[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee (now Council) of the Township of Gloucester 5-6-1960 by Ord. No. 256. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The words, terms or phrases hereinafter listed in this chapter shall be defined and interpreted as follows:
APPROVED
Accepted or acceptable under applicable specifications stated in this chapter or accepted or suitable for the proposed use under the procedures and powers of administration delegated in this chapter.
BOARD OF HEALTH
Includes the representative of the Board of Health or other duly authorized representative thereof, except in such case when the Board is referred to in a manner that contemplates action by it as a body.
CONSTRUCT
The construction, building, erection, creation or installation of a new swimming pool, portable pool or wading pool, as above defined, or the enlargement of an existing pool, as aforesaid, or of any of its facilities.
INSPECTOR
Includes the Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer.
[Amended 5-29-2024 by Ord. No. O-24-11]
PERSON
Includes natural persons, corporations, companies, associations, partnerships and joint-stock companies.
PORTABLE POOL
Includes any above-surface swimming, bathing or wading pool that is constructed of canvas, rubber, plastic or other material and which is not designed or intended to be stationary or permanently fixed but one which is so designed and intended as to be removable and storable.
PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL
Any constructed pool which is used or intended to be used as a swimming pool in connection with a single-family residence and available only to the family of the householder and his private guests.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37]
PUBLIC OR SEMIPUBLIC SWIMMING POOL
Any swimming pool, other than a private swimming pool, shall be classified as a public or semipublic swimming pool.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37]
SWIMMING POOL
Includes a private, public or semipublic pool which is either outdoor or indoor, above or below grade level, and which is installed and constructed to provide recreational facilities for swimming, bathing and wading, and whether permanently constructed or of the portable type and the depth of which pool is more than 18 inches below the level of the surrounding land, or an above-surface pool having a depth of more than 30 inches. For purposes of this chapter, pools are classified as private swimming pools or public and semipublic swimming pools as defined above.
[Amended 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37]
TOWNSHIP INSPECTOR
Includes the Building Inspector or other duly authorized representative thereof.
WADING POOL
A private pool, as above described, which is not designed for or capable of being used for swimming and one which is not included within the definition of "swimming pool" aforesaid.
A. 
This chapter shall not be applicable to permanently installed swimming pools, portable pools or wading pools, as aforesaid, which have been constructed prior to the passage of this chapter, except that such pools shall not be subject to requirements of § 75-7 unless an enlargement of facilities is sought.
B. 
Persons having or maintaining pools as aforesaid are exempt from the requirements of obtaining permits and payment of fees therefor as hereinafter mentioned, unless an enlargement of facilities is sought.
C. 
Pools, as aforesaid, shall be subject to all of the provisions and regulations relating to safety and sanitation as hereinafter set forth and which may hereinafter be enacted by the Township of Gloucester or any of its agencies.
D. 
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to wading pools, however, unless specific reference is made in any section herein to such type of pool.
It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, maintain, install or create a swimming or bathing pool in the Township of Gloucester without first having complied with the provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37]
A. 
Permits. A swimming pool or appurtenances thereto shall not be constructed, installed, enlarged or altered until a permit has been obtained from the Building Official. The approval of all municipal, county and state authorities, where required, shall be obtained before applying to the Building Official for a permit. Certified copies of these approvals shall be filed as part of the supporting data for the application for the permit.
B. 
Plans. Plans shall accurately show dimensions and construction of pool and appurtenances and properly established distances to lot lines, buildings, walks and fences, details of water supply system, drainage and water disposal systems and all appurtenances pertaining to the swimming pool. Detailed plans of structures, vertical elevations and sections through the pool showing depth shall be included.
C. 
Locations. Private swimming pools shall not encroach on any front or side yard required by this Code or the governing zoning law. A wall of a swimming pool shall be located not less than 10 feet from any rear or side property line or 30 feet from any street property line.
A. 
Upon the filing of an application for a permit hereunder, properly executed, the Building Inspector shall forthwith file the duplicate application and accompanying plan and specifications with the Board of Health for its recommendations and approval.
B. 
The Building Inspector, within 30 days after receiving a properly executed application for a permit as aforesaid, shall act upon the same in the following manner:
(1) 
Approve the application as submitted and cause a permit to be issued therefor.
(2) 
Approve the application subject to any correction, modifications, additional information required to be furnished in order to assure proper compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Upon receipt of the application so amended, the Building Inspector shall cause a permit to be issued.
(3) 
Reject the application when it is determined that a permit should not be issued. In case of such a rejection, an appeal therefor shall be available to applicant in the manner hereinafter provided.
A. 
