Pool rules have changed in NJ

| 29 Sep 2011 | 11:55

A swimming pool is now defined as: “any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that can hold water 24 inches or more in depth.” WEST MILFORD — Homeowners who purchase inflatable pools may be subject to the same regulations as their neighbors who have in-ground or the larger, fixed-sided above-ground pools. According to the West Milford Department of Building Safety, the code for pools in West Milford require a minimum of a 4 foot fence around the pool, with specific requirements as to how far apart slats can be, a maximum size for decorative openings and even the size mesh in a chain link fence. The required mesh size for a pool fence is smaller than that of a standard chain link fence. There are also rules governing gates and steps around pools. The state code for what qualifies as a swimming pool was amended in the spring of 2006, but the changes have not been publicized. There is a concern that people who purchase inflatable pools do not realize they need to conform to fencing requirements.