You need to have a pool permit before installing a swimming pool, swim spa or hot tub in the City of Burlington.
Apply for a pool permit
To get a pool permit, you need to submit a pool permit application as well as other required documents.
Permit fees depend on the type of pool and are payable at the time of application.
Additional documents and approvals
There are other documents you need to submit along with your Residential Swimming Pool Application, including a:
- Arborist Report and Tree Protection Plan
- Copy of a legal survey which is signed by an Ontario Land Surveyor
- Site plan drawing of the proposed pool
You may require additional approvals from the appropriate agencies if your property is located next to a watercourse or pipeline corridor, or within:
- The Niagara Escarpment Planning Area
- Parkway Belt West Planning Area
- Ministry of Transportation Lands
- Conservation Halton Screening Area
Permit fees
Find the permit application fee for different types of pools and permits.
In ground pool |
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The permit fee for an in ground pool is $334. |
On ground pool |
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The permit fee for an on ground pool is $334. |
Above ground pool |
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The permit fee for an above ground pool is $169. |
Hot tub/hydro massage pool |
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The permit fee for a hot tub or hydro massage pool is $84. |
Temporary/inflatable pool |
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The permit fee for a temporary or inflatable pool is $84. |
Zoning fee |
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The required zoning fee is $105. |
Forestry Tree Permit Fee |
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The Forestry Tree Permit Fee is $452. When we review your pool permit, we will determine whether the Forestry's Tree Permit Fee is required. We may also need to take Tree Security Deposits for Public Trees depending on the scope of the project. If you will need to remove trees to install your pool, you must either plant replacement trees or pay $400 per tree removed. |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Review some of our frequently asked questions about swimming pools.
| When can I place water in the pool? |
| You cannot place a lining or water in a pool until all pool fencing and gates have been inspected and approved by a bylaw enforcement officer. Placing water in a pool before final inspection may result in a fine. |
| Are there any restrictions about where swimming pool filters can be located? |
| Yes, a swimming pool filter must be set back 60 centimetres from a rear and side property line. Swimming pool equipment is not permitted in a front yard. |
| What qualifies as a swimming pool? |
| A swimming pool is defined as any privately owned outdoor tank or body of water used and maintained for swimming or display purposes and capable of holding more than 600 millimetres (1.97 feet) of water. This includes hydro-massage pools and temporary pools, such as inflatable pools. Natural bodies of water or streams are excluded. |
| Is a permit required for a pool? |
| A permit is required for all swimming pools. All swimming pools, including temporary pools, must be enclosed by fencing and gates in accordance with our Pool Bylaw (By-law 074-2005). |
| Is the contractor responsible for a pool permit? |
| The pool contractor may apply for the pool permit on your behalf, but it is your responsibility to get a pool permit. |
| What if I have a private sewage disposal system (septic system) on my property? |
| If your property has a private sewage disposal system (active or dormant) its location must be shown on the plot plan. The septic bed must not be disturbed during construction. |
| Are there restrictions on where you can put a swimming pool? |
On lots with a detached house, a duplex or one dwelling unit of a semi-detached, triplex, fourplex or street townhouse the following regulations apply:
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Additional resources
Pool owner responsibilities
Check out our Pool Owner Information Notice to review your responsibilities as a pool owner. Pool Bylaw (By-law 074-2005), includes details about pool ownership, including regulations on building and maintaining fences around your swimming pool.