Pools

A pool enclosure permit is required if your pool:

• Is artificial, manufactured, or assembled
• Can hold more than 0.61 m (2 feet) of water
• Is used for wading, swimming, bathing, or diving
• Includes above-ground, in-ground, custom-built, inflatable, or hydro massage pools (spas, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, hot tubs)

Note: These rules also apply to inflatable pools.

No enclosure is needed for:

• Irrigation ponds on farms or golf courses
• Garden or decorative ponds, fishponds, etc.
• Stormwater management ponds
• Hydro massage pools with a secure, permanently attached cover that can support at least 90 kg (200 lbs)

Your pool enclosure must:

• Be at least 1.22 m (4 feet) away from the pool edge (some exceptions apply)
• Be at least 2.44 m (8 feet) in height
• Have no more than:
  • 10 cm (4 inches) between the bottom of the fence and the ground
  • 5 cm (2 inches) for chain link fencing
• Be located outside of sight triangles
• Have the finished side facing out
• Be made of non-hazardous materials (no barbed wire, etc.)

When applying for a pool enclosure permit, you’ll need two copies of a site plan showing:

• Pool location and distances from lot lines
• Location of easements, landscaping, septic systems, wells, and walls
• Location of pool equipment
• Fence type and height, and the location of all gates

Exemptions may apply to above-ground pools higher than 1.22 m (4 feet). Contact a Building Official for details.

Wrought Iron / Metal Fencing

• Horizontal rails must be more than 1.22 m (4 feet) apart
• Openings between vertical rails must be less than 10 cm (4 inches)

Vertical Board or Picket Fencing

• If horizontal rails are more than 1.22 m (4 feet) apart:
  • Gaps between boards must be less than 5 cm (2 inches)
• If rails are less than 1.22 m apart:
  • Gaps must be less than 4 cm (1.5 inches)

Chain Link Fencing

• Links must be smaller than 4 cm (1.5 inches)
• Must include:
  • A top rail securely fastened
  • A tension wire at the bottom, within 5 cm (2 inches) of the ground

Using Walls as Pool Barriers

• No ledges or steps within 1.22 m (4 feet) of the pool edge
• Doors/windows must:
  • Have locks located at 1.68 m (5.5 feet) above the ground
  • Remain locked whenever the pool is unsupervised

To prevent unauthorized access:

• All gates must be:
  • Self-closing and self-latching
  • Equipped with latches out of reach of children
• Patio doors leading directly to the pool:
  • Must have an alternate safety solution (e.g., alarms, lock systems, or self-latching mechanisms)