Waterman Swimming Pool Ordinance Requirements

The 2000 International Residential Code, as adopted by the Village of Waterman Ordinance No. 2006-25, without amendment, governs swimming pools. The IRC addresses pools in two places; in appendix G, Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs, and in Chapter 41, that deals with all of the electrical requirements.

The definition of “swimming pool”, per appendix G:

Any structure that is intended for recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches deep. This includes in-ground, aboveground, and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. This means that any “pool” that cannot hold more than 24” of water is not considered a swimming pool per code, and therefore is not regulated and no permit is required. It also is not required to adhere to the barrier requirements of a swimming pool.

The definition of “storable swimming pool”:

Any pool that is constructed on or above the ground and is capable of holding water with a maximum depth of 42”, or a pool with nonmetallic, molded polymeric walls or inflatable fabric walls regardless of dimension.

Storable swimming pools shall comply with section E4107 of the IRC. This section states that a storable pool is required to have a cord-connected filter pump that is double insulated or equivalent, and grounded through the plug. The plug must be connected to a GFCI outlet. Except for lighting, there are no other stipulations for electrical installations. Storable swimming pools are required to meet the barrier requirements of Appendix G if capable of holding more than 24 inches of water. Pools shall not be located within 5ft horizontally of any underground electrical line, or 10ft horizontally of any overhead electrical line.

Permit fees for a storable pool are $75.00 plus $11.25 for the administration fee, totaling $86.25. An inspection would consist of checking for overhead and underground wiring spacing; a serviceable cord is attached to an operable GFCI outlet; and the barrier requirements are met.

All other pools are considered permanent pools and must comply with all of the pertinent electrical requirements of the IRC (sections 4102 through 4106) including grounding and bonding. Also, the barrier requirements of Appendix G must be met.

Permit fees for all other pools are $75.00 for the pool permit, $50.00 for the electrical permit, plus $18.75 for the administration fee, totaling $143.75.

GFCI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter          http://home.howstuffworks.com/question117.htm