As summer pool season ramps up, the City of Portage la Prairie is reminding residents that deeper backyard pools come with specific rules and a required permit.
Mike Manastyr, senior building inspector and development officer for the city, says any pool that reaches a depth of two feet or more (0.6 metres) needs a development permit.
The permit process includes submitting a site plan that shows the pool placement and fencing.
Safety is a key concern, and that’s where fencing comes in.
“Your whole backyard would need a six-foot fence,” says Manastyr.
Fence must fully enclose the pool
The fencing needs to surround the pool on all sides, or three sides if the home itself acts as the fourth barrier, and must include a lockable gate.
“The pool needs to be fenced in no matter what, even if it has a cover,” continues Manastyr.
He adds the fence itself does not require a permit.
For hot tubs, a locking lid may be used instead of a completely enclosed fence.
The permit cost is $250 for in-ground pools and $100 for above-ground models or hot tubs.
Residents are encouraged to contact the Portage la Prairie Planning District at 204-239-8345.
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