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By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – A pool installation contractor has asked the Board of Commissioners to modify a city ordinance that restricts pool building during the summer months.
The prior administration enacted an ordinance in September 2021, establishing a pool building moratorium between June 15 to Sept. 15 after a resident said gunite rebound damaged his neighbor’s property. Other residents complained about silt bags and standing water in the gutters along city streets.
The ordinance addressed “quality of life” issues for residents and visitors who come to the shore to enjoy their summer homes, officials said when the ordinance was under consideration.
Shawn Ashmen of Ashmen Pools and Spas, LLC of Margate told commissioners Thursday, July 6 that prohibiting contractors from building pools during the summer months is “detrimental to our business.”
“With the right procedures in place, the de-watering process would not be a concern,” he said.
The pool industry is only able to work nine months of the year, but the summertime moratorium reduces their work period to just six months, Ashmen said.
Scott Becker, president of Revolution Builders of Margate, said the moratorium only delays completion of a homebuilding project.
“Not only do people want to get into their new house, but the people on the street probably would like it if the dirt was gone. We would be done the job three months earlier if that were not the ordinance,” Becker said.
At issue is the de-watering process to remove groundwater from the hole dug for a pool, which must be removed continuously and drained into the sewer until the gunite, a mixture of cement, sand and water, can be sprayed through a pressure hose to form the pool.
Ashmen said his method of discharging water would use a silt bag in a portable watering tank that would discharge groundwater to the sewer cleanout on the construction site. The process would eliminate silt bags in the street, which could help with street parking, eliminate sediment and standing water in the gutters, and eliminate a discharge hose across the sidewalk that could cause a tripping hazard.
Other actions could be taken to eliminate noise from the vibrations of the trucks operating the spray guns and require contractors to clean the discharge gun offsite, eliminating gunite dust and residue on streets and sidewalks.
He also recommended that contractors still be required to obtain a de-watering permit to ensure procedures are followed.
Mayor Michael Collins said the city’s construction officials and engineer have been looking into the matter and are willing to consider Ashmen’s recommendations.
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Margate considers moratorium on building pools during summer
