How Aurora Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
Aurora maintains 118 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Aurora falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Pool Permits
Aurora requires building permits for all swimming pools. Pools must be set outside all easements and at least 5 feet from property lines (10 feet from alleys on corner lots). Continuous barrier must be completed before filling with water.
Key details: Permit: Required for all pools. Setback: 5 ft from property lines. Corner Lots: 10 ft from alleys. Barrier: Before water goes in.
Unpermitted pool: stop-work order, fine, and potential removal. Incomplete barrier: pool must be drained.
This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Safety Rules
Aurora pools must comply with the Swimming Pool and Spa Code including drain covers, barrier requirements, and safety equipment. Electrical work requires separate permits. Illinois law (210 ILCS 125) governs pool safety standards.
Key details: Drain Covers: Anti-entrapment required. GFCI: Required for pool electrical. State Law: 210 ILCS 125. Inspections: Required before use.
Safety code violation: pool use prohibited until corrected. Electrical hazard: immediate stop-use order.
This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Aurora require permits and must meet the same barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Pools must be set at least 5 feet from property lines. Deck and guardrail systems must be at least 4 feet above grade.
Key details: Permit: Required. Setback: 5 ft from property lines. Guardrail: 4 ft above grade. Ladder: Removable or lockable.
Unpermitted above-ground pool: citation and potential removal order. Missing barrier: drain until barrier installed.
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Aurora require electrical permits for installation. A lockable cover may serve as the barrier requirement. Setback requirements same as pools: 5 feet from property lines. Drainage must not affect neighboring properties.
Key details: Electrical Permit: Required. Cover: Lockable cover may serve as barrier. Setback: 5 ft from property lines. Drainage: Must not affect neighbors.
Unpermitted electrical: code violation. Improper drainage: code enforcement action.
Fencing Requirements
Aurora requires a continuous barrier meeting AG105 standards around all pools. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high with no openings greater than 4 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Barrier must be complete before water.
Key details: Height: 48 inches minimum. Openings: 4 inches max. Gates: Self-closing/latching. Door Alarms: UL 2017 required.
Pool without compliant barrier: must drain until barrier completed. Failed inspection: no pool use until corrected.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.
The Bottom Line
Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Aurora, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Aurora's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.