The purpose of this page is to define swimming pools, a commonly used term in floodplain management.
Definition/Description
A pool adjacent to an elevated V Zone building may be constructed at grade or elevated so that the lowest horizontal structural member supporting the pool is at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). A design professional must assure community officials that a pool beneath or adjacent to an elevated V Zone building will not divert waves and increase the potential damage to any nearby buildings.
Swimming pools are allowed beneath elevated buildings only if the area is not enclosed and the pool or other potential obstruction is flush with the natural grade of the site. Community officials must require that the registered design professional certify that the pool or other potential obstruction will not be subject to breaking up or floating out of the ground and affecting the pilings and columns of the support system of the building. The community must further stipulate that future enclosure of the area is prohibited.
All mechanical equipment servicing the pool should be elevated above the BFE. Tanks may need to be anchored to prevent a buoyancy failure.
NFIP Requirement
Guidance
- Coastal Construction Manual (FEMA 55)
- Technical Bulletin 5, Free-Of-Obstruction Requirements For Buildings Located in Coastal High Hazard Areas (FIA-TB-5) (page 6)
Related Keywords
Special Topic Resources
- Construction
- Design Guidance