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Residential Above-Ground Swimming Pools

Applicable Codes:

2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
2023 National Electrical Code
2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code

Please submit the following information:

  1. Legal Plat of Survey at original scale with the proposed above-ground pool, drawn to scale, at the proposed location. Include dimensions from the pool and equipment pad to the adjacent lot lines, as well as the location of the electrical service line to the residence.
  2. Construction and installation methods. Plans should include:
    1. Cross-section of the proposed construction that includes all dimensions, materials, features, and elements of construction.
    2. Plan view of the proposed installation that included all dimensions, materials, features, and location of underground piping installations.
    3. Bonding plan that indicates the bonding wire size, burial depth, points of connection to any pool metal feature, equipment, structural members, pool water, and any other items.
    4. Electrical plan that indicates all electrical features (GFCI) receptacles, underground electrical installations (include piping, wire sizes, type, and burial depth), and equipment.
    5. Electrical service panel schedule indicating existing and new circuits.
    6. Electrical load calculation, including proposed new loads.
    7. Electrical line diagram on Plat of Survey or site plan, depicting electrical supply in relation to pool.
    8. Barrier detail that indicates the height, spacing of vertical and horizontal members, and construction materials.
    9. Lockable or removable ladder specifications.
  3. Installation Manual(s)

Significant Codes

Zoning
Residential pools, spas, and hot tubs of any type are allowed to be located in the rear yard, but are not allowed to be located in the front yard or corner side yard. The required setbacks (which apply to the pool/spa/hot tub, pool deck, and any related equipment) are as follows:

  1. Side Yard - 10 feet.
  2. Rear Yard - 10 feet.
  3. Distance from house - No Zoning Requirement.

Any zoning questions should be directed to the City of Wheaton Planning Department at 630-260-2080.

Electrical
All electrical work must comply with the 2023 National Electric Code, Article 680 (and all other applicable code sections), the 2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code, and any adopted ordinances of the City of Wheaton. Some specific items that apply to above-ground pools are as follows:

  1. Underground wiring must be buried at the proper depth below grade per Article 300.5 (Table 300.5) based upon materials to be installed and the use/cover of the area directly above at grade level.
  2. Underground wiring shall not be installed under or within the area extending 5’ horizontally from the inside walls of the pool/spa/hot tub (except for wiring installed to supply pool equipment). Wheaton Amendment
  3. Lighting outlets, luminaires, ceiling-suspended paddle fans, and any other similar electrical fixtures installed above the pool/spa/hot tub or the area extending 5 feet horizontally from the inside walls of the pool must be installed at a height not less than 12’ above the maximum water level of the pool. 2017 NEC Article 680.22(B)(1)
  4. Lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, or lighting outlets located within 5’ to 10’ of the inside walls of the pool must be GFCI protected unless they are 5’ or more above the maximum water level and rigidly attached to a permanent structure. 2017 NEC 680.22(B)(4)
  5. One 120-volt GFCI-protected outlet is required and shall be a minimum of 6’ and a maximum of 20’ away from the pool. This receptacle shall not be located more than 6’-6” above the floor, deck, platform, or grade level serving the pool. 2017 NEC 680.22(A)(1)
  6. Grounding of electrical equipment is required and shall comply with Article 680.6.
  7. Bonding of all conductive parts of the pool, conductive pool shells, perimeter surfaces, metallic components, underwater lighting, electrical equipment, and pool water must comply with the applicable sections of Article 680.26. The bonding wire shall be solid copper (bare or insulated) that is not smaller than 8 AWG.
  8. Time switches or other control methods that can automatically turn off and on heaters and pump motors according to a preset schedule shall be installed for heaters and pump motors.

Barrier Requirements

  1. Above-ground swimming pools are required to be surrounded by a barrier that is a minimum of 48” above grade measured on the side that faces away from the pool. The structure of the above-ground pool or a combination of the pool wall and a barrier mounted to the top of the above-ground pool structure shall be allowed to serve as a barrier where all of the following conditions are present:
    1. Where only the pool wall serves as the barrier, the pool wall shall be not less than 48” above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool, and the pool manufacturer allows the wall to be used as a barrier.
    2. Where a barrier is mounted to the top of a pool wall, the top of the barrier shall be not less than 48” above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool, and the wall and barrier comply with items 5, 6, 7, and 8 listed below.
    3. Ladders or steps used as means of access to the pool are capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access except where the ladders or steps are surrounded by a compliant barrier.
  2. The minimum required height of 48” shall be maintained around the entire perimeter of the barrier and for a distance of 3’ measured horizontally from the outside of the required barrier.
  3. A clear zone of 36” is required between the exterior of the barrier and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters, that can be used to climb the barrier.
  4. The poolside of the required barrier shall not be less than 20” from the water’s edge.
  5. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45”, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1-3/4” in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1-3/4” in width.
  6. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45” or more, the spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4”. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75” in width.
  7. Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be 1-3/4” inches unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom, which reduce the openings to not more than 1-3/4” inches.
  8. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice fence, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall not be more than 1-3/4” inches.
  9. Access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device.
  10. Double gates shall have not fewer than one leaf secured in place, and the adjacent leaf shall be secured with a self-latching device.
  11. The gate and barrier shall not have openings larger than ½” within 18” of the latch release mechanism.
  12. Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from grade, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool or spa side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top of the gate.
  13. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following shall be required:
    1. The pool shall be equipped with a powered safety cover in compliance with ASTM F1346; or
    2. All doors and operable windows having a sill height of less than 48” above the indoor finished floor with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with an alarm that produces an audible warning when the door, window, or its screen is opened. The alarm shall be listed and labeled as a water hazard entrance alarm in accordance with UL 2017. The deactivation switch(s) shall be located at least 54 inches above the threshold of the door, or
    3. Other means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-latching devices, are provided. Such means of protection shall provide a degree of protection that is not less than the protection afforded by Items 14.1 or 14.2.

To apply for a permit

Maintstar - h2.maintstar.co/wheaton/portal/#/

Contractor Registration Requirements:

Webpage - www.wheaton.il.us/890/Contractor-Requirements

Websites

Contact Us

City of Wheaton Building & Code Enforcement Department
Address: 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone Calls:
Questions regarding this information: 630-260-2050
Business hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fax: 630-260-2195

3/6/2025