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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.
General Requirements
- 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.
- Most pools must be enclosed by a fence. Please see Fencing specifications below.
- 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.
- Pools must be located at least 10’ horizontally from any power lines.
- 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