Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, and Spa Regulations in the City of Orlando
Residential swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas in the City of Orlando must be located at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines and must be positioned at least 10 feet behind the front facade of the principal building. The City of Orlando requires these facilities to be completely enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches in height, featuring self-closing and self-latching gates. Additionally, while most accessory structures are limited in size, the City of Orlando does not apply the 35% rear yard coverage limit to swimming pools, hot tubs, or hydrospas [Section 58.901(h)].
Locational and Setback Requirements
The City of Orlando establishes specific setbacks for swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, and related structures like fountains. These measurements are taken from the edge of the water or the outermost portion of any above-ground structure to the property line [Section 58.958(a)].
Standard Pool and Spa Setbacks
| Feature / Location | Minimum Setback Requirement |
|---|---|
| Side, Rear, or Alley Property Lines | 5 feet |
| Street Side Property Line | 15 feet |
| Position Relative to Principal Structure | 10 feet behind the front facade |
| Normal High Water Line (Water Body/Wetland) | 15 feet |
| Overhead Utility Lines or Transmission Anchors | 10 feet |
| Side Yard (Zero-Lot-Line Developments) | 2 feet |
Screen Enclosures
The City of Orlando regulates screen enclosures based on the type of roofing used. Enclosures with a solid roof are subject to the same setbacks as the principal structure on the lot. Enclosures without a solid roof must follow the standard pool setbacks listed above (5 feet for side/rear and 15 feet for street side) [Section 58.963].
For enclosures near water bodies or wetlands, the setback depends on the enclosure's height:
- 12 feet in height or less: 15-foot minimum setback from the high water line.
- Greater than 12 feet in height: 50-foot minimum setback from the high water line [Section 58.963(b)].
Fencing and Safety Standards
The City of Orlando mandates strict safety measures for all swimming pools, including portable units with a water depth of 2 feet or more or a surface area exceeding 36 square feet [Section 58.959].
- Barrier Height: A chain-link fence or equivalent barrier must be installed with a minimum height of 48 inches (4 feet) [Section 58.959].
- Access Gates: Exterior access must be controlled by a self-closing and self-latching gate. Latches must be positioned at least 4 feet above the underlying ground [Section 58.961].
- Sanitary Requirements: Any swimming pool with a capacity of more than 350 gallons must comply with the City of Orlando sanitary requirements, regardless of its construction type [Section 58.960].
Patios and Decks
Setbacks for pool-related walking surfaces in the City of Orlando vary depending on the materials used and the elevation of the surface [Section 58.970].
- At-Grade Patios/Decks: Must be set back at least 2 feet from side and rear property lines and 10 feet from the street side property line [Section 58.970(b)].
- Wooden Decks (> 3 feet high): These must follow the setbacks required for accessory structures [Section 58.970(a)].
- Water Body Proximity: All patios and decks must be set back at least 15 feet from the mean high water mark of any water body [Section 58.970(d)].
- Drainage: Patios must be designed to be self-draining away from the pool area [Section 58.962].
Operational Regulations
- Lighting: Any lights used to illuminate an Orlando swimming pool must be arranged and shaded to reflect light away from adjoining premises to prevent nuisance [Section 58.957].
- Mechanical Equipment: Pool and spa mechanical equipment must be set back at least 2 feet from side and rear property lines and 10 feet from any overhead utility lines. This equipment is prohibited between the principal facade of a house and the street [Section 58.986].
- Lot Coverage: Swimming pools, hot tubs, and hydrospas are specifically exempted from the City of Orlando's regulation that limits accessory structures to 35% of the area between the rear property line and the principal structure [Section 58.901(h)].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.901: Accessory Structure Location and Zoning Standards
- Section 58.956: General Requirements (Swimming Pools)
- Section 58.957: Lighting
- Section 58.958: Locational Requirements
- Section 58.959: Fencing of Swimming Pools
- Section 58.960: City Sanitary Requirements Applicable
- Section 58.961: Exterior Access to Swimming Pools
- Section 58.962: Patio Drainage
- Section 58.963: Screen Enclosures
- Section 58.970: Patios and Decks
- Section 58.986: Mechanical Equipment for Pools, Hot Tubs, Hydrospas or the like