Swimming Pools & Spas in Des Plaines, IL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Des Plaines or are thinking about moving there, swimming pools & spas are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Des Plaines has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Fencing Requirements

Illinois law (65 ILCS 5/11-30-9) empowers the Des Plaines City Council to require fences around, or protective covers over, private residential swimming pools, and the City enforces residential pool barrier requirements through the International Residential Code adopted in Title 10 of the City Code.

Key details: State Authority: 65 ILCS 5/11-30-9. City Code: Des Plaines Title 10, Ch. 2 (IRC + Appendix G). Pending State Min.: 42 in (HB2495, not yet law).

Building-code violations of the adopted IRC barrier provisions are enforced by the Des Plaines Community and Economic Development Department through stop-work orders, permit denial, and ordinance fines until the required barrier is installed.

Pool Permits

Des Plaines requires a building permit for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs; the Title 10, Chapter 13 construction fee schedule charges a $500 plan-review fee for an in-ground pool in addition to the standard plan-review fee.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes - building permit for pools/spas/hot tubs. In-ground Pool Fee: $500 plan review (Title 10, Ch. 13). Code Section: Des Plaines City Code Title 10, Ch. 13.

Installing a pool without the required building permit is a code violation; the City may issue stop-work orders, require removal or correction, deny final inspection, and impose ordinance fines through code enforcement.

Safety Rules

Des Plaines pool owners must comply with Illinois Department of Public Health swimming pool safety rules and the City's building code requirements covering barriers, anti-entrapment drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Act), GFCI-protected electrical, and proper chemical storage. Pool covers, alarms, and posted safety rules are encouraged for residential pools.

Key details: Drain Covers: ANSI/APSP-16 required. Electrical: GFCI required. Bonding: Licensed electrician. Federal Law: VGB Act applies. Public Pools: County permit.

Operating a pool with non-compliant drain covers, defective electrical, or unsafe chemical storage may result in code enforcement action by Des Plaines at (847) 391-5300 or by Cook County Public Health for semi-public pools. Federal VGB violations carry separate civil penalties.

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground swimming pools in Des Plaines require a building permit if more than 24 inches deep and must meet the same setback, barrier, and electrical bonding requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with side walls at least 48 inches high may use a removable or lockable ladder as part of the barrier system.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 24 inches deep. Wall as Barrier: 48 inches min. Ladder: Removable or lockable. Setbacks: 5-10 ft typical. Electrical: GFCI required.

Installing an above-ground pool without a permit or compliant barrier may result in a stop-use order from Des Plaines Code Enforcement at (847) 391-5300, with fines beginning at $100 per day until corrected.

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas in Des Plaines require a building and electrical permit. They must be installed by a licensed electrician with GFCI protection and proper bonding. Hot tubs equipped with a locked or compliant safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 are typically exempt from the perimeter fence requirement applicable to swimming pools.

Key details: Permit: Building & electrical. GFCI: Required. Disconnect: Within sight. Cover: ASTM F1346 acceptable. Setbacks: 5 ft typical.

Installing a hot tub without permits or proper electrical may result in a stop-use order from Des Plaines Code Enforcement at (847) 391-5300. Fines typically begin at $100 per day until permits are obtained and inspections passed.

The Bottom Line

Des Plaines's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Des Plaines is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Des Plaines can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.