Allentown, PA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Allentown, PA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- All hot tubs, spas, and pools; any pool 24 in. or more deep
- Plans approved by
- Bureaus of Health, Water and Plumbing + Bureau of Inspections (Sec. 556-3)
- Permit fee
- Same scale as other building permits (Sec. 556-2; Ch. 225)
- State exemption
- Prefabricated pools under 24 in. deep (34 Pa. Code Sec. 403.62(5))
- Penalty
- Up to $100 fine per type of work done without a permit
Summary
A City of Allentown building permit is required before installing any indoor or outdoor hot tub, spa, above-ground or in-ground swimming pool, and any pool (including inflatables) 24 inches or more in depth; plans must be approved by the city Bureaus before construction begins.
By State Law, you will need a permit(s), inspection(s) and certification of occupancy for: ... Installing any indoor or outdoor hot tub, spa, above-ground or in-ground swimming pool. Installing any swimming pool (including inflatables) with a depth of 24 inches or more. ... A fine of $100.00 may be imposed for each type of work being done without a permit.
Full Breakdown
Allentown's Bureau of Building Standards and Safety enforces the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and the city's Codified Ordinances Chapter 556 (Swimming Pools). The city's official 'When Residential Permits ARE Required' guidance states that by state law a permit, inspections, and a certificate of occupancy are required for 'Installing any indoor or outdoor hot tub, spa, above-ground or in-ground swimming pool' and for 'Installing any swimming pool (including inflatables) with a depth of 24 inches or more.' This threshold mirrors the UCC permit exemption in 34 Pa.
Code Sec. 403.62, which under paragraph (5) exempts only 'Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.' Allentown's own Codified Ordinances Chapter 556 (adopted 5-16-1961 by Ord. No. 9491) sets the local rule: Sec. 556-1 provides that 'No person, corporation or other legal entity shall construct a pool to be used for swimming or bathing purposes without first having obtained a building permit from the Building Inspector'; Sec. 556-2 sets the fee 'on the same scale as are other permits for buildings and structures which are established pursuant to Chapter 225'; and Sec.
556-3 requires that plans and specifications 'be submitted with the application for building permit and must be approved by the Bureaus of Health, Water and Plumbing, in addition to the Bureau of Inspections.' Applicants must call to schedule an appointment to submit building plans, and electrical, plumbing, and barrier inspections are required during construction.
Violations & Fines
The city's permit guidance states that 'a fine of $100.00 may be imposed for each type of work being done without a permit.' Constructing or operating a pool without the required permit, plan approval, or inspections is a violation enforced by the Bureau of Building Standards and Safety, which can issue stop-work orders and withhold final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an inflatable or above-ground pool in Allentown?
Who has to approve my pool plans?
What happens if I build a pool without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allentown
Compare Allentown to another location·View the Pennsylvania swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.