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Rev 6/23 SWIMMING POOL REQUIREMENTS Private swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, containing water more than 24 inches require permits. Requirements for swimming pools are outlined in the 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The following is a short list of requirements most residential pools will need to satisfy before the pool may be put into use. These requirements apply to both above- ground and in-ground pools, unless specifically noted. This list is meant to be a helpful guide to assist you in the basics of erecting a safe and secure pool, but is not meant to be an exhaustive list. For requirements on specific materials and methods, please contact the City of Midland Building Department. Building permits are required for any pool meant for swimming that are designed and manufactured to be connected to a circulation system regardless of the depth. Permit fees are as follows: Above-ground pools: $75.00 In-ground pools: Project valuation. Refer to the City of Midland Building Permit Fee Schedule for cost. BARRIER/FENCE REQUIREMENTS All pools require a fence/barrier Exception: o An above ground swimming pool with a wall that is 48” or greater for the entire perimeter of the pool and the pool manufacturer allows the wall to serve as the barrier, no barrier is required. Barriers/fences shall be placed to prevent climbing of permanent structures and equipment. All horizontal rails shall be placed on pool side. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Barriers with horizontal and vertical members shall be spaced a maximum of 4” for vertical members and 1 ¾” for horizontal members. Chain link mesh fencing shall have a 1.75” maximum opening. Lattice fencing shall have a 1.75” maximum opening. The top of the barrier shall be 48” above grade measured on the side that faces away from the pool for a distance of with a maximum of 2” between grade and the barrier. If a dwelling is part of the barrier, all doors and windows leading into pool area shall be equipped with an alarm. Swimming Pools with a powered safety cover are exempt from the barrier requirements. ---PAGE BREAK--- Rev 6/23 Continued on back ACCESS GATE REQUIREMENTS Must meet the same height and opening requirements as a fence or barrier. Access gates shall open outward from the pool and be self-latching and self-closing. The latching device must be on the pool side and at least 3” below the top of the gate. A-frame type ladders shall have a physical barrier that prevents a small child from swimming through the risers, or behind the frame, or provide a Certificate of Compliance with Ladder Entrapment Test. When the pool is not in use, all access ladders must be secured as to not allow access to the pool from the outside of the pool. All safety signage provided by the ladder or pool manufacturer shall be in place per manufacturer instructions before inspection. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/RESTRICTIONS Swimming pools can only be located in side or rear yards. Swimming pools located in rear yards are required to be placed at a minimum of 3 feet from property lines, and a minimum of 6 feet from other structures. Swimming pools located in side yards are required to be placed at a minimum of 6 feet from other structures, and must meet side yard setback requirements as per Section 26.2 of the City of Midland Zoning Ordinance. Swimming pools cannot be located in easements. Overhead wiring must be at least 22.5 feet above pool water, measured in any direction. In addition to a building permit, electrical and mechanical permits may be required for installation. For pool decking requirements, please refer to the City of Midland Decks Handout If you have any questions regarding the installation of swimming pools please contact the City of Midland Building Department. City of Midland Building Department 333 West Ellsworth Street – Midland MI 48640 Phone [PHONE REDACTED] - www.cityofmidlandmi.org/building