The fee accompanying an application for a permit to construct, install, enlarge and maintain a swimming or bathing pool, as aforesaid, authorized under this chapter, shall be as follows:
(1) 
For installation of a new swimming or bathing pool, as aforesaid, whether permanent or stationary in nature, or for enlargement of such existing swimming or bathing pool, as aforesaid, a charge of $5, and $1.50 for each $500 of the estimated cost of construction or fraction thereof.
(2) 
No payment shall be required for a portable pool as defined in this chapter.
B. 
The fees required in the foregoing subsection are intended to defray the cost of processing the application and the cost of inspection of the site before and after issuance of the permit.
C. 
The permit issued and the fee paid hereunder shall be in addition to any permits and fees which may be required by the Board of Health for the location and operation of a swimming or bathing pool in a sanitary manner and to defray the inspection and examination costs incident thereto.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37[1]]
A. 
Structural design. The pool structure shall be engineered and designed to withstand the expected forces to which it will be subjected.
B. 
Wall slopes. To a depth up to five feet from the top, the wall slope shall not be more than two feet horizontal in five feet vertical.
C. 
Floor slopes. The slope of the floor on the shallow side of transition point shall not exceed one foot vertical to seven feet horizontal. The transition point between shallow and deep water shall not be more than five feet deep.
D. 
Surface cleaning. All swimming pools shall be provided with a recirculating skimming device or overflow gutters to remove scum and foreign matter from the surface of the water. Where skimmers are used there shall be at least one skimming device for each 1,000 square feet of surface area or fraction thereof. Where overflow gutters are used, they shall be not less than three inches deep, pitched 1/4 inch per foot to drains and constructed so they are safe, cleanable and that matter entering the gutters will not be washed out by a sudden surge of entering water.
E. 
Walkways. All public or semipublic swimming pools shall have walkways not less than four feet in width, extending entirely around the pool. Where curbs or sidewalks are used around any swimming pool, they shall have a nonslip surface for a width of not less than one foot at the edge of the pool and shall be so arranged to prevent return of surface water to the pool.
F. 
Steps and ladders. One or more means of egress shall be provided from the pool. Treads of steps or ladders shall have nonslip surfaces and handrails on both sides, except that handrails may be omitted when they are not more than four steps or when they extend the full width of the side or end of the pool.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 75-7, Location and distance requirements.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37[1]]
A. 
Water supply. All swimming pools shall be provided with a potable water supply, free of cross-connections with the pool or its equipment.
B. 
Water treatment.
(1) 
Public and semipublic swimming pools shall be designed and installed so that there is a pool water turnover at least once every eight hours. Filters shall not filter water at a rate in excess of three gallons per minute per square foot of surface area. The treatment system shall be so designed and installed to provide in the water, at all times when the pool is in use, excess chlorine of not less than 0.4 parts per million (ppm) or more than 0.6 parts per million or excess chloramine between 0.7 and 1.0 parts per million or disinfection may be provided by other approved means. Acidity-alkalinity of the pool water shall not be below 7.0 or more than 7.5. All recirculation systems shall be provided with an approved hair and lint strainer installed in the system ahead of the pump.
(2) 
Private swimming pools shall be designed and installed so that there is a pool water turnover at least once every 18 hours. Filters shall not filter water at a rate in excess of five gallons per minute per square foot of surface area. The pool owner shall be instructed in proper care and maintenance of the pool by the supplier or builder, including the use of hightest calcium hypochlorite (dry chlorine) or sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) or equally effective germicide and algaecide and the importance of proper pH (alkalinity and acidity) control.
C. 
Drainage systems. The swimming pool and equipment shall be equipped to be completely emptied of water, and the discharged water shall be disposed of in an approved manner that will not create a nuisance to adjoining property.
D. 
All private pools must be treated to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, breeding of mosquitoes, aquatic insects, amphibians and any noxious or foul odors.
[Added 5-29-2024 by Ord. No. O-24-11]
E. 
No person shall be permitted to maintain pools where the accumulation of debris and or liquids could cause offensive odors that can endanger residents' public health and safety. All covered or uncovered pools not in use shall be disinfected twice a year from June 1 to October 31 to prevent breeding insects and algae growth as a source of odors. No person shall maintain swimming pools, or any open container, in such a manner as to cause stagnant water that may cause the breeding of mosquitoes or insects.
[Added 5-29-2024 by Ord. No. O-24-11]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 75-8, Materials specifications.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37[1]]
A. 
Appurtenant structures. All appurtenant structures, installations and equipment, such as showers, dressing rooms, equipment houses or other buildings and structures, including plumbing, heating, air conditioning, amongst others appurtenant to a swimming pool, shall comply with all applicable requirements of this code and the Zoning Law.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 500, Land Development.
