And no….by setbacks I don’t mean something that will set your project back!
Setbacks are the distance required by law between the edge of a building and the property line. That also includes all accessory buildings, structures, and any outdoor living space.
Setbacks are mandated by the state, but each town also has their own rules and regulations that any contractor must follow. The setbacks for any town can usually be found on their website. Any setbacks for a pool project are to the waters edge in any pool. Your pool deck doesn’t count in those distances. Fencing has its own setbacks, but generally that can be right at your lot line.
Now…that being said, what does that mean for your pool project?
When deciding on how big your pool can be and where you can place your pool, you need to keep those setbacks in mind. Sometimes the “perfect” spot doesn’t logistically fit on your plot plan. A plot plan must be submitted with your permit application so that the town can see where you want the pool to go. Too close to the lot line, conservation, wetlands, septic system, or leaching field and your permit could be rejected. Your contractor should be able to help you draw your pool to scale on your plot plan, making sure you’re well within those boundaries.
So when picking out the pool of your dreams, head first to your town’s website to find out your setbacks and then eyeball the location in your yard. That way you have at least a general idea of what size pool you can choose from and where it will fit in your yard. Narrowing down your size choices will make choosing your pool a little easier. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a shape or size and then finding out that it simply won’t work in your yard.