As we approach the end of the summer season, we wanted to discuss the topic of pools in New York City as there is some confusion on the inspection process with various city and state agencies to obtain approval to install, operate or construct an indoor or outdoor pool in New York City.
Ultimately, the safe operation of a pool is up to the operator, but first, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and Health Department must ensure that the pool is safely designed and constructed.
DOB Pool Requirements:
The NYC DOB is responsible for the review of a design incorporating a pool. Department plan examiners will review the architectural, structural, and plumbing components to ensure compliance with the design. Next, the DOB is responsible to ensure that the contractors and third party special inspectors properly complete the structural and plumbing work associated with the installation. Additionally, a DOB construction division inspection is required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the DOB for the pool and its surrounding area.
Obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy is one of the NYC Health Department application requirements. Additional requirements mandated by the Health Department are outlined below.
Health Department Pool Requirements:
The Department of Health is responsible for ensuring that the pool meets requirements for safe operation of a “Bathing Establishment.” A Bathing Establishment with Pool Permit application must be complete and submitted to the Department of Health. The application can be completed online or in-person with instructions available at www.nyc.gov/healthpermits. There is a $1,980 application fee with an annual permit renewal fee of $245.
In addition to the application fee, the following documents are required to complete a Bathing Establishment with Pool application:
- Department of Building Certificate of Occupancy
- Sewer Discharge Permit and Subsurface connection and Disposal Approval from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection
- Approval Letter or an Electrical Inspection Completion Certificate from the New York City Department of Buildings for any underwater lights
- Engineer’s Plans
- Manufacturers' specifications for pumps, flow meters, chemical feeders, etc.
- One set of hydraulic calculations
- Pool Safety Plan approved by the Office of Public Health Engineering
- Copies of Lifeguards’ CPR Certificates
- Proof of successful completion of a Pool Operator's Course
- Proof of Worker's Compensation and Disability Insurance
Once the Department of Buildings has issued a Certificate of Occupancy for the area, and the Department of Health has approved and issued the Bathing Establishment and Pool Permit, the pool can be operated accordingly.
A recent TRD analysis of more than 3 years of DOB data found that at least 96 swimming pools have been included in planned hotel and residential projects of at least 50,000 square feet and the majority of them were planned for Manhattan. New York City has a plethora of beautiful hotel and outdoor swimming pools that allow people to cool off from the heat. Since the end of summer is around the corner, we went ahead and compiled a list of the top 10 NYC pools to enjoy before summer ends.
