Swimming Pools

INFORMATION SHEET:  Swimming Pools

Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs can be a source of fun and relaxation.  Before you install or renovate a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub make sure you know what the requirements are.

1. A Building Permit must be obtained prior to commencing or continuing any work related to the installation, construction, structural repair, and alteration of a swimming pool or related ancillary equipment. 
2. Detached and enclosed swimming pools are subject to the Accessory Building setbacks and requirements detailed in the Zoning Bylaw.
3. Swimming pools must not be located less than 2.0m from any lot line.
4. Swimming pools may not be located within a Front Yard (as defined in the Zoning Bylaw).
5. A person may not use or occupy a swimming pool, including a spa or hot tub unless owner or occupier of property on or in which a pool, spa or hot tub is located maintains every fence or cover required under sections 14.2 to 14.4 in good order. And without limitations maintains and repairs in good order at all times all sagging gates, loose parts, torn mesh, missing materials, worn latches, locks or broken or binding members.
6. A person may not obtain a valid and subsisting building permit for or use or occupy a swimming pool without first delivering to the building official at the time of the building permit application an opinion of a registered professional that the design of the pool with not cause or result in leaks or other failures of the pool.
7. Unenclosed swimming pools are subject to fencing requirements as follows:

• A swimming pool, including a spa or hot tub must be enclosed within a fence constructed without footholds or grips that children may use to climb into the enclosed area, having a minimum height of 1.85 metres, a maximum height of 2.4 metres, and no openings greater than 100 mm at their greatest dimension.
• Access through a fence enclosing a swimming pool, spa or hot tub must be only through a self-closing and self-latching gate designed and constructed or installed so as to cause the gate to return to a closed position when not in use and secured by a latch located on the swimming pool, spa or hot tub side of the gate.
• There shall be fencing having a minimum height of 1.85 m (6.0 ft) and a maximum height of 2.4 m (8.0 ft) around open swimming pools.
• In lieu of a fence, a spa or hot tub may be covered with a locking cover, which would prevent unauthorized access to the water.