(A) Definition. The term PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL is hereby defined as a receptacle for water, or an artificial pool of water having a depth at any point of more than two feet, intended for the purpose of immersion or partial immersion therein of human beings and including all appurtenant equipment, constructed, installed and maintained in or above the ground outside of a building used for family dwelling units; provided the PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL is maintained by an individual primarily for the sole use of the individual’s household and guests and not for the purpose or in connection with any business operated for profit.
(B) Compliance required. Every private residential swimming pool constructed, installed and maintained hereafter shall comply with all applicable provisions of this code.
(C) Permit required. It shall be unlawful to proceed with the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of any private residential swimming pool and appurtenances within the city unless a permit therefor shall have first been obtained from the Community Development Department.
(D) Permit fees. The fee for a permit for the erection or construction of a swimming pool shall be as set by resolution.
(E) Drawings, plans and permits.
(1) All drawings and plans for the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of any private residential swimming pool and appurtenances for which a permit is required shall first be presented to the engineer for examination and approval as to the proper location, construction and use.
(2) All plans and drawings shall be drawn to a scale of not less than one-eighth of an inch to the foot, on paper or cloth, in ink or by some process that will not fade or obliterate. All distances and dimensions shall be accurately figured and drawings made explicit and complete, showing the lot lines, and including information pertaining to the pool, walk and fence construction, water supply system, drainage and water disposal systems and all appurtenances pertaining to the swimming pool.
(3) All private residential swimming pools, appurtenances, water supply and drainage systems shall be constructed in conformity with the approved plans. If any deviations from the plans are desired, a supplementary plan covering that portion of the work involved shall be filed for approval and shall conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(F) Regulations.
(1) Private residential swimming pools shall be permitted in residential zones only. No portion of a private residential swimming pool shall be located at a distance less than eight feet from any side or rear property line or building line. Pumps, filters and pool water disinfection equipment installations shall be located at a distance not less than eight feet from any side property line. Pools and appurtenant equipment shall not be permitted in the side yard between dwellings.
(2) All private residential swimming pools shall be of the recirculating type in which circulation of the water is maintained through the pool by pumps; the water drawn from the pool being clarified and disinfected before being returned to the pool.
(3) (a) Private residential swimming pool walls and floor shall be constructed of any impervious material which will provide a tight tank with white or light colored finished easily cleaned surfaces. The floor or bottom surface of the pool shall have a nonslip finish as smooth as possible. The side and end walls of a pool shall present a smooth finish and shall be vertical to a depth of at least six feet or shall have a slope or curvature meeting one of the following conditions.
(b) The pool wall may be vertical for 30 inches from the water level below which the wall may be curved to the bottom with a radius at any point equal to the difference between the depth at that point and 30 inches.
(c) To a depth of six feet, except as in division (A) above, the wall’s slope shall not be less than one foot horizontal in six feet vertical.
(d) Pool walls that are to be lined with a plastic liner shall be constructed of masonry or reinforced concrete.
(G) Walk areas. Unobstructed walk areas not less than 36 inches wide shall be provided to extend entirely around the pool. The walk areas shall be constructed of impervious material and the surfaces shall be of such as to be smooth and easily cleaned and of nonslip construction. The slope of the walks shall have a pitch of at least one-fourth inch to the foot designed so as to prevent back drainage from entering the pool.
(H) Fences. All private residential swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a fence erected along the periphery of the pool walks. All fence openings or points of entry into the pool area enclosure shall be equipped with gates. The fence and gates shall be four feet in height above the walk grade level and shall be constructed of a minimum number nine-gauge woven wire mesh corrosion-resistant material or material approved by the Building Official. All gates shall be equipped with self-closing and self- latching devices placed at the top of the gate and made inaccessible to small children. All fence posts shall be decay or corrosion-resistant and shall be set in concrete bases.
(I) Steps or ladders. Two or more means of egress in the form of steps or ladders shall be provided for all private residential swimming pools. At least one such means of egress shall be located on a side of the pool at both the deep end and shallow end of the pool. Treads of steps and ladders shall be constructed of non-slip material and at least three inches wide for their full length. Steps and ladders shall have a handrail on both sides.
(J) Water supply. No source of water other than that secured from the city waterworks distribution system shall be used in private residential swimming pools unless city water is not available.
(K) Electrical requirements. All electrical installations provided for, installed and used in conjunction with private residential swimming pools shall be in conformance with the Electrical Code.
(L) Safety precautions.
(1) A skilled swimmer shall be present at all times that private residential swimming pools are in use.
(2) Every private residential swimming pool shall be equipped with one or more throwing ring buoys not more than 15 inches in diameter and having 60 feet of three-sixteenths-inch (3/16) manila line attached and one or more light but strong poles with blunted ends and not less than 12 feet in length for making reach assists or rescues.
(3) No diving board or platform more than three feet above the water level shall be installed for use in connection with any private residential swimming pool.
(Ord. 23-09, passed 8-21-2023) Penalty, see § 151.999