In the latest Weekly Wright Report:
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- Pool Season? Check the Water First! – read now
Pool Season? Check the Water First!
The weather is getting nicer again and like many property owners during the lockdowns, owning a pool has become almost a necessity. Before you act upon your dream to own a pool, do your homework on the installation requirements of the County or City where you live.
First, obtain references for the pool company you intend to use. Impressive presentations and salespeople do not necessarily equate with a quality product. Make sure all of the necessary materials and supplies required for the installation of your pool will be available for construction. Pools, like many other projects over the past few years, require certain materials that may be either in short supply or exorbitantly expensive.
Second, keep in mind that the pool company you hire will most likely utilize subcontractors for various aspects of construction, including, but not necessarily limited to, grading and digging the hole for the pool, pouring the concrete and installing the necessary plumbing and electric. There may also be separate contractors for tile work, the pool deck, coping, landscaping and fencing. In Baltimore County, once the pool is at least two feet deep, an enclosure is required. Most homeowners choose the installation of a fence rather than other enclosures. The fence must be located either around the pool itself or around the back yard where the pool is located. Baltimore County requires a minimum fence height of four feet and self-latching gates.
Third, check with the local zoning office or with legal counsel on where you can locate your pool on your property. Not all jurisdictions follow the Baltimore County requirement of locating the pool in the rear yard. There are additional restrictions if your property is a corner lot.
Fourth, permits will be required before, during and after construction. In the event you intend to heat your pool with natural gas or propane, additional inspections and permits will be required. A quality pool company should obtain all of the necessary permits on your behalf. The good news is once all permits have been obtained, construction completed and the final sign off inspection by the County in hand, there typically are no further permit obligations. Thankfully, there are no permits or approvals required for your family and friends to enjoy your dream pool.
If you have questions, please email me at nlanzi@wcslaw.com.
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