Pool is within 24" of the main dwelling

[J Grant]

AI Overview



Minimum pool-to-house distance typically requires a
5 to 10-foot separation between the pool edge and the house foundation, largely determined by local zoning and structural safety regulations. In some jurisdictions, this is set at a 10-foot minimum, while others may allow closer proximity if structural engineering requirements are met.
UpCodes +4
Key Considerations for Minimum Distance:

• Structural Integrity: A common rule is that a pool cannot be closer to a foundation than a 1:1 horizontal-to-vertical ratio (e.g., if the pool is 5ft deep, it must be 5ft away) to avoid undermining the house foundation.
• Local Zoning & Codes: Many areas require a 5-foot or 10-foot minimum side or rear yard setback from the property line.
• Electrical Hazards: Pools should be at least 5 feet away from underground electrical lines and 25 feet from overhead electrical lines.
• Accessibility & Safety: Florida building codes often require specific barrier (fence) requirements that can dictate placement, ensuring a 20-inch distance between the barrier and the water's edge.
  
  
  American Legal Publishing +4

Actionable Step: Always check with your local municipal zoning or building department before designing or constructing a pool, as local, city, or county requirements vary significantly.

 

[J Grant]

I am not a code inspector, I just play one on TV.

But I did check the above AI on internet - the problem is the homeowners built out/enclosed a patio to a room and now it is too close to the pool. What is our role - are we the code enforcement police or appraisers - photo it, disclose everything, recommend an inspection, and turn the appraisal in. Let the lender decide what they want to do, including turning down the property for a loan. Cost to cure would be removing the enclosed patio - which means that area might be best off not included in GLA sf but called what it is, an enclosed patio

 

[walleyes]

Every town’s different, but 2 feet off the house feels like a red flag to me. I’d double check zoning and pool barrier rules first - fixing it after closing would not be cheap.

 

[Mark K]

Code this. Code that. Appraisers should not try to be code compliance inspectors and should concentrate on the effect on value. That's our job and allegedly what we're paid to do. You can't change the situation so try to determine how the market would react.

It would certainly reduce the pool (no pun intended) of buyers but there are those that would be unaffected. Others would put more thought into it and estimate of the cost of installing a cable railing along that edge (ballpark of $250 - $300/linear foot), probably the most supportable way to estimate the effect on value.

This isn't rocket science.

 

[Mike Ault]

I've done plenty of homes with indoor pools over the years. No fences, deadbolted doors, or anything else to mitigate a supposed safety or structural deficiency. The pool edge of one of them was located about 18 in from a load-bearing interior wall, just barely wide enough to walk on. YMMV.

 

[Fernando]

Every year here, you hear stories of people drowning especially young children.
Pools are dangerous especially too close to house and should have fence to keep people out.
My brother has a pool and hardly uses it. It's there because rest of the rich people have it.

 

[Tom4value]

I know different cities have different zoning and planning. But 24" away from the house with sliders? Can't possibly be to code can it? Rule of thumb for most areas is 10'.
I can't imagine there would be a cost to cure. How could you possibly deduct value? The sliders do not have an automatic closing feature, there is no fencing for the pool or child safety slots for a safety fence. Not sure how this could have passed city final inspection.
How would you address this?

“Can’t possibly be to code can it?” Not being a wise guy but why ask us?

When I see things like this (though gotta admit, this is a new one on me!) the first thing I do is go to the Building Department. I check for permits. If there are none (surprise!) I ask the building inspector what needs to be done. I listen carefully so I can quote him/her word for word and tell my client. My guess is that if the appraisal is for mortgage lending, they will cancel. Then all those other questions go away and just have to decide how much to charge for your work already done.