Perth Amboy, NJ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Under Perth Amboy's local ordinance, all permanent private swimming pools and permanent wading pools must be completely surrounded by a substantial self-supporting fence or wall at least 4 feet in height, with no openings, holes, or gaps larger than 3 inches in any dimension other than approved doors or gates. Gates must meet the same specifications as the fence, and must be equipped with approved locking and latching devices and kept locked at all times when the pool is not in use or unsupervised. Portable pools must either be enclosed by a compliant fence, emptied when not attended, or covered with a strong, securely fastened protective covering; an above-ground portable pool with a sidewall at least 4 feet high is exempt from the perimeter fence as long as steps, ladders, and other approaches are removed when the pool is unattended. On top of those local rules, every new pool or spa in Perth Amboy must be permitted under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) which incorporates the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). ISPSC Section 305 requires barriers at least 48 inches above grade for any pool or spa with water deeper than 24 inches, with no openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass, no horizontal members on the outside that would create a climbable ladder effect, and self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have an alarm or the pool must have an ASTM F1346 power safety cover. Permits and inspections are handled by the Perth Amboy Construction Office.