5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Kent County, Michigan.
Verified from official government sources
Backyard residential pools are permitted by your city or township building department under the Michigan Residential Code, not the county. Public/commercial pools need a state EGLE construction permit, and Kent County Health Department licenses and inspects public pools.
MCL 333.12525
A person shall not start or engage in the construction of a public swimming pool or modify an existing public swimming pool until the permit for the construction is issued by the department.
Michigan's Residential Code, enforced by your city or township, requires a barrier at least 48 inches high around residential pools, with a maximum 2-inch gap under the fence. The county does not set private pool fence rules.
Public pools in Kent County are licensed and inspected by the Health Department, which requires monthly water sampling and operation reports. Private pool safety (barriers, alarms, covers) follows the Michigan Residential Code enforced by your municipality.
Kent County Health Dept. — Public Swimming Pools
We require public swimming pools and spas to submit water samples at least once a month if open to bathers. Monthly operation reports must be submitted to the health department no later than the 10th of the following month.
Above-ground pools capable of holding water over 24 inches deep are regulated the same as in-ground pools under the Michigan Residential Code: a municipal building permit and a 48-inch barrier are required. Kent County does not set these rules.
Residential hot tubs and spas follow the Michigan Residential Code enforced by your municipality; a 48-inch barrier is required unless the spa has an approved safety cover. Public spas are licensed and inspected by the Kent County Health Department.
2 cities in Kent County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Kent County Ordinance Hub →