Oak Lawn requires all swimming pools capable of holding more than 24 inches of water to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Above-ground pool walls can serve as barriers if tall enough and ladder access is secured.
Under Oak Lawn's adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and village amendments, any swimming pool (in-ground, above-ground, or inflatable) capable of containing more than 24 inches of water must be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet tall. Barriers must have no openings larger than 4 inches, gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latch hardware at least 54 inches above the ground, and gates must open outward away from the pool. Above-ground pools with walls at least 4 feet tall may use the wall as the barrier if access ladders are removable or can be locked in the up position. Pool alarms on house doors leading to the pool area may also be required. Hot tubs and spas with lockable safety covers meeting ASTM standards may be exempt from perimeter fencing. A fence permit and pool permit are both required.
Installing a pool without required barriers or permits is a serious code violation subject to immediate shut-down orders and fines of $200 to $750 per day until corrected. Failure to maintain working self-closing gates can also result in daily fines. Owners face significant civil liability for drownings in unprotected pools.
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