Village warns of possible portable pool dangers

LOMBARD, Illinois—According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 350 children under the age of five drown each year in residential swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. Less than two percent of the drowning incidents occurred when the child trespassed on the property.

With the recent popularity of portable/soft sided pools, the Lombard Building Department wishes to remind residents of precautions to follow to ensure everyone's safety. The Village has adopted the International Residential Code, which has code requirements for portable pools. A permit is required to install any pool 24 inches deep or more to ensure these requirements are understood and met.

While most people know that a 48 inch high barrier/fence is required around a permanent pool, many do not know that a portable pool that contains water 24 inches or more deep also requires a barrier/fence. To help avoid the possibility of drowning or other injuries, the pool code requires that a pool installed inside of a fenced yard still needs one of the following:

1.) A door alarm on any door at the residence with direct access to the pool; or

2.) A lockable or removable ladder at the pool (this applies only to pools 48 inches high above grade or pools that have attached fencing that is 48 inches high above grade; or

3.) A separate barrier around the pool itself.

The Lombard Building Division wants to help you make your home and property safe. Please contact the Building Division with any code or permit questions at (630) 620-5750.