Keep your pool safe and legal
Private swimming pools are a wonderful way to beat the summer heat, but they come with important responsibilities. The City of Wrenford has clear rules to keep your family, neighbours, and the local environment safe. These requirements are outlined in the Fence and Pool Enclosure By-law 2015-058. Below is a simple guide to help you stay compliant.
Pool fencing and safety barriers
Any pool with a water depth of more than 24 inches must be surrounded by a proper barrier. The fence must stand at least 1.2 metres tall and be free of climbable objects on the outside. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. The latch needs to be placed on the inside, at least 0.5 metres below the top of the gate, so young children cannot reach it. You must also keep a life ring and a shepherd's hook visible near the pool at all times during the swimming season.
Draining pool water safely
When you need to empty your pool, do not let the water flow onto the street, into a storm drain, or onto your grass. Pool water contains maintenance chemicals like chlorine and bromine that can seriously harm plants, fish, and wildlife. You must drain treated water into an indoor drain, such as a basement floor drain, utility sink, or bathtub. This sends the water directly to the wastewater treatment plant for safe processing. Use a submersible pump or siphon to move the water, and monitor the flow closely to prevent any backups into your home.
Registration and annual inspections
Every private pool in Wrenford must be officially registered with the City. Registration allows us to maintain accurate records and notify you of important safety updates. You are required to complete an annual safety inspection before each swim season begins. Inspections typically take place in the spring. If your pool does not meet the safety standards, you will receive a notice to make corrections within 30 days.
Fees and fines
A registration fee of $35.00 applies to each private pool. This fee covers the cost of the annual inspection and administrative processing. If your pool fails inspection or lacks the required fencing, you will receive a violation notice. The fine for a first offence is $200.00. Repeated violations or severe safety hazards can result in higher penalties or the City ordering the pool to be drained and covered until the issues are fully resolved.
Need help or have questions?
If you are planning a new pool, need a fence permit, or want to register your existing pool, reach out to the By-law Enforcement team. They can answer questions about barrier requirements, inspection schedules, and chemical discharge rules. You can also visit the Planning & Development section to review engineering standards for pool installations. For general inquiries, call 519-555-0100.