Joliet's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Joliet, Illinois, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Pool Permits

Joliet requires building permits for swimming pools with capacity over 24 inches deep or over 100 cubic feet (748 gallons). Both in-ground and above-ground pools meeting these thresholds need permits. The building code (IBC/IRC 2015) governs pool construction standards.

Key details: Permit Trigger: >24" deep or >748 gallons. Building Code: IBC/IRC 2015 (Sec. 8-175). Department: Building Inspectional Services. Inspections: Required.

Building without a permit subject to fines up to $750 per offense. Stop-work orders may be issued. Additional permit fees may apply for retroactive permits.

Fencing Requirements

Joliet requires all family swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence or wall with a minimum height of 4 feet. Proof of a fencing contract must be submitted before a pool building permit is issued. The code cross-references pool barriers at Section 8-480 et seq.

Key details: Fence Height: 4 ft minimum. Fencing Proof: Required before pool permit. State Standard: 48 inches minimum. Gate: Self-closing, self-latching.

Building permit denied without proof of fencing contract. Non-compliant fencing subject to fines up to $750. Pool may be ordered drained or removed.

This is one of the stricter rules in Joliet's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Safety Rules

Joliet enforces pool safety through the adopted International Residential Code and International Building Code (2015 Edition). Requirements include barrier fencing, self-closing gates, drain covers meeting VGBA standards, and compliance with the Illinois Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Act for semi-public pools.

Key details: Building Code: IBC/IRC 2015. Drain Covers: VGBA compliant. Electrical: Separate permit required. State Law: 210 ILCS 125 (semi-public).

Safety violations subject to fines up to $750 per offense. Pool may be ordered closed until compliant. Electrical hazards may trigger immediate stop-work orders.

Above-Ground Pools

Joliet requires permits for above-ground pools that hold water over 24 inches deep or have capacity exceeding 748 gallons (100 cubic feet). Pool fencing requirements apply equally to above-ground and in-ground pools. Small inflatable pools under these thresholds are exempt.

Key details: Permit Trigger: >24" deep or >748 gallons. Fencing: 4 ft minimum (same as in-ground). Small Pools: Exempt if under thresholds. Electrical: Code compliance required.

Building without a permit subject to fines up to $750. Non-compliant fencing may result in pool removal order.

Hot Tub Rules

Joliet regulates hot tubs and spas under the same building code provisions as swimming pools. Electrical permits are required for hot tub installations. Hot tubs meeting the pool capacity thresholds require building permits and may require barrier fencing.

Key details: Electrical Permit: Required. Building Permit: If >24" deep. Cover Alternative: Locking hard cover (IRC). Building Code: IRC 2015 (Sec. 8-175).

Electrical work without a permit subject to fines up to $750. Non-compliant installations may be ordered disconnected.

The Bottom Line

Joliet'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 Joliet is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Joliet 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.