In late March 2006, Council approved a new Pool Enclosure By-law and fee structure for all forms of pools, including inflatable pools, landscape pond features and hot tubs.
Before you fill up your new pool to enjoy the warm summer weather, please take a moment to review how safe your property is. Just like a regular in-ground pool, inflatable ones are a safety risk if owners aren't protecting them properly.
West Nile Virus
Properly maintained pools are not a source of West Nile Virus. The Town has a West Nile Virus web page that provides some information but the Region of Halton is primarily responsible for West Nile Virus in Halton. They have an information line and additional information is available on their website. Please make yourself familiar with the West Nile Virus information on the Halton Health Department website.
Did you know that a permit is required for any pool depth that exceeds two feet?
According to the Lifesaving Society of Canada, drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death in Canada for people 60 years of age and under. In fact, year after year the data shows that the majority of people who drown had no intention of going into the water - their immersion was sudden and unexpected.
To reduce the risk of a potential drowning, all pools must be enclosed by a fence, restricted by a lockable gate if the depth capacity exceeds 60 centimetres (2 feet) and adhere to the appropriate setbacks from the property line.
For a one-time charge of $55, Town staff will meet with you to issue you a permit, explain the Town's Pool Enclosure By-law, and ensure that a proper design drawing depicting the location of the pool on your property is filed with the Town. The drawing then goes on record to serve as a reference for when your pool is reinstalled the following year. For an additional $55, staff will conduct a single inspection of your property to ensure compliance. This option is not required, but is recommended.
Oakville's Pool Enclosure By-law is also applicable to backyard landscaping ponds, often overlooked as potential safety threats. Hot tubs require lockable lids if the property is not fenced or gated.
Residents are required to apply for a permit for all forms of pools. Click on the links below for more information.
- Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit Procedures and Guidelines (pdf, 1.2 MB)
- Pool Enclosure Permit Application (pdf, 95 kB)
- Schedule 'A' Fees - Excerpt from Pool Enclosure By-law 2006-071 as amended by By-law 2009-149 (pdf, 21 kB)
- Application Requirements (pdf, 30 kB)
- Homeowner's Checklist (pdf, 70 kB)
- Pool Enclosure Bylaw 2006-071 (pdf, 1.2 MB)
- Site Alteration Application (pdf, 88 kB)
