Installing a new fiberglass inground pool in your yard can be a turning point in the life of your home and family. Prepare for endless summer days lounging poolside while the kids careen down the slide into the water barely able to contain their glee. Get ready for relaxing evening swims and improve your health by taking regular laps. Yes, the new pool will elevate your quality of life the way few things can. That is, if the city doesn’t order you to cease and desist for violating local building codes.
Our Pool Builders Advise to Play it by the Book
Permits, building codes and an endless series of by-laws can seem like an unnecessary hassle but the fact is they play an important role in maintaining the quality of life for Toronto citizens. Trying to skirt them during your pool installation is a waste of time according to our pool builders. Below, those pool builders answer a few common questions regarding permits and building codes.
Question: Do I need a permit to install a pool?
Answer: Each municipality has its own set of rules and regulations regarding what requires a permit and what doesn’t. So, some will require a permit for a pool and others won’t. However, some that won’t require a permit will require you to build a security fence. And guess what? You’ll need a permit to build that mandatory security fence. Don’t build the fence or build it without the permit and you could face a hefty fine.
Question: Do I need a permit for a pool deck?
Answer) Again, it depends on the town you live in. The city of Toronto states on its website that decks only require a permit if they’re more than 2 feet off the ground. Since a deck around an inground pool is almost never elevated it would seem you don’t need a permit. However, read on and you discover that any structure larger than 10 square meters does require a permit and that might very well include your pool deck.
Question: How do I know the work adheres to building codes?
Answer: If you’ve been through the permitting process the building inspector will come by to examine the pool, fence or deck and ensure they comply with building codes. If work was proceeding without needed permits and the inspector stops by because a neighbour dropped a dime on you, you could be in trouble. Even more so if the work isn’t up to code.
Question: What are the odds I’ll get away with not building to code?
Answer: Not great. But even if you get away with it for a long time you might still be held accountable if you put your home on the market. That’s because a buyer’s inspection will be conducted and if the not-up-to-code work is discovered you’ll have to complete remedial action before the sale can go through. You’ll likely face a stiff fine as well.
Question: How can pool builders help?
Answer: Experienced pool builders like those at M.E. Contracting will have worked in all of the municipalities in the GTA and will be familiar with local permitting requirements and building codes. This will help the project proceed in a smooth fashion and you won’t have to waste time worrying about whether the work will pass muster with inspectors.
If you’re contemplating installing a new fiberglass pool in your yard make sure you enlist the help of the GTA’s premier pool builders: M.E. Contracting. We take care of all the details for you so you’ll never need to worry about the quality of our work or whether required permits were secured.