Pools & Pool Fencing

The installation of a pool requires:

Apply for a Permit

  • Anytime you install a fence, deck or swimming pool, you must first obtain a building permit. 
  • To obtain a permit, you need to submit the following to the Building Inspection Division:
    • A completed building permit application. If the installation requires electrical work, please indicate that on the application.
    • A site plan showing your lot, location of building on the lot and the proposed project.
  • Subdivision approval may also be required. Contact your subdivision representative to get approval before you begin outdoor construction.
Jumping Into a Pool

General Requirements

  1. Pools must be located at least 5’ from the rear or side property line and must not occupy more than 30% of the rear yard area. 
  2. Most pools must be enclosed by a fence.  Please see Fencing specifications below.  
  3. A fence may be omitted when above ground pools have a raised deck with an attached railing around the entire perimeter of the pool or where the sidewalls of the pools are extended by a fence 6’ above grade.
  4. Pools must be located at least 10’ horizontally from any power lines.
  5. Pool shall be drained to curb no sooner than 72 hours after adding chemicals. Draining the pool shall not cause a nuisance to adjacent properties.

Pools that are less than 30” deep and that are easily taken apart and put back together are not required to comply with items #1, 2 or 3 above.

Pool Fencing

Pools must be enclosed by a fence not less than 4 feet high. The use of safety or hard pool covers does not satisfy or eliminate the requirement for a fence. The fence must be at least 3 feet from the walls of the pool and all gates must be self-closing and latching. A fence permit is required.

Fence enclosures may be omitted when above ground pools are installed and have a raised deck with an attached railing around the entire perimeter of the pool, or where the side walls of the pool are extended by a fence to 6 feet above grade. Get additional fencing requirements.

Electrical Requirements

  • All receptacles within 20’ of pool wall shall be GFCI protected.
  • Receptacles shall not be located less than 6’ from the pool wall.
  • All electrical equipment and power cords serving the pool shall be GFCI protected.
  • Circuits shall have equipment grounding conductor ran with power conductors.
  • Permanently installed pools shall have at least one general-purpose receptacle between 6’ and 20’ of the pool wall.
  • All electrical installations and equipment shall comply with current electrical codes.

Inspections

  • Pools must be inspected by city code officials for location, electrical and safety standards. Inspections may be requested by:
  • Phone: 608-825-1184
  • Email Building Inspection

Pool Brochure Download (PDF)