City of West Allis Department of Building Inspection & Neighborhood Services Informational Bulletin

Swimming Pools BIZ 06/07

Permit Requirements:

All pools in excess of 75 sq. ft. (approx. 10’ in diameter) Electrical Code Requirements: require a building permit. Any pool requiring the use of associated electrical equipment, such as a filter or a pump, Pools are required to have two separate electrical outlets, requires an electrical permit, secured by a licensed protected by a GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter). One electrical contractor. outlet for the filter/pump shall be located more than 5 feet from the inside edge of the pool. A convenience outlet Location: (i.e., for a radio) must be provided and located between 10 ft and 20 ft from the inside edge of the pool. Pools must be located a minimum of three (3) feet from any side lot line, five (5) feet from the rear lot line and a Draining Water from Pool: minimum six (6) feet from the dwelling. No Pools are permitted in the front yard. Draining of a pool is to be through a hose or pipe and discharged into a public street, right-of-way, or storm Per the electrical code, no pool and the area extending 10 sewer drain. Water shall not be discharged onto the feet outside of the pool walls may be placed under ground or into a sanitary sewer system. overhead electrical wires unless a clearance of 22.5 ft. (vertically) is provided, measured from the top edge of the Application for a Permit: pool to the wires. Also per the electrical code, no pool may be located within 5 ft. of underground wiring unless To apply for a swimming pool permit, submit plans the wiring is associated with the pool. showing the size, depth and location of the pool and the location of fences and gates. Before the pool permit is Fencing and Gates: issued, an electrical permit must be issued to a licensed electrical contractor. If any portion of the pool is 4 feet or less above the adjacent grade, a minimum 4 ft. high fence must be This information details basic code requirements to installed to completely enclose the pool area. A wall of a consider when installing a swimming pool. For additional dwelling or other building may be incorporated as part of information, please contact the City of West Allis the enclosure. All gates into the enclosure must be self– Department of Building Inspection & Neighborhood closing and self-locking. Services at 414-302-8400.

Pool entry stairs on unenclosed pools must be removable or have the ability to be secured in an upright position to prevent access into the pool when unattended.

City of West Allis Department of Building Inspection & Neighborhood Services 7525 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI, www.westalliswi.gov/BINS Phone: (414)302-8400 Fax: (414)302-8402