5 rules for unincorporated Lake County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Lake County, a pool deeper than 42 inches must meet the Indiana Administrative Code and needs a Lake County building/zoning permit before installation. Public and semi-public pools also need Indiana State Department of Health plan approval. Inside cities, the town or city permits pools.
Lake County UDO No. 2560, 154-9-140.A
Swimming pools and hot tubs with a depth of more than 42 inches must comply with the applicable requirements of the Indiana Administrative Code for residential pools at 675 IAC 14-4.3-270 through 296 and for commercial pools at 675 IAC 20.
In unincorporated Lake County, any pool or hot tub deeper than 42 inches must be enclosed by a fence or wall at least 4 feet high measured from grade at the base of the fence. This barrier requirement mirrors the Indiana Residential Code and is the core drowning-prevention rule.
Lake County UDO No. 2560, 154-9-140.B
Swimming pools and hot tubs with a depth of more than 42 inches must be enclosed by a fence or wall at least 4 feet in height measured from grade level at the base of the fence.
For private pools, safety centers on the required 4-foot barrier and keeping abandoned pools drained or covered. Public pools must meet Indiana's health rules, which require a qualified lifeguard for all public pools and for semi-public pools of 2,000 square feet or more whenever open.
410 IAC 6-2.1-35(a)
A qualified lifeguard is required for all public pools. A qualified lifeguard is required for all semi-public pools with a surface area of two thousand (2,000) square feet or more. Lifeguards must be on duty at poolside at all times when the pools are open for use.
Above-ground pools deeper than 42 inches follow the same Lake County rules as in-ground pools: a 4-foot barrier, no placement in required street or interior side setbacks, and at least a 5-foot rear-yard setback from side and rear lot lines. A county building permit is required in unincorporated areas.
Lake County UDO No. 2560, 154-9-140.C-D
Swimming pools and hot tubs may not be located in any required street or interior side setback area. Swimming pools and hot tubs located in rear yards must be set back at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines.
Lake County regulates hot tubs and spas like pools: any hot tub deeper than 42 inches needs a 4-foot fence or wall, cannot sit in a required setback, and must be set back 5 feet from lot lines in a rear yard.
Lake County UDO No. 2560, 154-9-140.F
Abandoned or unused swimming pools or hot tubs, situated on premises that are not occupied for periods of 30 days or more, must be drained, filled in, or equipped with a cover adequate to prevent persons, children or animals from danger or harm.
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