Wausau, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Wausau, WI, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- pools deeper than 24 inches
- Exempt
- storable/wading pools, hot tubs with locked covers
- Plans submitted to
- the Building Inspector
- Drainage rule
- no draining to sanitary sewer or neighbor's land
- Storm sewer drainage
- needs Director of Public Works approval
- Site plan review
- Plan Commission if Zoning Administrator requires it
Summary
Wausau requires a building permit from the Building Inspector before anyone builds, alters, or adds to a private swimming pool deeper than 24 inches. Storable wading pools, shallow decorative pools, and hot tubs with lockable, latched covers are exempt from the permit and construction standards entirely.
(2)Applicability. This section applies to all swimming pools, defined as an outdoor structure containing a body of water in a receptacle or other container having a depth for water at any point greater than 24 inches, used or intended to be used solely by the owner, operator, or lessee thereof and family and guests invited to use it ... (4)Permit required. A building permit must be secured prior to the commencement of construction or erection of a private or residential swimming pool, or on any alterations, additions, remodeling, or other improvements. Plans, specifications, and pertinent explanatory data shall be submitted to the Building Inspector at the time of application.(5)Exempt pools. Non-filtered storable swimming or wading pools that are so constructed that they may be readily disassembled for storage and reassembled to their original integrity are exempt from the provisions of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
42(4) requires that 'a building permit must be secured prior to the commencement of construction or erection of a private or residential swimming pool, or on any alterations, additions, remodeling, or other improvements,' with plans, specifications, and explanatory data submitted to the Building Inspector at the time of application. The permit requirement reaches any outdoor pool covered by the section, meaning water more than 24 inches deep, but subsection (5) exempts non-filtered, readily disassembled storable or wading pools, decorative pools under 24 inches deep, and spas or hot tubs with lockable tops, as long as those tops stay securely fastened whenever the tub is not in use.
Once a permit application is in, subsection (6) ties construction sign-off to compliance with state regulations and all applicable city ordinances, including state plumbing code and city plumbing ordinances for drainage, and state and city electrical rules for pool lighting and heating. Pool water cannot drain into the sanitary sewer system or onto a neighboring property; draining into a storm sewer needs prior approval from the Director of Public Works. If the Zoning Administrator determines site plan review is necessary, the Plan Commission reviews the pool for conformance as well.
Violations & Fines
Constructing or altering a covered swimming pool without first securing the Building Inspector's permit is a violation of section 23.06.42(4), and the Inspector can withhold sign-off until plans are submitted and approved. Draining pool water into the sanitary sewer system or onto an adjoining property violates subsection (6)(b) and can bring separate enforcement from the Director of Public Works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a backyard pool in Wausau?
Is a small inflatable kiddie pool exempt from Wausau's pool permit rule?
Can I drain my pool into the street sewer in Wausau?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wausau
Compare Wausau to another location·View the Wisconsin swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pool Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Marathon County handle pool permits.