Permits needed for temporary pools, building inspector says

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This article was published 02/07/2020 (1794 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Building inspectors across southeast Manitoba have been busy ensuring those transforming their backyards into a summer oasis are doing so safely. However, some say residents are forgetting to ensure their temporary structures are up to code; specifically, swimming pools.

RM of Ritchot building inspector Louis Rouire said the RM is seeing an increasing number of temporary pools going up in the area. He attributes it to residents wanting to have a backyard they can enjoy during the summer months while social distancing protocols are in place.

However, Rouire notes these pools must follow protocol, which includes a necessary permit for anything capable of holding more than 24 inches of water.

“That’s the keyword here,” Rouire said. “It doesn’t matter if you only have two feet of water in your pool. If it’s capable of holding more, you need a permit.”

If those without a permit for their temporary pools are found to be not in accordance with the by-law, they can be subject to double the fees they would normally pay for a permit. Permits range in price depending on the size of the structure, but pool permits generally start around $50, said Rouire.

Rouire noted as much education and awareness building inspectors try and spread about the need for permits for certain structures, most folks who don’t end up with the necessary documentation say it’s due to the fact that they simply didn’t know they needed a permit.

In addition to the need for a permit to be put up, pools must also be enclosed by a fence with a minimum vertical height of five feet and a maximum vertical height of six feet six inches and be in good repair, according to the City of Steinbach’s Swimming Pools By-Law.

The By-Law states “non-compliance can result in a fine of $100 and/or an outstanding work order being issued against the properties.”