Bloomfield, NJ Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Chapter 508 of the Bloomfield Township Code defines a private swimming pool broadly. It includes any swimming or bathing pool or tank, permanent, portable, collapsible or otherwise, with an inside structural depth in excess of 24 inches, a surface area in excess of 120 square feet, or a capacity in excess of 1,800 gallons, built or kept on a lot for use by the owner, family or guests. Any one of those three thresholds brings a pool under the chapter.

Section 508-2(A) then states that no person shall install or construct a private swimming pool within the Township without first having obtained the proper permits from the Community Development Department. Subsection B requires the application on forms required by the Chief Building Inspector, accompanied by three sets of plans of sufficient detail. The plans must show the plot plan drawn to scale, including the lot size, location of structures on the lot, topography, pool, walks, fencing, drainage, water supply, electrical facilities, filters, heating system, if any, and disinfecting system. Plans for in-ground pools must be prepared by a licensed professional engineer or licensed architect, while other plans can be prepared by the owner.

Approval is not automatic. Under § 508-3, the Building Inspector issues the permit only if the pool complies with the chapter, the Building Code and other Township ordinances, and only if the application has been approved in writing by the Health Department and the Township Engineer. Two build requirements follow from the chapter: in-ground pools must be enclosed with a fence at least four feet in height, while aboveground pools need not be enclosed (§ 508-4), and the pool location on the lot must follow § 315-36D(5) of the zoning chapter (§ 508-10).

After construction, the Building Inspector, Township Engineer and Health Officer, or their representatives, have authority under § 508-16 to inspect construction, maintenance and operation of the pool and the surrounding area to confirm compliance with the chapter and the Health and Building Codes.