Pools, Hot Tubs and Ponds

If you are preparing to build or install a swimming pool, hot tub or decorative pond on your property, there are land use and building regulations that you need to follow.

Hot tubs, decorative ponds, and swimming pools must be located within your private property boundary and comply with the requirements of Land Use Bylaw 18/2024 and Alberta Building Code.

IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?

Yes, a development permit and building permit is required for your swimming pool, hot tub, or decorative pond installation, when it is greater than 0.60 m in depth.

WHERE CAN THEY BE LOCATED?

Swimming pools and hot tubs must be located in the side or rear yard only and shall be at least 1.0 m from a property line. These structures must also be enclosed by fences equipped with locking gates. A rigid locking cover on a hot tub may be substituted, at the discretion of Building Inspection Services.

A decorative pond that is 0.60 m or less in depth may be located within a front yard, but any pond greater than 0.60 m depth must be located within a side or rear yard only. A decorative pond must be at least 1.0 m from a property line.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Some residential properties may have a Restrictive Covenant registered on the Land Title that prohibits swimming pools, hot tubs, or ponds from being installed. It is the responsibility of the property owner to confirm if such a limitation exists, by reviewing the land title or any associated documents.

Please note that any equipment building or pump house associated with a swimming pool would have to meet the necessary land use bylaw regulations for accessory buildings.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

For more information about swimming pools, hot tubs, and decorative ponds, see the Land Use Bylaw.

Application Checklist

To receive a timely decision on your application, please ensure that your application is clear, legible and accurate. If any part of your application is missing, unreadable or inaccurate, your application will be deemed incomplete, and a decision will not be rendered.

Your application must include

Download and Complete the:
Building / Development Permit Application Form
Payment of required fees as per Master Rates Bylaw
Covenants, easements or city caveats registered on the title(s)
Two (2) copies of site plans in metric (minimum scale 1:100) showing:
1. Adjacent city streets, sidewalks, pathways, dimensioned from property lines;
2. Easements;
3. Utility rights-of-way;
4. The foundation outline of the proposed hot tub or swimming pool and equipment buildings, including distances from building and property lines;
5. Outline of the dwelling with any garages, carports or other accessory garden sheds, preferably with complete dimensions.

Please be advised that the development authority may require additional material to evaluate the proposed development properly. An application is usually deemed complete if the material outlined above is provided.