[SFH] HO wants to install an above ground pool, what do I need to know?

Started by DawnW7 • 6 replies • 66 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

DawnW7 (South Carolina)
Posts: 19

Posted:

HO wants a pool. He has tried to send an AR request, but that's for another day.

As president of the HOA, what do I need to know or ask? This is what I know so far: a copy of the survey showing the proposed pool, including distances from the pool to the home and property lines. HO is responsible for obtaining any related permits.

[Back story, not related to the pool issue: HO's fence had been deteriorating for 25 years since it was installed. HO's neighbor wanted to replace his (the neighbor's) fence, but because HO would not recognize any problems with his fence, the neighbor, with HO's permission, had to remove HO's fence to replace his own. The neighbor's new fence is 6' high and wonderful. Unfortunately, HO's property also borders another HO, and that part of the fence is as bad as the portion the neighbor had to replace. There are gaps wide enough to see directly into the HO's yard who wants the pool.]

Do I need to request/inform/demand that HO replace the portion of that fence? Besides HOA matters, what else? Does the HO need to have a “flood plan” or something similar if the pool breaks or is torn down? With regard to homeowners wanting to install a pool, I’m in unfamiliar waters. Pun intended.

DawnW7 (South Carolina)
Posts: 19

Posted:

Forgot to mention that neither CCRs or Bylaws or Rules mention anything about pools.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,074

Posted:

You can't deny something if there is no restriction on it within your governing documents.

The HOA are not code enforcers and would be exceeding their authority if they tried to be.

There may be State, County or Municipality laws governing above ground pools.

Become familiar with them, but do not necessarily utilize them to approve or disapprove something.

I did do a quick internet search and a code compliant barrier is required for all pools greater than 24 inches deep in South Carolina

Additionally, permits may be required for an above ground at or above 42 inches (3 1/2 feet) deep but permitting requirements vary by location.

The following page has links to various SC county pool laws: https://poolbrokersusa.com/south-carolina-pool-licensing-permits/

If there are no restrictions, then, in my opinion, the request should typically be approved while mentioning that the owner must also follow all City/County/State requirements related to the request. Then, if something is amiss, contact the local permit office, or applicable office, and make a complaint. They have far more authority than the Association.

The fence maintenance should be treated as a different issue.

MichaelS56 (Minnesota)
Posts: 863

Posted:

Check with the insurance company your HOA uses to determine if there are any unforeseen problems with adding a pool.

DawnW7 (South Carolina)
Posts: 19

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimB4 on 06/26/2026, 12:59 AM

You can't deny something if there is no restriction on it within your governing documents.
The HOA are not code enforcers and would be exceeding their authority if they tried to be.
There may be State, County or Municipality laws governing above ground pools.Become familiar with them, but do not necessarily utilize them to approve or disapprove something.
I did do a quick internet search and a code compliant barrier is required for all pools greater than 24 inches deep in South CarolinaAdditionally, permits may be required for an above ground at or above 42 inches (3 1/2 feet) deep but permitting requirements vary by location.
The following page has links to various SC county pool laws: https://poolbrokersusa.com/south-carolina-pool-licensing-permits/
If there are no restrictions, then, in my opinion, the request should typically be approved while mentioning that the owner must also follow all City/County/State requirements related to the request. Then, if something is amiss, contact the local permit office, or applicable office, and make a complaint. They have far more authority than the Association.
The fence maintenance should be treated as a different issue.

I wasn't looking to deny anything. I just have not come across this situation and wanted to know what, if anything, I should be asking.

DawnW7 (South Carolina)
Posts: 19

Posted:

I wasn't looking to deny anything, or become a code enforcer. I just have not come across this situation and wanted to know what, if anything, I should be asking.

DawnW7 (South Carolina)
Posts: 19

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MichaelS56 on 07/09/2026, 7:31 AM

Check with the insurance company your HOA uses to determine if there are any unforeseen problems with adding a pool.

Did not think of that, will do. Thanks.

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here