itself as the barrier if the wall is at least 48 inches tall, the access ladder is removable or lockable, and the surrounding decking is properly enclosed. Setbacks from property lines follow the underlying zoning district (typically 5 feet to side/rear in single-family districts), and pools must not encroach into any utility easement. Electrical work for pumps, lighting, and bonding requires a separate electrical permit under the National Electrical Code Article 680.