Swimming Pools & Spas in Cook County, IL (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Cook County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cook County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Pool Permits

Cook County requires permits for all residential swimming pools. In-ground pools (18+ inches deep) and above-ground pools (24+ inches deep or 250+ sq ft) need permits. Cook County Health Department approval is required before applying with Building and Zoning.

Cook County Pool Permits

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing Requirements

Cook County requires pool barrier fencing of at least 48 inches with self-closing, self-latching gates per the adopted International Residential Code. Barrier openings must not exceed 4 inches. Gates must open away from the pool area.

Cook County Pool Fencing Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Cook County Ordinances and Codes — Zoning Ordinance Ord. No. 01-O-30

Cook County Zoning Ordinance — Ord. No. 01-O-30, as adopted by the County Board on November 6, 2001. Amendments are indicated by parenthetical history notes following amended provisions. The absence of a history note indicates that the provision remains unchanged from the original. [...] The Cook County Zoning Ordinance was most recently amended in 2003. Included sections are: Cook County Zonin...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Safety Rules

Cook County requires compliance with the International Residential Code pool safety provisions. Pools must have anti-entrapment drain covers, GFCI-protected electrical systems, and barrier fencing. Health Department reviews all residential pool applications.

Cook County Pool Safety Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Above-Ground Pools

Cook County requires permits for above-ground pools exceeding 24 inches deep or 250 square feet. All electrical work must have GFCI protection per Cook County Electrical Code Article 680. Health Department approval is required.

Cook County Above-Ground Pool Rules

Some Restrictions

Cook County Department of Building and Zoning - Above Ground Pool Permit Requirements (Rev. 08/21/2019)

Definition: A private residential above ground swimming pool shall mean a manmade rigid or semi-rigid structure, basin or receptacle for water having a depth in excess of 24 inches or more at any point or with a surface area exceeding 250 square feet (IBC Section 3109), whose framework is installed primarily above ground elevation. Private Swimming Pool Requirements: Plat of survey not less tha...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas 24 inches or more in depth require a building permit and Cook County Health Department approval in unincorporated areas. Equipment must be at least 10 feet from property lines. Underground service lines must be at least 5 feet and overhead lines at least 10 feet from the spa edge.

Cook County Hot Tub and Spa Regulations

Some Restrictions

Cook County Building Permit Requirements — Spa Permit (Residential)

Spa Permit Requirements Residential (85.22 KB) [...] All permits must now be submitted in digital format. To facilitate the approval of a building permit application, please review the requirements for your construction project as listed on the flyers available in the right-hand column in alphabetical order, and make your submission digitally. [...] All electronic submissions will require a dep...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