Town of Hempstead code says that even nonpermanent pools need permits and safety fencing -- a surprise to some Long Islanders.

Ronald Hoffman says his Baldwin backyard is like a little oasis where his nieces and friends spend weekends cooling off. But he says the kiddie pool he recently bought for $100 is costing him even more money.

Hoffman got a notice of violation last week from the Town of Hempstead for not having a permit for his pool, something he says he never thought he would need for a pool that's 30 inches high.

Hempstead officials say even for a small pool like the one Hoffman has, there is a town code that everyone must follow. The regulations apply to pools that are greater than 18 inches deep and have over 99 square feet of surface area.

Town spokesman Mike Fricchione says the pool must be surrounded by at least a 5-foot-high fence, have a self-latching mechanism on the fence's gate and a pool alarm.

Hoffman says he's going to take down his pool for now, and then head to Town Hall this week to apply for a permit. He says people looking to get a pool this summer should prepare to shell out -- even for a kiddie pool.

Town officials say they do give homeowners the opportunity to fix any issues with their pools before a ticket is issued.