Pools and Hot Tubs

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

District of Sechelt Building Bylaw (No. 409) outlines the following regarding the construction of pools and hot tubs:

Engineering Requirement

A registered professional shall undertake the design and conduct field reviews of the construction of any reinforced concrete Swimming Pool.

Fencing and Self Closing Gates

Every private swimming pool shall be enclosed within a secure and sturdy fence or other vertical barrier not less than 4' (1.22m) in height which shall enclose the pool itself or the entire premises on which the pool is situated. The fence or barrier shall be continuous except for points of access, which shall be equipped with a self-closing gate or door, so designed as to cause the gate or door to return to a locked position when not in use, and secured by a spring lock located not more than 3 feet (± 914mm) above grade, which can only be opened from the swimming pool side of the fence. Openings through the fence shall be of a size as to prevent the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 4 inches (±102 mm). Fences shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 4 inches (102 mm) and 3 feet (±914 mm) above the finished grade will facilitate climbing.

Every hot tub shall be enclosed in a building or surrounded by a fence and gate, as provided in subsection (1), or covered with a rigid, locked, lid.

Every fence enclosing every private swimming pool or hot tub shall be adequately maintained in good order and repair by the owner or occupier of the real property, so as to perform its intended function.

Every gate which provides access to a private swimming pool or hot tub shall be kept in a locked closed position and shall be self-closing and only be open for the purpose of entry to or exit from the pool.

No swimming pool or hot tub shall be partially or completely filled with water until the requirements of this Section have been inspected and accepted by the Building Inspector.