Permits Required for Inflatable Pools In Perkiomen Township

Inflatable pools with water over 24 inches deep require a building permit, according to Code Enforcement Officer John T. Moran, Jr.

Moran brought up the issue at the Perkiomen Township Board of Supervisors meeting on July 3.  He stated that "inflatable pools have been popping up since summer started," but they must comply with Appendix G of the International Residential Code.

The code requires a barrier around the pool, which provides protection against accidental drownings.  You can visit the International Code Council for specific barrier requirements.

"[The inflatable pools] are relatively cheap at places like Walmart ... but sometimes the barrier costs more than the pool does," said Moran.

Code enforcement officials started sending letters to residents with illegal pools last month.  If you need a permit, you can find an application on the Perkiomen Township website.