Orem, UT Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Orem, UT, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes - swimming pools, hot tubs and spas
- Exemption
- Prefabricated pools less than 24 in deep
- Applicable codes
- 2021 IBC, IMC, IPC, ISPSC; 2020 NEC; 2021 IFGC + Utah amendments
- Reviewing office
- Development Services - Building Safety Division
- Pool-cover switch
- Must be in full view of the pool
- Deep end over 5 ft
- Secondary entry/exit required
- Application method
- Online building permit portal
- Phone
- 801-229-7060
Summary
The City of Orem requires a building permit for swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, with the only exception being prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; permits are applied for through Orem's online building permit portal and reviewed against the 2021 IBC, IMC, IPC, ISPSC and related codes.
Requires Permits - Outside: Swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. ... Do Not Require Permits: Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24" deep. ... Current codes are 2021 IBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 ISPSC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IECC commercial provisions and 2015 IECC residential provisions, 2021 IFGC, 2017 ANSI and current Utah State Amendments. ... Show location of switch for pool cover, it must be in full view of the pool. ... Show pool depth, if deep end is greater than 5' show secondary entry/exit.
Full Breakdown
", swimming pools, hot tubs and spas are listed among the outside projects that require a permit, while prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep are expressly listed as not requiring a building permit. Permit applications are submitted through Orem's online building permit portal. The City's Development Services Building Safety Division "Swimming Pool Plans Submittal Check List" (updated 9/2024) states that current adopted codes are the 2021 IBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 ISPSC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IECC commercial provisions and 2015 IECC residential provisions, 2021 IFGC, 2017 ANSI and current Utah State Amendments.
A complete pool submittal must include a building permit application with contractor and owner information and Utah State contractor's license number; a site plan showing the pool's distance from the house, all structures and property lines, the location of retaining walls (those four feet or higher require separate permits), pool heater and equipment, and the pool-cover switch "in full view of the pool"; pool depth, with a secondary entry/exit shown if the deep end exceeds five feet; manufacturer's installation instructions for all pool equipment and covers; and a structural plan with reinforcing-steel details. The Building Safety Division is located at 56 N State Street, Suite 105, and can be reached at 801-229-7060.
Violations & Fines
Installing a swimming pool, hot tub or spa without the required building permit subjects the owner to code-enforcement action, stop-work orders, and after-the-fact permit fees, and the work cannot pass final inspection until plans, barriers, electrical and equipment installations are brought into compliance with the adopted 2021 ISPSC and related codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Orem?
Which building codes does Orem use to review pool plans?
Where do I apply for an Orem pool permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orem
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Pool Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Utah County handle pool permits.