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

Township Code Chapter 305 defines a regulated "pool" as any private swimming pool of more than 100 cubic feet capacity of permanent construction, and separately covers portable pools (above-surface, more than 100 cubic feet, removable for storage) and wading pools (permanently constructed, not for swimming, maximum 100 square feet and 12 inches deep). Under § 305-2, the property owner must apply to the Building Inspector for a permit before constructing, establishing, maintaining, altering, remodeling or adding to a permanent private swimming pool or permanent wading pool.

The application must include two sets of sketch plats showing the pool's location relative to the property's boundary lines and adjacent structures, plus all existing or proposed fences and their heights, and two sets of plans and specifications setting out the pool's size and capacity, its filtration system, the water supply arrangement and materials, and the location, height and aperture dimensions of the required fence and gate. Under § 305-3, the Building Inspector cannot issue the permit until the Township Engineer has approved the sketch plat, plans and specifications and certified that approval on the plans.

Permit fees are set in Chapter 150, Fees, and § 305-4 bars issuance until the fee is paid. Pool placement itself is governed by the Chapter 190 Land Use zoning standards at § 190-115, referenced directly in § 305-10, and accessory buildings like cabanas or bathhouses built alongside a pool must comply with the Chapter 190 accessory-building rules under § 305-6. The Building Inspector and Health Officer jointly enforce the chapter under § 305-14 and may access any pool at reasonable times to check compliance.