5 rules for unincorporated McHenry County, Illinois.
Verified from official government sources
Yes. A building permit is required before installing an in-ground or above-ground pool, spa or hot tub. In unincorporated McHenry County, Planning & Development issues it; cities like Crystal Lake and Woodstock permit within their limits. A pool may not be used until its barrier passes inspection.
McHenry County Code § 8.04.100(B)(1)
In no case shall a swimming pool, hot tub or spa be put into use until it is in compliance with the following requirements and any applicable building code.
A barrier must completely surround the pool and stand at least 48 inches (four feet) above grade, with no more than a 4-inch gap at the bottom and openings too small to pass a 4-inch sphere. Crystal Lake and other cities apply the same 48-inch standard through their building codes.
McHenry County Code § 8.04.100(B)(3)
The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be four (4) inches.
Every pedestrian gate in a pool barrier must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching. Where the latch release sits under 54 inches from the gate bottom, it must be on the pool side and the barrier can have no opening wider than ½ inch within
McHenry County Code § 8.04.100(B)(11)
Pedestrian access gates shall open outwards away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Gates other than pedestrian access gates shall have a self-latching device.
Above-ground pools count as pools and need the same protection. The pool structure itself may serve as the 48-inch barrier, but any ladder or steps must either be capable of being secured, locked or removed, or be surrounded by a compliant barrier. When removed, the opening cannot pass a 4-inch
McHenry County Code § 8.04.100(B)(12)
the ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier which meets the requirements of B.1. through B.11. above.
Spas and hot tubs are treated like pools and generally need a 48-inch barrier. A spa or hot tub is exempt from the barrier ordinance only if it has a solid lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346-91. Swimming pools with safety covers do NOT get that exemption in McHenry County.
McHenry County Code § 8.04.100(B)(15)(a)
A spa or hot tub with a solid lockable safety cover which complies with ASTM F1346-91 (Replaces ES 13-89) ... shall be exempt from the provisions of this document. Swimming pools with safety covers shall not be exempt.
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