Join our Mailing List
For the latest information on Code enforcement and administration, law and regulation changes, technical bulletins, information on other state agency actions related to Codes, product and equipment safety, and public hearing schedules, subscribe to our E-Bulletins
PLEASE NOTE that this web page is not intended to be the document required by Executive Law Section 376(6). This web page includes a brief summary of some, but not all, of the Uniform Code’s requirements relating to swimming pools. For a more complete summary of those requirements, as well as a summary of the Uniform Code’s other pool-related requirements, please click here for the document titled Current Requirements for Swimming Pools Contained in the State Fire Prevention and Building Code (UNIFORM CODE) [December 2010]. Click here for a PDF version of the Current Requirements document.
PLEASE NOTE also that local laws regarding fencing and other safety requirements for swimming pools may be more restrictive than requirements for swimming pools contained in the Uniform Code. Please go to the following web site for a list of municipalities with More Restrictive Local Standards (MRLS). If you are considering the purchase of a swimming pool, you should review the Uniform Code requirements summarized in the Current Requirements document, and in addition, you should consult the local laws, ordinances, codes and regulations of the municipality where the pool is to be installed for additional zoning requirements.
The term “Swimming Pool” means any structure, basin, chamber or tank which is intended for swimming, diving, recreational bathing or wading and which contains, is designed to contain, or is capable of containing water more than 24 inches (610 mm) deep at any point. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools; indoor pools; hot tubs; spas; and fixed-in-place wading pools
About Pool Alarm Requirements | About Pool Barrier (Fencing) Requirements |
Temporary Pool Enclosures | Pool Entrapment Requirements |
Other Pool Safety Requirements | Helpful Pool Safety Links |
For a detailed summary of the Uniform Code’s other pool-related requirements, please click here for the document titled Current Requirements for Swimming Pools Contained in the State Fire Prevention and Building Code (UNIFORM CODE) [December 2010]. Click here for a PDF version of the Current Requirements document.
Every swimming pool that is installed, constructed or substantially modified after December 14, 2006, must be equipped with an approved pool alarm which:
Pool alarms are not required in:
Contact your local municipality for additional code and zoning requirements.
For specific Swimming Pool and Spa Alarm requirements, please click here for the document titled Current Requirements for Swimming Pools Contained in the State Fire Prevention and Building Code (UNIFORM CODE) [December 2010]. Click here for a PDF version of the Current Requirements document. Swimming Pool and Spa Alarm requirements for One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses can be found in Appendix G of the Residential Code of New York State. Swimming Pool and Spa Alarm requirements for pools not regulated by the Residential Code can be found in Chapter 31, Section 3109 of the Building Code of New York State.
Contact your local municipality for additional code and zoning requirements.
For specific Swimming Pool Barrier requirements, please click here for the document titled Current Requirements for Swimming Pools Contained in the State Fire Prevention and Building Code (UNIFORM CODE) [December 2010]. Click here for a PDF version of the Current Requirements document. Swimming Pool Barrier requirements for One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses can be found in Appendix G of the Residential Code of New York State. Swimming Pool Barrier requirements for pools not regulated by the Residential Code can be found in Chapter 31, Section 3109 of the Building Code of New York State.
During the installation or construction of a swimming pool, the pool must be ENTIRELY enclosed by a temporary barrier. The temporary barrier may be a temporary fence, a permanent fence, the wall of a permanent structure, any other structure, or any combination of those. However, the temporary barrier must:
There are some exceptions to the requirement for temporary pool barriers:
Contact your local municipality for additional code and zoning requirements.
For specific Temporary Barrier requirements, please click here for the document titled Current Requirements for Swimming Pools Contained in the State Fire Prevention and Building Code (UNIFORM CODE) [December 2010]. Click here for a PDF version of the Current Requirements document. Temporary Barrier requirements for One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses can be found in Appendix G of the Residential Code of New York State. Temporary Barrier requirements for pools not regulated by the Residential Code can be found in Chapter 31, Section 3109 of the Building Code of New York State.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, there are an average of 283 drowning deaths and 2,700 emergency room visits related to swimming pools and spas involving children under the age of five each year. One cause of drowning deaths and injuries is entrapment. Entrapment occurs when a person becomes caught in the strong suction in and around swimming pool and spa drains. In some instances, the suction force around drains is so strong that the bather cannot break free and either drowns or is fatally injured before being rescued.
For specific Entrapment Protection for Swimming Pool and Spa Suction Outlets requirements, please click here for the document titled Current Requirements for Swimming Pools Contained in the State Fire Prevention and Building Code (UNIFORM CODE) [December 2010]. Click here for a PDF version of the Current Requirements document. Entrapment Protection for Swimming Pool and Spa Suction Outlets requirements for One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses can be found in Appendix G of the Residential Code of New York State. Entrapment Protection for Swimming Pool and Spa Suction Outlets requirements for pools not regulated by the Residential Code can be found in Chapter 31, Section 3109 of the Building Code of New York State.
Additional requirements that apply to swimming pools, including, but not limited to, safety glazing, backflow prevention and pool heaters, may be found in the Uniform Code and the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State. For more information, contact your local municipality or the Department of State BSC at (518) 474-4073.
New York State Department of Health (DOH) Additional commercial pool requirements can be found at the New York State Department of Health web site. These DOH regulations (10 NYCRR Volume A Part 6) do not apply to:
NYS Department of Health |
![]() US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
![]() The American Red Cross |
![]() National Safe Kids Campaign |
![]() |
![]() The National Sanitation Foundation - NSF International |
![]() |
![]() |