Bloomington, IL Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Bloomington, IL, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City Manager or representative
- Exempt pools
- Portable, 1,000 gallons or less
- Public pool
- Also needs State Dept. of Public Health approval
- Fine range
- $10 to $200 per offense
- Fee basis
- Set in Schedule of Fees
Summary
Bloomington requires a City Manager-issued permit before building a swimming pool or making major alterations to one, with a narrow exemption for portable pools holding 1,000 gallons or less.
No person or organization shall proceed to construct a swimming pool or make major alterations at an existing pool without first having obtained a permit therefor, issued and signed by the City Manager or his authorized representative upon approval of the application. No permit is required for erection of a portable pool if the capacity of such pool is 1,000 gallons or less. ... Any person or organization who violates, omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with the provisions of this ordinance, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than $10 nor more than $200 for each offense and every day such violation is not corrected or made to conform to the provisions hereof shall be a separate and distinct offense.
Full Breakdown
Bloomington City Code Chapter 22, Article VI governs swimming pool construction and operation citywide. Section 22-602 requires that no person or organization proceed to construct a swimming pool, or make major alterations at an existing pool, without first obtaining a permit issued and signed by the City Manager or an authorized representative, after approval of a written application. Portable pools of 1,000 gallons capacity or less are exempt from the permit requirement. Applications for public pools must be accompanied by an approval permit issued by the State Department of Public Health under the State Swimming Pool Law.
Section 22-603 sends the application to building, electrical, plumbing, and health officers for investigation against the applicable Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Zoning Codes before the City Manager issues the permit; those officials must certify compliance before the application returns to the City Manager. Section 22-604 requires public pools closed a year or more to get State Department of Public Health reopening approval before an operating permit issues. Section 22-613 sets the permit fee under the Schedule of Fees. Section 22-614 requires electrical and plumbing installations conform to the City's Electrical and Plumbing Codes and be inspected before water or power is turned on.
Violations under § 22-616 carry a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $200 per offense, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense, and § 22-615 lets the City Manager order a noncompliant pool closed.
Violations & Fines
Constructing or majorly altering a pool without the § 22-602 permit, or operating one that fails inspection, exposes the owner to a fine of $10 to $200 per offense under § 22-616, with each day the violation continues a separate offense; the City Manager may also order the pool closed under § 22-615 until sanitary and safety requirements are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small inflatable pool?
Who reviews a Bloomington pool permit application?
What is the penalty for building a pool without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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