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

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Lake County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

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

Pool Permits

Unincorporated Lake County requires a building permit for above-ground and in-ground pools alike, and any pool deeper than two feet needs a protective barrier under Zoning Code § 151.113(K) before installation is complete.

Above-Ground Pool Permits in Unincorporated Lake County

Some Restrictions

Lake County Code § 151.113(K)

(K) Private swimming pools and tennis courts. (1) Setbacks. Pools and tennis courts, including but not limited to walls and equipment rooms, shall not extend into any required setback area. (2) Fences. Swimming pools of more than two feet in depth shall be provided with a protective barrier in accordance with the building code. (3) Private use only. A pool or tennis court accessory to a princip...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Unincorporated Lake County adopts the 2024 ICC International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, so hot tubs and spas need a Planning, Building and Development permit and a code-compliant barrier, including door alarms where a house wall doubles as the enclosure.

Hot Tub & Spa Rules in Lake County

Some Restrictions

Lake County Code § 150.20 (amending ICC Intl. Swimming Pool & Spa Code § 305.4)

Where a wall of a dwelling or structure serves as part of the barrier, doors that provide direct access to the aquatic vessel through the wall shall be equipped with one or more of the following: 1. Operable windows without screens installed and having a sill height of less than 48 inches (1,219 mm) above the indoor finished floor and doors shall have an alarm that produces an audible warning w...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Swimming Pools & Spas by City in Lake County

1 cities in Lake County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

WaukeganPop. 89,078

1 verified rule • Pool Permits

All Lake County ordinances

See every category we cover for Lake County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

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