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Swimming Pools

In the County of Brant, owners of private swimming pools must apply for a pool enclosure permit to build and maintain fences and gates around their swimming pools. These enclosures are needed to prevent people or animals from entering without your permission.

Find more information on pool enclosure requirements, like heights, openings, materials and ground clearance in our Fence Bylaw.

What is considered a 'swimming pool'?

  • Located outdoors on private property
  • Capable of holding water in excess of 40 cm (16 inches) in depth at any point
  • Refer to the Fence Bylaw.

Pool Enclosure Requirements

Height

The pool enclosure shall extend from the ground to a height of not less than 1.22 m (4 feet).

Openings and Materials

Chain link fence:

  • Shall not have any openings having a diameter exceed 5cm (2 inches).
  • Must be supported by a minimum of 3.81 cm (1.5 inches) galvanized steel posts, spaced not more than 3.05 metres (10 feet) apart that extend at least 0.91 metres (3 feet) below grade

  • Must have the bottom rail located a maximum of 5 cm (2 inches) from the finished grade.

Wood:

  • Must be constructed of vertical boarding attached to a top and bottom rail.
  • Vertical boards must measure not less than 2.5 x 10 cm (1 x 4 inches) and must be spaced not more than 3.81 cm (1.5 inches) apart

  • Must be supported by cedar posts or pressure treated lumber that measure a minimum of 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches), spaced not more than 2.44 metres (8 feet) apart.
Ground Clearance 

The space at any point between the pool enclosure and ground level must not exceed 100 mm (4 inches) and the ground beneath the pool enclosure cannot be loose gravel or other material that can be easily removed so as to afford access under the pool enclosure.

Framing and Braces

All horizontal structural members must be located inside of the pool enclosure as to prevent easy climbing.

Location

Location of Pool:

  • Your pool can be located in the interior side yard or rear yard.
  • It cannot be closer than 1.2 m (4 feet) to any lot line and in the case of a corner lot shall be no closer than 3.5 metres from the exterior side lot line.

Location of Pool Equipment:

Equipment with circulating water or treating equipment, such as pumps or filters shall be located minimum 3 m (9.84 ft) to any side or rear lot line.

Gates

Every owner shall ensure that every gate forming part of a pool enclosure:

  • is constructed in accordance with the standards prescribed in section 38 of the Fence By-law,
  • is supported on substantial hinges,
  • is equipped with a self-closing device and with a self-latching device that is located at the top and on the inside of the gate.

Before Applying for a Pool Enclosure Permit

Step 1 - Conservation Authority and Grading 

Conservation

Much of the County of Brant is regulated through various conservation authorities including the Long Point Region Conservation Authority and the Grand River Conservation Authority. Each of these regulatory agencies have different requirements and it is important to know how they may impact your project as many of them are required to be in place prior to applying. View the webpages below to determine if your property falls within either authority. 

  • Visit the Long Point Region Conservation Authority webpage
  • Visit the Grand River Conservation Authority webpage

Grading

  • It is essential that all lots in the County of Brant be graded properly to ensure that surface water drainage is directed away and does not adversely affect the neighbouring properties.
  • Prepare a Site Plan showing the location of the swimming pool enclosure, swimming pool and swimming pool equipment on the property in relation to the location of the property lines, street lines, sewage system and all buildings on the property.

Email the completed site plan to the Development Engineering Department for review. 

Step 2 - Gather Required Documents 

The below documents will be required when filling out the online application

  • Fence detailed drawing including the type of fence, height, gate(s), and latching materials.
  • The grading comments, including the detailed site plan or approved stamped grading plan from County of Brant Development Engineering Department
  • Approvals from other agencies as required

 Apply 

To apply, submit a Pool Enclosure Permit Application online.

Submit online Application

For assistance or inquiries, contact us below.

Email Pool Permits 

Permit Fees
  • A pool enclosure permit fee of $250.00 is required prior to approval of the application.
  • A lot grading review fee may be applicable.  
Mandatory Inspection

After your swimming pool enclosure has been constructed, call 519.44.BRANT(519.442.7268) or e-mail the Bylaw Division to arrange for a mandatory inspection by a Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer.

Email Bylaw Division

The inspection must be completed before the pool is filled with water.

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