Lake County, IL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Unincorporated Lake County only
- Code adopted
- 2024 ICC Swimming Pool & Spa Code
- Door alarm
- UL 2017 water-hazard alarm required
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per offense
- Enforcing agency
- Planning, Building & Development Dept.
Summary
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.
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 when the window, door or their screens are opened. The alarm shall be listed and labeled as a water hazard entrance alarm in accordance with UL 2017.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
The county adopted the 2024 ICC International Swimming Pool and Spa Code by reference for unincorporated Lake County only (Lake County Code section 150.15); Waukegan, North Chicago, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville and other municipalities enforce their own codes instead. Under the county's section 150.20 amendments, the code applies to any 'aquatic vessel,' the ICC term covering pools, spas and hot tubs. Where a house wall forms part of the required barrier, any door giving direct access to the hot tub must carry a UL 2017 water-hazard entrance alarm or an alarmed, screenless window with a sill under 48 inches. The Planning, Building and Development Department issues the permit and enforces the rule.
Violations & Fines
Violating the adopted Swimming Pool and Spa Code, including the barrier and alarm rules, draws a fine of up to $500 per offense under section 150.99(C); each week the violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
Do I need a permit to install a hot tub?
What barrier rule applies if my house wall encloses the spa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois swimming pools & spas overview
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