Swimming Pools

A building permit is required to construct, erect, install or demolish a private swimming pool. The permit for the installation of a pool will cover the erection and demolition of a seasonal pool as long as there are no changes to the pool, the pool location, walkways around the pool or the enclosures. A private swimming pool is defined as an artificially created basin intended to contain water for the use of persons for swimming, diving, wading or similar activity which is at least 600 mm (24 in) in depth. This includes in-ground pools, above-ground pools and hot tubs.

How to apply for your permit:

Verify that your project meets the requirements for installation of a private swimming pool

1. Enclosures must be constructed so as to minimize the risk of unauthorized entry into the pool area by crawling under, climbing over, or climbing through the enclosure.
2. The gap or space between grade and the bottom of the enclosure or gate must not exceed 100 mm (4 in).
3. If chain link is used, it must be at least 11 gauge and the mesh size must not exceed 50 mm (2 in).
4. Gates must swing outwards, be equipped with be self-closing and self-latching devices and must be lockable.
5. The gate is to be anchored to secure structures on both sides.
6. The enclosure and gate must be maintained in good repair at all times.
7.  All gates and entrances to the pool area shall be locked when the area is not supervised.
8. An access walkway that is at least 750 mm (30 in) wide must be provided around the pool.
9. The vertical height from the walkway to the rim of an above-ground pool may not be more than 1.2 m (4 ft).
10. Safety devices, such as a first aid kit, an appropriate length reaching pole, and a buoy with rope of sufficient length, are required to be present at all times. 
11. The swimming pool must have a discharge system that allows the pool to drain into the sanitary sewer of the property upon which the pool is located.
12. The above requirements do not apply to a hot tub that is less than 2.4 metres (8 ft) across the widest (diagonal) portion of the water surface if:
    1. The hot tub has a cover with the strength to support the weight of an adult;
    2. The cover can be locked in place; and,
    3. The cover is maintained and locked at all times when the hot tub is unsupervised.

Refer to our Installation of Private Swimming Pools Guide for additional information.

Apply for your Permit - saskatoon.ca/ePermitting

Track all permit and inspection activity from initial application to completion, renewal or expiration of your permit. Visit saskatoon.ca/epermitting to register your account or to sign-in to the online portal.

Things to remember:

• Call SaskPower at 1-888-757-6937 before you dig to locate utility lines and property easements.
• If your property is located within the Riverbank Overlay District, a geotechnical review is required. Visit saskatoon.ca/riverbank-overlay-district for more information and requirements for building within the Riverbank Overlay District. 
• If you are working within six metres of a City tree, visit saskatoon.ca/treepermits for more information and requirements on tree protection.