How Orem Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide

Orem maintains 49 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Orem falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Safety Rules

All residential pools in Orem require a building permit. Safety standards follow the IRC and Utah Admin Code R392-302. Pool drains must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. Commercial pools require Utah County Health Department approval.

Key details: Building Permit: Required. State Standard: Utah Admin Code R392-302. Commercial Pools: Utah County Health Dept (801) 851-7525. Drain Safety: Virginia Graeme Baker Act.

Non-compliant safety: correction order. Fines $250 to $750. Disclosure required at sale.

Fencing Requirements

Orem City Code Section 22-6-9(J) requires every in-ground pool, and every above-ground pool with a wall height of 36 inches or more, to be completely surrounded by a fence or wall at least five feet high, set back five feet from property lines, with self-closing, self-latching gates and no opening that passes a four-inch sphere.

Key details: Code Section: Orem City Code 22-6-9(J). Minimum barrier height: 5 ft (60 in). Trigger for above-ground pools: Wall height 36 in or greater. Setback from property lines: 5 ft. Setback from fences/walls: 4 ft.

A pool installed or maintained without a conforming barrier violates the Orem zoning ordinance and the adopted ISPSC; the City may withhold or revoke the building permit, issue a correction notice, and pursue code-enforcement penalties until a compliant five-foot fence with self-closing, self-latching gates is in place. Failure to provide the required barrier can also bar final inspection sign-off on the pool building permit.

Compared to other cities, Orem takes a harder line on fencing requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pool Permits

The City of Orem requires a building permit for swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, with the only exception being prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; permits are applied for through Orem's online building permit portal and reviewed against the 2021 IBC, IMC, IPC, ISPSC and related codes.

Key details: Permit required: Yes - swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. Exemption: Prefabricated pools less than 24 in deep. Applicable codes: 2021 IBC, IMC, IPC, ISPSC; 2020 NEC; 2021 IFGC + Utah amendments. Reviewing office: Development Services - Building Safety Division. Pool-cover switch: Must be in full view of the pool.

Installing a swimming pool, hot tub or spa without the required building permit subjects the owner to code-enforcement action, stop-work orders, and after-the-fact permit fees, and the work cannot pass final inspection until plans, barriers, electrical and equipment installations are brought into compliance with the adopted 2021 ISPSC and related codes.

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools in Orem require a building permit and must meet the same fence/barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Associated decking may require an additional permit. Self-closing, self-latching gate access points are required.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes. Barrier Required: Yes (same as in-ground). Access Control: Self-latching gate or removable ladder. Contact: Building Dept (801) 229-7000.

Unpermitted pools: removal or retroactive permit with double fees. Safety violations: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500.

The Bottom Line

Orem'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 Orem is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Orem's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.