Development, building, electrical, plumbing and gas permits may be required, depending on your specific project.

General information

A deck surface around a pool must be non-slip when wet, sufficiently smooth to facilitate disinfecting and finished so there will be no discomfort to bare feet. A deck higher than 0.60m (2 feet) above grade requires permit approval. Please see information on building an uncovered deck.

Private pools cannot be located over an easement or right of way.

Lockable lids, fencing and gate design

One of the following will be required to accompany a building permit application for a pool.

• A letter from the supplier confirming the cover meets the ASTM F1346 (American Standard F1346 Testing Material) Safety Covers & Labelling Requirements for all Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.
• A fence around the property constructed as follows:
  • The fence, wall or enclosure must be a minimum of 1.8m (6 feet) high, and must fully enclose the pool to prevent unauthorized access;
  • The gate must be the same height as the fence, have a self closing device and a self latching device that is capable of being locked;
  • The outside of the fence cannot have horizontal or diagonal pieces that would facilitate climbing;
  • The fence cannot have openings larger than 100mm (4 inches); and
  • No device shall be installed on or adjacent to the fence or gate that would allow an electric current to pass through it.

Hot tubs for private use

A building permit and an electrical permit (734.2 KB) are required for all whirlpools and hot tubs.

What to submit:

• A completed building permit application form;
• A site plan which includes:
  • All structures on the property, including the proposed development;
  • Distances to the property lines from the proposed development;
  • Dimensions of the property;
  • Dimensions of the proposed development;
  • Easements and utility rights-of-way;
  • Information on either the fencing around the property or a letter from the supplier confirming the cover meets the ASTM F1346 standards (see section Lockable lids, fencing and gate design); and
  • Application fee (see current fee schedule).

Above ground private swimming pools

A building permit is required, and an electrical permit (734.2 KB)  may be required for above ground swimming pools.

What to submit:

• A completed building permit application form;
• A site plan which includes:
  • All structures on the property, including the proposed development;
  • Distances to the property lines from the proposed development;
  • Dimensions of the property;
  • Dimensions of the proposed development;
  • Easements and utility rights-of-way;
• The plans and specifications for the pool fro the supplier or manufacturer, which includes:
  • Details of the swimming pool construction;
  • Schematics of the swimming pool's mechanical system, including line sizing and the location of inlets and outlets; and
  • Source of water supply, waste water disposal, and swimming pool data (ie. pool size; surface area; water volume; circulation rate; turnover rate; filter type - size and model; circulation pump - type, size, model and flow rate; the number of inlets; number of skimmer and the number of main drains).
• Information on either the fencing around the property or a letter from the supplier confirming the cover meets the ASTM F1346 standards (see section Lockable lids, fencing and gate design); and
• Application fee (see current fee schedule).

Note: two sets of the plans and drawings are required with all building permit applications.

In-ground private swimming pools

A development permit. a building permit and an electrical permit (734.2 KB)  are required for in-ground swimming pools. Please see the brochure below or contact us to find out what setbacks are required to be maintained, based on the zoning of your parcel.

What to submit:

• Completed development and building permit application forms, including land owner signature (if applicable);
• A current copy of the land title, obtained within the last 30 days
• A site plan which includes:
  • All structures on the property, including the proposed development;
  • Distances to the property lines from the proposed development;
  • Dimensions of the property;
  • Dimensions of the proposed development;
  • Easements and utility rights-of-way;

Note: a site plan prepared by an Alberta land surveyor may be required.

• The plans and specifications for the pool from the supplier or manufacturer which includes:
  • Details of the swimming pool construction;
  • Schematics of the swimming pool's mechanical system, including line sizing and the location of inlets and outlets;
  • Source of water supply, waste water disposal, and swimming pool data (ie. pool size; surface area; water volume; circulation rate; turnover rate; filter type - size and model; circulation pump - type, size, model and flow rate; the number of inlets; number of skimmer and the number of main drains).
• Information on either the fencing around the property or a letter from the supplier confirming the cover meets the ASTM F1346 standards (see section Lockable lids, fencing and gate design); and
• Application fee (see current fee schedule).

Note: three sets of the plans and drawings are required.

Fees (see current schedule)

Printable brochure - Above ground swimming pools and hot tubs (406.2 KB)   
Printable brochure - In-ground swimming pools (737.6 KB)