What does the HOA regs say about adding a pool? And fencing? And what the heck is a ''plunge pool'' anyway?

Will the pool (which I had to Google -- basically a really super large bathtub) be in the backyard? Is your backyard visible from adjacent properties? My HOA only requires approval for things that can be seen from either the front or the public green spaces (like if you have view fencing along a greenbelt). What do your CC&Rs say?

Your local municipality may have little or a lot to say about the pool; no way of knowing, without knowing what kind of area you're in. Generally, urban and suburban areas have more restrictions, with rural unincorporated county land being the most permissive.

I don't see how it being a "plunge pool," rather than any other kind of permanent, above-ground or in-ground pool (or spa), would change the requirements, regarding the submission of plans, pulling of permits, etc.

We live in a community of single family detached condos (detached patio homes). Most of the houses in our community have space for a plunge pool about 25x8 feet leaving some room for a patio. No new pools have been installed in years and two have been filled by owners who no longer wanted the expense and hassle of keeping a pool. Just saying not everyone thinks a plunge pool is an asset and you might not get anything extra back for it when you sell the house. We do also have a community pool. A few more houses have in ground jacuzzis. At one open house I looked out into the back yard and said "oh they have a plunge pool". The Realtor corrected me and said "No, that's a lap pool!". Yeah right, it was about 25 feet long and I could push with my feet to get across the pool without taking any strokes.

Your HOA will have a set of rules to follow documented in the CC&Rs and/or architectural standards document. To make sure you stay on their good side and don't waste anyone's time I'd engage directly with the association manager to understand what processes are required, if any. If required I'd expect they will need a detailed site plan and be prepared to demonstrate that community or neighbors property won't be damaged during construction. You can also expect you'll need your neighbors to sign off in most HOA managed communities. In most places your pool contractor should be familiar with the requirements of the city/town government (permits).

Considering installation requirements and regs, I am not sure how a plunge pool would differ from a hot tub install; other than my plan is to have only 34" above grade. Bylaws require approval of anything from plantings, color so long as it doesn't detract from the value of surrounding properties. I could not find anything in the bylaws regarding outside water features. There are 7 ponds in the sub-division. I have no fences and do not want any. Restrictions for fence are nothing over 6' in the back yard and require pre-approval too. In my planning the pool is in the back yard, would be off to the side of a 24'x12' patio with 12'x12' under roof and screened. I intend on adding a shower with privacy blinds. My lot is a corner lot so I do have 2 neighbors. I have already submitted the plot plan to HOA detailing the location of excavation. After I get an answer I will go to planning commission and get their most up to date requirements before further consideration.

You're going to run into conflicting requirements if your HOA doesn't allow fencing. Because most municipalities will require a fence around pools. The HOA cannot overrule city safety requirements, so they probably will simply not approve a pool.

I wouldn't even entertain the mere thought of a pool if I didn't have a fence. Attractive nuisances can cost you a lot of money (as well as costing lives).

I suspect your insurance company will also require you to have a fence.

Plunge pool, aka spool (spa/pool), aka cocktail pool. They are small, neat, easy to maintain and fabulous. Review local codes for barrier requirements including gaps on the sides, underneath as well as locks.

There are 7 ponds in the sub-division. I have no fences and do not want any.

What state are you in? Many states require fencing around a pool.

I am in Indiana and Indiana does require a barrier. It is not referred to as a fence. The requirements appear to be similar as to balusters and handrail, whereas the gap can not be large enough for a 4" sphere to pass, the gap at the bottom, latching, etc... I have not ignored these issues, merely I did not go into that detail here. I thank you for the check though. I plan on a hard cover also but that is a different story.

As for your initial question about how to present it, I'd think you just use whatever application process is outlined, explain what you're going to do and how you'll ensure it conforms to requirements, and go from there. I wouldn't expect this to be controversial as long as you're following the rules.

Hmm, maybe terminology for "fence" differs from place to place. Hence we got sidetracked onto this concern. Your "barrier" translates to a type of "fence" to me.

I appreciate the comments. I wonder how many people have different interpretations. From a legal point of view, a barrier only means something that prevents movement or access. Nothing spells out "fence". I like to keep an open mind to possibilities and the most safe. A fence still lacks in safety and access. To me a latched rigid cover would provide the best and most safe barrier, least expensive too depending on how fancy the cover would be. A simple deck would suffice since my plans do require a large span.

I priced an automated safety cover at $11K for a 16x40 pool. Not sure that a smaller pool would translate to that much less $ since all the mechanicals are the same.

A safety cover means that a child can WALK on the cover without it failing or collapsing in. Most soft covers do not meet this criteria.

Never seen a hard cover, but then again, I have been researching pools of a size where a hard cover would be a little awkward... ;-)

Sorry - what size are you talking about?

Plunge can mean different things to different people. 10x10, 10x20. etc. I think the jurisdictions want barriers which most of the time means a fence - but certainly doesn't have to be a fence.

I don't think anyone on an internet forum can speak to your local jurisdiction or HOA. This also probably isn't the right forum. There are pool forums out there with more traffic. Personally, I'd probably call a pool builder who at least will have some idea of local rules.

A plunge pool is an imprecise term so that's probably why the answers are varying. It can be above ground or in ground. It can be gunite or fiberglass or steel/vinyl. It can be permanently installed or movable. It can be chest deep or ankle deep. I doubt most jurisdictions call out a plunge pool so its probably going to fall into the rules for an inground pool, an above ground pool, or a portable spa.

Sure - a latched, hard cover will keep people (small children, drunks, etc.) out. As long as you remember to latch it every.single.time. you get out of it, even just for a "few minutes."

Yes, I agree, same holds true for fences, houses, cars and anything else that needs secured.

The soft "auto-cover" that I have (and which I believe jannicone references because the cost was about the same for my 18x36 pool) will support the weight of multiple people (and one advertisement even showed an Elephant standing on it). One thing I didn't know until the pool was turned over to us, however, is that it is only considered a safety cover IF the pump is placed on top of it and plugged into an outlet. Make sure you have an outlet close (but not too close! there are codes that have to be followed, after all!) if you go this route. The Auto-cover is wonderful at reducing evaporation, retaining heat (even generating heat) and reducing the amount of chemicals used. It was also cheaper than the telescopic hardcovers that I priced.

I did not mean to co-op your thread by brining up covers, but was responding to Mrs. Monaco's comment about barrier requirements. Since unfenced outside areas frequently fall under the HOA's liability umbrella policy, particularly if they provide landscaping services, I imagine you'll need to address the safety/barrier aspect of your project in your application.

All I think any of the respondents to this thread are trying to do is be helpful. Take it or leave it as you will.