B. 
Accessories. All swimming pool accessories shall be designed, constructed and installed so as not to be a safety hazard. Installations or structures for diving purposes shall be properly anchored to ensure stability and properly designed and located for maximum safety.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 75-9, Chlorination, filtering; connection to potable water supply.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37[1]]
A. 
Equipment installations. Pumps, filters and other mechanical and electrical equipment for public and semipublic swimming pools shall be enclosed in such a manner as to be accessible only to authorized persons and not to bathers. Construction and drainage shall be such as to avoid the entrance and accumulation of water in the vicinity of electrical equipment.
B. 
Swimming pool safety devices. All swimming pool(s) or body of water holding 24 or more inches of water in depth must install and maintain a fence or similar enclosure around the pool area or the property area to provide a safety barrier to make it inaccessible to small children. Fencing must include gates therein and not less than four feet above the underlying ground; all gates must be self-latching with latches placed four feet above the underlying ground to ensure they are inaccessible from the outside to small children. All gates must open out.
[Amended 5-29-2024 by Ord. No. O-24-11]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 75-10, Drainage waste.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37[1]]
A. 
Rescue equipment. Public and semipublic swimming pools shall be equipped with at least two poles or shepherd's crooks. There shall also be provided at least two life rings at least 14 inches in diameter with a sufficient length of one-fourth-inch line firmly attached to each ring. Such equipment shall be properly stored and readily accessible.
B. 
Emergency equipment. Public and semipublic swimming pools shall be equipped with a minimum of first-aid equipment listed below, which shall be properly stored and readily available at all times when the pool is open for use:
(1) 
Aromatic ammonia.
(2) 
Tincture of iodine or equivalent.
(3) 
Individually compressed sterile gauze.
(4) 
Absorbent cotton.
(5) 
Adhesive tape.
(6) 
Bandages of various widths.
(7) 
Rubbing alcohol.
C. 
Personnel. At least one person capable of administering first aid shall be in attendance at all times when the pool is open for use.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 75-11, Fencing; illumination; electrical fixtures.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37[1]]
A. 
General. Public and semipublic swimming pools, when open for use, shall, at all times, be under the supervision of a competent director who shall be responsible for all phases of pool operation, including the applicable provisions of this Code.
B. 
Lifeguard platform. Public and semipublic swimming pools operated primarily for unorganized use and having an area of more than 2,250 square feet of water surface shall be provided with at least one elevated lifeguard platform or chair located so as to provide a clear unobstructed view of the pool bottom.
C. 
Personal regulations. Personal regulations covering admission, bathing and conduct of patrons shall be conspicuously posted and shall include the following:
(1) 
Any person showing evidence of skin disease, sore or inflamed eyes, cold, nasal or ear discharges or any communicable disease shall be refused admission.
(2) 
Persons with excessive sunburn, open blisters, cuts or bandages shall be refused admission.
(3) 
No dogs or other animals shall be allowed in the pool area, dressing rooms or other parts of the pool enclosure.
(4) 
Preferably no food or drinks shall be used or consumed within the pool enclosure. Where food and drinks are permitted, no containers of glass shall be used.
(5) 
Persons in street shoes or other spectators shall not be permitted in the pool area.
(6) 
Unnecessary expectoration, spouting of water, roughness, rowdyism or other conduct affecting the safety and comfort of others shall not be permitted.
D. 
Maintenance. All dressing rooms, toilets, showers, pool proper and surroundings shall be kept clean and orderly at all times. A suitable disinfectant shall be used daily on floors, walls, mats and other interior portions of dressing rooms. Toilets, lavatories and shower rooms shall be cleaned with a detergent and water, disinfected daily and kept in good repair. Toilets shall be kept supplied with sufficient amount of toilet tissue. Lavatories shall be supplied with soap and suitable receptacles for disposal of paper towels. Common towels shall not be permitted.
E. 
Chemicals. All pool chemicals shall be handled, stored and used in strict accordance with manufacturers instructions. A separate storage room or closet shall be provided for these chemicals.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 75-12, Variances.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37[1]; amended 5-29-2024 by Ord. No. O-24-11]
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not to exceed the sum of $500 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days; each day that such violation continues shall be deemed to be separate offense.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 75-13, Subject to sanitary regulations.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37[1]]
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter should be held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 75-14, Violations and penalties.
[Added 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37[1]]
This chapter shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law.[2]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 75-15, Severability.
[2]
Editor's Note: Former § 75-16, When effective, which immediately followed this section, was repealed 10-14-1981 by Ord. No. O-81-37.